Microwave assisted multicomponent reaction: An environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of substituted imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives under solvent free condition

The present report describes a microwave assisted convenient and efficient protocol for the synthesis of new 6-(4-substituted-phenyl)-3-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-2-carbohydra- zide derivatives. The current method holds a tag of green synthesis by virtue of catalyst and solvent free media. Moreover, the procedure offers excellent yield and purity of the products under mild condition compared with conventional method

Modeling and gPROMS based simulation of adsorption process for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous wastewater

40-46The present work studies the performance of Indion 730 (Strong acid) ion exchange resin for the removal of Cu (II). The modeling and gPROMS based simulation is used to study the sorption capacity, equilibrium, and performances of Indion 730 ion exchange resin. The extraction effectiveness of the resin is studied by using breakthrough curves. The experimental and simulation results were compared. A numerical model is proposed for the investigation of the ion exchange phenomenon using gPROMS using various optimized parameters like flow rate, bed height, and initial concentration of wastewater containing Cu (II) heavy metal ion in the column. For instance, the effects of flow rate, bed height, and inlet concentration of heavy metal on a breakthrough curve are investigated in depth. The results illustrate that the predicted theoretical breakthrough curves show analogous patterns with the corresponding investigational output with a discrepancy of the equilibrium time. The predictions of the model will help to discover the optimal conditions of operation

Case Report - Giant intraparenchymal neurocysticercosis: Unusual MRI findings

We report a case of surgically proven giant neurocysticercosis (NCC). MR imaging revealed an unusually large solitary parenchymal cystic lesion showing signal intensity similar to CSF on all pulse sequences, with internal septations and a small nodule in the anterior aspect of this lesion compatible with this diagnosis. Identification of a scolex in a cystic lesion with CSF intensity plays a key role in the diagnosis of NCC. The presence of internal septations is an atypical feature

Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Stroke

Background: Cell transplantation is a ‘hype and hope’ in the current scenario. It is in the early stage of development with promises to restore function in chronic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in stroke patients has shown significant improvement by reducing clinical and functional deficits. They are feasible and multipotent and have homing characteristics. This study evaluates the safety, feasibility and efficacy of autologous MSC transplantation in patients with chronic stroke using clinical scores and functional imaging (blood oxygen level-dependent and diffusion tensor imaging techniques). Methods: Twelve chronic stroke patients were recruited; inclusion criteria were stroke lasting 3 months to 1 year, motor strength of hand muscles of at least 2, and NIHSS of 4–15, and patients had to be conscious and able to comprehend. Fugl Meyer (FM), modified Barthel index (mBI), MRC, Ashworth tone grade scale scores and functional imaging scans were assessed at baseline, and after 8 and 24 weeks. Bone marrow was aspirated under aseptic conditions and expansion of MSC took 3 weeks with animal serum-free media (Stem Pro SFM). Six patients were administered a mean of 50–60 × 106 cells i.v. followed by 8 weeks of physiotherapy. Six patients served as controls. This was a non-randomized experimental controlled trial. Results: Clinical and radiological scanning was normal for the stem cell group patients. There was no mortality or cell-related adverse reaction. The laboratory tests on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 were also normal in the MSC group till the last follow-up. The FM and mBI showed a modest increase in the stem cell group compared to controls. There was an increased number of cluster activation of Brodmann areas BA 4 and BA 6 after stem cell infusion compared to controls, indicating neural plasticity. Conclusion: MSC therapy aiming to restore function in stroke is safe and feasible. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy