Salivary levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction: implications for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Background: Periodontitis is initiated by a dysbiotic activity and furthermore leads to a chronic inflammatory response. The presence of pro-inflammatory markers plays an important role in the inflammatory load. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are pro- inflammatory biomarkers that quantify clinical and subclinical inflammation in cardiac ischemia in cardiac inflammation and disease. Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory marker associated with good health. The susceptibility of periodontitis patients to cardiovascular events needs to be evaluated. Objective: This study aims to assess the levels of biomarkers in periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to controls. Material and methods: Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory analytes were examined by collecting unstimulated saliva from three groups (n = 20/each): healthy individuals, individuals with stage III periodontitis, and post-myocardial infarction patients with stage III periodontitis. The samples were collected within 48 h of AMI. Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with periodontitis with and without AMI compared to controls, while CRP and MIP-1α were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis with and without AMI compared to controls. The highest titers for MIP-1α and CRP were detected among patients with periodontitis with and AMI. Conclusion: Our study provides possible evidence of the association between periodontitis and salivary analytes that occur in tandem with cardiovascular disease. The lower levels of Adiponectin and higher levels of CRP and MIP-1α in patients with periodontitis indicate that this condition is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention for periodontitis patients to prevent cardiovascular events.

Rapidly Fatal Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Syndrome in a 9-Year-Old Girl With Ewing Sarcoma.

Background: Ewing sarcoma (ES) with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (ectopic ACTH) is extremely unusual. This report details the first case in English literature of pediatric ES involving the proximal aspect of the humerus with florid ectopic ACTH. Case Report: A 9-year-old girl presented with mooning of the face and abdominal distension for the past 5 months with an unremarkable history. Her serum cortisol level measured at 8 AM was 42 µg/dL (reference range, 4.3-22.4 µg/dL). Serum ACTH level of 225 pg/mL (reference range, 10-46 pg/mL) suggested ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. Her serum cortisol level after the overnight dexamethasone suppression test was 60 µg/dL (reference value, <1.8 µg/dL), suggesting nonsuppressibility. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test was nonsuppressible, suggesting ectopic ACTH secretion. Findings of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were normal. Chest x-ray demonstrated a lytic lesion in the left humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans of the left shoulder showed an expansile lesion in the proximal aspect of the humerus. A tru-cut bone biopsy with histopathology and immunostaining revealed clusters of small round cells with a mitotic index of 6/10 hpf to 8/10 hpf. CD99 staining confirmed ES. Ketoconazole was initiated. She received 1 cycle of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and doxorubicin and succumbed to the illness 1 week after chemotherapy. Discussion: Ectopic ACTH in the pediatric age group is rare and, coupled with the underlying etiology as ES, makes this case unique. Only 4 cases of ectopic ACTH with ES have been previously reported in the tibia, retroperitoneum, ischiopubic rami, and ribs. This is the first case of ES to have its origin in the humerus with ectopic ACTH. Conclusion: This case highlights an atypical presentation of ectopic ACTH caused by ES arising from the humerus. The etiology of ectopic ACTH as ES was confirmed by chance radiographic evidence of a lytic humerus lesion rather than symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of evogliptin versus sitagliptin as an add-on therapy in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin: A 24-week randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority, EVOLUTION INDIA study.

AIM: This study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of evogliptin versus sitagliptin, when added to background metformin therapy in Indian patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Overall, 184 patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (7% ≤ HbA1c < 10%) receiving ≥8 weeks of stable metformin monotherapy (≥1 g/day), were randomized to receive add-on treatment (evogliptin 5 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg) for 24 weeks. Primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks (non-inferiority margin: <0.35). RESULTS: Mean reductions in HbA1c at 12 weeks in evogliptin- and sitagliptin-treated patients were -0.37 (1.06) and -0.32 (1.14), respectively. The adjusted mean difference between treatment groups was -0.022 (95% CI: -0.374, 0.330; P = 0.901), that demonstrated non-inferiority. Reductions in FPG and PPG were similar between evogliptin and sitagliptin at 12 and 24 weeks. Changes in body weight were comparable between the treatment groups. Patients achieving target HbA1c < 7.0% (evogliptin, 26.7% vs. sitagliptin, 20%) was almost equal in both groups. Treatment-emergent adverse events occured in 52 patients (evogliptin, 25% and sitagliptin, 31.5%) and were generally mild. CONCLUSIONS: Evogliptin was non-inferior to sitagliptin in HbA1c reduction. It effectively improved glycemic control and was well tolerated in type 2 diabetes patients inadequately controlled by metformin alone.

K2x Sn4-x S8-x (x = 0.65-1): a new metal sulfide for rapid and selective removal of Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ions.

The fission of uranium produces radionuclides, 137Cs and 90Sr, which are major constituents of spent nuclear fuel. The half-life of 137Cs and 90Sr is nearly 30 years and thus that makes them harmful to human life and the environment. The selective removal of these radionuclides in the presence of high salt concentrations from industrial nuclear waste is necessary for safe storage. Here we report the synthesis and crystal structure of K2x Sn4-x S8-x (x = 0.65-1, KTS-3) a material which exhibits excellent Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ion exchange properties in varying conditions. The compound adopts a layered structure which consists of exchangeable potassium ions sandwiched between infinite layers of octahedral and tetrahedral tin centers. K2x Sn4-x S8-x (x = 0.65-1, KTS-3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with cell parameters a = 13.092(3) Å, b = 16.882(2) Å, c = 7.375(1) Å and ß = 98.10(1)°. Refinement of the single crystal diffraction data revealed the presence of Sn vacancies in the tetrahedra that are long range ordered. The interlayer potassium ions of KTS-3 can be exchanged for Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+. KTS-3 exhibits rapid and efficient ion exchange behavior in a broad pH range. The distribution coefficients (Kd) for KTS-3 are high for Cs+ (5.5 × 104), Sr2+ (3.9 × 105) and UO22+ (2.7 × 104) at neutral pH (7.4, 6.9, 5.7 ppm Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+, respectively; V/m ∼ 1000 mL g-1). KTS-3 exhibits impressive Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ion exchange properties in high salt concentration and over a broad pH range, which coupled with the low cost, environmentally friendly nature and facile synthesis underscores its potential in treating nuclear waste.

Templated assembly of BiFeO3 nanocrystals into 3D mesoporous networks for catalytic applications.

The self-assembly of uniform nanocrystals into large porous architectures is currently of immense interest for nanochemistry and nanotechnology. These materials combine the respective advantages of discrete nanoparticles and mesoporous structures. In this article, we demonstrate a facile nanoparticle templating process to synthesize a three-dimensional mesoporous BiFeO3 material. This approach involves the polymer-assisted aggregating assembly of 3-aminopropanoic acid-stabilized bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) nanocrystals followed by thermal decomposition of the surfactant. The resulting material consists of a network of tightly connected BiFeO3 nanoparticles (∼6-7 nm in diameter) and has a moderately high surface area (62 m(2) g(-1)) and uniform pores (ca. 6.3 nm). As a result of the unique mesostructure, the porous assemblies of BiFeO3 nanoparticles show an excellent catalytic activity and chemical stability for the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol with NaBH4.

Synthesis and selected properties of graphene and graphene mimics.

Graphene has generated great excitement in the last few years because of its novel properties with potential applications. Graphene exhibits an ambipolar electric field effect, ballistic conduction of charge carriers, and the quantum Hall effect at room temperature. Some of the other interesting characteristics of graphene include high transparency toward visible light, high elasticity and thermal conductivity, unusual magnetic properties, and charge transfer interactions with molecules. In this Account, we present the highlights of some of our research on the synthesis of graphene and its properties. Since the isolation and characterization of graphene by micromechanical cleavage from graphite, several strategies have been developed for the synthesis of graphene with either a single or just a few layers. The most significant contribution from our laboratory is the synthesis of two to four layer graphene by arc-discharge of graphite in a hydrogen atmosphere. Besides providing clean graphene surfaces, this method allows for doping with boron and nitrogen. UV and laser irradiation of graphene oxide provides fairly good graphene samples, and laser unzipping of nanotubes produces graphene nanoribbons. We have exploited Raman spectroscopy to investigate the charge-transfer interactions of graphene with electron-donor and -acceptor molecules, as well as with nanoparticles of noble metals. Graphene quenches the fluorescence of aromatics because of electron transfer or energy transfer. Notable potential applications of the properties of graphene are low turn-on field emission and radiation detection. High-temperature ferromagnetism is another intriguing feature of graphene. Although incorporation of graphene improves the mechanical properties of polymers, its incorporation with nanodiamond or carbon nanotubes exhibits extraordinary synergy. The potential of graphene and its analogues as adsorbents and chemical storage materials for H(2) and CO(2) is noteworthy.

Improved lithium cyclability and storage in mesoporous SnO2 electronically wired with very low concentrations (≤1 %) of reduced graphene oxide.

On the wire: Mesoporous tin dioxide (SnO(2)) wired with very low amounts (≤1 %) of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) exhibits a remarkable improvement in lithium-ion battery performance over bare mesoporous or solid nanoparticles of SnO(2). Reversible lithium intercalation into SnO(2)/SnO over several cycles was demonstrated in addition to conventional reversible lithium storage by an alloying reaction.

Nanostructured, molecularly imprinted, and template-patterned polythiophenes for chiral sensing and differentiation.

An innovation to thin-film molecular imprinting is presented for the sensitive detection and effective discrimination of chiral compounds using a portable quartz crystal microbalance transduction technique. The facile approach involves i) colloidal sphere layering of latex particles onto the surface via a Langmuir-Blodgett-like technique followed by ii) template molecular imprinting using electrodeposition of a single functional and cross-linking monomer.

Composites of graphene and other nanocarbons with organogelators assembled through supramolecular interactions.

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), such as exfoliated graphene (EG), long-chain functionalized EG, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), and fullerene (C(60)), have been investigated for their interaction with two structurally different gelators based on all-trans tri-p-phenylenevinylene bis-aldoxime (1) and n-lauroyl-L-alanine (2) both in solution and in supramolecular organogels. Gelation occurs in toluene through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions for 1 and 2 in addition to π-π stacking specifically in the case of 1. These nanocomposites provide a thorough understanding in terms of molecular-level interactions of dimensionally different CNMs with structurally different gelators. The presence of densely wrapped CNMs encapsulated fibrous network in the resulting composites is evident from various spectroscopic and microscopic studies, indicating the presence of supramolecular interactions. Concentration- and temperature-dependent UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra show that CNMs promote aggregation of the gelator molecules, leading to hypochromism and quenching of the fluorescence intensity. Thermotropic mesophases of 1 are altered by the inclusion of a small amount of CNMs. The gel-CNM composites show increased electrical conductivity compared with that of the native organogel. Rheological studies of the composites demonstrate the formation of rigid and viscoelastic solidlike assembly due to reinforced aggregation of the gelators on CNMs. Synergistic behavior is observed in case of the composite gel of 1, containing a mixture of EG and SWNT, when compared with other mixtures of CNMs in all combinations with EG. This affords new nanocomposites with interesting optical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Remarkable uptake of CO2 and CH4 by graphene-Like borocarbonitrides, BxCyNz.

The surface areas and uptake of CO(2) and CH(4) by four graphene samples are measured and compared with activated charcoal. The surface areas are in the range of 5-640 m(2) g(-1), whereas the CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values are in the range of 18-45 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and 0-2.8 wt % (at 273 K, 5 MPa), respectively. The CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values of the graphene samples vary linearly with the surface area. In contrast, graphene-like B(x)C(y)N(z) samples with compositions close to BC(2)N exhibit surface areas in the range of 1500-1990 m(2) g(-1) and CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values in the ranges 97-128 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and 7.5-17.3 wt %, respectively. The uptake of these gases varies exponentially with the surface area of the B(x)C(y)Z(n) samples, and the uptake of CH(4) varies proportionally with that of CO(2). The uptake of CO(2) for the best BC(2)N sample is 64 wt % at 298 K. The large uptake of both CO(2) and CH(4) gases by BC(2)N betters the performance of graphenes and activated charcoal. First-principles calculations show that the adsorption of CO(2) and CH(4) is more favored on BCN samples compared to graphene.

Chemical storage of hydrogen in few-layer graphene.

Birch reduction of few-layer graphene samples gives rise to hydrogenated samples containing up to 5 wt % of hydrogen. Spectroscopic studies reveal the presence of sp(3) C-H bonds in the hydrogenated graphenes. They, however, decompose readily on heating to 500 °C or on irradiation with UV or laser radiation releasing all the hydrogen, thereby demonstrating the possible use of few-layer graphene for chemical storage of hydrogen. First-principles calculations throw light on the mechanism of dehydrogenation that appears to involve a significant reconstruction and relaxation of the lattice.

Covalent modification and exfoliation of graphene oxide using ferrocene.

Large scale preparation of single-layer graphene and graphene oxide is of great importance due to their potential applications. We report a simple room temperature method for the exfoliation of graphene oxide using covalent modification of graphene oxide with ferrocene to obtain single-layer graphene oxide sheets. The samples were characterized by FESEM, HRTEM, AFM, EDAX, FT-IR, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies. HRTEM micrograph of the covalently modified graphene oxide showed increased interlayer spacing of approximately 2.4 nm due to ferrocene intercalation. The presence of single-layer graphene oxide sheets were confirmed by AFM studies. The covalently modified ferrocene-graphene oxide composite showed interesting magnetic behavior.

Photoluminescence, white light emitting properties and related aspects of ZnO nanoparticles admixed with graphene and GaN.

ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a broad band centred around 530 nm in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum due to the presence of oxygen vacancies. Composites of ZnO nanoparticles with graphenes show marked changes in the PL spectrum with broad bands covering the entire visible region, making them candidates for solid state lighting, while graphene prepared by arc discharge of graphite in a hydrogen atmosphere (HG) containing 2-3 layers as well as boron-doped (BHG) and nitrogen-doped (NHG) samples of HG give white light when admixed with ZnO nanoparticles; excellent results are obtained with the addition of just 7 wt% of BHG to the ZnO nanoparticles. Mixtures of ZnO and GaN nanoparticles also exhibit white light emission. The quantum yields of these ZnO nanoparticle based white light sources are in the 4-6% range. Photoconductivity characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles are affected by the addition of even a small amount of graphene (<0.5 wt%).

A Comparative study of examination scores and quantitative sensory testing in diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy.

CONTEXT: Many advances have taken place in the detection of diabetic polyneuropathy with respect to examination scores, electrophysiological techniques and quantitative sensory testing. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the discriminative power of the Diabetic Neuropathy Examination Score (DNE), 10-g Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination (SWME) and Quantitative Sensory Testing by Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) in the diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy and seek an optimal screening method in diabetic clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes were subjected to Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score, DNE score, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination, Vibration Perception Threshold and Nerve Conduction Studies; mean +/- SD for the various characteristics were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity for the DNE, SWME and VPT were calculated, taking NCS as gold standard. RESULTS: Seventy one of 100 subjects had evidence of neuropathy confirmed by Nerve Conduction Studies, while 29 did not have neuropathy. The DNE score gave a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 79%. The sensitivity of SWME was 98.5% and specificity was 55%. Vibration Perception Thresholds yielded a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 76%. CONCLUSIONS: A simple neurological examination score is as good as Vibration Perception threshold in evaluation of polyneuropathy in a diabetic clinic. It may be a better screening tool for diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy in view of the cost effectiveness and ease of applicability.

A study of the synthetic methods and properties of graphenes.

Graphenes with varying number of layers can be synthesized by using different strategies. Thus, single-layer graphene is prepared by micromechanical cleavage, reduction of single-layer graphene oxide, chemical vapor deposition and other methods. Few-layer graphenes are synthesized by conversion of nanodiamond, arc discharge of graphite and other methods. In this article, we briefly overview the various synthetic methods and the surface, magnetic and electrical properties of the produced graphenes. Few-layer graphenes exhibit ferromagnetic features along with antiferromagnetic properties, independent of the method of preparation. Aside from the data on electrical conductivity of graphenes and graphene-polymer composites, we also present the field-effect transistor characteristics of graphenes. Only single-layer reduced graphene oxide exhibits ambipolar properties. The interaction of electron donor and acceptor molecules with few-layer graphene samples is examined in detail.

Graphene: the new two-dimensional nanomaterial.

Every few years, a new material with unique properties emerges and fascinates the scientific community, typical recent examples being high-temperature superconductors and carbon nanotubes. Graphene is the latest sensation with unusual properties, such as half-integer quantum Hall effect and ballistic electron transport. This two-dimensional material which is the parent of all graphitic carbon forms is strictly expected to comprise a single layer, but there is considerable interest in investigating two-layer and few-layer graphenes as well. Synthesis and characterization of graphenes pose challenges, but there has been considerable progress in the last year or so. Herein, we present the status of graphene research which includes aspects related to synthesis, characterization, structure, and properties.

Type 1 renal tubular acidosis with sensorineural deafness.

We report a case of Type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA) in association with sensorineural deafness. Inherited Type 1 RTA is usually autosomal dominant, though there is a rarer recessive form associated with nerve deafness. Simple alkali replacement can correct the systemic metabolic defect, but does not appear to ameliorate hearing loss.

Plasma cortisol response to 1-24 adrenocorticotropin in patients with treated/untreated sellar & suprasellar mass lesions.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: One microgram short synacthene test is widely recommended as a screening test for evaluation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Information on adequacy of cortisol response to this dose at different periods of the day in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders is not available. Hence, this study was designed to assess the adequacy of cortisol response to 1 microg 1-24 adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) at 0800 h and 1600 h in patients with sellar and suprasellar mass lesions. METHODS: Thirty five consecutive patients with sellar and suprasellar mass lesions with mean age of 43.0+/-14.4 yr and 36 healthy controls with mean age of 32.3+/-9.0 yr were studied after obtaining informed consent. Maintenance doses of glucocorticoids in these patients were discontinued appropriately. On day 1, prestimulated and stimulated plasma cortisol samples at 0800 h and at 30 and 60 min following i.v. bolus of 1 microg 1-24 ACTH were collected. While on day 3, plasma cortisol samples were similarly collected at 1600 h. Cortisol estimation was done by a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. Stimulated plasma cortisol of 500 nmol/l or higher was defined as a normal response. RESULTS: In healthy controls, the prestimulated and peak cortisol levels at 0800 h (377.5+/-93.3 and 729.1+/-183.2 nmol/l) were higher (P<0.001 and P<0.01) than those at 1600 h (230.1+/-75.7 and 665.8+/-138.6 nmol/l). All subjects had a cortisol response of 500 nmol/l or higher in response to 1 microg 1-24 ACTH both at 0800 and 1600 h. In the patients' group, the prestimulated plasma cortisol at 0800 h (250.3+/-169.7 nmol/l) was higher (P<0.001) than that at 1600 h (166.3+/-128.9 nmol/l), while the peak cortisol response was comparable (P>0.05) in the morning as well as in the evening (490.9+/-309.4 vs 464.8+/-318.4). In 27 patients (77%) the morning and evening stimulated cortisol response to 1 microg 1-24 ACTH was consistent (normal in 13 and subnormal in 14) but was discrepant in the remaining 8 (23%). In 7 of these 8 patients, cortisol response was normal at 0800 h but not at 1600 h, while in only one, normal response was seen at 1600 h but not at 0800 h. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The demonstration of normal peak cortisol response to 1 microg 1-24 ACTH at 0800 h but not at 1600 h in substantial number of patients with sellar and suprasellar mass lesions suggests preference to morning for performing this test.