Physicochemical Characterization of Novel Biomaterial Consisting of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate, Chitosan, Casein and Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Ormocarpum Cochinchinense

Background

Bioceramics are widely used as a biomaterial to promote bone regeneration. Bone defect management requires the placement of bone grafts. Though there are many bone grafts available, these have certain limitations like limited supply and second surgical site morbidity. Phytochemicals in plants are known to have bone regeneration capacity and are used in traditional medicine for bone fracture healing.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to create a novel biomaterial consisting of a composite of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), chitosan (CH), casein (CA), and ethanolic leaves extract of Ormocarpum Cochinchinense (OC) fabricated and characterized for physicochemical properties.

Materials and Methods

BCP-CH-CA-OC material was prepared and immersed in Simulated body fluid (SBF) for 21 days. Physical properties were analysed through X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Mechanical properties were analysed by compressive strength and diametral tensile strength tests. Using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis and Nano computed tomography (CT) scan, porosity measurements were made.

Results

XRD did not show any significant change after immersion in SBF, indicating that the material was not under change and is stable. FTIR showed an increase in chitosan content, due to the loss of casein. SEM analysis showed the deposition of crystals and porous structure. EDS showed the deposition of minerals. Nano CT and BET analysis showed clinically significant porosity of 30%.

Conclusion

The mechanical and physical properties of this novel biomaterial could be used in tissue engineering for the repair of bone defects in non-load-bearing areas. The physicochemical properties are at par with other materials used for the purpose of bone grafting. The novel biomaterial has the potential to be used in bone regenerative medicine in non-load-bearing applications.

Disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a patient on haemodialysis

We report a 46-year-old woman with disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus infection who was on maintenance haemodialysis for chronic glomerulonephritis. Prolonged blood cultures yielded growth of a rapid-growing nontubercular Mycobacterium. Diagnosis to a species level guided empirical therapy while we awaited antimicrobial susceptibility results. The patient was treated successfully with a multidrug regimen.

P-099 The effect of sperm DNA quality on blastocyst and euploid rates

Study question

Do sperm DNA quality measurements influence the blastocyst rate and/or euploid rates?

Summary answer

Sperm DNA fragmentation has a negative influence on the rate of blastulation. It does not impact on euploidy rates assessed by pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A).

What is known already

Some studies show that sperm DNA has no influence on embryo development and that its negative influence begins following implantation. Other studies show that every step of the fertility process from fertilization onwards is impacted by the male gamete as well as the female gamete. To date, data has been confounded by different sperm DNA tests and different clinical practices and parameters measured.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective study using the sensitive Comet assay to analyse whether it’s three sperm DNA fragmentation scores influence embryo development or euploidy.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Data from 110 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) where the blastocyst rate (number of blastocysts/number of mature oocytes injected) was obtained from the patient database of a UK single centre. Inclusion criteria: Only outcomes from the first assisted reproductive cycle after a Comet assay had been performed were included. Included cycles were within one year of the test.

Main results and the role of chance

Blastocysts were ranked in 4 groups- 0.25-0.49, 0.5-0.74, 0.75-1.00. Three Comet scores were analysed: Average Comet Score (damage across the semen sample; ACS), Low Comet Score (proportion of sperm with good DNA; LCS) and High Comet Score ( proportion of sperm with high DNA damage; HCS). Clinical thresholds were calculated by comparison with fertile donor sperm. High ACS and LCS and low HCS were all associated with higher blastocyst rates (ANOVA, p = 0.013; Kruskal Wallis, p = 0.027, Post Hoc pairwise comparisons between blastocyst groups (p = 0.016-0.024). No relationship was found between euploid rate (number of euploid embryos/total embryo number) and sperm DNA damage p = 0.761).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective design requiring more data to clarify these associations coupled with the lack of randomisation and low power analysis.

Wider implications of the findings

This study reports the negative impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on blastocyst formation rates. Male partner diagnostic assessments such as sperm DNA quality testing are useful adjuncts to semen analysis. Further research to determine if there is a relationship between sperm DNA damage and euploid embryo outcomes is ongoing.

Trial registration number

IRB-001C06-01-22

Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cassia occidentalis

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Cassia occidentalis (Co) were subjected to phytochemical analysis by standard qualitative analysis and the invitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by determination of total antioxidant capacity, 1.1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging activity, superoxide scavenging activity and Ferric reducing anti oxidant potential (FRAP). The analyses revealed that the ethanolic extract of Co was able to efficiently scavenge the free radicals in a dose dependant manner. The results were compared with the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The results have shown that crude ethanolic extract of the leaves of Co showed excellent antioxidant activity due to the presence of bioactive compounds namely alkaloids, betacyanin, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinones and emodins.

Crystal structure of N-[(4-eth-oxy-phen-yl)carbamo-thio-yl]cyclo-hexa-ne-carboxamide

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C16H22N2O2S, contains two crystallographically independent mol-ecules (A and B). In mol-ecule A, the cyclo-hexane ring is disordered over two orientations [occupancy ratio 0.841 (10):0.159 (10)]. In each mol-ecule, the central carbonyl thio-urea unit is nearly planar (r.m.s. deviations for all non-H atoms of 0.034 Å in mol-ecule A and 0.094 Å in mol-ecule B). In both mol-ecules, the cyclo-hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. The mean plane of the cyclo-hexane ring makes dihedral angles of 35.8 (4) (mol-ecule A) and 20.7 (3)° (mol-ecule B) with that of the benzene ring. Each mol-ecule features an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond, which closes an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via pairs of weak N-H⋯S inter-actions, forming inversion dimers with an R 2 (2)(8) ring motif for both mol-ecules. The crystal structure also features weak C-H⋯π ring inter-actions.

Potentiality of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent for management of anthracnose disease of chilli caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides OGC1

A soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, isolated from the rhizosphere of Chilli, showed high antagonistic activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides OGC1. A clear inhibition zone of 0.5–1 cm was observed in dual plate assay. Microscopic observations showed a clear hyphal lysis and degradation of fungal cell wall. In dual liquid cultures, the B. subtilis strain inhibited the C. gloeosporioides up to 100 % in terms of dry weight. This strain also produced a clear halo region on chitin agar medium plates containing 0.5 % colloidal chitin, indicating that it excretes chitinase. The strain also produced other mycolytic enzymes—glucanase and cellulase, demonstrated by a clear zone of hydrolysis of yeast cell wall glucan (YCW 0.1 % v/v) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC 0.1 % v/v). In liquid cultures, the strain showed appreciable levels of chitinase, glucanase and cellulase activities and hydrolytic activity with C. gloeosporioides OGC1 mycelia as the substrate. The role of the B. subtilis strain in suppressing the fungal growth in vitro was studied in comparison with a UV mutant of that strain, which lacked both antagonistic and hydrolytic activity. The mycolytic enzyme mediated antagonism of B. subtilis was further demonstrated by heat inactivation (70–100 °C), treatment with trypsin and TCA of the crude enzyme extract which lacked antifungal property also. Treatment of the chilli seeds with Bacillus sp. culture showed 100 % germination index similar to the untreated seeds. The treatment of the seed with co-inoculation of the pathogen with Bacillus sp. culture showed 65 % reduction in disease incidence by the treatment as compared to the seed treated with pathogen alone (77.5 %).

Effect of Different Polishing Agents on Surface Finish and Hardness of Denture Base Acrylic Resins: A Comparative Study

Polished dentures obtained from the laboratory require adjustment during insertion. A smooth surface on acrylic resin can be obtained using a chairside protocol for polishing using silicone polishing agents and polishing media. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of three different polishing agents-pumice, universal polishing paste and Brite-O on the surface finish and hardness of two types of denture base acrylic resins-auto polymerizing and heat-activated acrylic resin materials.

Radiation-induced mineralizing microangiopathy in a case of recurrent craniopharyngioma. A case report

Mineralizing microangiopathy is a late complication of radiation-induced brain injury that occurs during the treatment of CNS malignancies in children and adults. Early diagnosis of the radiation-induced brain injury helps to tailor the radiation dose and prevent further complications. Here we describe an operated oatient with craniopharyngioma who underwent external beam radiotherapy. The patient developed gradual loss of vision after two years and a review CT scan revealed the local recurrence of tumour with dystrophic calcification of the basal ganglia, frontal and temporal subcortical regions representing recurrent craniopharyngioma with radiation-induced mineralizing microangiopathy.

Characteristic MR Imaging Findings of Neurocutaneous Melanosis. A Case Report

Neurocutaneous melanosis is a type of phakomatosis characterised by dermal, leptomeningeal and parenchymal melanocytic naevi. Here we describe a case of a 13-year-old boy with dermal and brain parenchymal melanosis without any leptomeningeal melanosis.

Chronic Pituitary Failure Resembling Sheehan's Syndrome Following a Bite of Russell's Viper. A Case Report

Hypopituitarism can be the sequela of a variety of causes like postpartum pituitary necrosis or Sheehan's syndrome, lymphocytic hypophysitis, trauma and encephalitis. A very rare cause is envenomation by a bite of a Russell's viper. Very few cases with documented imaging findings of chronic pituitary failure resulting from snake bite have been reported. We describe a case of hypopituitarism with clinical, endocrine and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies occurring as a delayed complication of snake bite.

Typical neuroradiological diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease as a precursor to clinical diagnosis. A case report

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder. It is due to decreased de-carboxylation of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine) so their accumulation gives a characteristic maple syrup odour in urine and leads to severe neurological deterioration. Early diagnosis and dietary intervention prevent complications and may allow for normal intellectual development. Various types of MSUD exist, classical MSUD being the most common and severe form of this disease. We describe a case of classical MSUD in a four- month-old infant where the MR imaging suggested the diagnosis of MSUD prior to the clinical diagnosis which was further confirmed by laboratory techniques.

Typical Radiological Findings of Lipoid Proteinosis of Urbach and Wiethe

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare autosomal recessive dermatosis, which can be congenital or have onset in infancy. It is characterized by the progressive deposition of an amorphous hyaline substance with a glycoprotein constitution in the skin and mucous membranes and presents as papular lesions that can aggregate forming plaques with a yellowish discoloration. We present a case of lipoid proteinosis in a seven-year-old boy where characteristic calcifications in the medial temporal lobe helped in early initiation of treatment.

Typical Neuroradiological Features of Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal recessive neurocutaneous disorder with typical findings on MRI. We describe the typical MRI and MR Spectroscopy findings in a clinically diagnosed case of Sjogren-Larsson syndrome.x

Scavenger receptor-mediated delivery of muramyl dipeptide activates antitumor efficacy of macrophages by enhanced secretion of tumor-suppressive cytokines

We showed that muramyl dipeptide (MDP) conjugated to maleylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA) was internalized by macrophages (Mphi) through scavenger receptor (SCR)-mediated endocytosis, which leads to 50-fold higher cytotoxic activity against non-Mphi tumor cells compared with that elicited by free MDP-treated Mphi. The enhanced cytotoxic effect of MBSA-MDP was found to be a result of higher secretion of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and nitric oxide (NO) because the addition of antibodies directed against IL-1, IL-6, or TNF-alpha in combination with Mphi cultures totally abrogated the tumoricidal activity of MBSA-MDP. It is interesting to note that MBSA-MDP triggers the secretion of IL-12, whereas IL-10, a Mphi suppressor cytokine, could be detected only on free MDP treatment. The cytotoxic activity of MBSA-MDP was inhibited by indomethacin, indicating a regulatory role for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Efficient SCR-mediated intracellular delivery of MDP leading to elimination of cancer cells suggests the immunotherapeutic potential of this approach for treatment of neoplasia.

Selective activation of antitumor activity of macrophages by the delivery of muramyl dipeptide using a novel polynucleotide-based carrier recognized by scavenger receptors

We have shown that muramyl dipeptide (MDP) conjugated to a 10-mer polyguanylic acid (PolyG) is specifically internalized by macrophages through scavenger receptor (SCR)-mediated endocytosis. Macrophages activated by PolyG-MDP displayed about 20-fold higher cytotoxic activity against nonmacrophage tumor cells compared to that elicited by free MDP. The PolyG-MDP was found to trigger the secretion of higher levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1alpha, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide in comparison to free MDP. Addition of antibodies directed against IL-6 and TNF-alpha to macrophage culture completely abrogated the tumoricidal response of PolyG-MDP, indicating that these two cytokines are primarily responsible for bioefficacy. This general approach of PolyG as a vehicle may find wide application in the delivery of genes and antisense oligonucleotides to macrophages.