White light-emitting, biocompatible, water-soluble metallic magnesium nanoclusters for bioimaging applications.

Ultra-small (1.6 nm), water-soluble, white light-emitting (WLE), highly stable (∼8 months) BSA templated metallic (Mg0) nanoclusters (fluorescent magnesium nanoclusters = FMNCs) is developed using the green and facile route. Synthesis was facilitated by the reduction of magnesium salt, where template bovine serum albumin is utilized as a reducing agent and ascorbic acid act as a capping agent to impart stability in water, thereby obtaining stabilized Mg0nanoclusters In solution, stabilized Mg0nanoclusters produce white light (450-620 nm with FWHM ∼120 nm) upon 366 nm light excitation. This white light emission was found to have a CIE coordinate of 0.30, 0.33 [pure white light CIE (0.33, 0.33)]. Taking advantage of WLE and ultrasmall size, FMNCs were used forin vitrofluorescence imaging of HaCaT cell lines, yielding blue (τ= 2.94 ns, with a relative of QY = 1.2 % w.r.t QS), green (τ= 3.07 ns; relative quantum yield of 4.6% w.r.t R6G) and red (τ= 0.3 ns) images. Further, incubation of FMNCs with HEK293 (Human embryonic kidney cell) and cancerous MDA-MB-231 (Breast cancer cell line) human cell lines yielded 100 % cell viability. Current work is envisioned to contribute significantly in the area of science, engineering, and nanomedicine.

An observational study on acute poisoning in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India.

AIM: Poisoning is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in India. We undertook a prospective observational study to estimate the incidence, nature, severity and treatment outcome trends of acute poisoning in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. METHODS: All patients, admitted during the study period with acute poisoning, drug overdose and envenomation, were enrolled. Food poisonings, animal bites, chronic drug or chemical poisonings were excluded. Medical records were scrutinized and caregiver interviews served as source documents. Demographics, nature and circumstances of the poisoning event, treatment offered, duration of hospitalization and outcome data were collected. RESULTS: Over 18 months, 592 cases of acute poisoning, accounting for 0.63% of all hospital admissions, were enrolled. Males comprised 57.09%, median age was 22 years, and 52.20% hailed from rural area. Occupation-wise, excluding students and children, patients were mostly daily wage workers followed by housewives, service holders and farm workers. Snake bites comprised the largest category of cases at 264 (44.6%) followed by corrosives (13.68%), sedatives/hypnotics (13.18%), pesticides (12.16%), hydrocarbon oils (8.61%) and others. Majority (60.64%) of the cases was accidental and occurred at home (66.72%) and most (87.33%) were referred from primary health centers. Median time between event and arrival at primary care center was 1 hour while median time to arrival at the hospital was 11 hours. There were 89 deaths (mortality 15.03%) in the series. Male gender, rural residence, referred status and non-use of specific antidotes had negative impact on survival. CONCLUSION: This large prospective study from eastern India from a hospital perspective, has captured data not only on the incidence and nature of poisoning but also on treatment trends and mortality outcomes. Field studies conducted in the light of these results will clarify additional issues.

A case report on hyperpigmentation in vitamin B12 deficiency

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin. Cobalamin is synthesized only by microorganisms. The only source of vitamin B12 for humans is food of animal origin. Hyperpigmentation of skin has been reported only rarely as the presenting manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. We report a patient who had hyperpigmentation as her presenting medical complaint and in whom Vitamin B12 deficiency was the cause.  A 36-year-old female presented with generalised weakness and progressive and asymptomatic hyperpigmentation of hand and feet for 5 months. She is vegetarian by diet. On examination, hyperpigmentation was present over dorsal aspect of metacarpophalangeal, proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Hyperpigmentation were present over dorsum of the foot and over the joints. The tongue was depaillated, and hyperpigmentation was present. Her serum level of vitamin B12 was diminished (83pg/ml). Megaloblastic anemia presents with protean manifestations. The association between vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperpigmentation, although unusual, has been described. Cutaneous manifestations associated with B12 deficiency include characteristic mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation (most common), vitiligo, angular cheilitis, and hair-nail changes. It mainly affects knuckle pads and oral mucosa. It is an under-recognized sign of megaloblastic anemia and should always be looked for in the setting of pallor. Hyperpigmentation could be the earliest manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency before anemia sets in. It is worthwhile to consider the possibility of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency in a patient with unexplained pigmentary changes. Early detection and adequate treatment will prevent anemia and various neurological manifestations.

Study of association between the serum lipid profile and age-related macular degeneration in a tertiary care centre of Central UP

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the major challenge in the new millennium in the developing countries as the size of elderly population continues to rise due to betterment of medical facilities and increased life expectancy. Lipids are implicated in the pathogenesis of ARMD. The relationship between systemic lipids and ARMD has not been well characterized, especially in rural population. The objective was to investigate the relationship between serum lipids and ARMD in older adults.Methods: In this case-control study, 300 adults, aged ≥50 years, 150 each among cases and controls were included in the study. Mean lipids values between cases and controls were compared.Results: Mean age of cases was 62.45±8.472 years and mean age of controls was 61.89±8.51 years. Among 150 cases, 124 (82.66%) cases were of dry ARMD while 26 (17.33%) cases were Wet ARMD. Author found that 38 cases among total cases (25.33%) and 15 individuals (10%) among controls had altered lipid profile. All mean lipid values were higher among cases compare to controls (p>0.05), while the mean of VLDL, TG and TG/HDL were significantly raised showing positive association (p<0.05).Conclusions: Present study showed that high levels of serum lipid values especially VLDL, TG and TG/HDL positive association with an increased risk for development of ARMD, implying that strategies reducing serum lipid levels may be useful to prevent the development of the disease.