Nano fibrous carbon produced from chromium bearing tannery solid waste as the bitumen modifier

Bitumen binders play a major role in reducing the aging and oxidation property of bitumen. Carbon nanomaterials act as an effective bitumen modifier due to its stiffness and strength. Thus, nano fibrous carbon (NFC) was prepared from Chrome Tanned Buffing Dust (a solidwaste generated from leather industries) with proper care of avoiding oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) through pulse pyrolysis system. Morphology analysis using TEM confirmed the nano fibrous structure of NFC. XRD pattern of NFC depicts the graphitic phases of carbon along with the Cr₂O₃. Prepared NFC has been used as bitumen modifier and the blending of NFC with bitumen were done using both conventional and microwave heating methods to study the proper blending methods to enhance the bitumen properties. Thermogram of the modified bitumen showed that the decomposition temperature increases by increasing the percentage of NFC (5-25%) in both the heating methods, but comparatively the thermal stability is more in microwave mixing than in conventional mixing. The morphology analysis of the modified bitumen showed that non-uniform blending in conventional type of heating and homogeneously blended mixture in microwave type of heating. The penetration value and ductility decreases while softening point and kinematic viscosity increases by increasing the quantity of NFC from 5 to 25% in modified bitumen. Microwave heat mixing method yielded better modified bitumen with NFC than conventional heating method in terms of stability, uniform blending and physical properties. The non-leachability of the Cr(III) in the NFC modified bitumen was confirmed through total chromium analysis in the leachate. But, chromium analysis in leachate of NFC immersed in acetate buffer for one month showed leaching of Cr(III) 5.5 μg/L in the 25% NFC modified bitumen block mixed using conventional heating method.

Assessment of Regeneration of Bone in the Extracted Third Molar Sockets Augmented Using Xenograft (CollaPlugTN Zimmer) in Comparison with the Normal Healing on the Contralateral Side

Introduction:

Alveolar bone resorption is a significant clinical problem. Bone loss in third molar region following extraction or surgical removal not only leads to periodontal problems in second molar region but also it may lead to some serious problems like increased incidence of angle fractures. In order to reduce the risks following third molar surgery, the socket should be augmented with bone grafts. In recent days guided tissue regeneration is the most accepted and successful technique followed many authors and its efficacy has been proved.

Materials and Methods:

Based upon our clinical experience, the use of bio absorbable collagen wound dressing such as CollaPlug^TN has achieved quick healing and more primary wound coverage. Amongst the graft materials collagen is preferable due to its high biocompatibility and hemostatic ability. This study was done to assess the regeneration of bone in the extracted third molar sockets using xenograft (CollaPlug^TN-Zimmer) which was compared with the normal healing on the contra lateral side. The assessment was done to analyze post-operative healing complications and to compare the bone density formed between control site and implant site radiologically.

Conclusion:

On this basis of this study, the use of collaplugTN appears to be beneficial to the patient in postoperative wound healing and also for better bone formation. The use of this material was advantageous because of its simplicity of application cost effectiveness and availability. There is enhanced wound healing and early bone formation.

Characterization of WMoO3 Thin Films and its n-WMoO3/p-Si Junction Diodes Via JNS Pyrolysis Technique

The jet nebulizer sprayed tungsten doped molybdenum trioxide (WMoO3) thin films and its P-N junction diode parameters have been studied for different doping concentrations (0, 3, 6 and 9 wt.%) of tungsten (W). The prepared films were studied by XRD, SEM, EDX, UV and I-V. The structural analyses of XRD and SEM revealed that the WMoO3 films depicted the orthorhombic structure in polycrystalline nature and showed the sub-microsized plate and flake-like structures on the surface. The presence of the elements such as W, Mo and O in the WMoO3 films prepared by jet nebulizer spray (JNS) pyrolysis technique was confirmed by the EDX spectra. From UV-vis analysis, the absorbance decreases up to 3 wt.% of WMoO3 then increases. 3 wt.% WMoO3 film exhibited the minimum band gap energy. The electrical property from I-V represents that the maximum average conductivity obtained as 5.70169×10−12 S/cm for 3 wt.% WMoO3 film. From the I-V measurements in darkness and under the illumination, the different diode parameters of ideality factor (n), barrier height (Φb) and sheet resistance (Rs) of n-WMoO3/p-Si were examined using J-V, Cheung’s and Norde methods.

Granulomas of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease can be differentiated by CD73 cell surface marker expression: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn's disease are similar granulomatous disorders. Granulomas are present in both and difficult to differentiate on histopathology alone. A recent study demonstrated recruitment of mesenchymal cells (MSCs) at the periphery of granulomas in lymph node tuberculosis which suppressed T cell responses. We hypothesized that granulomas of ITB would also recruit MSCs to evade host immune response.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate MSC markers in granulomas of ITB and evaluate whether distribution of MSC markers could differentiate between granulomas of Crohn's and ITB.

METHODS

We initially retrospectively enrolled 17 patients with confirmed ITB (8) or Crohn's (9) with granulomas on histopathology. Tissues were evaluated by immunofluorescence for MSC markers CD29, CD90, CD73 and absence of haematopoietic markers CD31, CD34, CD45 and CD14. Double-staining was done to confirm presence of MSCs. Subsequently, 23 postoperative specimens of Crohn's (18) and ITB (5) were analyzed for validation.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 Crohn's and 13 ITB cases were assessed. CD29 and CD90 positive cells were noted around both ITB and Crohn's granulomas. MSC marker CD73 was expressed around the granulomas of ITB alone and was completely absent in the Crohn's. The subsequent assessment of granulomas in postoperative specimens of Crohn's and ITB also showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Granulomas of ITB and Crohn's disease can be differentiated by CD73 MSC surface marker expression. The differential CD73 expression around ITB granuloma indicates that Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades host immunity by recruiting MSCs with CD73 expression. MSCs with increased CD73 expression could be the future for therapeutic intervention in Crohn's.

A clinical study to compare the efficacy and safety of pregabalin sustained release formulation with pregabalin immediate release formulation in patients of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of sustained release (SR) formulation of pregabalin with immediate release (IR) formulation in patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this open label, randomized, comparative, multicentric study, the primary efficacy measure was reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) of short form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) score from baseline to last visit. The secondary evaluation measures included reduction in SF-MPQ descriptive score and present pain intensity score and change in clinical global impression - improvement of illness (CGI-I) and clinical global impression - severity of illness (CGI-S) from baseline to last visit. Total duration of the study was 12 weeks. Safety evaluation was done by recording treatment emergent adverse events and laboratory investigations at baseline and end of treatment.

RESULTS

Of 265 randomized patients, 133 received pregabalin SR tablets and 132 pregabalin IR. Patients randomized to both treatments responded to respective treatments. The least square means of VAS score in both the groups were reduced significantly (P <0.01). Reduction in both groups was similar (P = ns). At the end of the trial in both the groups, there was a significant reduction in the SF-MPQ descriptive score (P <0.01), severity of illness as well as clinically significant improvement in the symptoms. Difference between the groups for CGI-I (P = 0.37) and CGI-S (P = 0.41) score was not statistically significant. Treatment in both the groups was found safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that the pregabalin SR is safe and effective in patients of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. The results of the study demonstrated that pregabalin SR has comparable efficacy and safety as pregabalin IR.

Magnetic and humidity-sensing properties of nanostructured CuxCo(1-x)Fe2O4 synthesized via autocombustion

The magnetic nanomaterials of CuxCo(1-x)Fe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0) were synthesized via autocombustion. The crystallite sizes of these materials were calculated from their X-ray diffraction peaks and were found to be within the range of 23-43 nm. The band near 575 cm(-1) that was observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum of these samples confirmed the presence of the ferrite phase. The conductivity versus temperature graph shows thermal hysteresis and exhibits the knee points at 475, 525, and 500 degrees C for copper ferrite, cobalt ferrite, and copper-cobalt ferrite, respectively. The M-H loops for these materials were traced using a vibrating sample magnetometer, and they indicated a significant increase in intrinsic coercivity due to the addition of Co2+ ions in the copper ferrite, while the remanence and saturation magnetization decreased. The ferrite materials that were used in this study exhibited good humidity sensitivity, but copper ferrite showed higher sensitivity compared to the other two materials.

Electronic structure studies of nanoferrite Cu(x)Co(1-x)Fe2O4 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Pure and mixed cobalt copper ferrites are of great interest due to their widespread application in electronics and medicine. We report on the electronic structure of a nanoferrite Cu(x)Co(1-x)Fe2O4 (0.0 < or = x < or = 1.0) system studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These magnetic nanoferrites (average crystallite size approximately 31-43 nm) were synthesized by an auto combustion method and are characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements at the O K and Co, Cu, and Fe L-edges. The O K-edge spectra suggest that there is a strong hybridization between O 2p and 3d electrons of Co, Cu and Fe cations and Fe L3,2-edge spectra indicate that Fe ions coexist in mixed valence states (Fe3+ and Fe2+) at tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel structure. Copper and cobalt ions are distributed in the divalent state in octahedral sites of the spinel structure. The origin of high saturation magnetization and coercivity in cobalt-copper ferrites are explained in light of these results.

Development and evaluation of a rapid IgM capture ELISA (JEV-Chex) for the diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis

BACKGROUND

The IgM capture ELISA has been the most widely used diagnostic method for Japanese encephalitis. However, the lack of availability of validated commercial kits as well as the short shelf life of the kit reagents has limited the use of this technique to very few centres in Asia.

OBJECTIVES

Development and evaluation of a rapid IgM capture ELISA (JEV Chex) in comparison to the conventional IgM capture ELISA. Produce key reagents such as cell culture derived JEV antigen and biotinylated monoclonal antibody which are stable at room temperature.

STUDY DESIGN

The conventional IgM capture ELISA was modified to reduce the total assay time and two key reagents used in the assay JEV antigen and biotinylated anti-JEV monoclonal antibodies were rendered stable at room temperature using a special procedure. A multi-centric evaluation of this rapid ELISA was carried out using well characterized stored CSF and serum samples. Long term stability of the key reagents was also assessed over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

The rapid IgM capture ELISA developed by us showed complete concordance with the results obtained using the conventional ELISA at all the three centres where it was evaluated. In addition, the stability studies carried out with the inactivated cell culture antigen and the biotinylated monoclonal antibodies stored at room temperature for a period of 180 days revealed that both these reagents yielded consistent optical density values in the ELISA.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid ELISA format of the IgM capture ELISA (JEV-Chex) developed by us as well as the stability of reagents achieved by us in this study is what renders this rapid IgM capture ELISA very robust and user friendly since reagents can be stored at 4 degrees C by peripheral labs.

Autoantibodies to GAD65 and IA-2 antibodies are increased, but not tissue transglutaminase (TTG-Ab) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients from South India

The frequency of autoantibody-positve T2DM patients identified as LADA was shown to be high in T2DM patients from Eastern India. In this study, we measured autoantibodies to GAD65, IA-2, and TTG in T2DM patients from Southern India. Our results show that either GAD65 or IA-2 was present in 30% of T2DM patients (n = 155) and in 3% of controls for GAD65 and 1% of controls for IA-2 (n = 105). TTG-Ab was not increased in T2DM patients compared to controls. Our results suggest that LADA is more frequent in Southern Indians than in European Caucasians, but not as high as in Eastern Indians.

Gill lesions in the perch, Anabas testudineus, exposed to monocrotophos

Histopathological effects of sublethal doses of monocrotophos on the gills have been studied by exposing the fish for a period ranging from ten to twenty days. The extent of damage to gills was dependent on the dose and duration of exposure. Histopathological changes in the gills observed were characterized primarily by hemorrhage in the primary and secondary gill lemellae. Degeneration and necrosis of epithelial cells were very prominent. Distortion of the secondary lamellae was very prominent, beginning with disruption of epithelial cells from pillar cells.

Size dependent bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Mytilopsis sallei (Recluz) at Visakhapatnam harbour

Relationship between body size and bioaccumulation of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in the fouling bivalve, M. sallei (Recluz) in Visakhapatnam harbour was studied. While concentration of copper, zinc and lead decrease with increasing size, no such relationship is observed for cadmium.

Subtypes of codeine cough syrup abusers

This paper highlights the abuse potential of the codeine containing cough syrups, which may take two forms. One, experimental abuse in school or college students which later persists in a dependent pattern. Two, pre-existing opioid abusers, as a substitute which starts after the school or college years. The short term treatment outcome is better in the former group in that they are able to maintain abstinence for a relatively longer period.

Abuse of codeine-containing cough syrups: a report from India

AIM

To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients seeking treatment for abuse of codeine-containing cough syrups (CCS).

DESIGN

Observational; case series.

SETTING

An addiction clinic in North India.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-six consecutive treatment-seeking patients of DSM-III-R-diagnosed dependence on CCS, from January 1994 to June 1995.

MEASUREMENTS

Semi-structured interview schedule for patients and their family covering socio-demographic and clinical variables.

FINDINGS

All patients were male. Many were young (mean age 27 years), with completed school education (85%) and from urban backgrounds (80%). The mean age of starting CCS use was 23 years. Initiated commonly through friends (89%) and often for curiosity (63%), 89% of the patients progressed to daily use of CCS in less than 6 months (54% in less than a month), and in quantities much higher than prescribed limits. Opioid-like withdrawal was reported by 92%. Concurrent use of other substances, psychiatric co-morbidity and HIV-related risk behaviour were present in 72%, 24% and 45%, respectively. Most of the patients reported a 'stimulant' effect of CCS ('alert', 96%; 'more active', 94%).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of an opioid and a sympathomimetic agent in the CCS may cause a special, distinct euphoretic effect. This effect, along with the low price, easy availability and 'pure' preparation of CCS, may be responsible for the rapidly rising popularity of the CCS as drugs of abuse in India.

Analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in anterior subcapsular and mixed cataractous lenses

The study was undertaken to determine the different concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) in anterior subcapsular and mixed cataractous lenses. In both types of cataractous lenses an increased concentration of G-6-PD was observed in 41-50 year age groups and a lower concentration of G-6-PD was noted in 61 year and above age groups. Cataractous lenses of females have a higher content of G-6-PD than males. In anterior subcapsular cataractous lenses, a lower concentration of G-6-PD was noted than in mixed lenses.

HIV screening & risk behaviour in psychoactive substance users

Patients admitted to the Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, were screened for HIV antibodies. Out of 116 patients, 45 (39%) were injecting drug users (IDUs), 29 (25%) were other drug users and 42 (36%) were primary users of alcohol. One IDU was HIV seropositive (2.2% of the IDUs). Analysis of HIV-related risk behaviour showed that the IDUs were at high risk, because of needle sharing as also because of having multiple sex partners. The potential for HIV infection in these persons practising high-risk behaviour calls for timely preventive measures.

Cytogenetic effect of malathion in in vitro culture of human peripheral blood

Chromosomal aberrations, sister-chromatid exchanges and mitotic indices were observed in human peripheral leukocytes, treated with four different concentrations of malathion (0.02, 0.2, 2 and 20 micrograms/ml), an organophosphate pesticide, added to the culture medium at 0, 24 and 48 h after culture initiation. These cultures showed a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberration as well as sister-chromatid exchanges. There was a significant decrease in mitotic index at all concentrations.

Copper levels in human mixed, nuclear brunescence, and posterior subcapsular cataract

The study was undertaken to determine the copper content in different human cataractous lenses. The level of copper increased with increasing age in nuclear brunescence and mixed cataractous lens and a low amount of copper was observed in the posterior subcapsular cataractous lens with increasing age. Cataractous lenses of females have greater amounts of copper compared with males.