Synthesizing pectin-crosslinked gum ghatti hydrogel for efficient adsorptive removal of malachite green

Pectin-crosslinked gum ghatti hydrogel (PGH) has been synthesized utilizing pectin and gum ghatti through an uncomplicated and inexpensive copolymerization method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-elemental mapping), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization techniques have been employed to determine various structural, chemical and compositional characteristics of fabricated PGH. Three different weight ratios (1:1, 2:1, or 1:2 for pectin and gum ghatti, respectively) were employed to synthesize three distinct types of PGH. Swelling studies has been done to determine the best ratios for PGH fabrication. PGH has been assessed as an adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of PGH dosage (100-400 mg/L), dye concentration (10-160 mg/L), pH (2-9 pH), adsorption time (0-480 min), and temperature (25-55 °C) has been examined through batch solutions. According to Langmuir isotherm analysis, the maximum adsorption capacity is 658.1 mg/g. By using pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, the adsorption process could be well explained. After five consecutive cycles, PGH had an adsorption percentage of 86.917 % for the malachite green dye. It is safe for the environment and may be used to remove malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solutions.

Tailoring Homogeneous Hydrogel Nanospheres by Facile Ultra-Sonication Assisted Cross-Linked Copolymerization for Rhodamine B Dye Adsorption

The present paper describes the design of shape-oriented hydrogel nanospheres using a facile ultrasonication-supported crosslinked copolymerization technique. The effect of variable monomer concentration on the homogeneity of hydrogel nanospheres was investigated. The chitosan-cl-poly(MMA) hydrogel nanospheres were well characterized using various techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The chitosan-cl-poly(MMA) hydrogel nanospheres were studied for their swelling behavior and could potentially be used as a novel adsorbent for rhodamine B dye remediation from aqueous media. The study found that utilizing chitosan-cl-poly(MMA) nanohydrogel spheres at the optimal pH 5 increased RhB dye adsorption capacity from 7.9 to 17.8 mg/g (pH 2 to 5), followed by a slight reduction. Furthermore, when nanohydrogel concentration increased, adsorption capacity dropped from 18.03 to 2.8 mg/g, but adsorption percentage climbed from 90.2% to 97.8%. At an initial dye concentration of 140 mg/L, rhodamine B adsorption achieved 204.3 mg/g in 60 min. The rhodamine B dye adsorption study includes adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics analyses. The interpretation of the adsorption study revealed that Langmuir isotherms fit best with a qmax value of 276.26 mg/g, which is in close approximation with the experimental value, whereas pseudo-second-order kinetics explains the adsorption process rate. The interaction of RhB dye with chitosan-cl-poly(MMA) hydrogel nanospheres involves multiple forces such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, etc.

UNVEILING THE COMPLEX ROLE OF NF-ΚB IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: INSIGHTS INTO BRAIN INFLAMMATION AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC TARGETS

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and dementia. One of the major pathologies underlying AD is chronic neuroinflammation mediated by microglia and astrocytes in the brain. The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signalling pathway is a key regulator of inflammation and has been implicated in the neuroinflammatory processes associated with AD. This review comprehensively summarizes current findings on the complex role of NF-κB signalling in AD pathogenesis. The canonical and non-canonical NF-κB activation pathways are described, along with evidence from human studies and animal models demonstrating increased NF-κB activity in AD brains. The deleterious effects of NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation are discussed, including the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes that exacerbate neuronal damage over time. Targeting the NF-κB pathway is proposed as a promising therapeutic approach to dampen neuroinflammation in AD. Preclinical studies utilizing genetic or pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB are reviewed, and key challenges in translating these findings to clinical applications are analyzed. Overall, this review unveils the multifaceted contributions of NF-κB signalling to AD neuropathology and highlights anti-neuroinflammatory NF-κB modulation as a potential avenue for future AD treatments. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex interactions between NF-κB and AD pathogenesis.

THE ROLE OF IMMUNOTHERAPY IN CANCER TREATMENT: CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS, CAR-T CELLS, AND VACCINES

Immunotherapy causes cancer patients' immune systems to activate in search of and eliminate cancer cells. As a therapeutic area for cancer, it has expanded in importance and demonstrated promising results in treating many cancers. Checkpoint blockade (CPB) therapy may stimulate a suppressed immune response to provide long-lasting therapeutic results. However, the absence of a tumor-reactive immune infiltration is probably why response rates are still low. Using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells to fight cancer may significantly impact immunology. This study explored using checkpoint inhibitors, car-T cells, and vaccines in immunotherapy to treat cancers. Drugs used for CPB aim to reduce immunological suppression, allowing for more effective CAR T cells and dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, providing some optimism that this may be increased, both of which have proven therapeutic efficacy in specific cancers. However, drug-induced side effects and the tumor microenvironment's propensity for immunosuppression mean treatment effectiveness is still inadequate. The outcomes of current preclinical tests suggest that novel therapies targeting lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) could be used as adjuvant therapies to modify the tumor microenvironment.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

A99 PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY FUNDING TO GASTROINTESTINAL PATIENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

Background

Patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) are not-for-profit organizations that aim to support families and individuals afflicted by illnesses. PAOs play a significant role in guiding health policy, providing education to patients, lobbying, and supporting research. Previous studies have demonstrated that PAOs may receive financial payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. This may create a risk of conflict of interest.

Aims

To assess the prevalence and transparency of financial donations from industry to gastrointestinal patient advocacy groups based in the United States (US).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of industry donations to PAOs. Data was extracted from the Kaiser Health News (KHN) Database, a database that tracked payments from pharmaceutical companies to PAOs in 2015. After an initial list of 1215 PAOs was obtained from the database, authors extracted the annual revenues, websites and mission statements for each PAO. Authors individually screened each organization’s mission statement and website to determine whether their primary scope of focus included gastroenterology. A final list of 11 PAOs with annual revenues surpassing $500,000 USD was included for descriptive analysis. From this list, the annual reports and websites of each group were reviewed to determine the extent of transparency of PAOs disclosing financial relationships with industry sponsors. The primary outcome of our study was the total amount of funding that each PAO received from pharmaceutical companies. The secondary outcome was the self-reported amount of funding stated on each PAO’s website and annual report.

Results

From our analysis of 11 PAOs, 9 (81%) organizations received payments from pharmaceutical companies. The median dollar value of donations received was $31,052 USD (IQR=$25 to $302,550). The total dollar value of donations received was $4,059,433 USD. Across the 9 PAOs that received donations, 5 (56%) organizations disclosed a financial relationship with a pharmaceutical company on their website and 2 (22%) disclosed the value of industry donations within a range. No group specified an exact amount of funding received.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that a majority of US based gastrointestinal PAOs receive funding from pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, our results show that many PAOs that receive industry funding do not disclose this amount on their website or annual reports. Given their role in providing patient centered support, it is important for PAOs to disclose financial relationships with industry so as to not produce a conflict of interest.

Funding Agencies

None

Molecular detection of Salmonella isolated from commercial chicken

BACKGROUND

Salmonella in chicken, specially, the motile salmonellae, causes the food chain unsafe from farm to table and is considered a significant global threat to public health.

AIMS

The present study was carried out for molecular detection of Salmonellae in commercial poultry using PCR.

METHODS

The study was conducted for eight months, from July 2019 to February 2020, and a total of 26 poultry farms, including 15 broiler and 11-layer farms, were visited individually. Pooled faecal samples were obtained from the sheds. A total of 189 necropsy cases were examined for gastrointestinal lesions. Isolation and identification of the organism were done using microbe culture method, and the molecular characterization was performed via PCR targeting invA and ent genes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of salmonellosis in the broiler and layer farms was recorded at 20.0% and 45.4%, respectively, through the traditional gold standard culture method. From 189 necropsy birds, salmonellosis was recorded at 1.58% dead cases. Molecular detection of Salmonella isolates by PCR targeting invA gene was confirmed in 13.33% of the broiler farms and 36.3% of the layer farms. Further detection of Salmonella enteritidis was performed by PCR targeting ent gene by which 11.11% positivity was determined.

CONCLUSION

This study, focused on the Salmonella prevalence, highlighted the zoonotic importance of the bacterium in the commercial poultry farms, which can subsequently be dispersed into the human food chain causing harmful health effects.

263 Improving the Timing of Operative Management of Closed Hand Fractures – A Closed-Loop Audit of Compliance with BSSH Guidelines in One of The Largest Teaching Hospitals in Europe

Introduction

Hand fractures are a common injury resulting in significant morbidity if managed incorrectly. The final outcome is determined by the initial injury but is also affected by timely and appropriate intervention. The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) national guidelines recommend that when operative fixation is first choice, surgery should occur within 7-days of injury or within 72-hours when conservative management fails.

Method

We assessed compliance with BSSH closed hand fracture guidelines retrospectively using electronic patient records. Interventions involved department-wide education of national BSSH guidelines alongside suggestion of a dedicated closed hand fracture list. A sporadic WALANT list staffed by hand fellows was provided. The efficacy of the interventions was re-audited five months later.

Results

The first and second cycles included 100 and 56 cases respectively. Compliance improved between the two cycles from 59% to 75% when operative management was first choice. Average number of days until operative management was carried out, when operative fixation was first choice, improved from 7.47 to 5.44 between the two cycles. 23/156 (15%) cases underwent operative management on the additional list, where overall compliance was 78%.

Conclusions

Departmental education and the additional operating list improved compliance to BSSH guidelines. Education of staff involved in the management of closed hand fractures should continue regularly, especially considering the frequent rotation of trainee doctors. Patients should be provided with information leaflets to promote early presentation. The key intervention to improve compliance with national guidelines however remains the provision of a weekly closed hand fracture theatre list.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

A104 PREVALENCE OF GHOST-AUTHORSHIP IN INDUSTRY-SPONSORED CLINICAL TRIALS

Background

Ghost-authorship involves the exclusion of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the article from the author byline. Previous studies have found that ghost-authorship is highly prevalent in industry-sponsored clinical trials. Its prevalence, however, has yet to be investigated in trials of biologics in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

To determine the prevalence of ghost-authorship in IBD biologic industry-sponsored clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Biologic medications indicated for ulcerative colitis (UC) or for Crohn’s disease (CD) were identified using the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) database. We identified the clinical trials on clinicaltrials.gov corresponding to the data presented at the time of FDA approval. Specifically, we included the first publication for each trial to report study results for our analysis. Two authors independently identified the presence of ghost-authorship, which we defined as the exclusion on the author byline of the included RCT publication of any individuals who assisted in the writing of the trial manuscript and/or performed the data analyses.

Results

We identified a total of 28 relevant RCTs on biologic medications (10 for UC and 18 for CD), which were matched to 20 publications. We found ghost-authorship in 70% of publications (n=14); 40% (n=8) involved manuscript and protocol writing assistance from sponsor staff; 35% (n=7) involved medical writers from external companies; 15% (n=3) involved both sponsor staff and medical writers assisting in manuscript writing; and 20% (n=4) involved individuals performing data analysis or interpretation.

Conclusions

We found that ghost-authorship in industry-sponsored IBD biologic clinical trials has a moderately high prevalence, with the most common being manuscript or protocol writing assistance. A lack of transparency regarding sponsor-affiliated and/or external contributors may negatively affect the trust placed in medical research. One limitation is that data was only extracted from publications. Further evidence on ghost-authorship may be found in study protocols and registrations, which will be investigated in the future.

Funding Agencies

None

A160 PREVALENCE OF OUTCOME SWITCHING AMONG PUBLISHED PHASE 3 INTERVENTIONAL TRIALS FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE THERAPEUTICS

Background

Outcome switching is a well-described form of inconsistent reporting in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), wherein pre-specified primary and/or secondary outcomes are changed between trial registration and the publication of results without explanation. This is of particular concern, as the selective publication of results that are favorable will insert bias into the trial’s results and may cast doubt on the veracity of its findings. While it has been investigated in other disciplines, the prevalence of outcome switching has yet to be described among RCTs for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

To determine the prevalence of correctly reported pre-specified primary and secondary outcomes in published phase 3 interventional RCTs for IBD.

Methods

We identified all phase 3 interventional trials for IBD with published results using clinicaltrials.gov. We included all results with an associated publication that detailed the results of the trial. We excluded registrations if: only an abstract of the results was available; trial results were only published as a pooled analysis; multiple trial segments were reported collectively; or a publication of the results could not be identified through clinicaltrials.gov or a custom search.

Two reviewers extracted all pre-specified primary and secondary outcomes for each trial using the clinical trial registration page that was dated before the commencement of the trial. These outcomes were compared to the outcomes reported in the corresponding journal articles. Any discrepancies were noted, and additional outcomes were extracted.

Results

We identified a total of 88 phase 3 interventional RCTs for IBD, of which 57 were matched to independent publications of their results. All trials pre-specified a primary outcome, and 50 (87.7%) pre-specified secondary outcomes. 10 (17.5%) of trials did not report some or all primary outcomes, and 19 (33.3%) trials had a change or alteration to the primary outcome. Of the trials that pre-specified secondary outcomes, 16 (28.1%) did not report all pre-specified secondary outcomes. 49 (86.0%) trials added 6 (IQR: 2–8) unspecified secondary outcomes on average.

Conclusions

Many phase 3 interventional RCTs in IBD either did not report some or all primary outcomes, or altered the primary outcome. Trials routinely reported additional outcomes that were not pre-specified and failed to note that they were added post hoc. Based on these results, we recommend improvements in the reporting of pre-specified outcomes and higher fidelity in order to maintain confidence in trial results.

Funding Agencies

None

A70 PREVALENCE OF SELF-PUBLICATION AMONG EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS OF GASTROENTEROLOGY JOURNALS

Background

Editorial self-publication refers to the practice wherein editors publish research in journals to which they serve as editorial board members. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has detailed recommendations against the practice of self-publication. There is evidence to suggest that editorial board membership may influence the decision to publish academic papers, which may contribute to publication bias. Despite this, there have been few attempts to characterize this practice in gastroenterology journals.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of original gastroenterology research articles published by editorial board members in their own journal.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of editorial board members publishing within their own journals. A list of the top 25 highest impact factor gastroenterology journals was created through InCites Journal reports. Journals were screened to determine eligibility based on whether their primary focus included gastroenterology research and whether archives with the names and affiliations of editorial board members were available. 10 journals were selected based on these criteria. For each journal, we extracted all original research articles published in 2019 using Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics ©). Articles classified as editorial material, meeting abstracts, reviews, and clinical practice guidelines were excluded. We cross-referenced the affiliations of all authors found in each publication with affiliations of editors disclosed on the journal website. For each editorial board member, we determined the number of publications within their own journal.

Results

We identified 844 editorial board members in the 10 journals included. Overall, 337 (39.9%) of the editors had a publication in their own journal, of which, 152 (18.0%) had more than one publication. Across all journals, the median number of editors with self-publication is 27 (IQR=20.3–49.8). The median number of editors with more than one self-publication is 16 (IQR=10.0–25.3). In total, 507 (60.1%) of all editors had no publications within their respective journals.

Conclusions

Despite recommendations against this practice, our results show a high number of research publications authored by editorial board members. These results demonstrate a potential risk for publication bias. However, this study was limited by the inability to investigate beyond the prevalence of self-publication. Furthermore, the explicit implications of our results remain unclear. Further research is required to evaluate factors such as disclosures and the review process associated with increased rates of self-publication as well as its impact on publication bias.

Funding Agencies

None

A161 PREVALENCE OF FINANCIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (FCOI) AMONG PROPENSITY-SCORE MATCHED RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES EVALUATING BIOLOGIC THERAPEUTICS FOR IBD

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) studies have commonly relied on real-world evidence to evaluate different therapies. An emerging idea has been the use of propensity score matching as a statistical method to account for baseline characteristics in IBD patients. In retrospective studies, propensity score matching of patients helps reduce treatment assignment bias and mimic the effects of randomization. Recently, propensity-score matching has become an important tool in IBD studies comparing biologic therapeutics. Biologic medications are among the highest-grossing drugs worldwide, and their pharmaceutical producers make considerable payments to physicians to market them. In spite of this, there is a lack of evidence examining the role of undue industry influence among propensity-score matched comparative studies evaluating biologic therapeutics for IBD.

Aims

Given the documented association between IBD biologics and FCOI, we hypothesize a high burden of FCOI in propensity-score matched studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of disclosed & undisclosed financial conflicts of Interest (FCOI) in propensity-score matched comparison studies evaluating biologics for IBD.

Methods

We developed & ran a librarian-reviewed systematic search on EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for all propensity-score matched retrospective studies comparing biologics for the treatment of IBD. Full-text retrieval & screening was performed on all studies in duplicate. 16 articles were identified. Industry payments to authors were only considered FCOI if they were made by a company producing a biologic that was included in the comparison study. Disclosed FCOI were identified by authors’ interests disclosures in full-texts. Any undisclosed FCOI among US authors were identified using the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments Database, which collects industry payments to physicians.

Results

Based on a preliminary analysis of 16 studies, there was at least one author with a relevant FCOI in 14 (88%) of the 16 studies. 14 studies (88%) had at least one disclosed FCOI, while 6 studies (37.5%) had at least one undisclosed FCOI. Among studies with disclosed FCOI, a mean of 40.2% (SD = 23.4%) of authors/study reported FCOI. Among studies with undisclosed FCOI, a mean of 18.8% (SD = 7.0%) of authors/study reported FCOI. The total dollar value of FCOIs was $1,974,328.3. The median conflict dollar value was $5,576.6 (IQR: $321.6 to $36,394.9).

Conclusions

We found a high burden of undisclosed FCOI (37.5%) among authors of propensity-score matched studies evaluating IBD biologics. Given the potential for undue industry influence stemming from such payments, authors should ensure better transparency with industry relationships.

Funding Agencies

None

Determination of in vivo estrogenic potential of Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) in rats

Estrogenic potential of Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) was studied using two different test systems. Two different doses of DIBP (250 and 1250 mg/kg) and DINP (276 and 1380 mg/kg) were administered to immature female rats (20 days old) orally once daily for 3 and 20 days in uterotrophic and pubertal assay, respectively. The animals were sacrificed on day 4 and day 41 in case of 3-day uterotrophic and 20-day pubertal assay, respectively. The results indicated that non-significant alterations in uterine and ovarian wet weight were observed in both the DIBP- and DINP-treated groups while the uterus weight increased significantly (i.e., 4-6 times) in the Diethylstilbesterol (DES)-treated group in both the assays. In the present study, precocious vaginal opening occurred at 26 days of age in the DES-treated group with a mean body weight of 30.39 ± 1.08 g. However, no precocious vaginal opening was found in any of the DIBP- and DINP-treated groups. The results indicated that both the phthalate compounds were unable to induce elevation in the uterine weight in both the assays and unable to cause vaginal opening indicating non-estrogenic potential of both the phthalate compounds, i.e., DIBP and DINP in vivo.

Descriptive epidemiology and high risk behavior of male prescription opioid abusers: Cross-sectional study from Sikkim, North East India

BACKGROUND

Sikkim is emerging as an important area for prescription opioid abuse with frequent news of seizures and arrests due to possession of prescription opioids. However, till date there is a little information on descriptive epidemiology and high risk behavior of prescription opioid abusers from Sikkim.

AIMS

The aim was to describe demographic (age, sex, religion, marital status, community, occupation, etc.); socioeconomic (income, education, family information etc.); and high risk behavior (e.g., injection sharing, visit to commercial sex workers [CSWs], homosexuality etc.) among treatment-seeking prescription opioid abusers in Sikkim.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Epidemiological data were collected by administering predevised questionnaires from n = 223 prescription opioid abusers (main problem prescription opioids) reporting for treatment at five different drug abuse treatment centers across Sikkim.

RESULTS

The mean age of prescription opioid abusers in Sikkim was 27 years; all were male, of Nepalese ethnicity and single/never married, school dropout and/or illiterate, earning < Rs. 10,000/month with most spending almost Rs. 5000 a month on prescription opioids. Most (57.4%) prescription opioid abusers belonged to the urban community. Commonly abused prescription opioids were dextropropoxyphene and codeine. Injection sharing was more in urban areas whereas syringe exchange was observed equally among rural and urban prescription opioid abusers. Among urban injectors visits to CSWs, and multiple sex partners were also common in spite of knowledge about AIDS. Limited condom use was observed among rural respondents. Incidences of arrests, public intoxication, and violence under the influence of prescription opioids were also reported.

CONCLUSION

Both the rural and urban areas of Sikkim show increasing rates of prescription opioid abuse among males. It is more prevalent among school dropouts and unemployed youth. Trends of injection drug use, unsafe injection, high risk behavior have also been observed.

Effects of in utero di-butyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate exposure on offspring development and male reproduction of rat

The study was conducted to assess the effects of in utero di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) exposure during late gestation on offspring's development and reproductive system of male rats. Pregnant rats were treated orally with DBP (2, 10, 50 mg/kg), BBP (4, 20, 100 mg/kg), and diethylstilbestrol (DES) 6 μg/kg (positive control) from GD14 to parturition. A significant reduction in dams' body weight on GD21 in DBP-, BBP-, and DES-treated groups was observed. The gestation length was considerably elevated in the treated groups. Decline in male pups' body weight was significant at PND75 in DBP- (50 mg/kg), BBP- (20,100 mg/kg), and DES-treated groups. The weight of most of the reproductive organs and sperm quality parameters was impaired significantly in DBP- (50 mg/kg) and BBP- (100 mg/kg) treated groups. Further, a non-significant decline in testicular spermatid count and daily sperm production was also monitored in treated groups. A significant reduction in serum testosterone level in BBP (100 mg/kg), whereas the testicular activity of 17β-HSD was declined non-significantly in the treated groups with respect to control. The data suggests that DBP and BBP exposure during late gestation period might have adverse effects on offspring's development, spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis in adult rats.

Population-based cancer incidence in Sikkim, India: report on ethnic variation

Background:

A Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) was set up in Sikkim (a state in the North Eastern India) in 2003. We examined incidence rates by ethnic groups from 2003–2008.

Methods:

Age-adjusted incidence rates (AARs) per 100 000 person-years were calculated by direct method using the world standard population, and analysed by ethnic group (Bhutia, Rai and other).

Result:

There were a total of 1148 male and 1063 female cases of cancer between 2003 and 2008 on the Sikkim PBCR. The overall AARs were 89.4 and 99.4 per 100 000 person-years in males and females, respectively. Incidence rates were highest amongst the Bhutia group (AAR=172.4 and 147.4 per 100 000 person-years in males and females, respectively), and the largest difference in rates were observed for stomach cancers with AARs being 12.6 and 4.7 times higher in the Bhutia group compared with other ethnic groups in males and females, respectively.

Conclusion:

These observations call for further epidemiological investigations and the introduction of screening programmes.

Effect of helium-neon laser irradiation on hair follicle growth cycle of Swiss albino mice

We report the results of a study carried out to investigate the effect of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (632.8 nm) irradiation on the hair follicle growth cycle of testosterone-treated and untreated mice. Both histology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used for the measurement of hair follicle length and the relative percentage of hair follicles in different growth phases. A positive correlation (R = 0.96) was observed for the lengths of hair follicles measured by both methods. Further, the ratios of the lengths of hair follicles in the anagen and catagen phases obtained by both methods were nearly the same. However, the length of the hair follicles measured by both methods differed by a factor of 1.6, with histology showing smaller lengths. He-Ne laser irradiation (at approximately 1 J/cm(2)) of the skin of both the control and the testosterone-treated mice was observed to lead to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in % anagen, indicating stimulation of hair growth. The study also demonstrates that OCT can be used to monitor the hair follicle growth cycle, and thus hair follicle disorders or treatment efficacy during alopecia.

Evaluation of genotoxicity of pan masala employing chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assay in bone marrow cells of the mice

Pan masala is commonly consumed in south-east Asian and other oriental countries as an alternate of tobacco chewing and smoking. Genotoxic potential of pan masala (pan masala plain and pan masala with tobacco known as gutkha) was evaluated employing chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) assay in vivo. Animals were exposed to three different doses (0.5%, 1.5% and 3%) of pan masala plain (PMP) and gutkha (PMT) through feed for a period of 6 months and micronucleus and chromosomal aberrations were studied in the bone marrow cells. Induction of mean micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) and normochromatic erythrocyte (MNNCE) was higher in both types of pan masala treated groups with respect to control group. Both pan masala plain and gutkha treatment significantly induced the frequency of MNPCE and MNNCE in the bone marrow cells, indicating the genotoxic potential. Furthermore, slight decline in the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes was also noticed, suggesting the cytotoxic potential even though the ratio was statistically non significant. A dose-dependent, significant increase in chromosome aberration was observed in both types of pan masala treated mice with respect to control. However, no significant difference in micronucleus and chromosomal aberration induction was noticed between two types of pan masala exposed (PMP and PMT) groups. Results suggest that both types of pan masala, i.e. plain and gutkha, have genotoxic potential.

Acute toxicity assessment of textile dyes and textile and dye industrial effluents using Daphnia magna bioassay

Aquatic toxicity of textile dyes and textile and dye industrial effluents were evaluated in an acute toxicity study using Daphnia magna as an aquatic experimental animal model. The 48-h EC50 value for the azo dyes, Remazol Parrot Green was 55.32 mg/L and for Remazol Golden Yellow was 46.84 mg/L. Whereas 48-h EC50 values for three dye industrial effluents (D1, D2, and D3) were 14.12%, 15.52%, and 29.69%, respectively. Similarly, EC50 value for three textile mill effluents (T1, T2, and T3) were >100%, 62.97%, and 63.04%, respectively. These results also showed linear relationship with high degree of confidence ( r2 = >0.84 to >0.99) between immobility and test concentrations. The ratio of 24 to 48-h EC50 remains to be in between 1.1 and 1.2. The general criteria of toxicity classification showed that both dyes were minor acutely toxic having 48-h EC50 in between 10 and 100 mg/L. Of the six textile and dye industrial effluents tested, one was not acutely toxic (48-h EC50 > 100%) and five were minor acutely toxic (48-h EC50 > 14.12–29.69%). The toxicity classification of effluent based on toxic unit (TU) showed that of the six effluents tested five were found toxic (TU = >1) and one was non-toxic (TU = <1). Thus, dye effluents showed highest toxicity and textile effluents lowest toxicity. The study also suggested that the assay with D. magna was an excellent method for evaluation of aquatic toxicity of dyes and dyes containing industrial effluents.

A comparative profile of the prevalence and age distribution of human papillomavirus type 16/18 infections among three states of India with focus on northeast India

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical scrape samples of married women from Manipur (n= 692) and Sikkim (n= 415) in northeast India was determined and compared with that of women from West Bengal (n= 1112) in eastern India by polymerase chain reaction. HPV prevalence was lower in Manipur (7.4%) than in Sikkim (12.5%), which was closely followed by West Bengal (12.9%). HPV18 was predominant in Manipur (2.03%) and strikingly lower (0.2%) in Sikkim and West Bengal (0.9%), while the reverse was true for HPV16. The proportion of HPV16/18 infections in Manipur (3.3%, 22/672) and Sikkim (3.89%, 14/359) were comparable and significantly lower compared to that in West Bengal (7.8%, 79/1007) among women having normal cervical cytology. Such prevalence was similar among all age groups in Manipur: increased with age for women in Sikkim and dropped with age for those in West Bengal similar to that reported previously. At age < or =30 years, HPV16/18 prevalence in Manipur (3.3%) and Sikkim (2.5%) was comparable but was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in contrast to that in West Bengal (8.8%). Among abnormal cytologic lesions, HPV16/18 infections were significantly higher than in normals (P= 0.000) both in Sikkim (14.3%) and West Bengal (20.9%) and absent in Manipur. Such prevalence was noted among women in Sikkim aged >30 years and equally among those in West Bengal aged < or =30 or >30 years. Thus, women from northeast India, particularly from Manipur, appear less susceptible to HPV16/18 infection and related cervical lesions compared to those from West Bengal, where such proneness was prominently evident at age < or =30 years.

Imaging growth dynamics of tumour spheroids using optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to monitor the dynamics of tumour spheroid formation by the hanging drop method. In contrast to microscopy, the estimates obtained using OCT for the volume of the spheroid, were consistent with the measured changes in cell number as a function of time. The OCT images also revealed heterogeneous structures in the spheroids of approximately 200 microm diameter. These corresponded to the necrotic regions identified by fluorescence of propidium iodide stained cells.

Needle aspiration as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic modality in suppurative lymphadenitis following Bacillus Calmette Guerin vaccination

OBJECTIVES

Outbreaks are known to occur after Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination. An outbreak of suppurative lymphadenitis in 18 infants, following BCG vaccination is reported from Sikkim, with incidence of 8.6%. The outbreak occurred after a change of vaccine.

METHODS

In a prospective study the cases of suppurative lymphadenitis were diagnosed by needle aspiration cytology and culture of the material aspirated and managed only with repeated needle aspiration and no antitubercular treatment was given.

RESULTS

Cytomorphology revealed necrosis alone in 66.6% and necrotizing granulomas in 22.2%. Acid and alcohol fast bacilli were detected in 77.7% cases. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated in eight cases. One case of staphylococcal suppurative lymphadenitis was detected. Sixteen cases were managed with weekly aspiration with mean period of resolution in eight weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Needle aspiration is useful in the diagnosis and effective in the management of these cases. No antitubercular treatment is desired and required in the cases of suppurative lymphadenitis following BCG vaccination.

Biological monitoring of exposure to benzene in petrol pump workers and dry cleaners

Exposure to benzene has been monitored in petrol-pump workers and dry cleaners of Meerut City (India) by measuring phenol content of their urine samples. Average values for phenol in urine were higher in petrol-pump workers than dry cleaners. Alcoholic subjects excreted more phenol than smokers and non-vegetarians. It is concluded that alcohol can alter the susceptibility of man to benzene toxicity by affecting its metabolism.

Enalapril in hypertension

Twenty five patients of mild to moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension and five with severe hypertension were treated with long acting converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril for six weeks. Diuretic was added in those patients who did not respond satisfactorily. Twenty one patients of mild to moderate hypertension had their diastolic blood pressure controlled at the end of the study; fifteen with enalapril alone and six with the help of diuretic. Remaining four showed a relative fall but not to level below 150/90 mm Hg. Only one patient with severe hypertension showed fall to normal levels. Four showed a relative fall but not to the normal level even with the addition of a diuretic. Enalapril is an effective anti hypertensive drug in mild to moderate essential hypertension.

Effect of Momordica charantia Linn. pomous aqueous extract on cataractogenesis in murrin alloxan diabetics

The fruit extract of Momordica charantia Linn. was studied in Charles Foster rats of both sexes in respect of its dose-response hypoglycemia and at maximal effective dose, its influence on the development of diabetic cataract. Alloxan (120 mg/kg s.c./rat, single dose) diabetic rats with greater than 150 mg% of blood sugar were classified into four groups (n = 10) wherein two were control and the rest were test groups). In the test group, the oral dose response hypoglycemic herbal effect was found to be maximum at 4 g/kg/Day/rat when administered for 20 days. This dose was continued in the 2nd test group for a period of 2 months. Blood sugar in all the rats was estimated by microdetermination method using a dextrometer before and after therapy. The control group of rats received 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl and they developed cataract in 90 to 100 days. The herbal treated diabetics showed cataract in 140 to 180 days. Cataract formation was found to be dependant on blood sugar levels since the control group with blood sugar 307 +/- 81 (mg%) was blind 2 months earlier than herbal treated group which showed blood sugar 149 +/- 66.37 (mg%).