Fugitive dust emission control study for a developed smart dry fog system.

Air pollution due to dust emission is continuously increasing day by day in mining and allied industrial areas. Mining operations contribute a substantial amount of dust emission at the crushing, screening, and bulk material handling in loading areas. The ambient suspended dust particles create a severe nuisance to workers and local dwellers. For effective controlling of positive dust emission, an innovative automated dry fog dust suppression system (DFDSS) has been developed using hybrid nozzles, sensors, actuators, controllers, screw compressors, air receivers, pumps, motors, and water arrangement with filtration facility. The DFDSS was installed in a crushing and screening plant of an iron ore mine in India. Performance study indicted fugitive dust emission concentration values ranged from 354 to 7040 µg m-3, which was reduced to 91-300 µg m-3 after installation of DFDSS. The reduced values were within the permissible limit of 1200 µg m-3 at a distance of 25 ± 2 m in the predominant downwind direction. The installed DFDSS added a meager addition of moisture content of 0.032% in the handling iron ore material, which was below the acceptable limit of 0.1%. The DFDSS precisely regulated fugitive dust emission from various mining activities without affecting the minerals processing performance. Thus, the DFDSS can be implemented effectively in different mining and allied industries where there is a dust emission problem.

Chikungunya Infection: a Global Public Health Menace.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been involved in epidemics in African and Asian subcontinents and, of late, has transcended to affect the Americas. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the major vectors for CHIKV infection, which results in dissemination of virus to various vital organs. Entry of virus into these tissues causes infiltration of innate immune cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and adaptive immune cells. Macrophages bearing the replicating virus, in turn, secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-17. Together, this pro-inflammatory milieu induces osteoclastogenesis, bone loss, and erosion. CHIKV is characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, rash, and symmetric polyarthritis, which is generally self-limiting. In a subset of cases, however, musculoskeletal symptoms may persist for up to 3-5 years. Viral culture and isolation from blood cells of infected patients are the gold standards for diagnosis of CHIKV. In routine practice, however, assays for anti-CHIKV IgM antibodies are used for diagnosis, as elevated levels in blood of infected patients are noted from 10 days following infection for up to 3-6 months. Early diagnosis of CHIKV is possible by nucleic acid detection techniques. Treatment of acute CHIKV is mainly symptomatic, with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and low-dose steroids. No vaccines or anti-viral medicines have been approved for clinical therapy in CHIKV as yet. Hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate have been used in chronic CHIKV infection with variable success.

Implication of organic matter on arsenic and antimony sequestration in sediment: evidence from Sundarban mangrove forest, India.

This study reports the measurement of stability constants for the interaction of As (V and III) and Sb (V and III) with humic substances extracted from aquatic sediments of the Sundarban mangrove forest ecosystem. It was observed that As and Sb formed a slightly more stable association with fulvic acid (FA) than with its humic acid (HA) counterpart. Quenching of fluorescence at increasing As (III and V) or Sb (III and V): FA or HA ratios was obtained that ideally correspond to a 1:1 complexation model. Quite strong complexation of As and Sb by FA and HA occurs at neutral pH, indicating that HA and FA probably markedly affect the mobility of As and Sb in the mangrove environment.

Fortified relaxor ferroelectricity of rare earth substituted 4-layered BaBi3.9RE0.1Ti4O15 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, and Sm) Aurivillius compounds.

In this report, the effect of rare-earth (RE3+) ion substitution on structural, microstructural, and electrical properties in barium bismuth titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) (BBTO) Aurivillius ceramics has been investigated. The Rietveld refinements on X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm that all the samples have an orthorhombic crystal system with A21am space group. Meanwhile, temperature dependent synchrotron XRD patterns reveal that the existence of dual phase in higher temperature region. The randomly oriented plate-like grains are experimentally strived to confirm the distinctive feature of bismuth layered Aurivillius ceramics. The broad band dielectric spectroscopic investigation signifies a shifting of ferroelectric phase transition (Tm) towards low temperature region with a decrease of the RE3+-ionic radii in BBTO ceramics. The origin of diffuse ferroelectric phase transitions followed by stabilization of the relaxor ferroelectric nature at high frequency region is explained using suitable standard models. The temperature dependent ac and dc conductivity results indicate the presence of double ionized oxygen vacancies in BBTO ceramics, whereas the dominance of single ionized oxygen vacancies is observed in RE-substituted BBTO ceramics. The room temperature polarization vs. electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops are shown to be well-shaped symmetric for BBTO ceramics, whereas slim asymmetric ferroelectric characteristics developed at RE-substituted BBTO ceramics.

Prognostic markers in AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the advent and expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity amongst individuals with this infection in resource-limited settings. METHODS: We prospectively studied the clinical, biochemical and mycological parameters of 30 HIV patients diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis at our centre over a period of 6 months with a view to identify prognostic factors predictive of poor outcome. RESULTS: Our study documented a mortality rate of 36.7%. Age, sex and previous diagnosis of HIV had no bearing on the survival outcome of patients. The study identified several poor prognostic factors including low GCS score, papilledema, elevated CSF opening pressure (>250 mm of H2O) and lack of regular HIV care in those with a prior diagnosis of HIV. CSF pleocytosis was significantly higher in the mortality group. CONCLUSION: There have been relatively few attempts to focus on poor prognostic markers associated with AIDS related Cryptococcal meningitis in Asian patients. Our study highlights how simple bedside clinical tools like ophthalmoscopy and CSF manometry can help in risk stratification in this group of patients.

Storage and recycling of major and trace element in mangroves.

The role of mangroves in sequestering metal and nutrients in sediment has been described in the past, but knowledge gaps still exist on storage capacity and recycling fluxes of elements in plant biomass, notably concerning their magnitude in root uptake and loss by litterfall. This study addresses the storage and transport pathways of 16 elements, classified as macro-nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K), micro-nutrients (Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mo), and potential toxicants (Al, Cd, Sn, Pb) in the world's largest mangroves, the Sundarbans. Elemental concentrations in plant organs were generally lower than in the sediment. The stock of macro and micro-nutrients in plant biomass varied from 60 to 2717 and 0.003 to 37.7 Mg ha-1 respectively, with highest values observed for Na and lowest for Cd. The Avicennia species exhibited the maximal accumulation of all elements. Translocation of major elements to different plant organs increased with increasing their concentrations in the sediment. Elemental loss via litterfall indicated that Sundarbans mangrove could act as a source, particularly of Mn, to the Bay of Bengal. Moreover, belowground uptake of the 16 elements showed 2-3 fold higher fluxes than their loss via litterfall. There was a significant retention of some trace elements (notably Mo, Cd, and Sn) in plant biomass, which might allow one to use these mangroves for phytoremediation and restoration purposes. We conclude that mangroves efficiently store and remobilize major and trace elements from the sediments by root uptake and recycle back to sediment surface via litterfall.

Efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil as a Remission Maintaining Agent in Idiopathic Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome.

Of all cases of idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children, 40%-75% cases need long-term continuous steroids and/or other immunosuppressants to maintain remission, the effects of which on growth and renal function remain an issue of concern. The study aimed at exploring the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a remission-maintaining agent in children with a diagnosis of frequent relapsing or steroid-dependent NS (FRNS/SDNS) requiring continuous medication for at least 1 year. Thirty-two children thus included received MMF (1000-1200 mg/m2/day) for 7 months along with tapering doses of oral prednisolone if it was being given from before with an attempt at tapering at 0.25 mg/kg/month ultimately stopping it altogether. Individuals were followed up for at least 5 more months after stopping MMF. Out of 32 children, 26 had SDNS and 6 had FRNS with male:female ratio being 2.2:1. The mean standard deviation (± SD) age of onset of disease was 2.72 ± 1.3 years and that entry to the study was 7.17 ± 2.2 years. Significant fall in number of relapses was observed following the introduction of MMF (110 in pre-MMF12 month period vs. 52 in post-MMF 12 months [p = 0.002]). The mean relapse rate/year/patient also decreased from 3.43 ± 1.26 to 1.62 ± 1.14 after entry in the study. Significant reduction of the cumulative dose of steroid regarding mean ± SD of mg/kg/year was also found following the introduction of MMF (190.9 ± 47.81 vs. 119.09 ± 60.09 [p = 0.001]). MMF is an efficacious agent in maintaining remission and reducing steroid requirement in children with FRNS and SDNS.

Location of multiple binding sites for testo and testo-Pt(II) with tRNA.

We report the binding of testo and testo-Pt(II) complexes (testosterone derivatives) with tRNA in aqueous solution at physiological pH. Thermodynamic parameter ΔH0 -8 to -3 (kJ mol-1), ΔS0 35 to 18 (J mol-1K-1) and ΔG0 -14 to -13 (kJ mol-1) and other spectroscopic results showed drug-tRNA binding occurs via ionic contacts with testo-Pt(II) forming more stable tRNA complexes in comparison to testo: Ktesto-Pt(II)-tRNA= 3.2 (± 0.9) × 105 M-1 > Ktesto-tRNA= 2.1 (± 0.7) × 105 M-1. Molecular modeling showed multiple binding sites for testo and testo-Pt(II) on tRNA molecule. Some of the useful molecular descriptors are calculated. Major structural changes were observed for biopolymers upon drug complexation, while tRNA remains in the A-family structures.

Biocontrol efficiency of odonate nymphs against larvae of the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823.

An estimation of the predatory efficiency of the nymphs of five coexisting odonate species Aeshna flavifrons, Coenagrion kashmirum, Ischnura forcipata, Rhinocypha ignipennis and Sympetrum durum using the fourth-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus as prey, was made under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The daily feeding rate varied among the odonate species, at laboratory conditions. The mean number of IV instars Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae killed per day, ranged between 14 and 64 (64 mosquito larvae for I. forcipata, 57 for A. flavifrons, 45 for R. ignipennis, 25 for S. durum and 14 for C. kashmirum). The prey consumption was linearly related to the number of predators and prey available but inversely related with space. It was also noted that the feeding rates varied significantly between dark and light conditions, in all the odonate species. The presence of nymphs in semi-field conditions significantly lowered the mosquito larval density in dipper samples after 15 days from the introduction, followed by a significant increase of larval mosquito density after 15 days from the withdrawal of the nymphs. The results of the present observations are suggestive of the use of odonate nymphs in temporary pools or larger habitats where they can be a potential biological resource in regulating the larval population of the vector and pest mosquitoes.

Quantification of bone mineral density to define osteoporosis in rat.

The diagnosis of osteoporosis centers on assessment of bone mass and quality. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines to assess bone status in laboratory animals and unsuitability of use of T-/Z-scores meant for clinical application in animal studies, most investigators involved in new drug research and development employ clinical biomarkers and kits to assess bone turnover rate and portray change in bone mineral density (BMD) as percentage of increase/decrease, making comparative assessment of the effect highly impractical. This study proposes threshold boundaries of BMD (rT-score) in colony-bred Sprague-Dawley rats, distinct from those used clinically. Boundaries were obtained keeping fixed Type-I error (alpha=0.025). Femur neck was considered best for defining bone status using BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Findings demonstrate that BMD-1.96 and <-0.80 rT-score as osteopenia. Performance of boundaries to ascertain bone status was examined through simulation under different physiological/ hormonal states viz. estrogen deficiency, ageing, estrus cycle, pregnancy, and lactation. The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 0.98 obtained using BMD of femur neck, being close to unity, shows excellent ability of the proposed rT-score to effectively identify osteoporosis. Further studies using certain hierarchical measures of bone quality such as histomorphometry, mechanical testing etc. could supplement these findings. Since, unlike humans, most laboratory animals including rats only exhibit osteopenia and do not fracture their bones, the proposed thresholds are intended to serve as categorical tools to define bone quality and not to predict fracture risk.

Effect of nanometric grain size on electronic-transport, magneto-transport and magnetic properties of La(0.7)Ba(0.3)MnO(3) nanoparticles.

We have investigated the effect of nanometric grain size on electronic-transport, magneto-transport and magnetic properties of single-phase La(0.7)Ba(0.3)MnO(3) (LBMO) nanoparticles having an average grain size in the nanometric regime (21-35 nm). We have observed that both the metal-insulator transition temperature (T(P)) and para-ferromagnetic transition temperature (T(C)) shift to lower temperature with a decrease in average grain size. For the entire series of samples, a distinct minima in resistivity at a temperature (T(min)) followed by an upturn at a very low temperature (≤47 K) is observed. We have attributed the steeper low temperature (∼47 K) resistivity upturn in the smaller grain size sample than that in the larger grain size sample below T(min) to the increased value of charging energy (E(C)). E(C) has been estimated to be 1.3, 0.56 and 0.04 K for an average grain size of 21, 25 and 30 nm, respectively. Magneto-transport measurements show that the magnitude of low field MR (LFMR) varies with average grain size. In order to investigate the MR behavior of LBMO nanoparticles, we have analyzed our data in the light of a phenomenological model, based on spin-polarized transport of conduction electrons at the grain boundaries. Magneto-transport measurements show that the magnitude of low field MR (LFMR), as well as of high field MR (HFMR), remains constant up to sufficiently high temperature (∼50 K) and then drops sharply with temperature. We found that this strange temperature dependence of MR is decided predominantly by the nature of the temperature response of the surface magnetization (M(S)) of nanosized magnetic particles.

Sex differences in forebrain estrogen receptor regulation of hypoglycemic patterns of counter-regulatory hormone secretion and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus glucoregulatory neurotransmitter and astrocyte glycogen metabolic enzyme expression.

The female ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) is a focal substrate for estradiol (E) regulation of energy balance, feeding, and body weight, but how E shapes VMN gluco-regulatory signaling in each sex is unclear. This study investigated the hypothesis that estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) and/or -beta (ERß) control VMN signals that inhibit [γ-aminobutyric acid] or stimulate [nitric oxide, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)] counter-regulation in a sex-dependent manner. VMN nitrergic neurons monitor astrocyte fuel provision; here, we examined how these ER regulate astrocyte glycogen metabolic enzyme, monocarboxylate transporter, and adrenoreceptor protein responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH) in each sex. Testes-intact male and E-replaced ovariectomized female rats were pretreated by intracerebroventricular ERα antagonist (MPP) or ERß antagonist (PHTPP) administration before IIH. Data implicate both ER in hypoglycemic inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein in each sex and up-regulation of glutamate decarboxylase65/67 and SF-1 expression in females. ERα and -ß enhance astrocyte AMPK and glycogen synthase expression and inhibit glycogen phosphorylase in hypoglycemic females, while ERß suppresses the same proteins in males. Differential VMN astrocyte protein responses to IIH may partially reflect ERα and -ß augmentation of ERß and down-regulation of alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 adrenoreceptor proteins in females, versus ERß repression of GPER and alpha2 adrenoreceptor profiles in males. MPP or PHTPP pretreatment blunted counter-regulatory hormone secretion in hypoglycemic males only, suggesting that in males one or more VMN neurotransmitters exhibiting sensitivity to forebrain ER may passively regulate this endocrine outflow, whereas female forebrain ERα and -ß are apparently uninvolved in these contra-regulatory responses.

Scleredema of Buschke: a rare post-streptococcal complication.

A 19-year male presented with acute onset, gradually progressive symmetric indurations involving the skin over the face, neck, shoulders and upper part of chest following an upper respiratory tract infection. Detailed history and examination did not reveal evidence of Raynauds' phenomenon, nail changes, digital ulcers, pigmentation or any systemic involvement. Autoantibodies for systemic sclerosis were absent. Histopathology of skin biopsy documented scleredema. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer was elevated. We diagnosed a case of Scleredema adultorum of Buschke following a streptococcal throat infection. We report this case to highlight the importance of clinically differentiating this relatively benign, self-limiting disorder from systemic sclerosis.

DNA in nanopores: negative capacitance and delta-relaxation at high frequency.

We measured the high frequency dielectric relaxation behavior of DNA molecules confined in nanopores of polycarbonate membrane. The data revealed the existence of a critical frequency omega(c) approximately GHz at which the ac conductivity showed delta-relaxation. Interestingly, the DNA molecules also exhibited a crossover from positive to negative capacitance corresponding to omega(c). The negative capacitance at the critical frequency suggested a strong inductive behavior of DNA molecules in the high frequency regime. The results are interpreted in terms of the confined geometry of the DNA molecules in the nanopores. The interfacial water H-bonded to DNA played a crucial role in determining the high frequency relaxation of DNA molecules. The results indicated that the DNA in nanopores could be designed for application in high frequency bandpass/notch filters.

Controlled hypotension in day care functional endoscopic sinus surgery: A comparison between esmolol and dexmedetomidine: A prospective, double-blind, and randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the cornerstone of therapeutic management for nasal pathologies. This study is to compare the ability of preoperative and intraoperative esmolol versus dexmedetomidine for producing induced hypotension during FESS in adults in a day care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (20-45 years) posted for FESS under general anesthesia were randomly divided into Group E (n = 30) receiving esmolol, loading dose 1 mg/kg over 1 min followed by 0.5 mg/kg/h infusion during maintenance and Group D (n = 30) receiving dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg over 15 min before induction of anesthesia followed by 0.5 µg/Kg/h infusion during maintenance, respectively. Nasal bleeding and Surgeon's satisfaction score; amount and number of patients receiving fentanyl and nitroglycerine for analgesia and deliberate hypotension, Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and hospital stay; hemodynamic parameters and side effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Significantly less number and dosage of nitroglycerine was required (P = 0.0032 and 0.0001, respectively) in Group D compared to that in Group E. Again the number and dosage of patients requiring fentanyl were significantly lower in Group D. However, the duration of controlled hypotension was almost similar in both the groups. Group D patients suffered from significantly less nasal bleeding, and surgeon's satisfaction score was also high in this group. Discharge from PACU and hospital were significantly earlier in Group D. Intraoperative hemodynamics were quite comparable (P > 0.05) without any appreciable side effects. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine found to be providing more effectively controlled hypotension and analgesia and thus allowing less nasal bleeding as well as more surgeons' satisfaction score.

A comparison between intrathecal clonidine and neostigmine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in the subarachnoid block for elective abdominal hysterectomy operations: A prospective, double-blind and randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adjuvant to the local anesthetic agent has proven benefits when used intrathecally. With regards to intrathecal bupivacaine as control, we have compared in this study the effects of clonidine and neostigmine when co-administered intrathecally with hyperbaric (0.5%) bupivacaine for abdominal hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted from May 2009 to June 2011. A total of 150 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiology grades I and II scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into three groups. A volume of 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was respectively added 1 ml solution containing 5% dextrose and 75 mcg of neostigmine in Group N, 1 ml containing 5% dextrose and 30 mcg of clonidine in Group C and 1 ml of 5% dextrose in Group D (control). We compared the sensory and motor block, the surgical condition, the duration of spinal analgesia and the side-effect profile. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS: Sensory and motor blocks and duration of spinal analgesia were significantly increased in both Group C and Group N compared to Group D. More incidences of Nausea and vomiting were observed in Group N compared to other groups. The surgical condition was poorer in Group N compared to Group C. CONCLUSION: Both intrathecal clonidine and neostigmine increase the bupivacaine-induced spinal block. However, clonidine provides better surgical condition and fewer incidences of nausea and vomiting.

Induced hypotension in ambulatory functional endoscopic sinus surgery: A comparison between dexmedetomidine and clonidine as premedication. A prospective, double-blind, and randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the mainstay of a therapeutic technique for nasal pathologies. This study is to compare the ability of preoperative dexmedetomidine versus clonidine for producing controlled hypotensive anesthesia during FESS in adults in an ambulatory care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (25-50 years) posted for ambulatory FESS procedures under general anesthesia were randomly divided into Group C and D (n = 33 each) receiving dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and clonidine 1.5 µg/kg, respectively; both diluted in 100 ml saline solution 15 min before anesthetic induction. Nasal bleeding and surgeon's satisfaction score; amount and number of patients receiving fentanyl and nitroglycerine for analgesia and deliberate hypotension, duration of hypotension, post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital stay; hemodynamic parameters and side effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Number and dosage of nitroglycerine used was significantly (P = 0.034 and 0.0001 respectively) lower in Group D compared to that in Group C. Similarly, number of patients requiring fentanyl and dosage of same was significantly lower in Group D. But, the duration of controlled hypotension was almost similar in both the groups. Group D patients suffered from significantly less nasal bleeding and surgeon's satisfaction score was also high in this group. Discharge from PACU was significantly earlier in Group D, but hospital discharge timing was quite comparable among two groups. Intraoperative hemodynamics was significantly lower in Group D (P < 0.05) without any appreciable side effects. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine found to be providing more effectively controlled hypotension and analgesia, and thus, allowing less nasal bleeding as well as more surgeons' satisfaction score.

Primary amino acid sequence and structure of human pyruvate carboxylase.

Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) (pyruvate:carbon dioxide ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.4.1.1.), a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme, catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate. We have isolated and characterized cDNAs spanning the entire coding region of human PC. The sequence of human PC has an open reading frame of 3537 nucleotides which encodes for a polypeptide with a length of 1178 amino acids. The identity of the cDNA as PC is confirmed by comparison to PC cDNAs of other species and sequenced peptide fragments of mammalian PC. The M(r) of the full length precursor protein is 129,576 and that of the mature apoprotein is 127,370. RNA blot analysis from a variety of human tissues demonstrates that the highest level of PC mRNA is found in liver corresponding to this tissue's high level of PC activity. Based on homology with other biotin-containing proteins, the ATP, pyruvate, and biotin-binding sites can be identified. One of two patients with documented PC deficiency was found to be missing PC mRNA, further confirming the identity of this cDNA.

A novel mechanism of plasmin-induced mitogenesis in fibroblasts.

The plasminogen activator/plasmin system is believed to play an important role in diverse pathophysiological processes, including wound healing, vascular remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis. Our recent studies show that plasmin upregulates the expression of Cyr61, a growth factor-like gene that has been implicated in cell proliferation and migration. In the present study, we investigated whether plasmin promotes fibroblast proliferation and, if so, determine the role of Cyr61 in the plasmin-induced response. Human lung fibroblasts were exposed to varying concentrations of plasmin and DNA synthesis was monitored by measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. Plasmin increased DNA synthesis of fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1)-specific antibodies, but not PAR-2-specific antibodies, reduced the plasmin-induced DNA synthesis. Consistent with this, plasmin had no substantial effect on the DNA synthesis in PAR-1-deficient mouse fibroblasts. Plasmin activated both p38 and p44/42 MAPKs and specific inhibitors of these pathways inhibited the plasmin-induced DNA synthesis. Plasmin-induced increase in the DNA synthesis was completely abrogated by anti-Cyr61 antibodies. Interestingly, thrombin, which is a potent inducer of Cyr61, had only a minimal effect on fibroblast proliferation. Additional experiments suggested that plasmin cleaved cell/extracellular matrix-associated Cyr61 and the conditioned media from plasmin-treated cells could support the cell proliferation. Overall, these data suggest that plasmin promotes fibroblast proliferation by a novel pathway, involving two independent steps. In the first step, plasmin induces Cyr61 expression via activation of PAR-1, and in the second step, plasmin releases Cyr61 deposited in the extracellular matrix, thus making it accessible to act on cells.

Mannitol in intracerebral hemorrhage: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the usefulness of mannitol in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. METHOD: 128 CT proven supratentorial ICH patients within 6 days of ictus were randomized into study and control groups. The study group received mannitol 20%, 100 ml every 4 h for 5 days, tapered in the next 2 days. The control group received sham infusion. Primary endpoint was 1-month mortality and secondary endpoint functional disability at 3 months assessed by Barthel index score. RESULTS: There were 65 patients in study and 63 in control groups. The study and control groups were evenly matched regarding age, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) score, pupillary asymmetry, pyramidal signs on non-hemiplegic side, and location, midline shift and ventricular extension of hematoma. At 1 month, 16 patients died in each group. The primary and secondary endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Low dose mannitol does not seem to be beneficial in patients with ICH.