Effect of inpatient rehabilitation facility care on ninety day modified Rankin score in ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) treatment effect on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 738 AIS patients admitted 1/1/2018-12/31/2020 to a Comprehensive Stroke Center with a Stroke Rehabilitation program. We compared outcomes for patients who went directly home versus went to IRF at hospital discharge: (1) acute care length of stay (LOS), (2) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, (3) mRS score at hospital discharge and 90 days, (4) the proportion of mRS scores ≤ 2 from hospital discharge to 90 days. RESULTS: Among 738 patients, 499 went home, and 239 went to IRF. IRF patients were more likely to have increased acute LOS (10.7 vs 3.9 days; t-test, P<0.0001), increased mean NIHSS score (7.8 vs 4.8; t-test, P<0.0001) and higher median mRS score (3 vs 1, t-test, P<0.0001) compared to patients who went home. At 90 days, ischemic stroke patients who received IRF care were more likely to progress to a mRS ≤ 2 (18.7% increase) compared to patients discharged home from acute care (16.3% decrease). Home patients experienced a one-point decrease in mRS at 90 days compared to those who received IRF treatment (median mRS of 3 vs. 2, t-test, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In ischemic stroke patients, IRF treatment increased the likelihood of achieving mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days indicating the ability to live independently, and decreased the likelihood of mRS decrease, compared with patients discharged directly home after acute stroke care.

Creating a resident-centric rehabilitation research team.

BACKGROUND: The 36-month Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) or Physiatry residency provides a number of multidisciplinary clinical experiences. These experiences often translate to novel research questions, which may not be pursued by residents due to several factors, including limited research exposure and uncertainty of how to begin a project. Limited resident participation in clinical research negatively affects the growth of Physiatry as a field and medicine as a whole. The two largest Physiatry organizations - the Association of Academic Physiatrists and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - participate in the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), seeking to improve the state of rehabilitation and disability research through funding opportunities by way of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). A paucity of new Physiatry researchers neutralizes these efforts. RESULTS: This paper details the creation of a novel, multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Resident Research program that promotes resident research culture and production. Mirroring our collaborative clinical care paradigm, this program integrates faculty mentorship, institutional research collaborates (Neuroscience Nursing Research Center, Neuroscience Research Development Office) and departmental resources (Shark Tank competition) to provide resident-centric research support. CONCLUSIONS: The resident-centric rehabilitation research team has formed a successful research program that was piloted from the resident perspective, facilitating academic productivity while respecting the clinical responsibilities of the 36-month PM&R residency. Resident research trainees are uniquely positioned to become future leaders of multidisciplinary and multispecialty collaborative teams, with a focus on patient function and health outcomes.

Capsanthin, a Plant-Derived Xanthophyll: a Review of Pharmacology and Delivery Strategies.

Capsanthin, a brightly orange-red-coloured pigment responsible for the peculiar red colour of paprika fruits (Capsicum annuum), belongs to xanthophylls, a class of oxygen-containing carotenoids. The characteristic chemical structure of capsanthin containing a keto group in conjunction with a long chain of 11 conjugated dienes is responsible for its strong radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching ability. Chemopreventive, antitumour, skin photo-protective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities demonstrated by capsanthin are a consequence of its potent antioxidant action. Anti-obesity, anti-adipogenic, and antihyperlipidaemic activities are some of the more important features of capsanthin. With natural origin, bright red colour, and array of health benefits, capsanthin has a potential to be translated into a commercial cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and/or pharmaceutical. However, the very low aqueous solubility of capsanthin is responsible for its highly variable and poor oral bioavailability. Moreover, its susceptibility to degradation due to heat, light, oxygen, and moisture poses challenges in the development of stable formulations for this otherwise meritorious compound. The current review presents various pharmacological activities of capsanthin and their underlying mechanisms. The review further discusses hitherto explored formulation strategies to improve solubility and stability of capsanthin. Graphical abstract.

Passiflora edulis (var. Flavicarpa) Juice Supplementation Mitigates Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

The common reason for mortality globally is myocardial infarction. The study aimed to evaluate Passiflora edulis (PE) fruit juice potential in the experimental isoproterenol (ISO) treated rat model to manage myocardial injury. ISO (20 mg/100 g body weight) treated rats showed a significant increment in serum marker enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine kinase (CK), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity. Besides, phosphorus and calcium, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (TG) were high in ISO groups. A significant decline in antioxidant activity and histopathological alteration was observed in ISO treated groups. PE juice pre-treatment (2 ml/kg) for 28 days and ISO treatment on the 29th and 30th days showed a protective effect on distorted biochemical and histopathologic parameters compared with reference drug metoprolol. These findings indicate the cardioprotective effect of PE juice on ISO-induced myocardial infracted rats.

Novel flourescent spiroborate esters: potential therapeutic agents in in vitro cancer models.

The current treatment system in cancer therapy, which includes chemotherapy/radiotherapy is expensive and often deleterious to surrounding healthy tissue. Presently, several medicinal plants and their constituents are in use to manage the development and progression of these diseases.They have been found effective, safe, and less expensive. In the present study, we are proposing the utility of a new class of curcumin derivative, Rubrocurcumin, the spiroborate ester of curcumin with boric acid and oxalic acid (1:1:1), which have enhanced biostability for therapeutic applications. In vitro cytocompatibility of this drug complex was analysed using MTT assay, neutral red assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Anti tumour activity of this drug complex on MCF7 and A431 human cancer cell line was studied by morphological analysis using phase contrast microscopy, Hoechst staining and cell cycle analysis by FACS. To explore the chemotherapeutic effect, the cytotoxic effect of this compound was also carried out. Rubrocurcumin is more biostable than natural curcumin in physiological medium. Our results prove that this curcumin derivative drug complex possess more efficacy and anti-cancer activity compared with curcumin. The findings out of this study suggests this novel compound as potential candidate for site targeted drug delivery.

A Novel Fluorescent Quantum Dot Probe for the Rapid Diagnostic High Contrast Imaging of Tumor in Mice.

A simple probe - antibody conjugated silica over coated cadmium selenide quantum dots (QD-Ab probe) for efficient and rapid diagnostic in vivo imaging of tumors is developed. Compared to unconjugated quantum dots (QD), these probes underwent efficient cellular internalization and tumor targeting behavior, retaining bright emission under in vivo cancer models. Silica over coated cadmium selenide quantum dots were conjugated with Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody to detect the over expression of EGFR in cancer models. The in vitro cellular internalization efficiency of QD and QD-Ab probe in cultured stem cells (RADMSCs) and cancer cells (HeLa) were assessed by ICP-OES and cLSM. Results demonstrated a greater internalization efficiency of CdSe-Silica QD-Ab probe than CdSe-Silica QDs. For in vivo imaging solid tumor bearing mice was subjected to tail vein injection of QD and QD-Ab probe. After the specific time interval of injection, mice were anesthetized and subjected into Xenogen IVIS®200 imaging system, followed by ex vivo imaging. Subsequently, ultrathin sections of tumor were imaged by using cLSM. Both in vivo and ex vivo imaging results confirmed the tumor-targeted imaging efficiency of QD-Ab probes compared to unconjugated QDs.

Protective effects of Cassia tora leaves in experimental cataract by modulating intracellular communication, membrane co-transporters, energy metabolism and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

CONTEXT: Cataract is the clouding of eye lens which causes impairment in vision and accounts for the leading factor of global blindness. Functional food-based prevention of cataract finds application in vision research because of its availability and easy access to all classes of the society. Cassia tora Linn. (Caesalpinaceae) is an edible plant mentioned in the traditional systems of medicine for whole body health, especially to the eyes. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Cassia tora leaves (ECT) on experimental cataract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cataract was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 µg/g body weight) on 10th day. ECT was supplemented orally from 8th day up to 12th day at a concentration of 5 µg/g body weight and marker parameters were evaluated after 30 days. RESULTS: The production of MPO and the activation of calpain were reduced 52.17% and 36.67% by ECT in lens tissue, respectively. It modulated the energy status by significantly increasing the activity of CCO 1 (55.56%) and ATP production (41.88%). ECT maintained the ionic balance in the lens by reducing the level of sodium (50%) and increasing the level of potassium (42.5%). It also reduced cell junction modifications and preserved a functional ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results reinforce the growing attention on wild plant food resources for preventive protection against cataract. The data suggest the value of Cassia tora leaves as a functional food for ameliorating cataract pathology.

The swaying mouse as a model of osteogenesis imperfecta caused by WNT1 mutations.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable disorder of connective tissue characterized by bone fragility and low bone mass. Recently, our group and others reported that WNT1 recessive mutations cause OI, whereas WNT1 heterozygous mutations cause early onset osteoporosis. These findings support the hypothesis that WNT1 is an important WNT ligand regulating bone formation and bone homeostasis. While these studies provided strong human genetic and in vitro functional data, an in vivo animal model to study the mechanism of WNT1 function in bone is lacking. Here, we show that Swaying (Wnt1(sw/sw)) mice previously reported to carry a spontaneous mutation in Wnt1 share major features of OI including propensity to fractures and severe osteopenia. In addition, biomechanical and biochemical analyses showed that Wnt1(sw/sw) mice exhibit reduced bone strength with altered levels of mineral and collagen in the bone matrix that is also distinct from the type I collagen-related form of OI. Further histomorphometric analyses and gene expression studies demonstrate that the bone phenotype is associated with defects in osteoblast activity and function. Our study thus provides in vivo evidence that WNT1 mutations contribute to bone fragility in OI patients and demonstrates that the Wnt1(sw/sw) mouse is a murine model of OI caused by WNT1 mutations.

Luteolin Supplementation Prevents Selenite-Induced Cataractogenesis in Sprague Dawley Rat Pups.

Luteolin, a flavonoid present in leaves and stems of many plants finds mention in literature for beneficial effects on eyes. Presently, no reports are available on the in vivo anticataractogenic effect of luteolin. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of luteolin on selenite-induced cataract models in vivo. The study consisted of three groups of Sprague Dawley rat pups 8-10 d old (Group I (Normal), Group II (Cataract induced), and Group III (Treatment)). Cataract was induced in Group II and Group III by a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 µg/g body weight) on the 10th day. Luteolin was administered orally from 8th day up to 12th day at a concentration of 1 µg/g body weight in Group III. After 30 d, lenses of treated animals showed normal morphology. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased and levels of reactive oxygen species were decreased in the luteolin-treated group when compared to the cataract-induced group. Increased Ca(2+) ATPase activity and lowered calcium level, caspase 3 activity and down-regulation of caspase 3 expression were seen in the treatment group when compared to the selenite group. Luteolin enhances the antioxidant potential and thereby lowers the oxidative damages to the lens. It also stabilizes the membrane integrity of the lens and maintains the ionic balance.

Hepatoprotective potential of Coconut Inflorescence Sap against Paracetamol induced toxicity in Hep G2 cell lines.

Coconut Inflorescence Sap (CIS) is the sweet, oyster-white colored, non-fermented juice obtained from the immature inflorescence of the Coconut tree. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, or paracetamol) is one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide as an antipyretic or analgesic. HepG2 cell lines were used as an experimental model for studying in vitro hepatotoxicity induced by Paracetamol. The present study aims to identify biologically active compounds of CIS using LCMS analysis and to elucidate the ameliorative potential of CIS in alleviating paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 17 bioactive compounds. HepG2 cells were pretreated with Paracetamol(20mM) for inducing toxicity, and Silymarin at a concentration of 50µg/ml was used as a standard drug. The morphological analysis and MTT assay showed effective recovery from toxicity in cells treated with CIS in a dose-dependent manner. CIS at 25 µg/ml potentially showed the highest percentage of inhibitory activity against the toxicity induced by paracetamol. The treatment with paracetamol significantly increased the indicators of liver toxicity - LDH, SGOT, SGPT, and Glut.S Transferase in the media.CIS administration also increased the total protein levels, SOD, and Catalase activity. The morphological analysis, MTT assay, cytocompatibility studies, determination of enzymatic activities, etc., confirms the significant hepatoprotective efficacy of CIS.

Rutin ameliorates free radical mediated cataract by enhancing the chaperone activity of α-crystallin.

BACKGROUND: Cataract, the leading cause of blindness, is associated with oxidative damage and protein modification in the lens. The present study was carried out to assess the efficacy of rutin on rat-lens crystallins in selenite-induced in-vivo cataract models. METHODS: Eight-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were grouped as control (G I), experimental (G II) and rutin-treated (G III). The rat pups in G II, and G III received a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 µg/g body weight) and G I received a single subcutaneous injection of sterile water on the 10th day. The treatment groups (G III) were administered with rutin (1 µg/g body weight) respectively from the 8th to 15th day. Cataract was visualized from the 16th day. Lens crystallins (α, ß, and γ) were isolated by size exclusion chromatography. Chaperone activity of isolated crystallins was measured by heat, DTT, and oxidation-induced aggregation and refolding assays. Concentration of total protein (soluble and insoluble) and SDS-PAGE analysis of soluble proteins were also done. RESULTS: Treatment with rutin prevented the loss of α crystallin chaperone property, and protein insolubilization prevailed during selenite-induced cataract. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the therapeutic potential of rutin, a bioflavonoid, against selenite-induced cataract, which has been reported in this paper for the first time. The work assumes significance, as this is a novel approach in modulating the chaperone activity of lens crystallins in selenite-induced cataract by a natural product.

Amelioration of cholesterol induced atherosclerosis by normalizing gene expression, cholesterol profile and antioxidant enzymes by Vigna unguiculata.

Cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, have found to be the dreadful diseases worldwide and therapeutic interventions using plant sources have wide therapeutic value. Vigna unguiculata (VU) leaves have been used as food and therapeutics. Hence, our study was designed to evaluate the hypolipidemic as well as anti-atherogenic potential of VU leaves in normalizing atherogenic gene expression, cholesterol profile, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme system on cholesterol fed rabbit model. For the study New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and experimental period was three months; group -i - ND [normal diet (40 g feed)], group-ii- ND (normal diet) +EAVU [ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata (150 mg/kg body weight)], group -iii- ND [normal diet ]+ CFD [cholesterol fed diet (cholesterol 1 % of 40 g feed and cholic acid 0.5 % of 40 g feed)] and group-iv - ND [normal diet] +CFD [cholesterol fed diet ]+EAVU [ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata (150 mg/kg body weight)]. Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding the rabbit with cholesterol (1 % of 40 g feed) and cholic acid (0.5 % of 40 g feed). Supplementation of EAVU normalized cholesterol profile, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products like thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), antioxidant system and important genes of cardiovascular diseases like interleukin-10 (IL 10), paraoxanase-1 (PON I), interleukin-6 (IL 6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2) to near normal level as compared with normal diet. The result obtained showed the antioxidant as well as anti-atherogenic potential of Vigna unguiculata leaves in ameliorating cholesterol induced atherosclerosis, and thus it is good task to include VU leaves in daily diet for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases especially atherosclerosis.

Concurrent, New-Onset Autoimmune Hepatitis, Celiac Disease, and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Following COVID-19: A Case Report.

Here we describe a 13-year-old adolescent female diagnosed with concurrent autoimmune disorders including Grave disease, Celiac disease, and autoimmune hepatitis within 3 months after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The patient initially presented to her pediatrician with complaints of epistaxis, cessation of menses, palpitations, and weight loss. Initial evaluation showed evidence of hyperthyroidism, elevated liver enzymes, and abnormal Celiac disease serologies. Additional testing including laboratory tests, liver biopsy, and an upper endoscopy with biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of Grave disease, Celiac disease, and type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the risk of autoimmune disorders associated with the novel coronavirus disease 2019.

Neural Tissue Engineering with Rat Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Role of an Injectable, Resorbable Hydrogel Scaffold Derived from Oxidized Alginate and Gelatin.

The central nervous system has limited regeneration potential. The multipotency of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) makes them an ideal autologous cell source for the regeneration of neural tissues. However, the likelihood of their differentiation into unwanted cell lineages when transplanted into a hostile injury environment is a serious disadvantage. Transplanting predifferentiated cells via an injectable carrier may aid in site-specific delivery for better survival of cells. Here, we focus on identifying an appropriate injectable hydrogel system that favors stem/progenitor cell attachment and differentiation for neural tissue engineering. An injectable composition of the hydrogel, derived from alginate dialdehyde (ADA) and gelatin, was formulated for this purpose. This hydrogel promoted proliferation/differentiation of ADMSCs to neural progenitors, visualized from the generation of prominent neurospheres and stage-specific expression of a neural progenitor marker (nestin, day 4), an intermittent neuronal marker (ß-III tub, day 5), and a mature neuronal marker (MAP-2, day 8) with neural branching and networking (>85%). The differentiated cells also expressed the functional marker synaptophysin. There was no negative impact on stem/progenitor cell survival (>95%) or differentiation (∼90%) as compared to two-dimensional (2D) culture. Addition of appropriate quantities of asiatic acid specific for neural niche supported cell growth and differentiation without affecting cell survival (>90%) and improved neural branching and elongation. Optimized interconnected porous hydrogel niche exhibited rapid gelation (3 min) and self-healing properties mimicking native neural tissue. Both ADA-gelatin hydrogel by itself and that incorporated with asiatic acid were found to support stem/neural progenitor cell growth and differentiation and have potential applications as antioxidants and growth promoters upon release at the cell transplantation site. In short, the matrix itself or incorporated with phytomoieties could serve as a potential minimally invasive injectable cell delivery vehicle for cell-based therapies of neural diseases.

Natural 3D Extra Cellular Matrix mimicking stem cells seeded decellularized scaffolds as a platform for tendon regeneration.

Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to heel, is the strongest tendon in the body. Despite its strength, it is more prone to injury due to its limited blood supply. Tendon-related injuries are more common in sportspersons, people with labor-intensive work and the aged community. The currently available treatment mode is surgery which is expensive with chances of re-injury. Present study made an attempt to fabricate a tissue-engineered tendon product using decellularized tendon (DT) seeded with stem cells and bioactive components of Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE). The bare DT tissue scaffold/substitute may also serve as a drug delivery platform for growth factors and cells with a new approach to promote tissue regeneration in clinical applications. DT construct showed good regenerative potential and easily promoted new tissue formation. Decellularization of the tendon was carried out by chemical method using tri (n-butyl) phosphate (TnBP). DT was physicochemically characterized by contact angle measurement, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical testing. Rabbit adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (RADMSCs) were isolated and phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry analysis, tri lineage differentiation, and so forth. Further, stem cell seeded DT scaffolds were prepared and found to be non-toxic by cytotoxicity, cell adhesion by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, cell viability by live dead assays, and so forth. The findings of this study yield valid proof for the employability of cell-seeded DT construct as a natural scaffold in repairing injured tendons-the toughest chords of the skeleton. This is a cost effective method for the replacement of injured/damaged tendons for athletes, people in labor-intensive occupations, the elderly population, and so forth-a boon towards the repair of the tendon in damage/injury.

Variability in the Transition of Care to Poststroke Rehabilitation During the First Wave of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate transitions of acute stroke and inpatient rehabilitation facility care during the first wave of COVID-19. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study (3 comprehensive stroke centers with hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation facilities) between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2019 (acute stroke = 584, inpatient rehabilitation facility = 210) and January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020 (acute stroke = 534, inpatient rehabilitation facility = 186). Acute stroke characteristics included stroke type, demographics, and medical comorbidities. The proportion of patients admitted for acute stroke and inpatient rehabilitation facility care was analyzed graphically and using t test assuming unequal variances. RESULTS: The proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage patients (28.5% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.035) and those with history of transient ischemic attack (29% vs. 23.9%; P = 0.049) increased during the COVID-19 first wave in 2020. Uninsured acute stroke admissions decreased (7.3% vs. 16.6%) while commercially insured increased (42.7% vs. 33.4%, P < 0.001).Acute stroke admissions decreased from 116.5 per month in 2019 to 98.8 per month in 2020 ( P = 0.008) with no significant difference in inpatient rehabilitation facility admissions (39 per month in 2019, 34.5 per month in 2020; P = 0.66).In 2019, monthly changes in acute stroke admissions coincided with inpatient rehabilitation facility admissions.In 2020, acute stroke admissions decreased 80.6% from January to February, while inpatient rehabilitation facility admissions remained stable. Acute stroke admissions increased 12.8% in March 2020 and remained stable in April, while inpatient rehabilitation facility admissions decreased by 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Acute stroke hospitalizations significantly decreased per month during the first wave of COVID-19, with a delayed effect on the transition from acute stroke to inpatient rehabilitation facility care.

Laser immunotherapy with gold nanorods causes selective killing of tumour cells.

Therapeutic approaches that exploit nanoparticles to deliver drugs selectively to cancer cells are currently considered one of the most promising avenues in the area of cancer therapeutics. Recently, gold nanorods (AuNRs) have shown promising biological applications due to their unique electronic and optical properties. In this paper, we have demonstrated the anti-cancer potential of gold nanorods with low power laser light. Gold nanorods (AuNRs), surface modified with poly (styrene sulfonate) PSS and functionalized with epidermal growth factor receptor antibody conjugated with gold nanorods (anti-EGFR-AuNRs) were successfully synthesised and characterized by UV-Visible-NIR spectrophotometry and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). Inductively Coupled Plasmon Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Immunofluorescence studies confirmed the efficient uptake of these functionalized gold nanorods by human squamous carcinoma cells, A431. The in vitro photothermal therapy was conducted in four groups - control, laser alone, unconjugated AuNRs with laser and anti-EGFR conjugated AuNRs with laser. Phase contrast images have revealed cell morphology changes and cell death after the laser irradiation. In order to determine whether the cell death occur due to apoptosis or necrosis, we have evaluated the biochemical parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species level, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 activity. Flow cytometry analysis have shown the cell cycle changes after laser irradiation with antibody conjugated gold nanorods. Thus the results of our experiments confirmed that immunolabeled gold nanorods can selectively destruct the cancer cells and induce its apoptosis through ROS mediated mitochondrial pathway under low power laser exposure.

Selective photothermal efficiency of citrate capped gold nanoparticles for destruction of cancer cells.

Gold nanoparticles are recently having much attention because of their increased applications in biomedical fields. In this paper, we demonstrated the photothermal efficacy of citrate capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the destruction of A431 cancer cells. Citrate capped AuNPs were synthesized successfully and characterized by UV-visible-NIR spectrophotometry and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). Further, AuNPs were conjugated with epidermal growth factor receptor antibody (anti-EGFR) and applied for the selective photothermal therapy (PTT) of human epithelial cancer cells, A431. PTT experiments were conducted in four groups, Group I--control cells, Group II--cells treated with laser light alone, Group III--cells treated with unconjugated AuNP and further laser irradiation and Group IV--anti-EGFR conjugated AuNP treated cells irradiated by laser light. After laser irradiation, cell morphology changes that were examined using phase contrast microscopy along with the relevant biochemical parameters like lactate dehydrogenase activity, reactive oxygen species generation and caspase-3 activity were studied for all the groups to determine whether cell death occurs due to necrosis or apoptosis. From these results we concluded that, these immunotargeted nanoparticles could selectively induce cell death via ROS mediated apoptosis when cells were exposed to a low power laser light.

Primary Spinal Epidural Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary spinal epidural lymphoma (PSEL) comprises a group of tumors present only in the spinal epidural space with a histopathological picture of lymphoma and negative diagnostic workup for lymphoma at other sites. We present the case of an older male adult with primary spinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting with spinal cord compression who was treated with surgery followed by high dose methotrexate in combination with RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, vincristine, and doxorubicin). This case report and review of literature on DLBCL limited to the spine provide a novel chemotherapy regimen and a comprehensive perspective on the optimal management of these patients.

3D-bulk to nanoforms of modified hydroxyapatite: Characterization and osteogenic potency in an in vitro 3D bone model system.

Synthetic bioceramics are replacing conventional methods of treating bone defects with autografts owing to the high demand of bone substitutes, with their Surface topography and size contributing to favor cytocompatibility in tissue regeneration. This experimental study deals with the comparative evaluation of the physical characterizations of four different in-house synthesized bioceramics from 3D-bulk to nanoforms of hydroxyapatite (HA), Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), Strontium doped hydroxyapatite (SrHA) and Silica coated hydroxyapatite (HASi) and also simultaneously evaluates adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (RADMSCs) on these biomimetic ceramic niches. The osteogenic induced cells grown on 3D scaffolds for a period of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were analyzed for their viability (MTT, LDH, live-dead assays), morphology (SEM), proliferation (Cytox-Red) and osteogenic differentiation (ALP, osteocalcin expression). Cellular activities and differentiation of RADMSCs were significantly higher on SrHA indicating the role of strontium in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on this ceramic platform to the bone lineage. In order to reinforce the materials for hard tissue implantation and drug delivery, nano-SrHA (nSrHA) became the nanoparticle of choice based on its non-toxicity, cytocompatibility and osteogenic properties (nSrHA > nHASi > nBCP > nHA).