Release of microplastics from disposable face mask in tropical climate.

Outbreak of COVID 19 has caused an abrupt surge in the consumption of disposable face masks around the world. WHO has stated that wearing a face mask in public reduces the chances of being exposed to COVID 19 virus. With unchecked disposal of these used masks, a new kind of pollutant has emerged in the environment. Since these masks are generally made of polypropylene and polyurethane material, they can be considered as a potential source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. In this study, we have evaluated the release of MPs particles from these face masks (namely from N95 and surgical masks) in deionized (DI) water and tap water over the span of 1 to 180 days. More specifically, a systematic study has been carried out to see the effect of temperature on release of MPs in water. MPs particles released in tap water (837 ± 113 particles/piece in 30 days) were significantly higher than that in DI water (564 ± 37 particles/piece in 30 days). When these masks were kept at a constant temperature of 45 °C for 30 Days, highest amount of MPs release (N95 899 ± 65 particles, Surgical 1038 ± 65 particles/piece) was observed as compared to other conditions. Most of the MPs particles released were polypropylene which were transparent and white in case of N95 while for surgical mask they were found to be of blue and white colour. With the aging of masks in water, quantity of MPs release was increased with simultaneous reduction in their size. Our study indicates that these disposable face masks are emerging to be a prominent source of MPs release in the environment and more hazardous for the tropical climate.

Fabrication of Mupirocin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and Its In Vitro Characterization.

In the present study, mupirocin (MP), an antimicrobial agent, was formulated as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) by using a novel method named as melt emulsion ultrafiltration method. For the formulation of NLC, glyceryl monostearate and watermelon seed oil were used as solid and liquid lipids, respectively. The method was optimized for various parameters by Taguchi design of experiment and prepared NLCs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), shape, zeta potential, % drug loading, and in vitro release profile. The optimized NLCs were found to be smooth, monodisperse with PDI 0.229 ± 0.093. NLCs were found to have an average particle size of 139 ± 0.75 nm and +21.9 ± 0.98 mV as zeta potential. The % drug loading of optimized NLCs was found to be 59% ± 0.13%. The optimized NLCs were able to release the drug up to 24 h. The release kinetic study revealed mixed-order kinetics. Hence, it was concluded that the novel method is simple and able to fabricate MP-loaded NLCs with sustained release property and being stable in terms of particle size, PDI, and % drug loading.

Oral myiasis in paralytic patients with special needs: A report of three cases.

Oral myiasis is invasion of the soft tissues of oral cavity by the parasitic larvae of the flies. This condition affects debilitated, mentally challenged individuals. These patients are not physically or mentally endowed to ward off flies or complain about worms burrowing their way into oral wounds. This study describes three cases of orofacial myiasis, removal of the live maggots, supportive treatment, and management of the cases with application of turpentine oil and also highlights oral health care in the patients with special needs.

Screening of invasive fungal infections by a real-time panfungal (pan-ACF) polymerase chain reaction assay in patients with haematological malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a fatal infection in haematology patients. There is an urgent need for reliable screening methods facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment. A real-time panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on TaqMan technology targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene was used to screen whole blood specimen obtained from series of Haematology malignancy patients for IFIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The panfungal (Pan-ACF) assay was employed to investigate specimen from 133 patients in duplicate with suspected IFI. In addition twenty healthy subjects and twenty patients with bacterial infections were taken as control. The patients with suspected IFI were also diagnosed by conventional methods including direct microscopy, culture techniques and antigen detection (galactomannan antigen ELISA and latex agglutination for cryptococcal antigen). The results of molecular testing were evaluated in relation to the criteria proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and patients were classified as having proven and probable IFD. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 89 had proven, 18 had probable and 26 had possible IFI. One hundred four samples were reverse transcription-PCR positive. Of 89 proven cases, 84 were panfungal PCR positive. These 84 cases included 82 cases which revealed growth on fungal blood culture and two cases were negative on fungal blood culture. Of the 82 cases which revealed growth on culture: 74 grew Candida in culture, 3 grew Fusarium solani, 5 grew Aspergillus species on blood culture. The later five were also galactomannan antigen positive. The five specimen which were negative on panfungal PCR, two grew Trichosporon asahii, one grew Candida rugosa and two grew as Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans. Of the 18 probable cases, 18 were panfungal PCR positive. These were also galactomannan antigen positive. The sensitivity and specificity of panfungal PCR in proven cases were 94.3% and 95.2%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values proven cases were 97.6% and 88.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The panfungal (Pan-ACF) real-time PCR assay can detect common fungal genera and it may be used as an adjunct to conventional methods for screening of IFI.

Human Prostate Cancer Hallmarks Map.

Human prostate cancer is a complex heterogeneous disease that mainly affects elder male population of the western world with a high rate of mortality. Acquisitions of diverse sets of hallmark capabilities along with an aberrant functioning of androgen receptor signaling are the central driving forces behind prostatic tumorigenesis and its transition into metastatic castration resistant disease. These hallmark capabilities arise due to an intense orchestration of several crucial factors, including deregulation of vital cell physiological processes, inactivation of tumor suppressive activity and disruption of prostate gland specific cellular homeostasis. The molecular complexity and redundancy of oncoproteins signaling in prostate cancer demands for concurrent inhibition of multiple hallmark associated pathways. By an extensive manual curation of the published biomedical literature, we have developed Human Prostate Cancer Hallmarks Map (HPCHM), an onco-functional atlas of human prostate cancer associated signaling and events. It explores molecular architecture of prostate cancer signaling at various levels, namely key protein components, molecular connectivity map, oncogenic signaling pathway map, pathway based functional connectivity map etc. Here, we briefly represent the systems level understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with prostate tumorigenesis by considering each and individual molecular and cell biological events of this disease process.

Single stage management of a unique variant of congenital pouch colon with triplet fistula and normal anus.

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) in the female patient presents with highly variable and anomalous anatomy. We herein report the first case of CPC with uterus didelphys having normal anal opening, H-type vestibular fistula, two other fistulous communications between pouch colon and two vagina managed in a single stage with excellent postoperative outcome.

Novel technique of repair of large tracheo-esophageal fistula following battery ingestion in children: review of two cases.

Surgical repair of acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula may result in tracheal stenosis or esophageal stricture. We used fistula with esophageal cuff as flap to repair the tracheal defect. Esophageal repair was performed by rotating ends through 90° in opposite direction. This technique offers excellent repair in a single stage.

Clinico-immunological response to intratumoral versus intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced pediatric solid malignancies.

BACKGROUND: There is minimal literature on the use of intralesional chemotherapy in the pediatric age group. We undertook this present study to evaluate the two modalities (intratumoral and intravenous) of giving chemotherapy in terms of toxicity of chemotherapy, hematological parameters, efficacy of chemotherapy in reduction in volume of the tumor as well as resectability of tumor with special emphasis on immunological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Advanced cases of Wilms' tumor and Neuroblastoma were included in the study. Intratumoral chemotherapy was given through 25 G spinal needle under aseptic precautions and ultrasound guidance in the same dose as in systemic chemotherapy. Intravenous group was given chemotherapy in the usual way. Reassessment was carried out after every course of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Group A included 16 cases of Wilms' tumor and 6 cases of neuroblastoma. In group B, there were 14 cases of Wilms' tumor and 8 of neuroblastoma. Vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, and thrombophlebitis were more common in the intravenous group (P<0.05). The fall in Immunoglobulin A, Immunogloblulin G, Immunoglobulin M, and T-cell rosetting was more common in the intravenous group (P<0.05). Seventy percent of patients had completely resectable tumor at the end of 6 doses of intratumoral chemotherapy as compared to 50% resectability in the intravenous group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intratumoral chemotherapy, besides causing less of the adverse effects and increasing the resecability rate, also causes less suppression of the immune system. This may be offered as an alternative safe and effective modality of treatment for advanced solid tumors.

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma arising in odontogenic cysts: an insight in pathogenesis.

PURPOSE: To present a case series of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma arising in odontogenic cysts and review the published data to understand the pathogenesis of the lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Hospital (Jaipur, India) were reviewed, and 3 cases of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma ex odontogenic cyst diagnosed from 2006 to 2011 were identified. The diagnostic inclusion criteria were the presence of a completely intraosseous lesion; the absence of ulceration of the oral mucosa, except when caused by other factors such as tooth extraction or trauma; and the absence of a distant primary tumor. The malignant transformation of the benign cystic lining of an odontogenic cyst to squamous cell carcinoma was identified, and the diagnosis of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma ex odontogenic cyst was confirmed in all cases. The relevant English data were reviewed to determine the possible etiopathologic factors associated with the lesion. RESULTS: It was observed that long-standing chronic inflammation in the benign odontogenic cyst was the most probable etiopathologic factor responsible for malignant transformation of a benign cystic lining. CONCLUSIONS: The signs of chronic inflammation in odontogenic cysts should be taken into consideration, and such lesions should be treated promptly. By doing so, we might reduce the rate of malignant transformation of benign odontogenic cysts.

Synthesis of superparamagnetic bare Fe3O4 nanostructures and core/shell (Fe3O4/alginate) nanocomposites.

In this article we report about the synthesis of superparamagnetic bare Fe3O4 nanostructures and core/shell (Fe3O4/alginate) nanocomposites by simple low-temperature based method at pH values 5, 9, and 14. The structural morphology and magnetic behavior of Fe3O4 nanostructures and core/shell (Fe3O4/alginate) nanocomposites (Fe3O4/alg NCs) have been investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The particle size was calculated by TEM measurements and it turns out to be ∼10 nm and ∼14 nm for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticle and Fe3O4/alg NCs with core/shell structure, respectively. The magnetic properties of the synthesized products were found to be function of pH at which the synthesis has been done. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticle and Fe3O4/alg NCs were found to be superparmagnetic in nature at room temperature. We observed that the value of saturation magnetization in case of Fe3O4/alg NCs decreases by increasing the pH value.

Twenty years' experience of steroids in infantile hemangioma--a developing country's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Hemangioma is a common vascular tumor. Though it involutes spontaneously, results are unpredictable. Steroid therapy is an effective mode of its regression. We present our experience of largest series and possible recommendations for treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2398 patients were treated during the study period of 20 years. They were given oral prednisolone, intralesional triamcinolone, or combination of both as per the protocol and followed for the response. Response to the treatment was graded as excellent, good, poor, or no response. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.3. In 81% of patients, hemangioma was noticed within first month of life. The commonest site of involvement was head and neck (57%). The commonest clinical presentation was discoloration and swelling. Mean age and size were 8.43 +/- 7.04 months and 23.64 +/- 20.13 cm(2). Response rate was highest for superficial type using any modality of treatment. Patients younger than 1 year showed better response (90.3%) in comparison with children older than 1 year (80.8%). The specific complications occurring were infections in 249 (12.4%), cushingoid facies and growth delay in 62 (3.1%), and hypertension in 51 (2.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: Steroid therapy either oral or intralesional as per the requirement is an easy and safe modality. Results are good to satisfactory in most patients. The complications are minimal. If treatment is needed, it should be used as a first-line therapy, especially when cost is an important concern.

Conservative management of ulcerated haemangioma--twenty years experience.

Ulceration is the most common complication of haemangioma and occurs in 5-15% of cases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the clinical features of ulcerated haemangioma and efficacy of the management protocol adopted by us over a period of 20 years. All patients with ulcerated haemangioma were evaluated on the basis of age at presentation, sex, rural or urban distribution and site of haemangioma. Treatment included application of topical antibiotic and systemic antibiotic and analgesic for pain. The total number of patients was 608. The male to female ratio was 1: 2.28. The rural:urban distribution was 2.43:1. The most common site of involvement was head and neck. Mean age of patients was 5.60 +/- 2.44 months. Mean size of haemangioma and ulceration was 47.30 +/- 20.67 cm(2) and 7.49 +/- 4.52 cm(2), respectively. The mean time for ulcer healing was 40.06 +/- 19.41 days. Ulcer size of more than 10 cm(2) took more time to heal. Response to treatment was satisfactory. Ulcerated haemangioma usually occurs before completion of 1 year of age; hence, every patient with haemangioma needs careful attention. Adequate treatment and regular follow up brings satisfactory response in the patients.

Neonatal necrotising fasciitis--Varanasi experience.

Neonatal necrotising fasciitis (NNF) is a rare and fatal disorder. Successful outcome depends on timely intervention. This paper presents single-centre experience of presentation, management and outcome of the condition. Fifteen patients of NNF were managed during the study period of 5 years. Parameters studied were age, sex, site of involvement and treatment. Treatment included intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics and conservative surgery. Age of presentation was 10-28 days. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Neck and scalp were the commonest site (53.3%). Culture reports were unimicrobial in 66% with predominance of Staphylococcus species. Predisposing factors included rural environment (100%), malnourishment (60%), boils (40%) and scratch injury (13%). Forty per cent had idiopathic NNF. Wound healing was by secondary intention in 46.6% and skin grafting in 53.3%. Overall survival was 80%, while the premature had poorer outcome. NNF is a serious disorder. Early treatment with i.v. antibiotics and supportive measures followed by debridement improves survival.