Estimation of Para Red Dye in Chilli Powder and Tomato Sauces by a Simple Spectrophotmetric Method followed by Thin layer Chromatography

A number of grinded chilli powder samples and tomato sauce samples were collected from various localities of Karachi city. All the samples were estimated for the presence of para red which is an azo dye and more specifically belongs from the group of sudan dyes. According to the regulation of various governmental agencies its use in food is strictly prohibited because of its ability to form carcinogenic compounds. Although there were a number of sophisticated chromatographic methods for the estimation of this dye but we developed here a simple, convenient, expeditious spectrophotometric method followed by thin layer chromatography technique and compared the results by single point and multiple point external standard methods. On the basis of these results we also specify the localities of Karachi city where the contamination is more prominent. © JASE

HER2 Over Expression in Malignant Palpable Breast Lumps of Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending RICK.

Back ground: Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) over expression in breast cancer is associated with poor outcome and decrease disease free survival (DFS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the over expression of HER2/neu among premenopausal and postmenopausalfemales presented with malignant palpable breast lumps to Radio Isotope Center Khartoum (RICK).Methods: The study was a case-control conducted among patients attending Radiation Isotopes Centre Khartoum (RICK). A total of 328 women were randomly selected. Data were collected by a pre coded, pre tested questionnaire. Tissue biopsies of breast lumps had been analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques for HERR-2/neu over expression and its relation to other prognostic factors was evaluated.Results: HER-2/neu + vein first pregnancy at . 23 years, were 32 (41%) in the cases, 6 (35%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 21(44%) in the cases, 5 (38%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu + veexpression in relation to age at menarche . 12 years was39 (51%) in the cases, 7(39%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 36 (56%) in the cases, 7 (45%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ vein relation to Body Mass Index > 29 kg/m2 showed 7 (37%) in the cases, 2 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women(x2=0.024), and 8(38%) in the cases, 2(40%) in the controls of postmenopausal women (x2=0.006). HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to history of abortion or miscarriage (ever) was found to be 21 (39%) in the cases, 4 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 18 (44%) in the cases, 3 (33%) in the controls among postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the history of breast cancer in a first degree relatives was 3 (25%) in the cases, 1(50%) in thecontrols of premenopausal women, and 4 (22%) in the cases, 2 (28%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the use of oral contraceptives was 3 (37%) in the cases, 1(50%) in the controls among premenopausal women, and 3 (27%) in thecases, 1 (50%) in the controls of postmenopausal women.Conclusion: The study confirmed an etiological association between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu . ve and age at first pregnancy . 23 years, age of menarche at . 12 years, abortion or miscarriage in premenopausal and postmenopausal Sudanese women, while an etiological association was confirmed between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu .ve, and BMI in premenopausal women, and the family history of cancer in pos menopausal women.Keywords: Human Epidermal, Growth factor, Recepto

Metabolic changes of salicylic acid-elicited Catharanthus roseus cell suspension cultures monitored by NMR-based metabolomics

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) on the metabolic profile of Catharanthus roseus suspension cells throughout a time course (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment) was investigated using NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis. When compared to control cell lines, SA-treated cells showed a high level of sugars (glucose and sucrose) up to 48 h after treatment, followed by a dynamic change in amino acids, phenylpropanoids, and tryptamine. Additionally, one compound—2,5-dihydroxybenzoic-5-O-glucoside—was detected solely in SA-treated cells

Rectus sheath hematoma: three case reports

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain. It is an accumulation of blood in the sheath of the rectus abdominis, secondary to rupture of an epigastric vessel or muscle tear. It could occur spontaneously or after trauma. They are usually located infraumblically and often misdiagnosed as acute abdomen, inflammatory diseases or tumours of the abdomen.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We reported three cases of rectus sheath hematoma presenting with a mass in the abdomen and diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patients recovered uneventfully after bed rest, intravenous fluid replacement, blood transfusion and analgesic treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Rectus sheath hematoma is a rarely seen pathology often misdiagnosed as acute abdomen that may lead to unnecessary laparotomies. Computerized tomography must be chosen for definitive diagnosis since ultrasonography is subject to error due to misinterpretation of the images. Main therapy is conservative management.</p

Critical care resources in the Solomon Islands: a cross-sectional survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There are minimal data available on critical care case-mix, care processes and outcomes in lower and middle income countries (LMICs). The objectives of this paper were to gather data in the Solomon Islands in order to gain a better understanding of common presentations of critical illness, available hospital resources, and what resources would be helpful in improving the care of these patients in the future.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study used a mixed methods approach, including a cross sectional survey of respondents' opinions regarding critical care needs, ethnographic information and qualitative data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The four most common conditions leading to critical illness in the Solomon Islands are malaria, diseases of the respiratory system including pneumonia and influenza, diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis. Complications of surgery and trauma less frequently result in critical illness. Respondents emphasised the need for basic critical care resources in LMICs, including equipment such as oximeters and oxygen concentrators; greater access to medications and blood products; laboratory services; staff education; and the need for at least one national critical care facility.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A large degree of critical illness in LMICs is likely due to inadequate resources for primary prevention and healthcare; however, for patients who fall through the net of prevention, there may be simple therapies and context-appropriate resources to mitigate the high burden of morbidity and mortality. Emphasis should be on the development and acquisition of simple and inexpensive tools rather than complicated equipment, to prevent critical care from unduly diverting resources away from other important parts of the health system.</p

Effect of bilirubin on cytochrome c oxidase activity of mitochondria from mouse brain and liver

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The unbound, free concentration (B_f) of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), and not the total UCB level, has been shown to correlate with bilirubin cytotoxicity, but the key molecular mechanisms accounting for the toxic effects of UCB are largely unknown.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Mouse liver mitochondria increase unbound UCB oxidation, consequently increasing the apparent rate constant for unbound UCB oxidation by HRP (Kp), higher than in control and mouse brain mitochondria, emphasizing the importance of determining Kp in complete systems containing the organelles being studied. The <it>in vitro </it>effects of UCB on cytochrome <it>c </it>oxidase activity in mitochondria isolated from mouse brain and liver were studied at B_franging from 22 to 150 nM. The results show that UCB at B_fup to 60 nM did not alter mitochondrial cytochrome <it>c </it>oxidase activity, while the higher concentrations significantly inhibited the enzyme activity by 20% in both liver and brain mitochondria.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that it is essential to include the organelles being studied in the medium used in measuring both Kp and B_f. A moderately elevated, pathophysiologically-relevant B_fimpaired the cytochrome <it>c </it>oxidase activity modestly in mitochondria from mouse brain and liver.</p

Feasibility and safety of high-dose adenosine perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Adenosine is the most widely used vasodilator stress agent for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) perfusion studies. With the standard dose of 140 mcg/kg/min some patients fail to demonstrate characteristic haemodynamic changes: a significant increase in heart rate (HR) and mild decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Whether an increase in the rate of adenosine infusion would improve peripheral and, likely, coronary vasodilatation in those patients is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the tolerance and safety of a high-dose adenosine protocol in patients with inadequate haemodynamic response to the standard adenosine protocol when undergoing CMR perfusion imaging.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>98 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent CMR perfusion imaging at 1.5 Tesla. Subjects were screened for contraindications to adenosine, and an electrocardiogram was performed prior to the scan. All patients initially received the standard adenosine protocol (140 mcg/kg/min for at least 3 minutes). If the haemodynamic response was inadequate (HR increase < 10 bpm or SBP decrease < 10 mmHg) then the infusion rate was increased up to a maximum of 210 mcg/kg/min (maximal infusion duration 7 minutes).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All patients successfully completed the CMR scan. Of a total of 98 patients, 18 (18%) did not demonstrate evidence of a significant increase in HR or decrease in SBP under the standard adenosine infusion rate. Following the increase in the rate of infusion, 16 out of those 18 patients showed an adequate haemodynamic response. One patient of the standard infusion group and two patients of the high-dose group developed transient advanced AV block. Significantly more patients complained of chest pain in the high-dose group (61% vs. 29%, p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, age > 65 years and ejection fraction < 57% were the only independent predictors of blunted haemodynamic responsiveness to adenosine.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A substantial number of patients do not show adequate peripheral haemodynamic response to standard-dose adenosine stress during perfusion CMR imaging. Age and reduced ejection fraction are predictors of inadequate response to standard dose adenosine. A high-dose adenosine protocol (up to 210 mcg/kg/min) is well tolerated and results in adequate haemodynamic response in nearly all patients.</p

Carbonized blood deposited on fibres during 810, 940 and 1,470 nm endovenous laser ablation: thickness and absorption by optical coherence tomography

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is commonly used to treat saphenous varicosities. Very high temperatures at the laser fibre tip have been reported during EVLA. We hypothesized that the laser irradiation deposits a layer of strongly absorbing carbonized blood of very high temperature on the fibre tip. We sought to prove the existence of these layers and study their properties by optical transmission, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microscopy. We analysed 23 EVLA fibres, 8 used at 810 nm, 7 at 940 nm and 8 at 1,470 nm. We measured the transmission of these fibres in two wavelength bands (450–950 nm; 950–1,650 nm). We used 1,310 nm OCT to assess the thickness of the layers and the attenuation as a function of depth to determine the absorption coefficient. Microscopy was used to view the tip surface. All fibres showed a slightly increasing transmission with wavelength in the 450–950 nm band, and a virtually wavelength-independent transmission in the 950–1,650 nm band. OCT scans showed a thin layer deposited on all 13 fibres investigated, 6 used at 810 nm, 4 at 940 nm and 3 at 1,470 nm, some with inhomogeneities over the tip area. The average absorption coefficient of the 13 layers was 72 ± 16 mm−1. The average layer thickness estimated from the transmission and absorption measurements was 8.0 ± 2.7 µm. From the OCT data, the average maximal thickness was 26 ± 6 µm. Microscopy of three fibre tips, one for each EVLA wavelength, showed rough, cracked and sometimes seriously damaged tip surfaces. There was no clear correlation between the properties of the layers and the EVLA parameters such as wavelength, except for a positive correlation between layer thickness and total delivered energy. In conclusion, we found strong evidence that all EVLA procedures in blood filled veins deposit a heavily absorbing hot layer of carbonized blood on the fibre tip, with concomitant tip damage. This major EVLA mechanism is unlikely to have much wavelength dependence at similar delivered energies per centimetre of vein. Optical–thermal interaction between the vein wall and the transmitted laser light depends on wavelength

von Willebrand disease: proposing definitions for future research

Thrombosis and Hemostasi