Adsorption assisted translocation of a chain molecule through a pore in a spherical vesicle

We analyze the free energy for translocation of a polymer from the outside of a spherical vesicle to the inside. The process is assumed to be driven by the adsorption of the polymer on the inner surface of the vesicle. We argue that in the case where the polymer is adsorbed on the outer surface too, the entropic barrier for translocation is absent. We analyze the adsorption energy and find the free energy profile for the process. We argue that the motion corresponds to a polymer crossing a region with a change in free energy per segment. Based upon our earlier analsis of the behaviour of kinks in such a problem, we conclude that the translocation can occur with a crossing time $t_{cross}\sim N$

A study of antinociceptive effect of venlafaxine in albino mice

Background: Serotonin and norepinephrine are important neurotransmitters involved in pain inhibition in descending pain inhibitory tracts. Venlafaxine being an antidepressant exerts its mechanism mainly by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine like Tramadol. The objectives were to study the antinociceptive activity of Venlafaxine and its comparison with Pethidine.Methods: A total of 32 Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups with 8 animals in each group. Group 1 received normal saline as control in dose of 5ml/kg i.p, Group 2 received Pethidine as standard in dose of 30mg/kg s.c, Group 3 received Venlafaxine as in dose of 10mg/kg i.p and Group 4 received Venlafaxine in dose of 22.5mg/kg. Tail flick test and hot plate test were used for evaluating antinociceptive activity. All animals were subjected to the above mentioned tests before and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs. Results were subjected to suitable statistical analysis.Results: The results from the above mentioned tests showed that Venlafaxine in dose of 10mg/kg showed significant antinociceptive activity as compared to normal saline (p 0.05). Venlafaxine in dose of 22.5mg/kg showed significant antinociceptive activity as compared to normal saline (p <0.05) and activity was comparable to Pethidine.Conclusions: Venlafaxine in both the doses showed significant antinociceptive activity in acute models of pain in animals

Metal-Free Alternative “Revolutionary PEKK”: An Emerging Material for Removable and Fixed Prosthesis Usage in Dentistry: A Critical Review

Polyaryletherketone polymers have been widely used for biomaterials in orthopaedic, trauma, and spinal implants. Polyaryletherketone has three different variants viz: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and Polyetherketone (PEK). In this research work, an emergent critical review of the material (PEKK) which are used in removable and fixed prosthesis in dentistry. The following databases were identified in systematic research which comprises certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The databases are EMBASE, cochrane library, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Ovid MEDLINE, web of science. This study assesses the eligibility screening, data extraction and quality assessment. Many studies were assessed to improve PEKK containing osseointegration, surface modification of PEKK, etc. In animal models, in vivo studies were performed. To the best of my knowledge any author targeted for the evaluation of the removable and fixed prosthesis usage of PEKK as a biomaterial. This review showed that the wide application of PEKK is used in different aspects of dentistry. The PEKK materials in comparison of PEEK have suitable physical, mechanical, and chemical qualities (discussed in details in following sections) and can be employed in a variety of applications, including framework for an implant-supported and crown and bridge fixed prosthesis, endo crowns, restorative material, and dental biomaterial implants. Wider uses in clinical dentistry may also result from modifications and improved material qualities. As PEKK has only lately been used in dentistry and there are little research available, long-term evaluations are required for extensive validation of the same

Transient and permanent effects of suboptimal incubation temperatures on growth, metabolic rate, immune function and adrenocortical responses in zebra finches

n birds, incubation temperature can vary by several degrees Celsius among nests of a given species. Parents may alter incubation temperature to cope with environmental conditions and/or to manipulate embryonic development, and such changes in incubation behavior could have long-lasting effects on offspring phenotype. To investigate short- and long-term effects of suboptimal incubation temperatures on survival and physiological functions in zebra finches, eggs were incubated at 36.2, 37.4 or 38.4°C for the entire incubation period. The post-hatch environment was identical among the treatment groups. We found that hatching success was lowest in the 38.4°C group, while post-hatch survival was lowest in the 36.2°C group. Incubation temperature had sex-specific effects on offspring phenotype: incubation temperatures affected body mass (Mb) but not physiological parameters of males and conversely, the physiological parameters but not Mb of females. Specifically, males from the 38.4°C group weighed significantly less than males from the 36.2°C group from the nestling period to adulthood, whereas females from different incubation temperature groups did not differ in Mb. In contrast, females incubated at 36.2°C had transient but significantly elevated basal metabolic rate and adrenocortical responses during the nestling and fledgling periods, whereas no treatment effect was observed in males. Innate immunity was not affected by incubation temperature in either sex. These results suggest that a 1°C deviation from what is considered an optimal incubation temperature can lower offspring performance and offspring survival.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

A cross sectional study on prescription pattern of drugs in upper respiratory tract infections in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are one of the leading causes of hospital visits worldwide. Judicious use of antibiotics is challenging for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in developing countries like India. This leads to inappropriate use of antibiotics causing many dreaded conditions like antibacterial resistance among other things. Hence rational use of drugs, mainly antibacterial, is a priority to reduce the burden of treatment failure. The objective of this study is to study the prescribing patterns and rationality of drugs prescribed in the management of URTIs.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from records of 300 outpatients clinically diagnosed as URTIs from SSIMS and RC Hospital, Davangere between January 2015 and June 2016. The prescribing patterns, approval status and listing of drugs in World Health Organization (WHO) essential medicines list/ National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) were analysed. The data was presented as percentages, mean and standard deviations.Results: A total of 300 cases were studied. Among these, acute pharyngitis (29%) and acute sinusitis (26%) are the most common infections. Of the 300 cases studied, 283 (94.3%) were prescribed antimicrobials. Of the total 740 medications prescribed, 393 (53.1%) were fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). A total of 724 medications (97.8%) were approved by Drugs Controller General of India and 248 (33.5%) by Food and Drug Administration. Only 5.8% of the prescribed drugs have been listed in WHO’s and NLEM. The most common class of antibacterials prescribed was Beta-lactams.Conclusions: Oral formulations were preferred over parenteral formulations and FDCs were preferred over single drug formulations. Beta-lactams comprised the major class of antibacterial prescribed