Intensification of extraction of curcumin from Curcuma amada using ultrasound assisted approach: Effect of different operating parameters.

Curcumin, a dietary phytochemical, has been extracted from rhizomes of Curcuma amada using ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and the results compared with the conventional extraction approach to establish the process intensification benefits. The effect of operating parameters such as type of solvent, extraction time, extraction temperature, solid to solvent ratio, particle size and ultrasonic power on the extraction yield have been investigated in details for the approach UAE. The maximum extraction yield as 72% was obtained in 1h under optimized conditions of 35°C temperature, solid to solvent ratio of 1:25, particle size of 0.09mm, ultrasonic power of 250W and ultrasound frequency of 22kHz with ethanol as the solvent. The obtained yield was significantly higher as compared to the batch extraction where only about 62% yield was achieved in 8h of treatment. Peleg's model was used to describe the kinetics of UAE and the model showed a good agreement with the experimental results. Overall, ultrasound has been established to be a green process for extraction of curcumin with benefits of reduction in time as compared to batch extraction and the operating temperature as compared to Soxhlet extraction.

Implant-retained auricular prostheses: a clinical challenge.

Microtia, malformation, deformity, and partial or complete loss of the pinna may be due to various congenital or acquired factors. In adult patients, surgical reconstruction of the missing pinna is difficult and the results are often far from satisfactory. An implant-retained auricular prosthesis is a suitable alternative. A retrospective study of eight patients treated with implant-retained auricular prostheses was performed. For each missing pinna, three titanium implants were placed in the temporal bone. After 6 months of osseointegration, the implants were loaded. Four cases were rehabilitated with a magnet-retained prosthesis and the remaining four with a bar and clip retained prosthesis. There were six male and two female patients with an average age of 30.62 years. Seven patients had unilateral absence of the pinna and one had bilateral absence. The loss was due to trauma in four patients and to burn in one patient, and three had congenital absence. A total 27 implants were placed, 12 on the right side and 15 on the left. The average post-rehabilitation follow-up was 21 months. Peri-implant tissue reactions were observed at two sites. The implant-retained auricular prosthesis is an alternative treatment approach with good retention and patient satisfaction. Long-term follow-up is required to assess delayed complications.

Continuous precipitation of calcium carbonate using sonochemical reactor.

The continuous production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) by precipitation method at room temperature was carried out in a stirred reactor under ultrasonic environment and was compared with the conventional stirring method. The effect of various operating parameters such as Ca(OH)2 slurry concentration, CO2 flow rate and Ca(OH)2 slurry flow rate on the particle size of CaCO3 was investigated. The calcium carbonate particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) and particle size. The morphology was studied by using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images. The particle size obtained in the presence of ultrasonic environment was found to be smaller as compared to conventional stirring method. The particle size is found to be reduced with an increase in the concentrations of Ca(OH)2 and increased with increasing CO2 flow rate for both the methods. The slurry flow rate had a major effect on the particle size and the particle size decreased with increased slurry flow rate. Only calcite phase of CaCO3 was predominantly present as confirmed by the characterization techniques for both the preparation methods. In most of the cases rhombohedral calcite particles were observed.

Direct measurement of shear properties of microfibers.

As novel fibers with enhanced mechanical properties continue to be synthesized and developed, the ability to easily and accurately characterize these materials becomes increasingly important. Here we present a design for an inexpensive tabletop instrument to measure shear modulus (G) and other longitudinal shear properties of a micrometer-sized monofilament fiber sample, such as nonlinearities and hysteresis. This automated system applies twist to the sample and measures the resulting torque using a sensitive optical detector that tracks a torsion reference. The accuracy of the instrument was verified by measuring G for high purity copper and tungsten fibers, for which G is well known. Two industrially important fibers, IM7 carbon fiber and Kevlar(®) 119, were also characterized with this system and were found to have G = 16.5 ± 2.1 and 2.42 ± 0.32 GPa, respectively.

Mechanical resonances of helically coiled carbon nanowires.

Despite their wide spread applications, the mechanical behavior of helically coiled structures has evaded an accurate understanding at any length scale (nano to macro) mainly due to their geometrical complexity. The advent of helically coiled micro/nanoscale structures in nano-robotics, nano-inductors, and impact protection coatings has necessitated the development of new methodologies for determining their shear and tensile properties. Accordingly, we developed a synergistic protocol which (i) integrates analytical, numerical (i.e., finite element using COMSOL) and experimental (harmonic detection of resonance; HDR) methods to obtain an empirically validated closed form expression for the shear modulus and resonance frequency of a singly clamped helically coiled carbon nanowire (HCNW), and (ii) circumvents the need for solving 12th order differential equations. From the experimental standpoint, a visual detection of resonances (using in situ scanning electron microscopy) combined with HDR revealed intriguing non-planar resonance modes at much lower driving forces relative to those needed for linear carbon nanotube cantilevers. Interestingly, despite the presence of mechanical and geometrical nonlinearities in the HCNW resonance behavior the ratio of the first two transverse modes f2/f1 was found to be similar to the ratio predicted by the Euler-Bernoulli theorem for linear cantilevers.

Effect of micronutrient deficiency on QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test and tuberculin skin test in diagnosis of childhood intrathoracic tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Data on performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT) and tuberculin skin test (TST) in children with active tuberculosis from high burden countries in the context of micronutrient deficiency are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of micronutrient deficiency on the performance of TST and QFT in children with intrathoracic tuberculosis. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Children with probable intrathoracic tuberculosis underwent TST, QFT, gastric lavages and induced sputum examination for AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) smear and culture. Zinc, copper, ferritin and vitamin D were measured on stored serum samples. The study used cross-sectional data at initiation of anti-tubercular therapy. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-two children (median age 115.5 months (interquartile range: 73, 144), 200 (55.3%) girls) were enrolled in the study. Microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis could be obtained in 128 patients. TST and QFT were positive in 337 (93%) and 297 (82%) children, respectively. Performance of both the tests was unaffected by weight-for-age and height-for-age 'z-scores' or by serum copper levels. TST was not affected by serum zinc and ferritin levels. Children with negative QFT results had lower mean serum zinc level (P=0.01) and higher ferritin levels (P=0.007) as compared to those with positive test. Higher proportion of children with positive TST were vitamin D deficient/insufficient (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Micronutrient status, especially serum levels of zinc, may influence the performance of QFT in children with intrathoracic tuberculosis. Considering the high prevalence of zinc deficiency in developing countries, QFT should be used cautiously for diagnosing tuberculosis.

Role of the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test in the diagnosis of intrathoracic childhood tuberculosis.

SETTING: Tertiary care hospitals in India. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) with that of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in the diagnosis of intrathoracic childhood tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: Children with intrathoracic TB were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial studying micronutrient supplementation in intrathoracic TB. They underwent TST and QFT-GIT before starting daily anti-tuberculosis treatment. RESULTS: Of 362 children (median age 115.5 months, IQR 73-144, 55% girls) enrolled in the study, microbiological confirmation of TB was obtained in 128 (35%). The TST was positive in 337 (93%, 95%CI 90-95.5) and QFT-GIT in 297 (82%, 95%CI 77.8-85.6). Sensitivity of TST and QFT-GIT in culture-confirmed TB cases was respectively 90.5% (95%CI 84.1-94.5) and 82.6% (95%CI 74.9-88.4). QFT-GIT positivity rate correlated with TST induration (P < 0.001). TST was influenced by the disease spectrum (P = 0.004) and the age of the children (P = 0.002); QFT-GIT remained unaffected by these factors. Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunisation status, weight-for-age Z-scores and microbiological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis did not influence the performance of either test. CONCLUSION: In high-burden countries, QFT-GIT is comparable to TST and offers no added advantage in the diagnosis of childhood intrathoracic TB.

SU-E-J-46: Use of Brainlab-ExacTrac IGRT with Dot-Decimal Electron Compensator(BolusECT) for Accurate Patient Positioning.

PURPOSE: To Validate Brainlab-ExacTrac IGRT with Dot-Decimal electron compensator(BolusECT) for accurate patient positioning. METHODS: Dot-Decimal electron compensators(BolusECT) are used to achieve conformal dose distributions and greater sparing to normal structures for cases with varying patient contours and treated with single electron beam.Setup for such patients is difficult to verify due to the small clearance between theelectron-cone and bolus. Hence additional verification is needed for fast setup to avoid discomfort for the patient. In this study we have explored theuse of Brainlab-ExacTrac IGRT system for such setups.A Preplan isrequired to construct the BolusECT and a post-plan is used for verifying the treatment plan. Before the patient is scanned again with BolusECT for post-plan, tungsten BBs were drilled in the Bolus at different depths and the holeswere filled with wax. Tungsten-BBs have high density and avoid high cost ofgold seeds.A wax phantom and BolusECT were scanned with BBs and a plan was generated. The plan was send to ExacTrac for DRR-generation.The Wax phantom with BolusECT was then set slightly off centered on thetreatment couch and the ExactTrac system was used to align the Phantom. The ExacTrac system was also tried on two patients for accurate setup. RESULTS: The ExactTrac system correctly identified the tungsten-BBs and aligned the phantom within +1mm. The SSD was then verified and checked with the planned SSD.The SSD was found to be within +0.5mm. In both patient setups the ExacTrac system gave Lateral, Longitudinal and Vertical Shifts within +1mm and the SSD was found to be within +0.3mm of the planned SSD. CONCLUSIONS: The BrainLab- ExacTrac IGRT system isan excellent,fast way of aligning the BolusECT. This avoids discomfort for patients by preventing longer setup times. Use of tungsten-BBs lowers the cost compared to gold seeds. Phantom verification should be performed before implementing this system for actual patient use. The SSDs must be verified after setup.

Protective role of Trigonella foenum graceum extract against oxidative stress in hyperglycemic rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous". In the present study the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative potential of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum graceum (TFG), a traditional medicinal herb was assessed in liver and WBC of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage, which is balanced by the antioxidants. This has been implicated in aging, and diseases such as diabetes and other chronic conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TFG extract was administered orally [500 (LM) and 1000 mg/kg body weight (HM)] for six weeks. The effect of TFG on blood glucose were studied and the levels of lipid peroxidation [MDA (Malondialdehyde)] and antioxidant enzymes [SOD (Superoxide dismutase), GPx (Reduced Glutathione peroxidase)] were estimated and compared with standard drugs glibenclamide and insulin. RESULTS: Treatment with TFG, insulin and glibenclamide resulted in significantly reduced blood glucose in LM (8.71%) and HM (3.87%) in comparison with normal controls. There was a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in liver and white blood cells (WBC) in both low and high doses [liver LM (49%), HM (57.25%)], [WBC LM (54.28%), HM (62.5%)] and increase in antioxidant enzymes SOD [liver LM (33.59%), HM (58.7%)] [WBC LM (44.9%)] HM (58.7%) and GPx [Liver LM (58.55%), HM (40.20%)], [WBC LM (55.46%), HM (56.4%)] when compared to diabetic controls. DISCUSSION: Potency of TFG in restoring several parameters to normal values is comparable to glibenclamide, though not as efficient as insulin, an indication of its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect.

Activated effector and memory T cells contribute to circulating sCD30: potential marker for islet allograft rejection.

T-cell activation up-regulates CD30 resulting in an increase in serum soluble CD30 (sCD30). CD4+ T cells, a major source for sCD30, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rejection. In this study, sCD30 was measured pre- and posttransplant in mouse islet allograft models and human islet allograft recipients. sCD30 was measured by ELISA in diabetic C57BL/6, CD4Knockout (KO) and CD8KO islet allograft recipients. sCD30 increased significantly prior to rejection (1.8 +/- 1 days) in 80% of allograft recipients. Sensitization with donor splenocytes, or a second graft, further increased sCD30 (282.5 +/- 53.5 for the rejecting first graft vs. 374.6 +/- 129 for the rejecting second graft) prior to rejection suggesting memory CD4+ T cells contribute to sCD30. CD4KO failed to reject islet allograft and did not demonstrate sCD30 increase. CD8KO showed elevated (227 +/- 107) sCD30 (1 day) prior to rejection. High pretransplant sCD30 (>20 U/ml) correlated with poor outcome in human islet allograft recipients. Further, increase in sCD30 posttransplant preceded (3-4 months) loss of islet function. We conclude that sCD30 is released from activated CD4 T cells prior to islet allograft rejection and monitoring sCD30 can be a valuable adjunct in the follow-up of islet transplant recipients.

Particle size and charge distribution analysis of pharmaceutical aerosols generated by inhalers.

Aerosol particles generated by inhalers for respiratory drug delivery acquire electrostatic charge during the dispersion process. The electrostatic charge distribution of the particles can affect the efficiency of drug delivery by influencing both the transport and deposition of inhaled particles in the human lung. To analyze the electrostatic charge acquired by the aerosol particles, two sets of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) devices were investigated. Both the particle size and charge distributions were measured simultaneously by using an electrical single-particle aerodynamic relaxation time (E-SPART) analyzer. The analyzer was calibrated with particles of known size, which were generated by a vibrating orifice aerosol generator (TSI Inc.) and charge using the Faraday cup method. The charge distributions of the pharmaceutical aerosols from both the DPI and MDI devices were bipolar in nature. Although the net charge-to-mass ratio was less than 0.2 microC/g, the individual particles were charged with a relatively high charge: -2 to + 2 microC/g. The count mean aerodynamic diameter of the aerosols generated from these devices was 3-5 microm.

Simplified dispatch-assisted CPR instructions outperform standard protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Dispatch-assisted chest compressions only CPR (CC-CPR) has gained widespread acceptance, and recent research suggests that increasing the proportion of compression time during CPR may increase survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We created a simplified CC-CPR protocol to reduce time to start chest compressions and to increase the proportion of time spent delivering chest compressions. This simplified protocol was compared to a published protocol, Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) Version 11.2, recommended by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. METHODS: Subjects were randomized to the MPDS v11.2 protocol or a simplified protocol. Data was recorded from a Laerdal Resusci Anne Skillreporter manikin. A simulated emergency medical dispatcher, contacted by cell phone, delivered standardized instructions for both protocols. Outcomes included chest compression rate, depth, hand position, full release, overall proportion of compressions without error, time to start of CPR and total hands-off chest time. Proportions were analyzed by Wilcoxon's Rank Sum tests and time variables with Welch ANOVA and Wilcoxon's Rank Sum test. All tests used a two-sided alpha-level of 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen subjects were randomized prospectively, 58 to the standard protocol and 59 to the simplified protocol. The average age of subjects in both groups was 25 years old. For both groups, the compression rate was equivalent (104 simplified versus 94 MPDS, p = 0.13), as was the proportion with total release (1.0 simplified versus 1.0 MPDS, p = 0.09). The proportion to the correct depth was greater in the simplified protocol (0.31 versus 0.03, p < 0.01), as was the proportion of compressions done without error (0.05 versus 0.0, p = 0.16). Time to start of chest compressions and total hands-off chest time were better in the simplified protocol (start time 60.9s versus 78.6s, p < 0.0001; hands-off chest time 69 s versus 95 s, p < 0.0001). The proportion with correct hand position, however, was worse in the simplified protocol (0.35 versus 0.84, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The simplified protocol was as good as, or better than the MPDS v11.2 protocol in every aspect studied except hand position, and the simplified protocol resulted in significant time savings. The protocol may need modification to ensure correct hand position. Time savings and improved quality of CPR achieved by the new set of instructions could be important in strengthening critical links in the cardiac chain of survival.

Impact of television on children.

Television viewing has a great impact on various aspects of child's life. This study was carried out at Sir Padampat Mother & Child Health Institute, Jaipur (Rajasthan). The aim was to study the effects of television viewing on a child's eating habits, general physical health, physical activities, interest in study and school performance. Only 250 children of 3-10 years age groups were studied for a period of nine months (January 1992 to September 1992). Average duration of television exposure to an individual child was 18.5 hours per week in the study. Significant changes were observed in a childs' eating habits, weight, physical activity, sleep pattern, interest in study and general physical health. Increase in weight was observed in 19.6% children suggesting that the television viewing may predispose to childhood obesity. In 30.4% cases decrease in physical activity was found, 18.4% children showed decreased interest in study, while 10% children showed decrease in school performance, and sleep pattern was disturbed in 24% children. Medical problems were found in 11.6% children. Significantly two children had precipitation of fits on television viewing.

Evaluation of lactic dehydrogenase in cases of meningitis.

Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured serially in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in 23 cases of meningitis (15 pyogenic and 8 tuberculous) and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls to find out its diagnostic and prognostic significance in cases of meningitis. The LDH activity was significantly elevated in the CSF and serum (p < 0.001) in cases of pyogenic (PM) as well as tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The maximum elevation was seen on the 1st day and the activity declined thereafter. However, in 3 cases of PM and 5 cases of TBM, the LDH activity on subsequent estimations increased serially and all these cases died. Further, the basal LDH activity in the 3 cases of PM who died was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those who survived. The rise in enzymatic activity in the CSF was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the serum in all the cases of meningitis. The LDH activity was significantly higher in PM as compared to TBM (p < 0.001) both in the CSF as well as the serum.

Tissue maximum ratios (and other parameters) of small circular 4, 6, 10, 15 and 24 MV x-ray beams for radiosurgery.

Small, circular, x-ray beams are commonly used for radiosurgery applications. Dosimetric characteristics of 4, 6, 10, 15 and 24 MV circular x-ray beams ranging in size from 10 to 40 mm are reported. These characteristics include the measurement of TMR, beam profiles and relative output factors. Measurements of these parameters were performed in a solid water phantom using film, a small diode, small parallel-plate and cylindrical ionization chambers and TLD. Comparison of relative dose measurements of small, circular beams performed using these detectors showed that the small diode, film and TLD results consistently agreed for circular beams as small as 10 mm diameter. Beam profiles were measured using film dosimetry. Comparison of TMR values of a 10 mm diameter beam measured using film and a small parallel-plate ionization chamber showed no significant differences. Tertiary collimators designed with tapered, divergence-matching holes, and straight-drilled holes have been used for radiosurgery applications. Measurement of beam penumbra produced with either of these types of tertiary collimators showed minimal differences between them.

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase in meningitis.

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) was measured serially in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in 23 cases of meningitis (15 pyogenic and 8 tuberculous meningitis) and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls, to find out its diagnostic and prognostic significance in meningitis. GGTP activity was significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in CSF and serum in meningitis as compared to control subjects. Levels were significantly higher in pyogenic as compared to tuberculous meningitis (p less than 0.001) and in CSF than in serum (p less than 0.001). The maximum elevation was seen on the 1st day and thereafter the activity declined in the majority (65.2%) of cases. However, in 3 cases of pyogenic meningitis and 5 cases of tuberculous meningitis, the GGTP activity on subsequent estimation increased serially; all these 8 cases died. It is concluded that CSF GGTP activity is significantly elevated in meningitis and serial rise in its activity is associated with poor prognosis and even fatal outcome.

Cladding of a crystal fiber by high-energy ion implantation.

The feasibility of using a multi-MeV He(+)-ion beam to convert the outer portion of a crystal fiber into cladding is demonstrated. When applied to a-axis LiNbO(3) fiber, the resulting structure has been found to show good waveguiding characteristics.