Ultrasound-driven facile fabrication of Pd doped SnO2 hierarchical superstructures: Structural, growth mechanism, dermatoglyphics, and anti-cancer activity.

This research introduces a novel method that leverages Spirulina extract (S.E) as a bio-surfactant in the ultrasound-assisted synthesis (UAS) of Pd3+ (0.25-10 mol%) doped tin oxide (SnO2) self-assembled superstructures. Nanotechnology has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the exploration of novel synthesis methods and the development of advanced nanomaterials tailored for specific applications. Metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly SnO2, have garnered considerable attention due to their versatile properties and potential applications in various fields, including gas sensing, catalysis, and biomedical engineering. The study explores how varying influential parameters like S.E concentration, sonication time, pH, and sonication power can influence the resulting superstructures' morphology, size, and shape. A theoretical model for forming different hierarchical superstructures (HS) is proposed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the crystalline tetragonal rutile phase of the SnO2:Pd HS. Raman spectroscopy reveals a red shift in the A1g mode, indicating phonon confinement due to various defects in the SnO2 structure. Further characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provides insights into particle size, surface morphology, elemental composition, and binding energy. The study also demonstrates the application of optimized SnO2:3Pd HS in developing latent fingerprints (LFPs) on different surfaces using a simple powder dusting (PD) method, with the fingerprints (FPs) visualized under normal light. A mathematical model developed in Python-based software is used to analyze various features of the developed FPs, including pore properties such as number, position, inter-spacing, area, and shape. Additionally, an in vitro MTT assay shows concentration-dependent anticancer activity of SnO2:3Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on MCF7 cell lines, highlighting their potential as a promising cancer treatment option. Overall, the study suggests that the optimized HS can serve as multifunctional platforms for biomedical and dermatoglyphics applications, demonstrating the versatility and potential of the synthesized materials.

Peroxide-enhanced endoanal ultrasound in preoperative assessment of complex fistula-in-ano.

BACKGROUND: In complex fistula-in-ano, preoperative imaging can help identify secondary tracts and abscesses that can be missed, leading to recurrence. We evaluated hydrogen peroxide-enhanced endoanal ultrasound (PEEUS) in the characterization of fistula compared with standard clinical and operative assessment. METHODS: Patients with complex fistula-in-ano treated between February 2008 and May 2009 at our institution were prospectively evaluated by PEEUS with recording of the preoperative clinical examination and intraoperative details of the fistula. Of the 135 patients with fistula-in-ano, 68 met the inclusion criteria for complex fistula-in-ano. Correlation of clinical findings and PEEUS to the gold standard intraoperative findings was assessed in characterizing the fistula. The percent agreement between the clinical and PEEUS findings against the gold standard was derived, and the kappa statistic for agreement was determined. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 42.54 ± 10.86 years. The fistula tracts were curvilinear, high, and transsphincteric in 16 (23.53%), 8 (11.76%), and 42 (61.76%) patients, respectively. Secondary tracts and associated abscess cavities were seen in 28 (33.82%) and 35 (51.47%) patients, respectively. PEEUS correlated better than clinical examination with regard to site (92.65 vs 79.41%; p < 0.001) and course (91.18 vs 77.94%; p < 0.001) of secondary tract and associated abscesses (89.71 vs 80.88%; p = 0.02). There was a trend of better correlation of PEEUS compared to clinical examination in classifying the primary tract as per Park's system (88.24 vs 79.41%; p = 0.06), but it did not reach statistical significance. PEEUS and clinical examination were comparable in correlation of the level of the primary tract (kappa: 0.86 vs 0.78; p = 0.22) and the site of internal opening (kappa: 0.97 vs 0.89; p = 0.22). The operative decision was changed in 13 (19.12%) subjects based on PEEUS findings. CONCLUSIONS: PEEUS is a feasible and efficient tool in the routine preoperative assessment of complex fistula-in-ano.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of oral submucous fibrosis in habitual areca nut chewers.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the sonographic features of the buccal mucosa in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). METHODS: Three groups (controls with areca-related habits, controls without areca-related habits and clinically diagnosed OSF cases), each comprising 30 subjects, were included in the study. After a thorough clinical examination, transcutaneous B-mode ultrasonography was performed with a multifrequency linear transducer (5-10 MHz) for anterior and posterior buccal mucosa bilaterally. Both clinical and ultrasound findings were recorded by three independent observers. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference post-hoc tests were used for statistical comparisons between groups and Pearson χ(2) tests to compare the proportions. Kappa statistics was used to determine the interobserver agreement. RESULTS: The submucosa that appeared hypoechoic in the control groups had significantly increased echogenicity in the case group (hypo- to isoechoic in 46.7% and isoechoic in 53.3%). The differentiation between the submucosa and the muscle layer appeared distinct in the control groups while it was not clear in the case group (indistinct in 50% and completely lost in 50%). The number of sites found positive on the ultrasound was significantly greater than the number of clinically positive sites. There was a very good interobserver consistency in clinical and ultrasound findings. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography of the buccal mucosa demonstrates increased submucosal echogenicity and reduced echo differentiation between submucosa and muscle layer in OSF cases. Hence, it can be used as a non-invasive imaging modality to assess the disease extent and severity across the entire buccal mucosa to supplement clinical evaluation.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata: folk medicinal use to scientific approach.

CONTEXT: Pisonia aculeata leaves (Nyctagenaceae), a Folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of several inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress associated diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves (MEPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated using writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and membrane stabilizing activity. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MEPA were also determined using standard methods. RESULTS: Oral administration of MEPA showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of paw edema, pronounced at 4 h and 5 h after carrageenan injection, and at 200 µg/mL exerts 77.67 and 38.51% protective effect against hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis, respectively. MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) produced 35.21 and 79.14% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing. Furthermore, MEPA (500 mg/kg) inhibited 49.19% early and 73.14% late phase of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, a lower dose of MEPA did not prevent hot plate induced nociception, while in the tail immersion method, pronounced analgesic activity was observed between 1 and 4 h postdosing. The extract possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity and a lipid peroxidation inhibition effect. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in MEPA were 87.99 ± 0.87 mg GAE/g and 58.98 ± 0.01 mg QE/g, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata leaves. Contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in extract could be correlated with its observed biological activities.

Comparison of individual and composite field analysis using array detector for Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy dose verification.

AIM: To compare the measured and calculated individual and composite field planar dose distribution of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy plans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measurements were performed in Clinac DHX linear accelerator with 6 MV photons using Matrixx device and a solid water phantom. The 20 brain tumor patients were selected for this study. The IMRT plan was carried out for all the patients using Eclipse treatment planning system. The verification plan was produced for every original plan using CT scan of Matrixx embedded in the phantom. Every verification field was measured by the Matrixx. The TPS calculated and measured dose distributions were compared for individual and composite fields. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The percentage of gamma pixel match for the dose distribution patterns were evaluated using gamma histogram. The gamma pixel match was 95-98% for 41 fields (39%) and 98% for 59 fields (61%) with individual fields. The percentage of gamma pixel match was 95-98% for 5 patients and 98% for other 12 patients with composite fields. Three patients showed a gamma pixel match of less than 95%. The comparison of percentage gamma pixel match for individual and composite fields showed more than 2.5% variation for 6 patients, more than 1% variation for 4 patients, while the remaining 10 patients showed less than 1% variation. CONCLUSION: The individual and composite field measurements showed good agreement with TPS calculated dose distribution for the studied patients. The measurement and data analysis for individual fields is a time consuming process, the composite field analysis may be sufficient enough for smaller field dose distribution analysis with array detectors.

Hyperthermia with radiation in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer: a report of randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is the leading cause of male mortality due to cancer in India. Surgery, radiation alone or in combination has been the backbone of treatment strategies. Chemo-radiation has emerged as the standard of care in most types of head and neck cancer. This strategy has the advantage of maintaining both structure and functions, albeit with increased acute and delayed side effects. Radiation with hyperthermia can achieve the same objective without additional toxicities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients were randomized to radiation therapy (RT) alone or RT-hyperthermia (RT-HT) arm. Twenty-six patients were included in RT alone arm and 28 patients in the RT-HT arm. Both groups were evenly matched for age, sex, and stage. Patients in both the arms received radiation to a dose of 66-70 Gy in 6.5-7 weeks. Patients in the study group received weekly HT. HT was started after impedance matching to last for 30 minutes. RESULTS: Complete response was seen in 42.4% of RT alone group compare to 78.6% in the HT group. The difference was statistically significant ( < 0.05). Kaplan-Meir analysis of survival also showed a significant improvement in favor of RT-HT. No dose limiting thermal burns and excessive mucosal or thermal toxicity were recorded. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency (RF) based heating and radical radiation of head and neck cancers is better than in RT alone group. HT should be considered as a valid option wherever the facility for HT is available. This report should infuse greater confidence in radiation Oncologists to practice HT as an adjuvant treatment modality.

Protein-c deficiency presenting with subacute intestinal obstruction due to mesenteric vein thrombosis.

We describe a patient with protein C deficiency who presented with subacute intestinal obstruction due to ischaemic small bowel stricture. The patient also had left sided ileofemoral thrombosis. Venous thrombosis at unusual sites especially if associated with deep vein thrombosis of lower limb warrants a thorough screen for underlying thrombophilia. This, however, is a rare cause for ischaemic small bowel stricture.

Co-occurrence of emphysematous cystitis and emphysematous myositis in type 2 diabetes.

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) and emphysematous myositis (EM) are rare disorders and concurrent occurrence of both in a patient with type 2 diabetes has not been reported previously. We report a patient who presented with pneumaturia and later with pain in thigh and diagnosed of both concurrently.

A novel thiocationic liposomal formulation of antisense oligonucleotides with activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This study describes the development of a novel thiocationic (OBEHYTOP) lipid-based formulation of phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (PAOs) showing inhibitory activity against mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) as measured by an in vitro BACTEC 460TB assay. PAOs were designed based on sequences complementary to essential regions of the mycobacterial genome from published nucleic acid databases in GenBank. These included the superoxide dismutase sod A gene (TBS3), catalase-peroxidase katG gene (TBK1, TBK10), RNA polymerase beta-subunit rpo B gene (TBR5) and diaminopimelate decarboxylase lys A gene (TBL5). The effect of PAOs (TBS3, K1, K10, R5 and L5) alone on mTB was not significant compared with the no-drug control over a period of exposure of 150 h (ranges of -11.8 to +23.58% at 72 h; 15.26 to +25.82% at 96 h and -5.51 to +24.00% at 150 h). Liposomal formulations (10:5:2 OBEHYTOP:oleic acid:vitamin D3) of PAOs resulted in statistically significant (p < 0.05 in all cases) inhibition (ranges of -51.45 to -63.00% at 72 h; -56.75 to -67.96% at 96 h; -51.45 to -60.26% at 150 h) compared with PAOs alone, thiocationic liposomal control and liposomal components. Positive controls of streptomycin and isoniazid used at their minimum inhibitory concentrations of 2.00 and 0.10 microM, respectively, resulted in average % inhibition values of -94% and -97.36%, respectively, indicating that these thiocationic lipid-formulated PAOs showed inhibitory activity directed against mTB in vitro.

Pulmonary mucormycosis presenting with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.

Pulmonary mucormycosis is an uncommon infection and its endobronchial form is rare. Fever, cough, dyspnoea and hemoptysis are the usual presenting symptoms. Hoarseness of voice, a rare manifestation of endobronchial mucormycosis, has been reported earlier but its exact anatomical basis was unclear. We report an instance of polypoid endobronchial mucormycosis and vocal cord paralysis in a patient with type I diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Comparative cytological study of lymph node tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals and in patients with diabetes in a developing country.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infection affecting patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diabetes mellitus (DM). With the increasing incidence of HIV infection and DM in a developing country like India, TB is definitely on the rise. In a given population, one expects to see these three diseases in varying combinations, such as HIV and TB, DM and TB, HIV and DM with TB. In such combinations TB may lack the characteristic clinical and histological picture due to the associated depressed cell-mediated immunity seen in both diseases and TB may have an unusual clinical presentation and cytology picture. In this retrospective study of 36 months, from January 1997 to December 1999, 109 cases diagnosed cytologically as tuberculous lymphadenitis and tested for HIV infection and investigated as well for DM were selected. Forty-six (42%) were nondiabetic HIV patients, 13 (12%) were non-HIV DM patients, and 50 (46%) had TB without HIV infection or DM. The coexistence of both HIV and DM was not noted. The cytomorphological characteristics supplemented by culture studies of each of these three groups were compared in detail and based on these four cytological patterns, Pattern 1, Pattern 2, Pattern 3, and Pattern 4 emerged and were characterized. This study highlights the usefulness of cytomorphology of the lymph nodes to characterize the cytopathological profile of TB in both HIV and DM, which have many clinical and immunological similarities, and indirectly postulate the extent of immune suppression and evolve effective strategies in the management of coexisting diseases. Such a comparative study has not been carried out in the past.

Prolonged hypoglycaemia following surgical removal of phaeochromocytoma.

We report a 34-year-old woman with secondary hypertension diagnosed with a left-sided phaeochromocytoma. Excision of the tumour resulted in recurrent hypoglycaemia up to 6 days post-operatively. We discuss the pathogenesis of hypoglycaemia following removal of the tumour and put forward hypothesis for the recurrent hypoglycaemia.