A self-healable metallohydrogel for drug encapsulations and drug release.

A self-healable metallohydrogel (MOG) of Mn(ii) has been prepared using a low molecular weight gelator, Na2HL {H3L = l-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-benzyl)amino aspartic acid}. The MOG has been characterized by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry, rheological studies, IR spectroscopy, and microscopic techniques. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), indomethacin (IND) and anti-cancer drug gemcitabine (GEM) were encapsulated into the metallohydrogel. The GEM-loaded metallogel (MOG_GEM) shows better delivery and more adverse cytotoxicity than the drug against breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-468 and 4T1. The anti-cancer property was evaluated with in vitro MTT cytotoxic assay, live-dead assay and cell migration assay. In vitro cytotoxicity assay against RAW 264.7 cell line with the treatment of MOG_IND shows the improved anti-inflammatory response in the case of MOG_IND compared to the drug alone.

Scintigraphic Evaluation of Decontamination Lotion for Removal of Radioactive Contamination From Skin.

OBJECTIVE: Skin contamination is one of the most likely risks after accidental or occupational radiological accidents. Using scintigraphy, we assessed a topical lotion for its decontamination efficacy (DE) after exposure with short-lived medical radioisotopes technetium Tc 99m (99mTc) and thallium 201Tl (201Tl). METHODS: Using 99mTc (300 ± 5 µCi/100 µl) and 201Tl (100 ± 5 µCi/100 µl), the thoracoabdominal region (shaved skin) of Sprague Dawley rats and human tissue equivalent were contaminated and then decontaminated using cotton swabs soaked in formulated lotion at different time intervals. Static counts were recorded and calculated for DE. Histologic examination was performed on the animal model. RESULTS: The DE of the formulation for 99mTc and 201Tl was 85% ± 5 and 88% ± 2, respectively. The prepared formulation effectively removed the radionuclides from the tissue surface. CONCLUSIONS: The formulated lotion assisted in the effective removal of radiocontaminants by decontaminating the radionuclides. Moreover, minimal and easily manageable radioactive waste was generated by this process. Further investigation regarding the infusion of formulated lotion into ready-to-use skin wipes for self-decontamination may be useful for mass casualty scenarios. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:-).

Decontamination of human and rabbit skin experimentally contaminated with 99mTc radionuclide using the active components of "Shudhika"-a skin decontamination kit.

INTRODUCTION: Radioactive contamination can occur as a result of accidental or intentional release of radioactive materials (RM) into the environment. RM may deposit on clothing, skin, or hair. Decontamination of contaminated persons should be done as soon as possible to minimize the deleterious health effects of radiation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the decontamination efficiency (for residual contaminant) of the active components of "Shudhika," an indigenously developed skin decontamination kit. The study kit is for external radioactive decontamination of intact skin. METHODS: Decontamination efficiency was evaluated on the skin surface of rabbit (n = 6) and human volunteers (n = 13). 99mTc sodium pertechnetate (200-250 µCi) was used as the radio-contaminant. Skin surface area (5 × 5 cm2) of thoracic abdominal region of the rabbit and the forearm and the palm of human volunteers were used for the study. Decontamination was performed by using cotton swabs soaked with chemical decontamination agents of the kit. RESULTS: Decontamination efficiency (% of the contaminant removed) was calculated for each component of the study. Overall effectiveness of the kit was calculated to be 85% ± 5% in animal and 92% ± 3% in human skin surfaces. Running water and liquid soap with water was able to decontaminate volunteers' hand and animal skin up to 70% ± 5%. Chemical decontamination agents were applied only for trace residues (30% ± 5%). Efficiency of all the kit components was found up to be 20% ± 3% (animal) and 28% ± 2 (human), respectively. Residual contamination after final decontamination attempt for both the models was observed to be 12% ± 3% and 5% ± 2%. After 24 and 48 hours of the decontamination procedure, skin was found to be normal (no redness, erythema and edema were observed). CONCLUSION: Decontaminants of the study kit were effective in removal of localized radioactive skin contamination when water is ineffective for further decontamination. By using the chemical decontaminants of the study kit, the use of water and radioactive waste generation could be reduced. Cross-contamination could also be avoided. During radiologic emergencies where water may be radioactively contaminated, the study kit could be used.

Pancake kidney detected on renal scintigraphy.

Pancake kidney is an extremely rare renal anomaly resulting from abnormal renal ascent and subsequent fusion. The authors describe a patient with pancake kidneys detected on a Tc-99m DTPA scan. The case reported depicts the scintigraphic findings in such a patient having a pancake kidney.