Lignosulfonic Acid Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Antimicrobial Application.

Hydrogels in which poly(acryl amide)/lignosulfonic acid (AAm/LSA) crosslinked with N,N’-methylene bis acrylamide, were prepared by using a redox polymerization technique. These hydrogel networks can act as excellent nano reactors for producing and stabilizing the metal nanoparticles. The current methodology allows us to entrap metal nanoparticles throughout hydrogel networks via AAm/ LSA chains. The synthesized silver nano composite hydrogels (Ag-NCHs) were fully characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy; Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chemical structure and crosslinking in AAm/LSA hydrogels and Ag-NCHs matrix was analyzed by FTIR. SEM and TEM measurements suggested the spherical structure of the silver particles with smooth surface and size of these particles confirmed by DLS. Crystalline nature of the nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD and electron diffraction measurements. Swelling studies were performed in water with the help of an empirical equation to investigate the diffusion mechanism. The developed Ag-NCHs were evaluated for preliminary antibacterial applications against E.coli and Bacillus.

Synthesis of Novel Hydrogels based Poly(4-Hydroxyphenylazo-3-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide) for Specific Colon Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agent.

In recent years azo functionalized polymeric hydrogels are very interesting; it is due to their promising applications in various fields especially in the colon drug delivery. 4-Hydroxyphenylazo-3-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) maleimide (HPM) was synthesized and used for development of hydrogels by free radical polymerization with acrylamide (Am) and N,N-methylene bis acrylamide. Synthesized poly(Am-co-HPM) (PAH) hydrogels were used for encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) an anticancer drug. Structural, thermal, morphological and drug distribution of PAH hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. Maximum percentage of encapsulation efficiency i.e. 78.25±1.3 was observed for AZ1 PAH hydrogels. 5-FU release studies were performed by in vitro method in simulated gastro intestinal fluids (pH 1.2 & 7.4). To support the 5-FU release mechanism from PAH hydrogels, swelling and deswelling kinetics were studied in doubly distilled water.

Synthesis and Characterization of biodegradable Poly (Vinyl caprolactam) grafted on to sodium alginate and its microgels for controlled release studies of an anticancer drug.

Biodegradable sodium alginate-g-poly (vinyl caprolactam) synthesized by graft copolymerization of N-vinyl caprolactam (VCL) on to sodium alginate (NaAlg) via free radical initiation mechanism using a redox initiation system. Grafting (%), efficiency (%), and conversion (%) were all found to depend on the content of potassium persulfate (KPS), VCL reaction temperature and time. The maximum % of grafting was ascertained to be 251 at the optimum conditions of 65 oC reaction temperature, 180 min of reaction time, 1.1098X10-3 mol of KPS and 7.1844X10-3 mol of VCL. Evidence of graft copolymerization was obtained by fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further, graft copolymer was used for preparation of microgels (MGs) using Ca+2 as a crosslinking agent. SEM results showed that the MGs are spherical in structure with smooth surface. The effects of pH and temperature on the swelling behaviour of MGs were studied and ascertained that they were sensitive to both pH and temperature. 5-FU drug was successfully loaded in to these MGs and encapsulation efficiency was found 84%. The release of 5-FU was systematically investigated as a function of temperature, pH, amount of crosslinker and % of drug loading concentration. The results indicate that the responsive MGs have the potential to be used as an effective pH and temperature controlled delivery of 5-FU for more than 12 h.

Infant Feeding Practices in Kaski District, Pokhara.

Introduction: Children in developing countries are prone to infectious diseases due to insufficient and inappropriate feeding practices. Socio-demographic and socio-economic factors directly and indirectly play a role in influencing infant feeding practices. This study was conducted to assess the sociodemographic and economic factors associated with initiation of breastfeeding, complimentary feeding, and the various prelacteal feeds practiced in Kaski, Pokhara. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, interviews were conducted to 500 mothers at Manipal Teaching Hospital who brought their child for treatment. The interviews were conducted in a questionnaire format relating to their demographic and financial statuses. Results: A total of 500 mothers were questioned, out of which 86.6% gave their child breastmilk as its first food. 47% initiated breastfeeding within half an hour of child’s birth. 86% gave Jaulo as the first complementary food to their children. About 26% of the mothers gave complementary feeding to their children before the recommended time of 6 months. Conclusion: Initiation of breastfeeding after life and complementary feeding practices overall has improved from previous studies. There is still need of making awareness campaigns and such in order to further improve this trend.

Chitosan/guargum-g-acrylamide semi IPN microspheres for controlled release studies of 5-Fluorouracil.

Chitosan and guargum-gt-acrylamide (CH-GG-g-AAm) semi interpenetrating microspheres (semi IPNMs) were prepared by water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion cross linking method using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer drug was successfully loaded in these semi IPNMs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) examined the crystalline nature of drug after encapsulation into semi IPNMs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the formation of semi IPNMs is spherical with size around 200 􀀀m. The encapsulation efficiency of 5-FU was achieved 58%. In-vitro release studies were performed basic (pH 7.4) buffer medium. The release patterns depend on graft polymer composition, effect of cross linker and drug content in the polymer matrices. In vitro release studies indicated the release of 5- FU more than 12 hours.

Synthesis, characterization and use of Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-vinylcaprolactam) crosslinked thermoresponsive microspheres for control release of Ciproflaxin hydrochloride drug.

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-vinyl caprolactam) copolymer was synthesized as an interesting thermoresponsive material possessing a phase transition temperature around 320C in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 (PB). Thermoresponsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-Nvinylcaprolactam) designated as PNIPA-NVC microspheres crosslinked with N,N’–methylene bisacrylamide (NNMBA) have been prepared by dispersion polymerization using varying amounts of NIPA, NVC and NNMBA., ciproflaxin hydrochloride (CFH) an anti- bacterial drug, was loaded into the microspheres during in situ polymerization and in vitro release of CFH has been studied. The microspheres were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffractometry (X- RD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro release of CFH drug from the microspheres was studied in pH 7.4 medium, at the temperatures 250C & 370C. The microspheres consisting of NIPA and NVC provide thermo responsive nature to the microspheres. The system developed in this study showed a thermoresponsive for the controlled release of CFH. FTIR spectroscopy explained the formation of copolymer. The DSC and XRD techniques indicated the uniform distribution of drug in the microspheres. SEM studies indicated surface morphology of the microspheres. Prolonged and controlled release of CFH was achieved in a controlled manner upto 12 h.

A Scenario of Poisoning in Children in Manipal Teaching Hospital.

Objective: To see the pattern and prevalence of poisoning in children in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. The cases were also considered in relevance to the age groups with various agents, the commonly observed clinical features in various poisonings and mortality. Study design: Hospital based retrospective study. Study period: 4 years (January 2006 – January 2010). Study place: Department of Paediatric, Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. Material and Methods: A detailed study of all the case files of the children admitted with various acute poisonings, where the causative agent was known, was done. Results: A total number of 94 children (56 males & 38 females) were admitted with poisoning (1.79% of the total admissions) during that period. Maximum number of children were of the preschool age group i.e. < 5 years (64.89%). Organophosphorus Compounds (OPC) (27%) and Kerosene Oil (23%) were the two most frequent agents involved. The other agents included Snake bite (19%), Drugs/ Chemicals (16%), Dhatura (12%), and Mushroom poisoning (3%). The most common nature of poisoning noted was accidental (95%). The mortality rate observed was 6.38%. Conclusion: OPC and Kerosene Oil poisoning were the two most common poisoning observed in this study comprising almost half the cases; accidental poisoning was the most common pattern noted and there was a male predominance. Early recognition and timely treatment can decrease the mortality.

Morquio Syndrome in Two Siblings: A Case Report.

Morquio syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) in various body tissues. It is rare cause of dwarfism. Many pediatricians therefore are unlikely to see this case hence may miss the diagnosis due to lack of experience. With this view we report two siblings with this dwarfism highlighting the classical clinical and radiological presentation.

Molecular toxicity of aluminium in relation to neurodegeneration.

Exposure to high levels of aluminium (Al) leads to neurofibrillary degeneration and that Al concentration is increased in degenerating neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the role of Al in AD remains controversial and there is little proof directly interlinking Al to AD. The major problem in understanding Al toxicity is the complex Al speciation chemistry in biological systems. A new dimension is provided to show that Al-maltolate treated aged rabbits can be used as a suitable animal model for understanding the pathology in AD. The intracisternal injection of Al-maltolate into aged New Zealand white rabbits results in pathology that mimics several of the neuropathological, biochemical and behavioural changes as observed in AD. The neurodegenerative effects include the formation of intraneuronal neurofilamentous aggregates that are tau positive, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The present review discusses the role of Al and use of Al-treated aged rabbit as a suitable animal model to understand AD pathogenesis.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: primary prevention is the cost effective option.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the economic output/input ratios for the various options of prevention of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) and check the viability of primary prevention vis-à-vis secondary and tertiary preventions. METHODS: Cost accounting of the various prevention options was calculated for each variable as available in literature. Actual data as obtainable for the financial year ending March 2006 were computed for the Pondicherry population. Both direct and indirect costs (including community/social costs) were worked out using mostly primary data and wherever necessary, secondary data. Certain scientific assumptions were used where exact data was not available. RESULTS: Primary prevention is the definite viable economic option (1:1.56) compared to secondary (1: 1.07) and tertiary (1: 0.12) preventions. In fact, the current stress on only secondary and tertiary preventions is found to be economically unviable. CONCLUSION: It is postulated that primary prevention as a practical policy in tackling RF and RHD can be recommended.

Promotion of cutaneous wound healing by famotidine in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Drugs like famotidine, omeprazole and sucralfate which have been reported to promote the healing of gastric ulcers, may have the same effect on cutaneous wounds. Due to paucity of information in this regard, the present study was planned to investigate the effect of these drugs on resutured incision, excision and dead space wounds in Wistar rats. METHODS:Resutured incision, excision and dead space wounds were inflicted under light ether anaesthesia aseptically. Control animals received vehicle and other groups received famotidine, omeprazole and sucralfate orally for a period of 10 days in the incision and dead space wounds, whereas in excision wounds till complete closure. On the 11th day after estimating breaking strength of the resutured incision wounds, animals were sacrificed and granulation tissue removed from dead space wounds to estimate the breaking strength and hydroxyproline content. Quantification of granulation tissue and histological studies were also carried out. Wound closure rate, epithelization time and scar features were studied in the excision wound models from the day of famotidine till complete closure of the wound. RESULTS: Only famotidine significantly promoted the healing process in all the three wound models studied. Histopathological studies revealed increased collagen content and granulation tissue in famotidine treated group compared to control. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In all the three wound models studied famotidine promoted wound healing whereas omeprazole and sucralfate did not do so. The pro healing effect of famotidine needs to be explored clinically.

Intrasternomastoid spinal accessory nerve schwannoma: clinical and radiological correlation.

Accessory nerve schwannoma are extremely rare. The preoperative consideration of this diagnosis will lead to appropriate surgical management with preservation of motor nerve function. In this article we review the literature and report a case treated successfully based on preoperative MRI findings.

Pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis: is prolonged inotropic support a bad omen?

Sixty-seven patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis at JIPMER, Pondicherry between 1987 and 1998 were the subjects of the study. Pre-operatively 70% of cases were in the New York Heart Association classes III and IV categories with clinical signs suggestive of constriction ie, raised jugular venous pressure in 99%, pleural effusion in 77%, pedal oedema in 61% and ascites in 55% of the cases. Seventy-five per cent of the cases underwent pericardiectomy through a median sternotomy and the rest via left anterolateral thoracotomy. Low cardiac output was evidenced in 70% of cases postoperatively which was managed by early institution and prolonged use of inotropes. There was 9% mortality especially in the early part of the experience. Tuberculous pathology was confirmed histologically in 57% cases. Sixty-three per cent of cases are presenting in follow-up in New York Heart Association class I. Prolonged use of inotropes instituted early in postoperative period is recommended to prevent postoperative ventricular dysfunction with adrenaline being the preferred inotrope. It is concluded that postoperative New York Heart Association class and long term survival were not significantly influenced by pre-operative New York Heart Association class, operative approach or peri-operative low cardiac output syndrome requiring prolonged inotropic support.

Mental health around the world.

The World Health Day, the 7th April, 2001, has been devoted to mental health. An estimated 400 million people alive today suffer from mental disorders or psychological problems. All people have continued to discriminate against the sufferers. But simply we have the means to treat them. Depressive disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, alcohol dependence are related to mental health. Treatment of alcohol dependence can be carried out in community settings in most cases. There are about 11 million people of Alzheimer's disease who put enormous burden on families. Increasing the knowledge of the disease is of paramount help. A vast majority of epilepsy patients remain untreated which is the main problem in developing countries. Depressive disorders can be well tackled by antidepressant drugs and psychological interventions. Overall the treatment of mental disorder should be appropriate to the disorder and take account the individual's situation.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome: prevalence and clinical profile.

BACKGROUND: The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as a triad of liver dysfunction, intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVD) and arterial hypoxemia. There is paucity of Indian studies regarding the prevalence of IPVD and arterial hypoxemia particularly amongst patients with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), where liver dysfunction is not a feature. METHODS: All patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices seen at a tertiary care hospital during 1995-98 were studied. Ultrasonography of abdomen, contrast-enhanced echocardiography (CEE), arterial blood gas analysis and assessment of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were done. RESULTS: Of 138 patients with portal hypertension seen during the study period, 88 fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included 63 with cirrhosis, 15 with NCPF and 10 with EHPVO. CEE showed IPVD in 17 (27%) patients with cirrhosis, of which 11 (17.5%) fulfilled the criteria for HPS. IPVD were also noted in 4 (26.6%) cases of NCPF and 3 (30%) of EHPVO, though only 2 (13.3%) and 1 (10%) respectively had elevated alveolar-arterial gradient and liver dysfunction in addition. Age and sex distribution and duration of symptoms were not different in patients with HPS. Patients with HPS had higher incidence of dyspnea, platypnea, clubbing and spider nevi. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is present in 17.5% of cirrhotics, 13.3% of patients with NCPF and 10% with EHPVO. Patients with HPS had significantly higher incidence of dyspnea, platypnea, clubbing and spider nevi.

Lung function in mitral stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to look to for a relationship between pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), left atrial pressure (LAP), mitral valve area (MVA) and transmitral gradient (Gr) on the one hand and the spirometric data on the other, in cases of mitral stenosis. METHODS: The spirometry values measured were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second and as percent of FVC (FEV1, FEV1/FVC%), forced expiratory flow between 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%), at 50% of FVC (FEF 50%) 75% of FVC (FEF 75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The PAP, LAP, MVA and Gr were measured at echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation. RESULTS: Analysis of results was done of 60 patients in four groups divided on basis of mean PAP: Group 1 with least and group 4 with highest mean PAP. FVC values were reduced in direct proportion to PAP, LAP, MVA and Gr in three out of four groups. FEV1% as a percent of predicted value showed uniform reduction in all the groups, PEFR was moderately affected in group 1 and most severely in group 4. Values of FEV1/FVC% were within normal range in all the groups. FEF 25-75%, and FEF 50% showed serial reduction in values in keeping with the elevation of the PAP. FEF 75% was also moderately affected in group 1 and most severely in group 4. CONCLUSION: We found that a moderate restrictive defect and a small airway defect which is found in cases of mitral stenosis, directly correlates to the PAP, LAP, MVA and Gr. There was no significant involvement of the larger airways.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

A case of Chediak-Higashi syndrome is reported in a four-year-old boy who presented with recurrent chest infection, partial albinism, hyperpigmentation of the extremities and presence of giant granules in leucocytes and melanocytes in the skin. Parental consanguinity was present. Though uncommon, hyperpigmentation of sun exposed areas may be the initial symptom in Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

Size dependent bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Mytilopsis sallei (Recluz) at Visakhapatnam harbour.

Relationship between body size and bioaccumulation of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in the fouling bivalve, M. sallei (Recluz) in Visakhapatnam harbour was studied. While concentration of copper, zinc and lead decrease with increasing size, no such relationship is observed for cadmium.