Cobalt Iron Oxide (CoFe2O4) Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity in Rabbits.

The market for nanoparticles has grown significantly over the past few decades due to a number of unique qualities, including antibacterial capabilities. It is still unclear how nanoparticle toxicity works. In order to ascertain the toxicity of synthetic cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (CIONPs) in rabbits, this study was carried out. Sixteen rabbits in total were purchased from the neighborhood market and divided into two groups (A and B), each of which contained eight rabbits. The CIONPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Crystallinity and phase identification were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the nanoparticles (13.2 nm) was calculated by Scherrer formula (Dhkl = 0.9 λ/ß cos θ) and confirmed by TEM images. The saturation magnetization, 50.1 emug-1, was measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). CIONPs were investigated as contrast agents (CA) for magnetic resonance images (MRI). The relaxivity (r = 1/T) of the MRI was also investigated at a field strength of 0.35 T (Tesla), and the ratio r2/r1 for the CIONPs contrast agent was 6.63. The CIONPs were administrated intravenously into the rabbits through the ear vein. Blood was collected at days 5 and 10 post-exposure for hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. The intensities of the signal experienced by CA with CIONPs were 1427 for the liver and 1702 for the spleen. The treated group showed significantly lower hematological parameters, but significantly higher total white blood cell counts and neutrophils. The results of the serum biochemistry analyses showed significantly higher and lower quantities of different serum biochemical parameters in the treated rabbits at day 10 of the trial. At the microscopic level, different histological ailments were observed in the visceral organs of treated rabbits, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and brain. In conclusion, the results revealed that cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles induced toxicity via alterations in multiple tissues of rabbits.

Hematobiochemical, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Mediated Toxicity Induced by Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) Nanoparticles in Rabbits.

From the past few decades, attention towards the biological evaluation of nanoparticles (NPs) has increased due to the persistent and extensive application of NPs in various fields, including biomedical science, modern industry, magnetic resonance imaging, and the construction of sensors. Therefore, in the current study, magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNPs) were synthesized and evaluated for their possible adverse effects in rabbits. The crystallinity of the synthesized NFNPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The saturation magnetization (46.7 emug-1) was measured using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and 0.35-tesla magnetron by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The adverse effects of NFNPs on blood biochemistry and histoarchitecture of the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, and heart of the rabbits were determined. A total of sixteen adult rabbits, healthy and free from any apparent infection, were blindly placed in two groups. The rabbits in group A served as control, while the rabbits in group B received a single dose (via ear vein) of NFNPs for ten days. The blood and visceral tissues were collected from each rabbit at days 5 and 10 of posttreatment. The results on blood and serum biochemistry profile indicated significant variation in hematological and serum biomarkers in NFNP-treated rabbits. The results showed an increased quantity of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in treated rabbits. Various serum biochemical tests exhibited significantly higher concentrations of different liver function tests, kidney function tests, and cardiac biomarkers. Histopathologically, the liver showed congestion, edema, atrophy, and degeneration of hepatocytes. The kidneys exhibited hemorrhages, atrophy of renal tubule, degeneration, and necrosis of renal tubules, whereas coagulative necrosis, neutrophilic infiltration, and severe myocarditis were seen in different sections of the heart. The brain of the treated rabbits revealed necrosis of neurons, neuron atrophy, and microgliosis. In conclusion, the current study results indicated that the highest concentration of NPs induced adverse effects on multiple tissues of the rabbits.

Genetic and expression deregulation of immunoregulatory genes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases globally, and is an important public health concern, associating with early death and systemic complications. Although key development in RA treatment has already been made still RA affected individuals face comorbidity and disability. Therefore, there is a need to discover new risk factors in helping early diagnosis and treatment of RA. The present study is designed to assess the variations of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and interleukin -6 (IL-6) in RA patients. Polymorphisms of said genes were calculated in 300 RA patients and 300 controls, using Tetra-ARMS polymerase chain reaction. Secondly, expression levels of selected genes were checked using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) and obtained results were evaluated using a different statistical test. Logistic regression analysis showed that frequency of mutant allele of VDR gene polymorphisms (rs11168268, OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 2.94-7.97; p = 0.0001; rs2248098, OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.07-2.54; p = 0.02) and IL-6 gene polymorphisms (rs184229712, OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.56-3.92, p = 0.0001; rs36215814, OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.30-3.53; p = 0.002) was observed significantly higher in RA patients vs controls. Expression analysis showed the significant upregulation of IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and downregulation of VDR gene (p < 0.0001) in RA cases vs controls. ROC curve analysis showed that downregulation of IL-6 (AUC = 0.86, p < 0.001) and upregulation of VDR (AUC = 0.77, p < 0.001) was act as the good diagnostic marker for detection/diagnosis of arthritis. In conclusions, data from the present study showed the significant involvement of VDR and IL-6 gene variations in RA pathogenesis.

Management of Cyclops Syndrome: A case report.

Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL) is a typical athletic injury. One of the most frequent complication after ACL reconstruction is reduced range of motion (ROM) due to the impingement on the inter-condylar notch of a fibrous tissue mass, defined as Cyclops Syndrome. We report the case of a 25 years old male, who underwent reconstruction of ACL with Gracilis-semitendinosus (GR-ST) tendons with delayed onset of loss of knee extension seven years after ACL reconstruction. Clinical and magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings were consistent with Cyclops syndrome. The patient underwent arthroscopy in May 2015, which revealed a fixed fibrous nodule impinging on the inter-condylar notch in extension that was treated by mechanical shaving, radiofrequency ablation remodeling inter-condylar notch and releasing of the ACL transplant. After surgery our patient returned to his routine activities after 5 days and started running about 10 days later, without anterior knee pain and without deficit of hyperextension.

Intra-articular distal radius fractures: Postoperative roentgenographic and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of volarlocking compression plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures with respect to function of hand and roentgenographic parameters. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patients who underwent locking compression plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures between June 2009 and July 2012. Case notes, radiographic assessment and functional outcomes were noted. Functional outcome was determined with the help of telephone-based quick-dash score questionnaire administered atleast 6 months post-surgery. Radiological assessment of radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt was measured on immediate postoperative radiographs and then again measured at last available follow-up which ranged from 4 to 116 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age of the 43 patients in the study was 47.31±14.24 years (range: 20-95 years) at the time of injury. Mean Quick Dash score at 6-month follow-up was 17.2±8.8 (range: 4-40). The outcome was very good in 1(2.2%), good in 30(66.7%), satisfactory in 10(22.2%) and poor in 4(8.9%) patients. Mean immediate postoperative radial inclination, volar tilt and radial height were 17.26±3.23°, 7.6±3.87° and 10.2±1.95mm respectively. Corresponding values at the last follow-up were 17±3.89°, 7.67±4.28° and 9.8±1.8mm. CONCLUSIONS: Use of locking compression plate for intra-articular distal radius fracture showed good results comparable with global literature.

Eradication of advanced pelvic hydatid bone disease after limb salvage surgery - 5-year follow-up: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Echinococcosis is produced by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus; it is a parasitic disease which is seen rarely in humans and has adverse outcomes. We report a case of advanced pelvic hydatid bone disease with successful limb salvage surgery. Our patient had a 5-year follow-up without recurrence which is a rarity as per the literature. Early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy are necessary for effective management whereas delayed diagnosis is always fraught with the risk of recurrence and sepsis. CASE PRESENTATION: In 2009, a 30-year-old woman, native of Karachi (Sindhi ethnicity), presented at our clinic with history of a pathological fracture 11 years earlier. Her fracture was initially misdiagnosed and fixed. Subsequently she had persistent disease that progressed with time. Following this she underwent multiple surgeries and the diagnosis of hydatid disease was made but despite multiple debridements and medical therapy she was not cured and finally she was offered a hemipelvectomy (limb sacrifice). On presentation to our hospital she was counseled regarding options of hemipelvectomy versus a limb salvage form of modified internal hemipelvectomy and wide margin resection. She opted for limb salvage. She underwent internal hemipelvectomy with wide margin resection of soft tissue and proximal femur along with postoperative albendazole therapy. She was able to walk again after a very long period. Currently she is 5-years postreconstructive surgery. She is infection free and ambulant without support. CONCLUSIONS: Hydatid bone disease is a rare entity in our part of the world but a careful history and thorough look at the initial images of our patient would have led to the suspicion of pathologic fracture and subsequent early diagnosis of this difficult problem. A second important learning point in this case was the lack of early referral to a center where this difficult problem could have been handled effectively. This could have minimized the physical, mental and financial stress to the patient and her family.

Salvage of infected non-union of the tibia with an Ilizarov ring fixator.

PURPOSE: To review outcomes of 24 patients who underwent Ilizarov ring fixation for infected nonunion of the tibia. METHODS: Medical records of 21 men and 3 women aged 13 to 74 (mean, 38) years who underwent Ilizarov ring fixation for infected non-union of the tibia were reviewed. The mean bone defect was 3.3 (range, 2-5) cm. The mean time from injury to presentation was 11.9 (range, 1-36) months. The mean number of previous surgeries was 2 (range, 0-14). A local flap was used in 2 patients and a free flap was used in one patient. Nine of the patients underwent Ilizarov ring fixation without soft tissue and bony resection, as inadequate stability was the reason for non-union. Patients were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 11 (range, 8-46) months. Functional outcome was excellent in 8 patients, good in 12, fair in 2, and failure in one, whereas bone union outcome was excellent in 6 patients, good in 14, fair in one, and poor in 2. The mean time to union was 8 (range, 3-31) months. The mean external fixation index was 4.2 (range, 1.5-15.7) cm/month. Complications encountered were pin tract infection (n=5), re-fracture (n=2), soft tissue impingement by Ilizarov rings (n=2), recurrence of wound infection (n=1), mal-union (n=1), and mortality (n=1). CONCLUSION: Ilizarov ring fixation is a viable option for infected non-union of the tibia. Adequate assessment of bone union is crucial before removal of fixator to prevent re-fracture.