Studies on the synthesis, characterization, human serum albumin binding and biological activity of single chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes.

The interaction of surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes [Co(bpy)(dien)TA](ClO4)3 · 3H2O (1) and [Co(dien)(phen)TA](ClO4)3 · 4H2O (2), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dien = diethylenetriamine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and TA = tetradecylamine with human serum albumin (HSA) under physiological conditions was analyzed using steady state, synchronous, 3D fluorescence, UV/visabsorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. The results show that these complexes cause the fluorescence quenching of HSA through a static mechanism. The binding constant (Kb ) and number of binding-sites (n) were obtained at different temperatures. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters (∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°) and Ea were also obtained. According to Förster's non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance (r) between the complexes and HSA were calculated. The results of synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy indicate that the binding process has changed considerably the polarity around the fluorophores, along with changes in the conformation of the protein. The antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the complexes were tested and the results show that the complexes have good activities against pathogenic microorganisms and cancer cells.

Biological and protein-binding studies of newly synthesized polymer-cobalt(III) complexes.

The polymer-cobalt(III) complexes, [Co(bpy)(dien)BPEI]Cl3 · 4H2O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dien = diethylentriamine, BPEI = branched polyethyleneimine) were synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated under physiological conditions using various physico-chemical techniques. The results reveal that the fluorescence quenching of serum albumins by polymer-cobalt(III) complexes took place through static quenching. The binding of these complexes changed the molecular conformation of the protein considerably. The polymer-cobalt(III) complex with x = 0.365 shows antimicrobial activity against several human pathogens. This complex also induces cytotoxicity against MCF-7 through apoptotic induction. However, further studies are needed to decipher the molecular mode of action of polymer-cobalt(III) complex and for its possible utilization in anticancer therapy.

Green synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles and its augmented cytotoxicity with doxorubicin on cancer cells.

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was achieved by a simple biological procedure using the reducing power of fenugreek seed extract. This method is capable of producing SeNPs in a size range of about 50-150 nm, under ambient conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles can be separated easily from the aqueous sols by a high-speed centrifuge. These selenium nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Nanocrystalline SeNPs were obtained without post-annealing treatment. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups in the plant extract, which may possibly influence the reduction process and stabilization of nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of SeNPs was assayed against human breast-cancer cells (MCF-7). It was found that SeNPs are able to inhibit the cell growth by dose-dependent manner. In addition, combination of SeNPs and doxorubicin shows better anticancer effect than individual treatments.

Molecular docking study on vitamin D supplements to understand their interaction with VDR-RXRα heterodimer and VDRE of TAGAP gene.

The expression level of T cell activation Rho GTPase activating protein (TAGAP) gene is higher in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to healthy individuals. Vitamin D receptor element (VDRE) sequences present in the regulatory region of TAGAP gene are targeted by vitamin D dependent Vitamin D receptor (VDR) - retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) heterodimer complex to regulate the TAGAP gene expression. Reduction in the expression of the TAGAP gene can prevent different severity of RA disease conditions. Calcitriol is a proven vitamin D supplement prescribed to patients with RA. However, it is involved in causing hypercalcemia. Maxacalcitol, an analog of vitamin D, is shown to have less hypercalcemic activity when compared to calcitriol. This study was done to analyze and compare the binding modes of calcitriol and maxacalcitol with VDR. We also studied the interactions of these compounds with the VDR-RXRα heterodimer complex. In addition, the binding of the ligand-activated heterodimer complexes with VDREs of the TAGAP gene was also analyzed to comprehend the binding affinities of calcitriol and maxacalcitol to the gene. The current work utilizes in silico molecular docking and simulation analysis to understand the mechanism in each complex formation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The pattern of tobacco use and the associated socio-demographic factors among Transgenders living in Chennai city of Tamil Nadu, India.

Introduction: The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, which kills more than 8 million people a year around the world. Transgenders are prone to use and abuse substances including tobacco and alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage minority stress experienced due to high levels of discrimination and lack of acceptance by society. Objectives: Among transgenders living in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, (1) we aimed to estimate the prevalence and describe the pattern of tobacco use and (2) identify the sociodemographic factors associated with tobacco use. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 734 transgender adults living in the Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. A pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule was used. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and proportions were used for categorical variables. Chi-square test was applied to find the significance of the association between tobacco use and sociodemographic factors. Results: The prevalence of the current use of any form of tobacco products among transgenders was 64.4%. About 27% had tried to stop using tobacco during the past 1 year. Education status, socioeconomic class, and occupation were significantly associated with the current use of any form of tobacco and trying to quit tobacco use. Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco use among transgenders is alarming. The present study findings highlight the need to increase awareness activities by health authorities and non-government organizations (NGOs)/community-based organizations (CBOs) to generate awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use among transgenders. Tobacco control programs focussing on transgenders are essential.

Effect of Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety Among Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Dental anxiety is a distressing challenge faced by both the patients and the dental care provider, particularly in the Department of Orthodontics. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of aromatherapy (oils) on dental anxiety level among orthodontic patients and to compare the effect on anxiety levels between lavender oil, rose oil, and a placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 patients (36 men and 36 women) who reported to the Department of Orthodontics were selected and randomly allocated into three groups: lavender oil, rose oil, and placebo. The ambient odor of those oils or placebo was maintained with a candle warmer, and the patients were made to wait in their respective rooms for 15 minutes. Participants' heart rate and blood pressure, being reliable and objective indicators of anxiety, were measured using pulse oximeter and sphygmomanometer, respectively. Additionally, a questionnaire, comprising demographic data and questions representing a modified Dental Anxiety Scale, was given to the patients to measure subjective anxiety levels before and after aromatic therapy. Paired t-test, analysis of variance, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for both subjective and objective analyses. RESULTS: Lavender oil and rose oil produced a significant reduction of dental anxiety level among orthodontic patients in both objective and subjective method (P ≤ .05); lavender oil demonstrated a greater significance in reducing the anxiety level when compared to rose oil. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that aromatherapy offers promising effect against dental anxiety among orthodontic patients. Aromatherapy can be recommended as an easy alternative to reduce anxiety in patients before orthodontic treatment.

Size Dependent Uptake and Hemolytic Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Erythrocytes and Biomedical Potential of ZnO-Ferulic acid Conjugates.

Despite zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) being increasingly used as carriers in biomedical fields due to their multifaceted properties and therapeutic importance, better understanding of the mechanisms and cellular consequences resulting from their interaction with cells and cellular components has been warranted. In the present study, we investigate the size-dependent interaction of ZnONPs on RBCs, and its impact on cell viability, DNA damage, ROS generation and morphological changes, employing cellular and analytical methods. Size, charge, stability and solubility were confirmed by DLS, zeta potential, ICP-AES and TEM analysis. Further ICP-AES, TEM, spectroscopic observations and cell based assays showed that ZnONPs exhibited a size dependent impact on RBCs and haemoglobin (Hb), particularly size <50 nm. Conversely, ferulic acid (FA) conjugates and serum albumin significantly reduced the adverse effects exhibited by ZnONPs. The extent of DNA damage and ROS generation is comparatively low in ZnONPs-FA than in ZnONPs alone treated cells. Thus our study documents a novel conceptualization delineating the influence of size on the material properties and therapeutic potential of nanoparticle.

Protective effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract against genetic damage induced by anti-tumor agents in mice.

The genotoxic potential of anti-tumor drugs limits their efficacy in the treatment of cancers. Since ancient times, saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L.) has been used as a spice and medicinal herb. Saffron is a rich source of carotenoids and is known for its anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. The present study was designed to ascertain the chemoprotective potential of saffron against the genotoxicity of three well-known anti-tumor drugs-cisplatin (CIS), cyclophosphamide (CPH) and mitomycin-C (MMC)--using comet assay. Three doses of saffron (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered to mice for five consecutive days prior to the administration of anti-tumor drugs under investigation. Pre-treatment with saffron significantly inhibited anti-tumor drugs induced cellular DNA damage (strand breaks) as revealed by decreased comet tail length, tail moment and percent DNA in the tail. These findings, together with our previous results, suggest a potential role for saffron as an anti-genotoxic, anti-oxidant and chemopreventive agent and could be used as an adjuvant in chemotherapeutic applications.

An unusual case of cervical lipoblastoma with review of literature.

Lipoblastoma is a rare, benign, soft tissue neoplasm most commonly seen in children less than 3 years. It is usually seen on the trunk and on the limbs and rarely in the head and neck. In our case, a child of age 1 year and 3 months presented with a swelling over the nape of the neck. The swelling had rapidly increased in size and was associated with difficulty in neck movements. Intraoperatively it was found to have very minimal adhesions to the underlying muscles of neck. Histopathological examination confirmed it to be a lipoblastoma. The swelling was removed by wide excision, and there was no postoperative complication.

Effects of short-term isotonic & isometric training on cardiovascular & pulmonary function.

A randomised control trial of short-term exercises on specific cardiovascular and respiratory parameters was undertaken in normal male college students. The effects of isotonic training (5BX programme) and isometric training (a programme of isometric exercises working all major groups of muscles) were compared with a control group with no specific workout. Both isotonic and isometric training resulted in significant cardiovascular improvement but seemed inadequate to improve vital capacity and flow rates. Isotonic training in addition, improved ventilatory efficiency. It is concluded that such isotonic or isometric training of thrice a week for ten weeks, requiring no equipment, less time and space can be promoted to improve physical fitness.

Technology-based dissemination.

Health care reform and restructuring, changes in the scope and definitions of 'health', 'health care' and 'health research', along with a continued emphasis on multidisciplinary health promotion and prevention, all indicate the need for information dissemination, exchange and management. Technology can be a tool to help meet this need, as it can help us disseminate, as well as understand the process of dissemination. Rapid advances in, and reduced costs of technology, permit the integration of this tool. This paper provides a definition for dissemination, along with a background and rationale as to why now is the time and place to harness technology to assist with the dissemination process. In addition, it presents well-designed studies on the effective use of technology as an aid to dissemination. Concrete examples of innovative technology that are being tested are also examined. Finally, the challenge and strategies for technology integration are addressed.

Development and validation of an evaluation tool for multimedia resources in health education.

The last decade saw a rapid increase in the use of multimedia in health education. Easy availability, accessibility, low cost of technological resources and the expanding body of research on the role of multimedia in student learning, among others, have all contributed to this increase in usage. Since one of the roles of educators is to assess and select learning resources based on curriculum goals and student needs, the development of standardized methods for multimedia evaluation becomes vital. To the learner, it is important for reviews of the quality of the resource to be readily available. An evaluation too was developed based on the recognition of this need. The validity of the tool was tested using experts in technology and education. Reliability was determined using faculty and students who reviewed the same software, using the tool. In addition, graduate students reviewed two versions of a nursing program, of varying quality. The results indicate that the tool is reliable and valid. It is envisaged that this tool can be utilized by health educators for evaluating multimedia resources and setting up a much needed clearinghouse for health education resources.

Protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on chemical-induced genotoxicity in mice.

Spirulina fusiformis given by oral route to mice at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1) significantly inhibit the genotoxicity induced by cisplatin and urethane. In addition, a significant reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in the liver enzymatic (GPx, GST, SOD, CAT) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants were observed.

Effect of Spirulina fusiformis on cyclophosphamide and mitomycin-C induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

Spirulina fusiformis was tested for its possible in vivo protective effects against cyclophosphamide (CP) and mitomycin-C (MMC) induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice. Pre-treatment with S. fusiformis (250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1), p.o., daily for 5 days) significantly reduced the chromosomal damage and lipid peroxidation with concomitant changes in antioxidants and detoxification systems. All the three tested doses were effective in exerting a protective effect against CP and MMC.

Neonatal sepsis: Staphylococcus aureus as the predominant pathogen.

96 consecutive inborn neonates with blood culture proven bacterial sepsis during the period January to June 1997 were studied. Lethargy with refusal of feeds (28%), fever (28%) and respiratory distress (31.3%) were the major presenting features. Half of them (n = 48) were of early onset (< 48 hours) and the remaining half were of late onset (> 48 hours). Staphylococcus aureus (n = 59, 61.5%) was the predominant pathogen and 66% of them were methicillin resistant followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 24, 21.9), Escherichia coli (n = 13, 13.5%) and streptococci (n = 3, 3.1%). Antibiotic resistance was common, with the sensitivity to various antibiotics being ampicillin 19%, gentamicin 21.6%, cefotaxime 32.8%, amikacin 50%, chloromycetin 59.6% and ciprofloxacin 90.3%.

Exercise induced bronchial lability in normal men and women--a comparison.

Normal male (n = 29) and female (n = 39) medical students with a mean age of 19.2 years who were nonsmokers, with no personal history of allergy were studied. The bronchial lability was assessed from peak expiratory flows and forced expiratory spirograms taken before, during and upto 45 minutes after a standard exercise using the Harvard steps. Women had a significantly lower (P < .001) resting FVC, FEV1, FEF 25-75% and PEF as compared to men. Although the exercise lability index was not significantly different in men and women, the latter showed a greater percent increase (P < .02) and a lesser percent decrease (P < .02) of PEF during and after the exercise respectively. They also showed a significantly (P < .005) faster recovery to normal. These results suggest that airway dynamics may be better in women than in men. This could account for the lower incidence and morbidity from respiratory allergic disease seen in women as compared to men.

Telemedicine and security. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability: a Canadian perspective.

The health care system is undergoing major reform, characterized by organized delivery systems (regionalization, decentralization, devolution, etc); shifts in care delivery sites; changing health provider roles; increasing consumer responsibilities; and accountability. Rapid advances in information technology and telecommunications have led to a new type of information infrastructure which can play a major role in this reform. Compatible health information systems are now being integrated and connected across institutional, regional, and sectorial boundaries. In the near future, these information systems will readily be accessed and shared by health providers, researchers, policy makers, health consumers, and the public. SECURITY is a critical characteristic of any health information system. This paper will address three fields associated with SECURITY: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These will be defined and examined as they relate to specific aspects of Telemedicine, such as electronic integrated records and clinical databases; electronic transfer of documents; as well as data storage and disposal. The guiding principles, standards, and safeguards being considered and put in place to ensure that telemedicine information intrastructures can protect and benefit all stakeholders' rights and needs in both primary and secondary uses of information will be reviewed. Implemented, proposed, and tested institutional, System, and Network solutions will be discussed; for example, encryption-decryption methods; data transfer standards; individual and terminal access and entry I.D. and password levels; smart card access and PIN number control; data loss prevention strategies; interference alerts; information access keys; algorithm safeguards; and active marketing to users of standards and principles. Issues such as policy, implementation, and ownership will be addressed.

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye using silver (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized from Ulva lactuca.

In this paper, we report on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ulva lactuca (seaweed) at room temperature along with photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye. UV spectral analysis showed peak at 430 nm with special reference to the excitation of surfaces plasmon vibration by silver nanoparticles. FT-IR studies reveal the presence of bioactive functional groups such as phenolic compounds, amines and aromatic ring are found to be the capping and stabilizing agents of nanoparticles. The morphology of silver nanoparticles was found to be spherical and ranges about 48.59 nm as confirmed by HR-SEM. Negative zeta potential value of -34 mV suggests that the nanoparticles are highly stable in colloidal solution. XRD patterns also suggest the occurrence of spherical shaped particles due to the presence of silver ions. Further, photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange was measured spectrophotometrically by using silver as nanocatalyst under visible light illumination. The results revealed that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using U. lactuca was found to be impressive in degrading methyl orange.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles for cancer treatment: an experimental report.

A generation of nanoparticles research has discussed recently. It is mandatory to elaborate the applications of biogenic nanoparticles in general and anticancereous property in particular. The present study was aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity effect of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells towards the development of anticancer agent. Biogenic AgNPs were achieved by employing Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract as a novel reducing agent. It was well characterized by FESEM, EDAX and spectral studies showed spherical shaped nanoparticles in the size of 22 nm in slightly agglomerated form. It was surprising that biogenic AgNPs showed cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cell lines were confirmed by MTT, AO-EB, Hochest and COMET assays. There was an immediate induction of cellular damage in terms of loss of cell membrane integrity, oxidative stress and apoptosis were found in the cell which treated with AgNPs. This may be a first report on anti-MCF-7 property of biogenic AgNPs in the fourth generation of nanoparticles research. It is necessary to study the formulation and clinical trials to establish the nano drug to treat cancer cells.

The extra cellular synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles and their free radical scavenging and antibacterial properties.

The bio reduction of chloro auric acid (HAuCl(4)) and silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) is achieved extracellularly by using the aqueous extract of Solanum torvum (S. torvum) fruit. The nanoparticle formation was screened by UV-visible spectroscopy through color conversion due to surface plasma resonance bands at 560 nm and 430 nm for gold and silver nanoparticles respectively. The spherical shapes with smooth surface of gold and silver nanoparticles were analyzed through scanning electron microscope and its presence was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The functional groups in the gold and silver salts and the bio interactive functional groups present in the S. torvum extract were characterized by employing Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The biomedical properties of gold and silver nanoparticles were premeditated as free radical scavenging activity and antibacterial static agents. Gold and silver nanoparticles serve as strong hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide and DPPH radical scavengers in contrast to their corresponding metal oxides. The radical quenching properties of gold and silver nanoparticles were found to correlate with in vitro DNA protective effect. The silver nanoparticles show strong zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Bacillus whereas, gold nanoparticles exhibit fair zone of inhibition. To our knowledge this is the first report that S. torvum extract can reduce metal acids to nano materials.