The effect of photodynamic therapy on the salivary flow rate, IgA concentration and C-reactive protein levels in active smokers: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the salivary flow rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, and C-reactive protein levels in active smokers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study is a prospective case-control study. Twenty active smokers were allocated to two groups randomly of ten participants each: the experimental group was irradiated while the control was exposed to sham irradiation by turning off the equipment. In the experimental group, methylene blue mediated PDT was applied both intra- and extra-orally over the major and minor salivary glands using a diode laser. 780 nm wavelength and 4 J/cm2 of energy were used to irradiate the 10 points of major salivary glands (6 for parotid and 2 for submandibular glands and 2 for sublingual glands). On the other hand, 660 nm was used to apply 10 J/cm2 of energy over the minor salivary glands at numerous points. The samples of the stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected from both groups to assess the SFR. ELISA method was used to assess the level of salivary IgA levels, statistical analysis was done using a one-way ANOVA, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant increment in salivary and secretory immunoglobulin A levels of subjects undergone photodynamic therapy. C-reactive protein levels were significantly decreased in subjects exposed to irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study concludes that photodynamic therapy significantly improves the salivary flow rate, secretory Immunoglobulin A, and oral health quality of life in smokers. The inflammatory salivary marker C-reactive protein, which is usually raised in smokers, is also reduced.

Addition of transglutaminase enzyme in camel milk yoghurt to increase its sensorial aspects

Camel milk was obtained from A-block UVAS Ravi Campus Pattoki. After pasteurization at 72 °C (15 sec) it was cooled to 42 °C, then glutathione treated transglutaminase enzyme was added with the concentration of 0.5 g/300 mL, 1 g/300 mL, 1.5 g/300 mL, 2 g/300 mL while control sample with the addition of 1.5 g/300 mL gelatin. Then inoculation of milk was done with standard cultures of Yoghurt Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus at the rate of 2% for 3-4 hours at 42 °C. Samples were stored at 4 °C and were analyzed on 1st day and 28th day of storage. In our findings, there was slight increase in sensorial properties of all the samples. It was also observed that syneresis was reduced with the increase of enzyme quantity.

Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide sheets integrated with gold nanoparticles and their applications to adsorptive removal and catalytic reduction of water contaminants

Here, we report the facile synthesis of graphene oxide–gold (GO–Au) nanocomposites and their use as adsorbents for the removal of toxic industrial dyes from water and as catalysts for the individual and simultaneous reduction of a dye and a nitro compound in aqueous medium. GO sheets were prepared using a modified Hummers method while Au nanoparticles were integrated on GO sheets by reducing Au(iii) ions on the surfaces of GO sheets using sodium citrate as a reducing agent. The prepared composite was characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The GO–Au nanocomposite demonstrated efficient adsorption capacities and recyclability for malachite green (MG) and ethyl violet (EV) dyes. The effects of various experimental parameters including temperature, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dose were studied. From the simulation of experimental data with different adsorption isotherms and kinetic models it was found that the adsorption of both the dyes followed the Freundlich adsorption model and a pseudo-second order kinetic model, respectively. Moreover, the adsorbent showed better recyclability for both dyes without any compromise on the removal efficiency. Similarly, the catalytic performance for the reduction of 2-nitroaniline (2-NA) has been investigated in detail by using the prepared nanocomposite as a catalyst. Most importantly, we reported the simultaneous adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes from water using the prepared nanocomposite as well as the simultaneous catalytic reduction of a mixture of EV and 2-NA. So, considering the facile synthesis process and the efficient removal of a variety of dyes and the catalytic performance this work opens up a tremendous opportunity to bring GO based nanocomposites from experimental research to practically applied materials for wastewater treatment.

Preparation of graphene oxide–gold (GO–Au) nanocomposites as adsorbents and catalysts for decontamination of water.

Gene mapping in an anophthalmic pedigree of a consanguineous Pakistani family opened new horizons for research

Clinical anophthalmia is a rare inherited disease of the eye and phenotype refers to the absence of ocular tissue in the orbit of eye. Patients may have unilateral or bilateral anophthalmia, and generally have short palpebral fissures and small orbits. Anophthalmia may be isolated or associated with a broader syndrome and may have genetic or environmental causes. However, genetic cause has been defined in only a small proportion of cases, therefore, a consanguineous Pakistani family of the Pashtoon ethnic group, with isolated clinical anophthalmia was investigated using linkage mapping. A family pedigree was created to trace the possible mode of inheritance of the disease. Blood samples were collected from affected as well as normal members of this family, and screened for disease-associated mutations. This family was analyzed for linkage to all the known loci of clinical anophthalmia, using microsatellite short tandem repeat (STR) markers. Direct sequencing was performed to find out disease-associated mutations in the candidate gene. This family with isolated clinical anophthalmia, was mapped to the SOX2 gene that is located at chromosome 3q26.3-q27. However, on exonic and regulatory regions mutation screening of the SOX2 gene, the disease-associated mutation was not identified. It showed that another gene responsible for development of the eye might be present at chromosome 3q26.3-q27 and needs to be identified and screened for the disease-associated mutation in this family.

Modeling and experimental validation of hydrodynamics in an ultrasonic batch reactor

Simulation of hydrodynamics in ultrasonic batch reactor containing immobilized enzymes as catalyst is done. A transducer with variable power and constant frequency (24 kHz) is taken as source of ultrasound (US). Simulation comprises two steps. In first step, acoustic pressure field is simulated and in second step effect of this field on particle trajectories is simulated. Simulation results are compared with experimentally determined particle trajectories using PIV Lab (particle image velocimetry). Effect of varying ultrasonic power, positioning and number of ultrasonic sources on particle trajectories is studied. It is observed that catalyst particles tend to orientate according to pattern of acoustic pressure field. An increase in ultrasonic power increases particle velocity and also brings more particles into motion. Simulation results are found to be in agreement with experimentally determined data.

Genetic association analysis of serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) with type 2 diabetes patients of Pakistani population

AIMS

It is well established that the serotonergic system contributes to the regulation of glucose homeostasis and feeding and therefore it has been presumed to contribute to the biological susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and body-mass index (BMI). 5-HTTLPR is a serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene-linked polymorphic region that regulates the transcriptional activity of 5-HTT. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (L and S alleles) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene with T2DM and/or higher BMI in Pakistani population.

METHODS

In this study, 574 subjects diagnosed with T2DM and 402 unrelated normal controls from the general Pakistani population were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR polymorphism by PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis. The genotyping data (S/S, S/L and L/L) were recorded and analysed statistically using various software and online available tools.

RESULTS

In the total sample, patients with type 2 diabetes and controls without diabetes, genotypes were distributed according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and S allele frequency was 61.52% (0.61). There was no statistical association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the development of T2DM in this Pakistani population (p=0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant statistical association of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with type 2 diabetes and obesity in Pakistani population shows that 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is not a major factor in determining type 2 diabetes and obesity in Pakistan.

Magnetic Co–Fe bimetallic nanoparticle containing modifiable microgels for the removal of heavy metal ions, organic dyes and herbicides from aqueous media

Poly(methacrylic-co-acrylonitrile) (p(MAc-co-AN)) microgels were prepared and nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by chemical modification.

A prospective study on Adverse Drug Reactions of antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital

Adverse reactions are the recognized hazards of drug therapy and they can occur with any class of drugs and many studies revealed that the incidence is more in case of antibiotics. The main aim of this study was to detect and analyze Adverse Drug Reactions of antibiotics in inpatients of a tertiary care hospital. A prospective spontaneous reporting study by active and passive methods was carried out for a period of six months. A total of 49 ADRs were reported during the study period with male predominance (53.06%) and geriatric age group. More number of ADRs was from General Medicine and Pediatric departments in which the most affected organ systems were the GIT (38.77%) and the skin (30.61%). The antibiotic classes mostly accounted were cephalosporins (34.69%) followed by fluoroquinolones and others in which type A reactions were more compared to type B and 59.18% of them were predictable. The severity assessment revealed that most of them were moderate (63.26%) followed by mild and severe reactions. Of the reported reactions, 55.10% were definitely preventable and causality assessment was done which showed that 71.42% of the reactions were probable, possible (18.36%), definite (10.20%) and no reactions were unlikely. The study concluded that Adverse Drug Reactions to antibiotics are common and some of them resulted in increased healthcare cost due to the need of some interventions and increased length of hospital stay. The health system should promote the spontaneous reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions to antibiotics, proper documentation and periodic reporting to regional pharmacovigilance centers to ensure drug safety.

Highly versatile p(MAc)–M (M: Cu, Co, Ni) microgel composite catalyst for individual and simultaneous catalytic reduction of nitro compounds and dyes

Poly(methacrylic acid) (p(MAc)) microgels were synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization and used as a template for copper, nickel, and cobalt nanoparticle preparation.

Choanal atresia treated with transpalatal approach

A case of unilateral choanal atresia (CA) presented in adulthood with unilateral nasal discharge and obstruction, and coloboma of right lower eyelid. Diagnosis of choanal atresia was made with 0 degree telescope and CT scan. It was treated surgically by transpalatal (TP) approach. Stent was kept for 6 weeks. Few adhesions developed, which were broken. There was no other complication in follow-up.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction in total laryngotracheal transection

A case of laryngotracheal trauma (LTT) was brought to hospital in emergency. After securing airway, neck was explored and total laryngotracheal separation together with crushed anterior and posterior tracheal walls was found. Cricotracheal anastomosis and anterior tracheal wall was repaired with perichondrium lined rib graft. Recovery was good, required dilatation once without any serious postoperative complication in close follow-up.

Odontoid Lateral Mass Interval (OLMI) asymmetry and rotary subluxation: a retrospective study in cervical spine injury

The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of odontoid lateral mass interval (OLMI) asymmetry on open-mouth view, in neck injury patients who have otherwise normal cervical spine x-rays. Thirteen neck injury patients were reviewed. Average age was 23.5 years (range, 16-30 years) and average follow-up was 15 weeks (range, 6-39 weeks). All the patients, referred from the casualty department, had computed tomography (CT) scans because of the OLMI asymmetry to rule out rotary subluxation. Clinically none of the patients had torticollis. CT scans were reported normal except for OLMI asymmetry, in 11 patients. Two patients were reported as having rotary subluxation and one was found, after normal initial plain films, to have an undisplaced lateral mass fracture of the atlas with bony avulsion of the transverse ligament. The average OLMI asymmetry was 3.1 mm (range, 2-4 mm). The authors concluded that although OLMI asymmetry has low sensitivity and specificity for true subluxation or instability, it may be a sign of significant cervical injury and should be evaluated with CT.

Age estimation using three established methods. A study on Indian population

Age estimation is an important factor in the identification of an individual in forensic cases. Adult age determination from teeth was carried out using three methods, namely, Johanson method, methods of Kashyap and Koteswar Rao and the average stage of attrition method (ASA). A total of 100 patients were selected. Johanson and Kashyap method uses microscopic measurements, whereas ASA is purely a clinical method. ASA method was found to be the best method. Unsatisfactory results were seen more in Kashyap's technique. In all the three methods overestimates of age were common in mandibular teeth and in teeth taken from female individuals. More studies are needed in Kashyap's method as there are certain difficulties encountered in measuring a few criteria.

Antegrade locked intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures

Thirty-three humeral nailings were carried out using the Russell-Taylor nail. Twenty-two acute fractures and one non-union united, gave an overall union rate of 70%. Eighteen patients (56%) experienced pain in the shoulder or at the fracture site. Thirteen patients (41%) had poor shoulder function. Only 17 (51%) of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. Fourteen patients (42%) needed further surgery. We conclude that antegrade intamedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures leads to a substantial risk of non-union and impairment of shoulder function. There was no significant correlation between fracture comminution and fracture healing in our study.

Removal and recovery of heavy metals from electroplating wastewater by using Kyanite as an adsorbent

Kyanite, a commercial mineral has been utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals, such as Ni(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI) and Cu(II) from electroplating wastewater. The effect of contact time, pH, concentration, adsorbent doses, particle size of the adsorbent, salinity and hardness, both in natural and wastewater on the adsorption of Cu(II) have been studied in detail. The adsorption of metal ions seems to be an ion exchange process. The adsorbed metals ions from electroplating wastewater were recovered by batch as well as column operation using dilute HCl solution. The column operation was found to be more effective compared to batch process.

Adsorption behaviour of some aromatic amines on pyrolusite and activated carbon and recovery of beta napthylamine from water sample

The adsorption behaviour of Diphenylamine (DPAM), beta napthylamine (beta NAM), alpha napthylamine (alpha NAM) and aniline on pyrolusite and activated carbon has been studied. Pyrolusite shows remarkable sorption capacity for DPAM and beta NAM as compared to aniline; (the adsorption followed the order: Activated Carbon:--> DPAM = beta NAM > alpha Aniline; Pyrolusite: DPAM: --> beta NAM > alpha NAM > Aniline) The maximum adsorption of beta NAM occurred in the concentration range 4-20 microg mL(-1) on pyrolusite (95%) and 4-50 microg mL(-1) on activated carbon (100%). The effect of various doses of activated carbon on the adsorption of beta NAM confirm Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms where as Freundlich isotherm is obeyed by pyrolusite. The adsorption of beta NAM on both the absorbents is not affected in presence of DPAM over a wide range of their initial concentrations (20-60 microg mL(-1)). The desorption studies of beta NAM on pyrolusite was carried out by batch as well as column processes. Excellent results were obtained when a mixture of n-hexane and isopropanol (91:1) was used as eluent.

Adsorption studies on Citrus reticulata (fruit peel of orange): removal and recovery of Ni(II) from electroplating wastewater

The ability of fruit peel of orange to remove Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cr from aqueous solution by adsorption was studied. The adsorption was in the order of Ni(II)>Cu(II)>Pb(II)>Zn(II)>Cr(II). The extent of removal of Ni(II) was found to be dependent on sorbent dose, initial concentration, pH and temperature. The adsorption follows first-order kinetics. The process is endothermic showing monolayer adsorption of Ni(II), with a maximum adsorption of 96% at 50 degrees C for an initial concentration of 50 mg l(-1) at pH 6. Thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated. Desorption was possible with 0.05 M HCl and was found to be 95.83% in column and 76% in batch process, respectively. The spent adsorbent was regenerated and recycled thrice. The removal and recovery was also done in wastewater and was found to be 89% and 93.33%, respectively.

Co-administration of gamma-vinyl GABA and cocaine: preclinical assessment of safety

Gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG, Vigabatrin), an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase (GABA-T) that inhibits cocaine-induced place preference and self administration has been proposed as a treatment for cocaine addiction. It was therefore important to assess if there was an enhanced toxicity from the combination of GVG with cocaine. No mortality was observed with administration of GVG (60 mg/kg i.v.) alone (n=8) or in combination (n=6) with cocaine (5 mg/kg i.v.). Cocaine-induced EKG alterations were not affected by GVG pretreatment. Plasma alanine amino transferase activity was reduced by GVG treatment and this was not further modified by cocaine administration. These results suggest that acute co-administration of GVG and cocaine does not result in immediate cardiovascular or hepatic toxicity of sufficient significance, to preclude further clinical trials.

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography of plasma fatty acids as their phenacyl esters to evaluate splanchnic and renal fatty acid balance in vivo

Plasma fatty acids from renal and hepatic veins, and arterialized hand vein obtained in 20 subjects before and after insulin infusion were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography following phenacyl esterification. Separation and quantification over the range 1.0-100 nmol per injection of nine fatty acids was achieved within 60 min using [2H31]palmitic acid as internal standard. Analytical recoveries were greater than 90% and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 2.5 and 4.0%, respectively. Following insulin infusion, net splanchnic uptake of total fatty acids decreased from 3.0+/-0.3 to 1.0+/-0.1 micromol/kg min (p<0.01), whereas net renal balance remained neutral (-0.04+/-0.04 vs. -0.06+/-0.03 micromol/kg min, p=N.S.). Individual fatty acid balance varied from a low of 0.012+/-0.005 (myristic acid) to a high of 0.95+/-0.08 (oleic acid) micromol/kg min across the splanchnic tissues and from 0.005+/-0.002 (stearic acid) to 0.21+/-0.1 (oleic acid) micromol/kg min across the kidney. There is a substantial diversity in changes in plasma concentration and regional balance of individual fatty acid during short-term fasting and hyperinsulinemia. This method is simple, accurate, and can be applied to assess individual fatty acid metabolism in vivo.

Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on hepatic and renal glucose production during hypoglycemia in conscious dogs

To investigate the role of beta-adrenergic mechanisms in the counterregulatory response of the liver and kidney to hypoglycemia, we studied 10 dogs before and after a 2-h constant infusion of insulin (4 mU. kg-1. min-1) either without (n = 4) or with (8 micrograms/min, n = 6) propranolol and variable dextrose to maintain hypoglycemia, 7 days after surgical placement of sampling catheters in left renal and hepatic veins and femoral artery. Systemic glucose appearance (Ra) and endogenous (EGP), hepatic (HGP), and renal (RGP) glucose production were measured by a combination of arteriovenous difference and peripheral infusion of [6-3H]glucose, renal blood flow with a flow probe, and hepatic plasma flow by indocyanine green clearance. Without beta-adrenergic blockade, arterial glucose decreased from 5.12 +/- 0.02 to 2.53 +/- 0.07 mmol/l, glucose Ra increased from 17.8 +/- 0.7 to 30.5 +/- 2.5 (P < 0.01) when EGP was 22.2 +/- 0.5, HGP from 13.5 +/- 1.1 to 19.3 +/- 1.3, and RGP from 2. 4 +/- 1.0 to 8.6 +/- 0.9 micromol. kg-1. min-1 (all P < 0.05). When propranolol was infused, glucose decreased from 5.97 +/- 0.02 to 2. 71 +/- 0.03 mmol/l, glucose Ra increased from 16.3 +/- 1.0 to 25.1 +/- 1.6 when EGP was 9.9 +/- 0.4, HGP decreased from 14.4 +/- 0.7 to 10.4 +/- 0.6, and RGP decreased from 3.8 +/- 1.3 to 1.1 +/- 0.8 micromol. kg-1. min-1 (all P < 0.05). Our data indicate that beta-adrenergic blockade impairs glucose recovery during sustained hypoglycemia, in part, by preventing the simultaneous compensatory increase in HGP and RGP.

Energy metabolism and fuel mobilization: from the perioperative period to recovery

To determine the metabolic responses to surgical trauma, we assessed the rates of whole body (WB) proteolysis and glucose turnover using established isotopic techniques in combination with interorgan amino acid and substrate balances (using arteriovenous differences times flow) after laparotomy. Circulating levels of hormones and mediators known to affect these parameters were also examined. Mongrel dogs (n = 5-8 per group) were studied postoperatively under general anesthesia (immediate postoperative period) and at 3 days postoperatively (3 dPO) and 2 weeks later. Our results show that the immediate postoperative period is characterized by significant hyperglycemia, secondary to decreased glucose clearance (without any alterations in the rates of hepatic glucose production) and significant increase in gut proteolysis, with a mild increase in WB proteolysis. The gut proteolysis accounted for nearly 40% of WB proteolysis. At 3 dPO, blood glucose levels returned to normal, whereas the rate of WB proteolysis was maximally increased. Gut proteolysis was mildly elevated and accounted for nearly 8% of WB proteolysis. All metabolic parameters were back to near basal at 2 weeks postoperatively. These metabolic changes were accompanied by significant elevations in the plasma levels of endogenous morphine and cortisol and lower glucagon and insulin growth factor-I levels in the immediate postoperative period and at 3 dPO. These studies underscore the importance of the gut as a reservoir of amino acids during the immediate postoperative period, accounting for more than one-third of WB proteolysis. At 3 dPO, when maximal stimulation of WB proteolysis and amino acid oxidation are observed, the contribution from the gut is negligible and is most likely replaced by breakdown from skeletal muscle.

Heavy metals: leaching from glazed surfaces of tea mugs

Heavy metals (zinc, lead, cadmium, iron, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel and cobalt) were found to leach from the glazed surfaces of tea mugs collected from 13 different pottery units of Khurja (U.P.) and one each from Ghaziabad (U.P.) and Calcutta (West Bengal) determined under different conditions. The leachates used were: tea at 80 degrees C, orange juice at room temperature and 4% acetic acid at room temperature, 40 degrees C and 60 degrees C, respectively. The volume (capacity) of mugs ranged between 200 and 250 ml. The duration for leaching was 24 h in each case without stirring. The concentrations of metals leached in tea at 80 degrees C were found in the range (in microgram/l): Zn, 236-730; Fe, 98-925; Cr, 62-119; Cu, 63-299; Mn, 710-2670; and Ni, 70-80 micrograms/l. The concentrations of metals leached in orange juice at room temperature were in the range (in microgram/l): Zn, 393-1262; Cd, 25-349; Fe, 122-342; Cr, 66-945; Cu, 135-853; Mn, 166-424; and Ni, 70-134 micrograms/l. The concentrations of heavy metals extracted by 4% acetic acid at room temperature were found in the range (in microgram/l): Zn, 18-192; Fe, 143-372; Cu, 51-190; and Mn, 0-48 micrograms/l; at 40 degrees C (in microgram/l): Zn, 118-837; Fe, 124-639; Cu, 230-722; and Mn, 30-63 micrograms/l and at 60 degrees: Zn, 33-900; Fe, 83-576; Cu, 90-685; and Mn, 43-778 micrograms/l, respectively.

Role of the kidney in plasma glucose regulation during hyperglycemia

Little is known about the role of the kidney in plasma glucose regulation during hyperglycemia. We studied 12 overnight-fasted conscious dogs after either intrarenal (IR, n = 6) or peripheral (PH, n = 6) dextrose infusion to maintain hyperglycemia without glycosuria. Systemic and renal glucose kinetics were measured with [6-3H]glucose, lactate balance was measured by arteriovenous difference, and glycogen content was assayed in the kidneys. Plasma glucose (approximately 5.5 vs. approximately 6.3 mM), insulin (approximately 70 vs. approximately 110 pM), and glucose appearance (approximately 14 vs. approximately 16 mumol.kg-1.min-1 increased comparably in both groups (P < 0.05). In IR, fractional extraction of glucose (FEGlc) increased from 4.1 +/- 0.2 to 16.1 +/- 0.5% (P < 0.001) and lactate balance reversed to renal output (+1.3 +/- 0.2 vs. -0.9 +/- 0.2 mumol.kg-1.min-1, P < 0.01). Glycogen content was twofold higher in the left (127 +/- 33 micrograms/g tissue) than in the right kidney (56 +/- 11 micrograms/g tissue, P < 0.01). In PH, FEGlc decreased from 4.9 +/- 0.6 to 2.2 +/- 0.3% (P < 0.05), renal glucose utilization did not change (approximately 1.3 mumol.kg-1.min-1); and glycogen content was equal in both kidneys (approximately 45 micrograms/g tissue). We conclude that, although the kidney plays a minor role in plasma glucose disposal in physiological hyperglycemia, increased glucose uptake, glycogen storage, and lactate formation precede glycosuria and may represent important mechanisms by which the kidney contributes to normalization of plasma glucose in diabetes.

Gas chromatography - mass spectrometric analysis of four polluted river waters for phenolic and organic compounds

Forty-four water samples from eleven sampling points were collected from four highly polluted rivers of northern India once in each four seasons during 1988-1989. The samples were analyzed for phenol, chlorophenols, a few bromophenols and other organics. Phenol was found to be absent in all the analyzed samples. Trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol were frequently detected. Comparatively, the Ganges river was most polluted at Kannauj followed by Narora, Kachala and Fatehgarh. Maximum phenols were found at Mathura downstream of the Yamuna river followed by Mathura upstream, Okhla, ITO and none at Wazirabad. No phenols were detected in the water of the rivers Hindon and Kali at Ghaziabad and Aligarh, respectively. Some other organic pollutants were also identified by their mass spectra and supported by data from the computerized library, but, not quantified.

Adsorption studies and the removal of dissolved metals using pyrolusite as adsorbent

The adsorption of metals from aqueous solutions of Pb(2+), Zn(2+) and Mg(2+) on naturally occurring pyrolusite have been studied. The chemical stability of the pyrolusite has been determined in NaOH, H2SO4, HNO3, HCl, NaCl and NK4Cl solutions of various concentrations. Adsorption of the metal ions followed the order Pb(2+)>Zn(2+)>Cd(2+).The maximum adsorption of Pb(2+) (100%) occurred at pH 7. the relation between the amount of Pb(2+) adsorbed per unit weight of pyrolusite and the concentration of Pb(2+) at equilibrium follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.The efficiency of pyrolusite has been demonstrated by removing lead from synthetic waste water. 100% and 96% removal of lead have been achieved from synthetic waste water containing 5 mg l(-1) and 120 mg l(-1) of Pb(2+) respectively at pH 7. The results of these studies suggest that pyrolusite might provide an economical method for the removal of lead from industrial waste water.

Metabolic, hormonal, and hemodynamic changes induced by metabotropic excitatory amino acid agonist (1S,3R)-ACPD

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether central administration of (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD), a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, would stimulate glucose metabolism, activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or influence pancreatic endocrine secretion. Intracerebroventricular injection of ACPD increased arterial glucose levels by 60% within 15 min, which were sustained throughout the 3-h experimental protocol. This hyperglycemia resulted from an early increase in hepatic glucose production (HGP, 88%) that exceeded the increase in glucose uptake by peripheral tissues (66%). Stimulation of glucose metabolism was associated with transient elevations in plasma insulin (145%) and glucagon (3-fold) levels and more sustained elevations in corticosterone (141%), epinephrine (3- to 5-fold), and norepinephrine (32-110%). Intravenous infusion of alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists prevented the ACPD-induced increase in glucose metabolism. Arterial blood pressure, cardiac index, and total peripheral resistance were not altered after ACPD. Overall, the changes in regional blood flow were unremarkable, although ACPD did increase blood flow to the liver (2-fold) and heart (48%) and decrease flow to the stomach (33%). These results indicate that central administration of ACPD 1) enhances HGP, which is primarily mediated by adrenergic stimulation; 2) increases glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, which appears to be mediated by both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia; 3) stimulates pancreatic and adrenal hormone secretion independent of adrenergic activation; and 4) produces minimal changes in regional blood flow that cannot explain the glucose metabolic response produced by ACPD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neural control of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle after central administration of NMDA

Intracerebroventricular injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) produces hyperglycemia and increases whole body glucose uptake. The purpose of the present study was to determine in rats which tissues are responsible for the elevated rate of glucose disposal. NMDA was injected intracerebroventricularly, and the glucose metabolic rate (Rg) was determined for individual tissues 20-60 min later using 2-deoxy-D-[U-14C]glucose. NMDA decreased Rg in skin, ileum, lung, and liver (30-35%) compared with time-matched control animals. In contrast, Rg in skeletal muscle and heart was increased 150-160%. This increased Rg was not due to an elevation in plasma insulin concentrations. In subsequent studies, the sciatic nerve in one leg was cut 4 h before injection of NMDA. NMDA increased Rg in the gastrocnemius (149%) and soleus (220%) in the innervated leg. However, Rg was not increased after NMDA in contralateral muscles from the denervated limb. Data from a third series of experiments indicated that the NMDA-induced increase in Rg by innervated muscle and its abolition in the denervated muscle were not due to changes in muscle blood flow. The results of the present study indicate that 1) central administration of NMDA increases whole body glucose uptake by preferentially stimulating glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, and 2) the enhanced glucose uptake by muscle is neurally mediated and independent of changes in either the plasma insulin concentration or regional blood flow.

Differential hemodynamic, metabolic and hormonal effects of morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide

Although the hyperglycemic effect of morphine has been previously described, it is not clear whether this is the result of increased glucose production and/or decreased glucose utilization and if this metabolic effect is lost with glucuronidation. This study assessed the hemodynamic (heart rate; HR and mean arterial blood pressure; MABP), hormonal and whole body glucose metabolic effects of morphine (MOR) and its metabolite morphine 6-glucuronide (MOR-6G) in conscious unrestrained chronically catheterized rats. Whole body glucose kinetics were assessed with a primed constant intravenous infusion of [3-3H]glucose in rats infused i.c.v. with H2O (Con; 5 microliters/h), MOR (80 micrograms/h) or MOR-6G (1 microgram/h) for a total of 4 h. MOR administration resulted in a significant 20% elevation in HR and no change in MABP. MOR-6G produced a 14% increase in HR and no change in MABP. A significant rise in plasma glucose (+23%), hepatic glucose production (Ra; +27-61%) and whole body glucose utilization (Rd; +31-61%) was also observed within 60 min of MOR administration. I.c.v. MOR-6G resulted in hyperglycemia (+60%), stimulation of glucose Ra (+60%) and glucose Rd (+50%). No significant alterations were noted in hemodynamic, metabolic and hormonal parameters of H2O infused rats. I.c.v. MOR resulted in a significant increases in epinephrine (2-fold), norepinephrine (50%), corticosterone (97%) with no alterations in plasma insulin and glucagon. I.c.v. MOR-6G resulted in more marked elevations in norepinephrine (5-fold), epinephrine (7-fold) and similar elevation in corticosterone (99%) and modest elevation of glucagon (40%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies to avian infectious bronchitis virus in Pakistani chickens

Using the hemagglutination inhibition test, sera from 20 diseased and 3 apparently healthy chicken flocks in Pakistan were examined for antibodies to four types of avian infectious bronchitis virus (AIBV). These flocks were not vaccinated against AIBV. Of the 900 serum samples from diseased flocks, 78 (8.7%) had antibodies to the Massachusetts (M41) type, 23 (2.6%) to the Arkansas type and 20 (2.2%) to the Connecticut type of AIBV. None had antibodies to the JMK type. None of the sera (n = 100) from apparently healthy layers was positive to any of the four AIBV types tested. Some of the birds with antibody titers exhibited no signs of illness except that they laid pale colored eggs or had a history of poor hatchability. These results indicate that at least three AIBV types are circulating in chicken flocks in Pakistan.

Quality of drinking water in the Aligarh Muslim University Campus, Aligarh, U.P. (India) with respect to heavy metals

The physico-chemical characteristics of the drinking water in nine residential halls of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P. (India), were studied. Nine samples each of running and standing water were taken four times over a period of one month at weekly intervals from all of the residential halls and were analysed for physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents. The temperature, pH and electrical conductivity of water samples ranged between 20.0-26.0°C; 7.00-8.00 and 116.00-199.04 micromhos cm(-1) respectively whereas the values of total alkalinity, total hardness, Cl(-), SO 4 (-) , F(-), NH3-N, NO2-N; NO3-N were found between 261.00-396.00; 128.00-200.00; 8.00-69.00; 12.00-46.00; 0.90-1.35; 0.20-0.44; ND; 1.60-6.50 mg l(-1) respectively. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations in the running water samples were as follows: Cd (0.70-3.75); Cr (ND-5.00); Co (9.50-18.75); Cu (0.75-15.00); Fe (ND-13.50); Mn (3.50-51.00); Ni (7.00-17.50); Pb (0.50-2.50) and Zn (10.00-176.50) μg l(-1). The heavy metal concentrations in standing water samples were found to be: Cd (1.20-4.90); Cr (ND-10.00); Co (10.25-19.00); Cu (1.75-20.00); Fe (ND-18.00); Mn (5.00-66.50); Ni (8.75-19.75); Pb (0.75-5.50) and Zn (28.60-364.00) μg l(-1). The concentrations of heavy metals in drinking water supplies of the Aligarh Muslim University campus were well below the guidelines for drinking water quality as prescribed by World Health Organisation (1984). It is evident from the results that the drinking water may not cause any significant health hazard to water consumers due to heavy metals but these may be hazardous if they get accumulated in the body due to continuous consumption of water.

Studies on heavy metals in the ground waters of the city of Aligarh U.P. (India)

A study was conducted to determine the levels of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn along with physico-chemical parameters in ground waters of Aligarh city, U.P. (India). Twenty seven samples of hand pump water and twenty three samples of municipal water supply were collected from different localities of the Aligarh city, five times during the period of two months at intervals of 12 days. The samples were analysed for physico-chemical characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity, chlorides, sulphates, total hardness, total alkalinity, nitrate-nitrogen, fluoride, calcium and magnesium) and heavy metal contents. The concentrations of heavy metals in the hand pump water samples were found in the ranges of Cd (ND-5.00); Cr (ND-30.00); Cu (ND-82.50); Fe (16.80-460.00); Mn (ND-425.00); Ni (ND-25.00); Pb (ND-25.00) and Zn (28.60-775.00) μg l(-1). The heavy metal concentrations in the municipal water supply samples were found to be Cd (ND-5.00); Cr (ND-25.00); Cu (ND-37.50); Fe (8.00-37.50); Mn (ND-320.00); Ni (ND-25.00); Pb (ND-25.00) and Zn (2.00-271.87) μg l(-1).It appears from the results of these studies the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the ground waters of the Aligarh City were found to be lower than the prescribed limits of World Health Organisation (1984), whereas the values of Fe and Mn were found above the prescribed limits in some localities. The chloride total hardness and nitrate-nitrogen were comparatively higher in the hand pump water than the municipal supply water. The reason of higher values of these parameters may be ascribed to the surface disposal of sewage wastes, wastes from metal processing industries and other house hold refuses.