Assessment of genetic diversity of the fat-tailed Dumba sheep of India by mitochondrial and microsatellite markers.

India has a centuries-old tradition of sheep production and breeding that accomplish economic, agricultural, and religious roles. In addition to the 44 registered sheep breeds, there is a fat-tailed sheep population referred to as Dumba. This study evaluated genetic variation in Dumba sheep and its differentiation from other Indian sheep breeds using mitochondrial DNA and genomic microsatellite loci. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity based on mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed substantially high maternal genetic diversity in Dumba sheep. Major ovine haplogroups A and B observed in sheep populations across the globe registered their presence in the Dumba sheep. The molecular genetic analysis using microsatellite markers also showed high measures of allele (10.125 ± 0.762) and gene diversity (0.749 ± 0.029). Results correspond to the non-bottleneck population that is near mutation-drift equilibrium despite some deficiency in the number of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.043 ± 0.059). Phylogenetic clustering confirmed Dumba to be a distinct population. Results of this study endow authorities with critical information imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of Indian fat-tailed sheep, which is considered to be an untapped genetic resource contributing to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural households in marginal areas of the country.

Comparative study of functional outcomes of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using anteromedial portal and translateral all-inside technique.

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common in the active population of the Armed Forces. Symptomatic instability prompts individuals to seek a cure or a sheltered appointment. Despite the increasing numbers of ACL reconstructions performed, the outcomes have not been so spectacular with only a meager percentage of our patients returning to preinjury levels of activity. With the premise that an all-inside ACL reconstruction is likely to result in better functional outcomes, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term functional outcomes of a large consecutive series of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using the translateral all-inside ACL reconstruction technique (AI) and standard anteromedial portal technique (AM) with a minimum follow-up of one year. Methods: A total of 240 patients with isolated ACL tear underwent ACL reconstruction via the AI or AM technique. Their preoperative and postoperative scores were compared to look for any significant differences in functional outcomes. Results: The two groups were matched for age, BMI, mechanism of injury, and interval from injury to surgery. There was no difference in their preoperative scores. Postoperatively, although there were significant improvements across both groups, there was no significant difference between the groups at any point of time. Conclusion: The AI technique has garnered interest in recent literature in addressing ACL injuries. This study found no discernible benefit of the AI technique when compared to the AM technique in terms of functionality following an ACL reconstruction at any point of time up to 1 year following surgery.

Occurrence, molecular characterization and antimicrobial-resistance pattern of Staphylococcus species isolates from buck semen.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent pathogens, and a causative agent of a variety of infections in humans and animals. Most studies concentrated on characterization of staphylococcus isolates and its antimicrobial resistance from various illness of veterinary importance, but there is no specific study that is available on isolates from reproductive tract of small ruminants and especially its semen. Hence, in the current study, a total of 48 semen samples were collected from healthy bucks of different breeds to investigate the occurrence of S. aureus. Antimicrobial resistance and virulence of the Staphylococcus isolates were determined to assess the adverse effects of them on buck fertility. The bacterial isolates were tentatively confirmed as Staphylococcus spp. based on the Gram's staining, growth on Mannitol salt agar and catalase test. Overall, 75% (n = 36) of the samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp. from the total 48 buck semen ejaculates from different breeds and among them 23 (63.89%) were coagulase-negative (CoNS) and 13 (36.11%) were coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) strains. The species identified by molecular characterization are S. aureus, S. chromogenes, S. haemolyticus, S. sciuri, S. simulans, and S. epidermidis from buck semen. Further, these isolates exhibited varying degrees of multidrug resistance genotypically as well as phenotypically. The presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes may pose a potential threat to reproductive health of animals, the animal handlers and livestock keepers, while simultaneously highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring of these isolates at the time of semen cryopreservation.

Hydraulic performance, consolidation characteristics and shear strength analysis of bentonites in the presence of fly-ash, sewage sludge and paper-mill leachates for landfill application.

A rapid upsurge in urban and industrial developments leads to increased generations of solid wastes. The most accepted technique of waste discarding around the world is landfilling. Leaching chemicals from municipal dumping grounds can pollute the groundwater source and the surrounding environment without appropriate precautionary measures. Bentonite is a low-cost constituent used as a liner material in landfills due to its low permeability, high sealing ability, high specific surface area, and the ability to hold up the impurity migration through adsorption. However, leachate interaction with bentonite may alter its properties and reduce its usefulness as a barrier material in the long term. Also, bentonite having different chemical and mineralogical compositions will behave differently due to the leachate interaction. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the performance of various bentonites in the presence of leachates. In the present investigation, two Indian bentonites of different mineralogical compositions were studied for their change in the index properties, swelling, swelling potential, swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity, consolidation parameters and shear strength properties in the presence of fly ash, sewage sludge and paper mill leachates. The outcomes showed that in the presence of all the leachates, liquid limit, free swell, compression index, swelling potential, swelling pressure, time to complete 90% of consolidation and shear strength dropped; whereas, hydraulic conductivity and coefficient of consolidation increased. Besides, the quality of bentonite prominently influenced the hydraulic, strength and swelling behaviour. The bentonite having a higher cation exchange capacity, liquid limit, specific surface area, and swelling capability undergoes a higher variability in the free swell (80.0, 73.8 and 76.9% decline), liquid limit (73.5, 61.7 and 69.2% decline), swelling potential (61.3, 55.7 and 51.0% decline), swelling pressure (53.3 and 56.4% decrease), and hydraulic conductivity (57.5, 8.6 and 41.1 times increase at a void ratio of 1.2) values when infused with fly ash, sewage sludge and paper mill leachates, respectively. The study also showed that the fly ash leachate interaction causes a higher variation in bentonite behaviour than sewage sludge and paper mill leachates. The study's findings would prove beneficial to design engineers for selecting bentonite types for landfill liners.

Synthesis and evaluation of technetium-99m labelled 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine derivative for single photon emission computed tomography imaging for targeting 5-HT1A.

Quantitative changes in expression level of 5HT1A are somewhere related to common neurological disorders such as anxiety, major depression and schizophrenia. We have designed EDTA conjugated SPECT imaging probe for localization of 5HT1A receptor in brain. For designing SPECT probe we have employed the concept of bivalent approach and a homodimeric system with desirable pharmacokinetics of 5HT1A imaging. 99mTc-EDHT was also evaluated for its stability through serum stability assay and glutathione challenge experiment. Biodistribution study showed the highest accumulation of radioactivity in kidney which depicted the renal mode of excretion from the body. However in brain the uptake of 1.21% ID per gram was observed in initial 5 min of drug administration. On blocking the receptor this percent get decreased to 0.97% ID per gram. The regional distribution in brain was also performed which showed the accumulation of drug in cerebellum, cortex and hippocampus part, which are already known for 5HT1A expression. Dynamic study in rabbit is also in support of results derived from biodistribution and blood kinetics experiment. These finding suggest that 99mTc-EDHT holds promising place for further optimization before nuclear medicine applications in different animal species.

Semen quality and total microbial load: An association study in important Indian Goat breeds during different seasons.

The invasion of the male urogenital tract by microorganisms, and its subsequent effects on sperm fertilising ability, has not been well discussed in bucks. The present study was conducted to assess the bacterial load in fresh semen of the 2-6 years old bucks. For conducting the experiment, semen ejaculates from 18 bucks (6 from each breed namely Jakhrana, Jamunapari and Barbari) were used. We collected 5 ejaculates from each buck in each season (Summer-April to June, Rainy-July to Sept and Winter-November to January). Semen was collected with the artificial vagina (AV) method, and separate AV was used for each buck every time. The semen collection frequency was once in a week. Immediately after initial evaluation, collected semen samples were transferred to the microbiology laboratory of the institute. Thereafter, the semen samples were subjected to bacteriological examination to assess the microbial load. The results of the current study indicate that the microbial load in the semen was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Jamunapari bucks and in aged bucks. Bacteriospermia in different seasons was not significantly varied; however, nonsignificant increase in microbial load during the rainy season was observed. Overall, the average bacterial load in the semen of Jamunapari, Barbari and Jakhrana bucks was found 540.50 ± 55.88 CFU/ml, 391.81 ± 46.33CFU/ml and 388.93 ± 44.71 CFU/ml respectively. No significant difference in bacterial counts in the subsequent ejaculates among bucks was observed. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that the proportions of motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were negatively influenced by the increased bacterial contamination of buck semen.

Impact of real and simulated municipal solid waste leachates on the hydraulic and swelling behaviour of bentonites for landfill application.

For the efficient functioning of a landfill, compacted bentonite is an acclaimed liner element due to its excellent adsorption capability, minimal hydraulic conductivity, and superior specific surface area (SSA). However, the leachate generation within the landfill worsens the liner material's quality, causing migration of the leachates, contaminating groundwater, and causing pollution of surrounding environment. With this perspective, a comparative assessment of the influence of real and simulated municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate on two different bentonites has been carried out in the present investigation. The two bentonites, differing precisely by their cation exchange capacity (CEC), liquid limit (LL), and swelling capability, were examined for variation in their LL, free swell (FS), and hydraulic behaviour concerning their interaction with both leachates. Results depicted that in both the leachates, LL and FS, swelling potential (SP) and pressure declined, whereas hydraulic conductivity (HC) rose. Furthermore, the bentonite quality greatly influenced the LL, FS, SP, swelling pressure, and hydraulic behaviour. Bentonite having higher CEC, SSA, and swelling ability experienced a higher variability in the LL (55.5 and 65.2% decrease), free swelling (76.9 and 83.1% decrease), SP, swelling pressure (53.3 and 56.4% decrease), and HC (13.1 and 49.4 times increase) values when permeated with simulated and real MSW leachates, respectively. The study also showed that the real MSW leachate interaction causes a higher variation in bentonite behaviour than its simulated counterpart. The study's findings would prove beneficial to design engineers for selecting bentonite types for landfill liners.

Tryptophan conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for targeting tumors overexpressing indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) and L-type amino acid transporter.

Tryptophan is an amino acid required by all life forms for protein synthesis and other important metabolic functions. It is metabolized in the body using the kynurenine pathway which involves the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) and its transport is regulated through the L-type amino acid transporters (LAT 1). IDO and LAT 1 are found to be overexpressed in many cancers i.e., ovarian, lung colorectal etc. In this study we have used this specific interaction as the basis for designing diagnostic agent based on iron oxide nanoparticles which can specifically target the IDO/LAT 1 over expressing tumors. We have conjugated tryptophan to the surface of super-paramagnetic nanoparticles chemically using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane as a linker. The synthesized tryptophan conjugated magnetic nano-conjugate has been characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis, TEM for its shape size, charge and NMR and Mass for conjugation. The magnetization studies show decrease in the magnetic behavior after conjugation however the desired super-paramagnetic property is still retained as shown by the signature sigmoidal B-H curve. The nano-conjugate shows minimal cytotoxicity over 24 h as shown by the SRB assay in two cell lines A-549, MCF-7. Using 99mTc labeling the biodistribution and the blood kinetics of the magnetic nano-conjugate was evaluated. The study highlights the suitability of the designed magnetic Nano bioconjugate as a potential bimodal diagnostic agent.

Molecular detection of important abortion-causing microorganisms in preputial swab of breeding bucks using PCR-based assays.

Infectious diseases and aetiological agents related to female reproductive systems were extensively covered compared to its male counterpart. There needs a proper study to bridge this gap, where microflora and infectious agents of both male and female reproductive are mutually intelligible. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of the preputial cavity and also screened for abortion-causing agents which are zoonotic as well. In goats, such types of abortions are caused by Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila, Campylobacter and Coxiella etc. One of the major sources of contamination of semen is the preputial cavity, which is exposed to the external environment leading to spread of infection into the female via semen straws or by natural service. In the current study, good quality bucks (n = 32, Barbari = 12, Jamunapari = 10, Jakhrana = 10) which were routinely used for semen collection were screened for their preputial swabs, for the presence of the above pathogens. For detection of Brucella melitensis, OMP31 based TaqMan® probe real-time PCR assay was used, and for Chlamydia, 16srRNA gene based SYBR® green real-time PCR assay was employed for detection of Chlamydophila abortus. While for Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii, 16srRNA gene based conventional PCR and Trans-PCR were used, respectively. In the current study, of the screened preputial swabs, none of them showed positive for Brucella and Coxiella, but of the screened 32 samples 17 showed positive for Chlamydia (53.13%) and two (6.25%) showed positive for Campylobacter spp. The current study emphasizes on the farms and laboratories which were regularly involved in screening of brucellosis also often overlook the other potential non-brucella pathogens, causing abortions eventually incurring severe economic losses to the goat keepers.

Effect of diluent sugars on capacitation status and acrosome reaction of spermatozoa in buck semen at refrigerated temperature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of a better sugar suitable for storage of goat semen at refrigerated temperature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: For this experiment, semen was collected from eight Jakhrana bucks maintained at Jakhrana unit, ICAR-CIRG, at twice a week interval using artificial vagina. Collected semen was preliminary evaluated, and better semen samples were pooled and divided into two parts. One part of the pooled semen was diluted in egg yolk, Tris, citric acid, and fructose diluter, whereas second part was diluted in egg yolk, Tris, citric acid, and glucose diluter. Then semen samples were kept in equilibration chamber for 4 h at 5 °C after proper dilution. Both the semen samples were evaluated for viability, motility, plasma membrane integrity, sperm abnormality, lipid peroxidation, acrosomal integrity, and capacitation status at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after dilution. RESULTS: Significantly (P < 0.05) higher motility was observed at 24 h in extender containing glucose as compared with extender containing fructose but motility was decreased at 48 h and 72 h. Number of capacitated sperm increased significantly (P < 0.05) and acrosomal integrity was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 72 h in extender containing glucose. The other parameters like viability and plasma membrane integrity were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 72 h and lipid peroxidation as well as sperm abnormality increased significantly (P < 0.05) in extender containing glucose. CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that fructose is better diluent sugar for refrigerated storage of buck semen.

Potent Acetylcholinesterase Selective and Reversible Homodimeric Agent Based on Tacrine for Theranostics.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been an important biomarker for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to reduction in AChE activity in post-mortem brains of AD patients. A potent, selective, and reversible homodimeric inhibitor of AChE, 5-amino- N1, N3-bis(2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-9-ylamino)ethyl)isophthalamide (compound 4), was synthesized by using 9-alkyl(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine) pharmacophore with appended functionality. In the present work, we report the synthesis of this bivalent inhibitor of AChE. The homodimeric ligand structure was designed and studied with molecular docking tools, which revealed its high affinity and interactions with active site gorge of AChE, which includes both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral active site (PAS). The IC50 value of this bivalent inhibitor for AChE and BuChE were 0.54 ± 0.06 and 32.49 ± 1.2 nM, respectively, with a selectivity ratio of 60.16 toward AChE. The designed ligand also showed potent inhibitory properties on PAS activity as well as on AChE-induced amyloid aggregation with low cytotoxicity on rat hippocampal neurons. The AFM images further corroborated the Aß1-42 aggregation inhibition by compound 4 to an extent similar to bis(7)-tacrine. Moreover, the bivalent ligand was also proven to be of neurogenic potential due to its ability to induce S-phase post-treatment in rat hippocampal neuronal cells. On the basis of initial results, the agent could be further explored for its theranostic value clinically, which gives the possibility of tracing the AChE levels by molecular imaging techniques in correlation with progression of neurocognitive disorders like AD for better therapy response and patient management.

Bendamustine-PAMAM Conjugates for Improved Apoptosis, Efficacy, and in Vivo Pharmacokinetics: A Sustainable Delivery Tactic.

Successful delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent like bendamustine still remains a challenge in clinical conditions like chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and multiple myeloma. We have conjugated bendamustine to polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers after conjugating with N-(hydroxyethyl)maleimide (spacer) via an ester bond. The particle size of PAMAM-bendamustine conjugate was 49.8 ± 2.5 nm. In vitro drug release resulted in sustained release with improved solution stability of drug up to 72 h. In a 24 h cytotoxicity study by MTT assay against human monoblastic leukemia cells (THP-1), the IC50 value for PAMAM-bendamustine was 32.1 ± 4.8 µM compared to 50.42 ± 3.4 µM and 2303 ± 106.5 µM for bendamustine and PAMAM dendrimer, respectively. Significantly higher cell uptake and apoptosis were observed in THP-1 cells by PAMAM-bendamustine conjugate which was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Preliminary in vivo studies undertaken included pharmacokinetics studies, organ distribution studies, and tumor inhibition studies. In healthy Wistar rat model (1CBM IV push model), the pharmacokinetic studies revealed that bioavailability and t1/2 increased significantly, i.e., almost 8.5-fold (193.8 ± 1.116 vs 22.8 ± 0.158 µg mL-1/h) and 5.1-fold (0.75 ± 0.005 vs 3.85 ± 0.015 h), respectively, for PAMAM-bendamustine conjugate compared to pure bendamustine ( p < 0.05), however, clearance and volume of distribution were found to be decreased compared to those of free drug. The study suggests that PAMAM-bendamustine conjugate was not only stable for the longer period but also least toxic and highly taken up by THP-1 cells to exert an anticancer effect at the reduced dose. Tumor inhibition and biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice revealed that PAMAM-bendamustine conjugate was more effective than the pure drug and showed higher accumulation in the tumor.

Correction to: Radiolabeled PLGA Nanoparticles for Effective Targeting of Bendamustine in Tumor Bearing Mice.

The typesetter did not use the Fig. 6 provided by the author with his proof corrections, and instead duplicated Fig. 7 by the Fig. 6 caption. The original article has been corrected.

Radiolabeled PLGA Nanoparticles for Effective Targeting of Bendamustine in Tumor Bearing Mice.

PURPOSE: Bendamustine is an important drug for the treatment of chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, its delivery is challenging due to its instability. Current approach reports the development and characterization of bendamustine encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles for the effective targeting to leukemic cells. METHODS: The prepared, bendamustine loaded PLGA nanoparticles (BLPNP) were developed and characterized for particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index. The formed nanoparticles were further characterized with the help of electron microscopy for surface morphology. The formed nanoparticles were evaluated for cytotoxicity, cell uptake, ROS and cell apoptosis against THP-1 leukemic cells as a part of in vitro evaluation. In vivo organ bio-distribution and tumor regression studies were performed to track in vivo behaviour of BLPNP. RESULTS: The average particle size was 138.52 ± 3.25 nm, with 0.192 ± 0.036 PDI and - 25.4 ± 1.38 mV zeta potential. TEM images revealed the homogeneous particle size distribution with uniform shape. In vitro release exhibited a sustained drug-release behaviour up to 24 h. Cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells through MTT assay observed IC50 value of 27.8 ± 2.1 µM for BLPNP compared to pure drug, which was 50.42 ± 3.4 µM. Moreover, in vitro studies like cell-uptake and cell apoptosis studies further confirmed the higher accumulation of BLPNP in comparison to the pure drug. Organ distribution and tumor regression studies were performed to track in vivo behaviour of bendamustine loaded nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: The overall study described a promising approach in terms of safety, least erythrocytic toxicity, better IC50 value with enhance tumor targeting and regression.

Anxiolytic actions of Nardostachys jatamansi via GABA benzodiazepine channel complex mechanism and its biodistribution studies.

Nardostachys jatamansi has profound applications against pharmacological interventions and is categorized as a hypno-sedative drug according to Ayurveda. In the present study probable mechanism of anxiolytic action of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE) was studied using behavioral anxiolytic tests (Elevated plus maze, Open field test, Light dark box test, and Vogel's conflict test) in mice. Mice were treated orally with NJE (250 mg/kg) for 3, 7 and 14 days or diazepam (1 mg/kg) followed by behavioral assessment and estimation of monoamine neurotransmitters, GABA, and antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of mice for 7 days caused an increase in time spent in open arms in elevated plus maze, number of line crossings in open field test, increased time spent in lit compartment of light-dark box test, an increase in number of licks made and shocks accepted in Vogel's conflict test, with results comparable to diazepam and this treatment also caused a significant increase in monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in brain and tissue antioxidant parameters. Co-treatment of NJE with flumazenil (GABA-benzodiazepine antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg i.p) or picrotoxin (GABAA gated chloride channel blocker; 1 mg/kg i.p) caused a blockage/antagonised anxiolytic actions of NJE by causing a significant reduction in time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze, an decrease in number of line crossing in open field test and also number of shocks and licks accepted in Vogel's conflict test. Further, NJE was radiolabelled with technetium99m at their hydroxyl groups following which purity as well as in vivo and in vitro stability of radiolabelled formulations was evaluated. The blood kinetics and in vivo bio-distribution studies were carried out in rabbits and mice respectively. Labeled formulation was found to be stable in vitro (96 to 93% stability) and in vivo (96 to 92% stability). The labeled compound was cleared rapidly from blood (within 24 h) and accumulated majorly in kidneys (11.65 ± 1.33), liver (6.07 ± 0.94), and blood (4.03 ± 0.63) after 1 h. However, a small amount was observed in brain (0.1 ± 0.02) probably because of its inability to cross blood-brain barrier. These results highlight biodistribution pattern of NJE, and also indicated that a 7-day treatment with NJE produced significant anxiolytic effects in mice and also a significant increase in brain monoamine and GABA neurotransmitter levels and suggests that anxiolytic effects of NJE are primarily and plausibly mediated by activating GABAergic receptor complex.

New Trends and Current Status of Positron-Emission Tomography and Single-Photon-Emission Computerized Tomography Radioligands for Neuronal Serotonin Receptors and Serotonin Transporter.

The critical role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and its receptors (5-HTRs) in the pathophysiology of diverse neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders render them attractive diagnostic and therapeutic targets for brain disorders. Therefore, the in vivo assessment of binding of 5-HT receptor ligands under a multitude of physiologic and pathologic scenarios may support more-accurate identification of disease and its progression and the patient's response to therapy as well as the screening of novel therapeutic strategies. The present Review aims to focus on the current status of radioligands used for positron-emission tomography (PET) and single-photon-emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging of human brain serotonin receptors. We further elaborate upon and emphasize the attributes that qualify a radioligand for theranostics on the basis of its frequency of use in clinics, its benefit to risk assessment in humans, and its continuous evolution, along with the major limitations.

Preparation and evaluation of biopolymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery system in effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: The study purposes to evaluate nanocrystalline biopolymeric nanoparticles encapsulating methotrexate and dexamethasone with high biocompatibility, enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity. METHODS: Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation, and Methotrexate (MTX) and Dexamethasone (DEX) were loaded during the preparation and screened for their in vitro efficacy in HEK and RAW264.7 cells, ex vivo and in vivo efficacy. RESULTS: FTIR confirmed the involvement of phosphoric group of sTPP with amine groups of chitosan and also role of hydrogen bonding involved in the preparation of MTXCHNP and DEXCHNP. Controlled release patterns coupled with diffusion of drug were observed in two different buffers (PBS) at pH 7.4 and pH 5.8. The IC50 for MTXCHNP for HEK was 26.1 µg/ml and 7.7 µg/ml for RAW 264.7 cells. In DEXCHNP, the IC50 was 20.12 µg/ml for HEK and 7.37 µg/ml for RAW264.7 cells. Enhanced uptake of FITC-CHNP by RAW cells indicated internalization of nanoparticles by phagocytosis. The enhanced release of drug at lower pH justified increased cytotoxicity. Negligible ex-vivo hemolysis indicated the higher biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. 99mTc-CHNP exhibited maximum absorption in blood circulation in 3 h, followed by hepatic metabolism and renal clearance. Higher in-vivo anti-arthritic activity and antioxidant activity was observed post-intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections by both MTXCHNP and DEXCHNP when compared to MTX (0.75 mg/Kg by i.p. route) and DEX (0.2 mg/Kg/i.p./daily) per se. CONCLUSION: The nanocrystalline biopolymeric nanoparticles were stable, biocompatible and have potential to be administered through i.p. route with minimal toxicity and high efficacy.

Allogenic bone grafts in post-traumatic juxta-articular defects: Need for allogenic bone banking.

Allogenic bone banking provide both structural and granular bone grafts for various orthopaedic, spinal, oncological and dental surgeries. However allogenic bones, presently, are not readily available. This article discusses the clinical applications of the allogenic grafts, the screening criteria and procedure for maintenance of such a bone banking facility. This article demonstrates the effective role of allogenic bone in a case of post-traumatic bone loss situation and discusses the growing need and present situation of bone banking in our country.

Biotinidase Resistant 68Gallium-Radioligand Based on Biotin/Avidin Interaction for Pretargeting: Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation.

A new macrocyclic system 2,2'-(12-amino-11,13-dioxo-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane-4,7-diyl)diacetic acid (ATRIDAT) was designed for coordinating metals in +2 and +3 oxidation states particularly 68Ga(III), for PET imaging. ATRIDAT was conjugated to d-biotin for pretargeting via biotin-avidin interaction. This model provides high tumor targeting efficiency and stability to biotinidase activity leading to modest signal amplification at the tumor site. Cyclization of triethylenetetramine with protected diethylamino malonate resulted in the formation of 13 membered diamide ring. d-Biotin was then anchored on the pendant amine rendering α-methyne carbon to the biotinamide bond which blocks the biotinidase enzyme activity. Biotinidase stability assay showed remarkable stability toward the action of biotinidase with ∼95% remaining intact after treatment following 4 h. Binding affinity experiments such as HABA assay, competitive displacement studies with d-biotin and CD showed high binding affinity of the molecule with avidin in nanomolar range. Biotin conjugate was successfully radiolabeled with 68Ga(III) with radiolabeling efficiency of ∼70% and then purified to get 99.9% radiochemical yield. IC50 of the compound was found to be 2.36 mM in HEK cell line and 0.82 mM in A549 as assessed in MTT assay. In biodistribution studies, the major route of excretion was found to be renal. Significant uptake of 4.15 ± 0.35% was observed in tumor in the avidin pretreated mouse at 1 h. µPET images also showed a high tumor to muscle ratio of 26.8 and tumor to kidney ratio of 1.74 at 1 h post-injection after avidin treatment.

Geotechnical performance of black cotton clay in the presence of lead and cadmium solutions for geoenvironmental application.

The usage of bentonites and sand-bentonite mixtures as liners has become prevalent due to their low permeability. However, these materials are scarce and prohibitively expensive in India. Black cotton clay (BCC) was chosen as an alternative clay liner for this research due to its abundance in India and its mineralogical composition. Since heavy metals accumulation in municipal landfills is a rising issue with devastating effects on the ecosystem and human health, in this investigation, two heavy metals (lead and cadmium) were intended as permeants at three different concentrations (100, 500, and 1000 ppm) to imitate the impact of heavy metal leachate on BCC. The essential index and engineering properties of BCC were evaluated and compared under these two permeants from the liner perspective. Experimental results revealed that the free swell index, Atterberg limits, swelling and swelling pressures were reduced for a rise in concentration irrespective of metal type. However, this reduction was more with cadmium permeants compared to lead. The measured swelling data was compared with predicted swelling data using a rectangular hyperbola model, and a good correlation was achieved. The hydraulic conductivity (k) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values were increased for a rise in concentration with both metal permeants. At 1000 ppm concentration, the k values were raised to 3.5 and 6.7 times, and UCS values were enhanced by 8.3 and 5.5% for lead and cadmium permeants, respectively. At high concentrations, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results showed the formation of huge voids and aggregation.