Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Optimization, Phytochemical Screening and Analysis of Phenolics from Cycas Zeylanica and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation.

The present study focuses on investigating the phytochemical screening of indigenous species, C. zeylanica, for the first time. The leaf extracts have been prepared using ultrasound-assisted methods to obtain the best extraction results using different time and temperature conditions such as 30, 60, and 90 min. and 30, 40, and 60 °C, respectively. The results have been optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimal extraction conditions of 60 °C for 43.57 minutes, an extract was produced with a yield of 0.238 g and a high total phenolic content of 181.1965 mg GAE/g. The total phenolic content has been evaluated and the presence of gallic acid has been confirmed through the HPLC technique. The optimal extract (OE) showed excellent antioxidant activity for the DPPH assay, with an IC50 of 3.1 µg/ml. Finally, GC-MS profiling has been done to screen the volatile component of the plant extract.

Anaesthesia Choice for Creation of Arteriovenous Fistula (ACCess) study protocol : a randomised controlled trial comparing primary unassisted patency at 1 year of primary arteriovenous fistulae created under regional compared to local anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the 'gold standard' vascular access for haemodialysis. Universal usage is limited, however, by a high early failure rate. Several small, single-centre studies have demonstrated better early patency rates for AVF created under regional anaesthesia (RA) compared with local anaesthesia (LA). The mechanistic hypothesis is that the sympathetic blockade associated with RA causes vasodilatation and increased blood flow through the new AVF. Despite this, considerable variation in practice exists in the UK. A high-quality, adequately powered, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) is required to definitively inform practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Anaesthesia Choice for Creation of Arteriovenous Fistula (ACCess) study is a multicentre, observer-blinded RCT comparing primary radiocephalic/brachiocephalic AVF created under regional versus LA. The primary outcome is primary unassisted AVF patency at 1 year. Access-specific (eg, stenosis/thrombosis), patient-specific (including health-related quality of life) and safety secondary outcomes will be evaluated. Health economic analysis will also be undertaken. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ACCess study has been approved by the West of Scotland Research and ethics committee number 3 (20/WS/0178). Results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals within 12 months of completion of the trial. We will also present our findings at key national and international renal and anaesthetic meetings, and support dissemination of trial outcomes via renal patient groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14153938. SPONSOR: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde GN19RE456, Protocol V.1.3 (8 May 2021), REC/IRAS ID: 290482.

Antigen heterologous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of DHEA in serum.

Homologous and heterologous combinations of enzyme conjugate and antibody in steroid enzyme immunoassay (EIA) influences unlabeled steroid recognition by antibody that affects sensitivity of the assay. To develop dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) antigen heterologous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies were generated against DHEA-3-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin (DHEA-3-HS-BSA), DHEA-7-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin (DHEA-7-CMO-BSA), and DHEA-17-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin (DHEA-17-CMO-BSA). Five horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme conjugates were prepared using five testosterone derivatives [testosterone-3-CMO (T-3-CMO), testosterone-17-HS (T-17-HS), testosterone-17-glucuronoside (T-17-G), testosterone-19-carboxymethylether (T-19-CME), and testosterone-11-HS (T-11-HS)]. Fifteen antigen heterologous combinations of antibody and enzyme conjugates were evaluated in the standard binding assay; only two combinations showed binding. The use of antigen heterologous combination (different antigen in label than the immunogen) resulted in development of a simple, direct, and convenient assay as it permits the direct addition of the serum sample into the assay and it requires only 1.5 h to complete.

Development of heterologous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for dehydroepiandrosterone in serum.

Homologous and heterologous combinations of enzyme conjugate with immunogen in steroid enzyme immunoassay (EIA) influence labeled steroid recognition by an antibody that affects the sensitivity of the assay. To develop dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies were generated against dehydroepiandrosterone-17-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin (DHEA-17-CMO-BSA) and dehydroepiandrosterone-7-carboxymethyloxime- bovine serum albumin (DHEA-7-CMO-BSA). Two dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) horse radish peroxidise (HRP) enzyme conjugates were prepared using two dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives (DHEA-17-CMO and DHEA-7-CMO). Four combinations of homologous and heterologous assays were evaluated. The use of heterologous combination improved the sensitivity of the assay.

Visual prognosis, intraocular pressure control and complications in phacomorphic glaucoma following manual small incision cataract surgery.

AIMS: To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control, visual prognosis and complications following manual small incision cataract surgery among eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, non-randomized interventional consecutive case series included all patients with phacomorphic glaucoma who presented to a tertiary eye care referral center in South India between March 2006 and April 2007. All patients underwent slit-lamp bio-microscopy, applanation tonometry and gonioscopy of the other eye to rule out angle closure. Small incision cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed in all affected eyes. Complete ophthalmic examination was done at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 74 eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma were included in this study. The preoperative mean IOP was 38.4+/-14.3 mmHg and mean IOP at last follow-up was 12.7+/-2.4 mmHg. There was a statistically significant difference between IOP at presentation and IOP at last follow-up (P< 0.001). None of the eyes required long-term antiglaucoma medication. No significant intraoperative complications were noted. The final postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 51 patients. Eighteen eyes had corneal edema and 36 eyes had anterior chamber inflammation. Both conditions resolved with standard medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Manual small incision cataract surgery is safe and effective in controlling IOP and achieving good functional visual acuity with minimal complications in the management of phacomorphic glaucoma in developing countries.

Chitin membrane for wound dressing application--preparation, characterisation and toxicological evaluation.

Chitin, a unique biopolymer based on the N-acetyl-glucosamine monomer is envisioned to promote rapid dermal regeneration and accelerate wound healing. It has many useful and advantageous biological properties for its application as a wound dressing. Chitin membranes were prepared using lithium chloride/dimethylacetamide solvent system and evaluated for use as a wound dressing. Swelling behaviour, moisture vapour transmission rate, microbial impermeability and antimicrobial efficacy of the dressings was evaluated. The chitin dressing provided an effective barrier to microbial penetration and exerted a broad bacteriostatic action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy was found suitable for sterilisation of the dressings. The thermal decomposition of unirradiated and irradiated chitin membranes was investigated. No significant change in the thermal behaviour because of irradiation at 25 kGy was observed. In vitro biodegradation of unirradiated and irradiated chitin membranes showed the susceptibility of the chitin dressing to lysozyme. Irritant effect of the chitin membrane dressings on skin was tested. Subcutaneous and scarification test in guinea pigs showed no signs of inflammation. This was further supported by the Finkelstein's test performed in rabbits. The chitin membranes were found to have optimal performance characteristics of a wound dressing and showed no toxicity or possible adverse reactions. The study shows the chitin dressings as useful adjunct in wound care.