Occupational exposure to unburnt bidi tobacco elevates mutagenic burden among tobacco processors

The nature of mutagenic burden due to occupational exposure to tobacco flakes and dust was determined among 20 female tobacco processors (TP) and 20 matched controls (C) by testing urinary mutagenicity in the Ames assay. In addition, urinary cotinine mutagenicity in the Ames assay. In addition, urinary continine was estimated as a marker of tobacco absorption. Workers and controls were sub-divided into those with no tobacco habit (NH) and those habituated to use of masheri (a pyrolysed form of tobacco) as a dentifrice (MH). Cotinine was not detected in samples from C-NH while the mean urinary cotinine levels in TP-NH and TP-MH were significantly higer than that in C-MH (3.46 ± 0.95 and 3.57 ± 0.46 versus 1.80 ± 0.58 mM/M creatinine; P < 0.02). The majority of the urine samples from C-NH were non-mutagenic in the presence or absence of rat liver S9 while those from C-MH were mutagenic to TA98,TA100 and TA102 strains upon metabolic activation. On the other hand, direct mutagenicity to TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains respectively was noted in 6/10, 5/10 and 8/10 samples from TP-NH and 7/10, 4/10, and 3/10 samples from TP-MH. Generally, ß-glucuronidase treatment reduced or abolished the mutagenic potential of workers' urine samples indicating that glucuronide conjugates may have partially contributed to direct mutagenicity. Experiments using scavengers of reactive oxygen species revealed mainly via hydroxyl radicals. The results clearly demonstrate that tobacco processors are exposed to a wide spectrum of mutagens that cause frame-shift, base pair substitution and oxidative damage

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLIPIZIDE MICROEMULSION

Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate a microemulsion for the oral delivery of Glipizide.Methods: Microemulsion systems composed of oleic acid, isopropyl myristate as oils; tween 80, span 20 and cremophor EL as surfactants; propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol as cosurfactants were investigated as potential drug delivery vehicle for delivery for glipizide. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram of the investigated system at constant surfactant concentration and varying oil/water or oil/cosurfactant ratios was constructed at room temperature by titration method. This allowed studying structural inversion from oil-in-water to water-in–oil microemulsion. Furthermore, electrical conductivity, in vitro dissolution studies, pH, centrifugation, % transmittance, viscosity, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, DSC and accelerated stability studies were conducted.Results: The results of electrical conductivity clearly indicated the structural inversion. Based on these values oil/water microemulsions were selected. The plain drug has shown only 40% of dissolution, while the drug from all the o/w microemulsions has shown>90% dissolution. Based on in vitro release studies f3, f12, f22 formulations were chosen. Particle size values of f3, f12, f22 formulations are 202.4 nm, 83.3 nm, 315.3 nm respectively. Viscosity results showed that the formulations follow the Newtonian flow.Conclusion: The 3 formulations f3, f12 and f22 were successful in increasing the dissolution of glipizide in GIT and capable of sustaining the release of the drug for 8 h. From the viscosity, particle size, polydispersity index values, f12 was considered as the optimized formulation. Further, centrifugation, zeta potential and accelerated stability studies also indicated that the formulations were stable. DSC studies revealed no drug-excipient interaction in the optimized formulation. Owing to the above results microemulsion can be thus considered as a suitable oral delivery system for glipizide.Â

A Multidisciplinary Full Mouth Rehabilitation Of Non - Syndromic Oligodontia Using Twin Stage Hobo’s Technique – A Case Report.

Aims & Objectives Oligodontia is designated as the congenital agenesis of six or more permanent teeth, excluding third molars. Thus the comprehensive management of such a condition is always challenging and requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving orthodontic, oral surgical, periodontic and prosthodontic specialties. The purpose of this article is to throw light on the fact that early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment phases are essential for a successful treatment outcome. Case  description This case report presents a multidisciplinary management of a 20- year old female patient of familial non-syndromic oligodontia with congenitally missing eight permanent teeth. The first phase of therapy aimed at a pre-prosthetic orthodontic space gain, alignment, canine uprighting and corrections of intermaxillary relations as a pre-requisite for better treatment outcome. Phase two therapy was the full mouth rehabilitation of the entire dentition using ‘Twin stage Hobo technique’ at an increased vertical dimension of 3mm. Conclusion The prosthodontic rehabilitation was completed using tooth supported fixed metal ceramic restorations. These full mouth fixed restorations successfully restored function and esthetics

Development and evaluation of RTE (Ready To Eat) extruded snack using egg albumin powder and cheese powder

Extruded snacks were prepared from flour blends made with corn flour, rice flour and egg albumin powder / Cheese powder in a proportion of 35-50 : 35-50 : 5-30 respectively, and moisture was adjusted to 17-20.  Different formulations were extruded at 80 ± 5℃ (heater I) and 75-105℃ (heater II) temperature, 300-350 r m-1 screw speed, 100 ± 10℃ die temperature,  3 mm exit diameter of circular die and 15 ± 2 kg h-1 feed rate.  Sensory acceptability, physical parameters and nutrient analysis along with storage stability of the products was conducted.  The protein content of the RTE extruded snack improved by 20% to 50% in experimental samples prepared using egg albumin powder and cheese powder.  The physical parameters showed improved expansion ratio compared to control samples with good sensory properties.  Storage studies showed increase in moisture content in the extrudates on storage which can be improved using packaging materials with better barrier properties.  The use of egg albumin powder / cheese powder in an RTE snack product could make a great contribution to food security in developing countries. Keywords: Egg albumin powder, Cheese powder, Extrusion, RTE extruded snack&nbsp

Study on Anticoagulant Utilization Evaluation and Risk Score Assessment for Predicting Bleeding among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Coronary heart disease is responsible for more than half of all cardiovascular events in individuals less than 75 years of age. Among cardiovascular diseases (CVD), acute coronary syndrome is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and places a large financial burden on the health care system. The Global Burden of Disease study estimate of agestandardized CVD death rate of 272 per 100,000 populations in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000 populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, with the current burden of CVD, India would lose $237 billion from the loss of productivity and spending on health care over a 10-year period (2005–2015). Drug utilization evaluation of anticoagulant drugs is essential considering the spectrum of use and associated risk with their therapy. Early risk stratification with the help of various risk scores can assist Clinicians in determining appropriate pharmacologic therapies. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate anticoagulant use patterns, identify and assess various drug interactions and ADRs and also to assess the prognostic value of CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of unstable angina patients suppress adverse outcomes with early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines) risk score in predicting risk of major bleeding among patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). A total of 122 patients of which 98 (80%) were males and 24 (20%) were females, from the Cardiology and General medicine department as per the inclusion criteria were included in this prospective, observational study conducted for duration of 10 months. From the study, the mean age of the overall study population was found to be 55.63±10.02 and most predominant group was middle adulthood (34-59) 74(60.65%). Among the ACS patients, ST elevated myocardial infarction 103 (84.42%) was the most commonly found followed by Unstable angina and Non ST elevated myocardial infarction. The most common non modifiable risk factor was found to be males 98 (80%) and other modifiable risk factors was found to be diabetes, hypertension. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbid condition among the study populations 30 (32.96%). and majority of patients has received antiplatelets 242(19.29%) followed by anti-ulcerative agents and anticoagulants. A total of 721 drug-drug interactions were identified. 439 (60.88%) interactions were major in severity. Unfractionated heparin 114 (96.61%) was found to be most extensively prescribed anticoagulants followed by Enoxaparin. More number of patients was in the very low bleeding risk category ≥ 20 (36.88%). The major bleeding risk factors were Age (≥ 65yrs) followed by diabetes, Females etc. Patients at higher risk category are also at high risk of bleeding according to CRUSADE risk score. The overall incidence of bleeding rates was found to be 8(6.55%). The bleeding rate was more in the CRUSADE risk category (> 40) (75%) and also in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction (87.5%). Across the ACS spectrum, CRUSADE risk score was able to identify patients at high bleeding risk and the future aspects of this research study can focus on the implementation of various bleeding reducing strategies including the dosage adjustments of anticoagulants based on international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (ApTT) value, using alternative therapy with less bleeding risk, correcting bleeding risk factors, if possible

A REVIEW ON MATRIX ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION/INOZATION MASS SPECTROSCOPY

ABSTRACTMatrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI-MS) is the most important technique of MS to analyze polymer systems. It isa special case of MS using specific sample preparation methods and low fluence laser desorption to create the analyte ions. This technique is basedupon an ultraviolet absorbing matrix. The matrix and the polymer are mixed at a molecular level in an appropriate solvent. The solvent helps preventaggregation of the polymer. The sample matrix mixture is placed on the sample probe tip, under vacuum conditions; the solvent is removed, leaving cocrystallizedpolymer molecules homogenously dispersed within matrix molecules. When the pulsed laser beam is tuned to the appropriate frequency,the energy is transferred to the matrix which is partially vaporized, carrying intact polymer into the vapor phase and charging the polymer chains inthe linear time of flight (TOF) analyzer. This review includes the detailed information of MALDI-MS, MALDI-TOF.Keywords: Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy, Principle, Sample preparation techniques, Matrix assisted laser desorptionionization - time of flight, Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - mass spectrometric imaging, Applications

Mutagenic potential of Indian tobacco products

The mutagenic potential of aqueous extracts of masheri (ME), chewing tobacco alone (CTE) and a mixture of chewing tobacco plus lime (CTLE) was tested using the Ames assay. ME exhibited mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 upon metabolic activation with aroclor-1254-induced rat liver S9, while nitrosation rendered it mutagenic in TA100 and TA102. CTE exhibited borderline mutagenicity in the absence or presence of S9 in TA98 and TA100 and after nitrosation in TA102, while nitrosation led to doubling of TA98 and TA100 revertants. In contrast, CTLE exhibited direct mutagenicity in TA98, TA100 and TA102, was mutagenic to TA98 upon S9 addition and induced mutagenic responses in all three tester strains after nitrosation. Experiments using scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested that CTLE-induced oxidat-ive damage in TA102 was mediated by a variety of ROS. The high mutagenic potency of CTLE vis a vis that of CTE may be attributed to changes in the pH leading to differences in the amount and nature of compounds extracted from tobacco. Thus, exposure to a wide spectrum of tobacco-derived mutagcns and promutagens may play a critical role in the development of oral cancer among users of tobacco plus lime

Genomic organization and phylogenetic utility of deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) lymphotoxin-alpha and lymphotoxin-beta

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Deer mice (<it>Peromyscus maniculatus</it>) are among the most common mammals in North America and are important reservoirs of several human pathogens, including Sin Nombre hantavirus (SNV). SNV can establish a life-long apathogenic infection in deer mice, which can shed virus in excrement for transmission to humans. Patients that die from hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) have been found to express several proinflammatory cytokines, including lymphotoxin (LT), in the lungs. It is thought that these cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of HCPS. LT is not expressed by virus-specific CD4⁺T cells from infected deer mice, suggesting a limited role for this pathway in reservoir responses to hantaviruses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We have cloned the genes encoding deer mouse LTα and LTβ and have found them to be highly similar to orthologous rodent sequences but with some differences in promoters elements. The phylogenetic analyses performed on the LTα, LTβ, and combined data sets yielded a strongly-supported sister-group relationship between the two murines (the house mouse and the rat). The deer mouse, a sigmodontine, appeared as the sister group to the murine clade in all of the analyses. High bootstrap values characterized the grouping of murids.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>No conspicuous differences compared to other species are present in the predicted amino acid sequences of LTα or LTβ; however, some promoter differences were noted in LTβ. Although more extensive taxonomic sampling is required to confirm the results of our analyses, the preliminary findings indicate that both genes (analyzed both separately and in combination) hold potential for resolving relationships among rodents and other mammals at the subfamily level.</p