A REVIEW ON ALZHIMER'S DISEASE: PATHOLOGY, MOLECULAR CONDITIONS, MANAGEMNT AND CAUSES

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that starts slowly, progressively leads to death and contributes to about 60-70% cases of dementia. AD is characterized with Senile Plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and the major symptoms include problems with language, dis-orientation of words, unable to manage self-care, memory loss and behavioural issues which gradually lead to completely lose bodily functions later. The actual cause for the disease is not known till date. Recent research show distinct paths that closely try to reveal various cytoplasmic, genetic, behavioural, environmental and epigenetic causes that may lead to the development of AD. Most likely all studies target the Senile Plaques, protein fragments called beta-amyloid and Neurofibrillary Tangles, twisted fibres of a protein called tau. Since, the exact causative mechanism is not yet clearly understood, ultimately finding a suitable treatment or management for the disease has also become an ominous challenge for researchers.Â

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR ORAL DELIVERY

Objective: In the current investigation,nanosponges were set up by emulsion solvent diffusion technique utilizing ethyl cellulose and β-cyclodextrin as polymers. Methods: Diltiazem hydrochloride is taken as model medication for considering different nanosponge formulations. The similarity of different formulation segments was set up by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Molecular size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency and drug content of nanosponges were analyzed. Shape and surface morphology of the nanosponges were inspected utilizing scanning electron microscopy. Results: Molecule size of formulated nanosponges was seen in the scope of 186 to 476 nm. Scanning electron microscopy uncovered the permeable, round nature of the nanosponges. The drug content of nanosponges for ethyl cellulose containing formulations was seen as in the scope of 62.25 to 85.11% and for the β-cyclodextrin containing details were seen as in the scope of 65.18-89.67%. The percentage entrapment effectiveness of nanosponges for ethyl cellulose containing formulations were seen as in the scope of 54.18 to 79.49% and for the β-cyclodextrin containing details were seen as in the scope of 58.21-83.45%. In vitro drugreleasefindings demonstrated that at 12 h ethyl cellulose containing formulations discharged the drug in the scope of 57.27-89.09% and for the β-cyclodextrin containing formulations discharged in the scope of 73.94-93.26%. Conclusion: Sustained drugreleasefrom formulations is supported if there is an occurrence of ethyl cellulose in the formulations rather with plans containing β-cyclodextrin

Delftia acidovorans: A Rare Pathogen Isolated from Pleural Fluid in an Immunocompromised Host

Delftia acidovorans is an aerobic, non fermentative gram negative rod that belongs to the Pseudomonas ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid (rRNA) homology Group III. The sources of isolation are sludge, biological waste water treatment plants. Patients in hospitals or with compromised immune systems are more likely to be affected. Delftia acidovorans can result in infectious endocarditis, ocular infections, otitis media, peritonitis, urinary tract infections, empyema, cavitary and interstitial pneumoniae, and nosocomial bacteraemia, including bacteraemia linked to central venous catheters in people with compromised immune systems. This case report is about a 57-year-old male with complaints of loss of appetite for six days and vomiting, as well as loss of weight. He was diagnosed with HIV two years ago and was on HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy). This atypical bacterium was isolated from pleural fluid of the patient; and he was managed with albumin infusion, anticoagulants, beta blockers, fluid and salt restriction and intravenous antibiotics. It is an emerging source of Gram negative bacilli which is normally a non pathogen causing serious infections among immunocompromised patient

Effect of Fe Doping on Photocatalytic Dye-Degradation and Antibacterial Activity of SnO2 Nanoparticles

A simple hydrothermal method is utilized to synthesize iron-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (Fe-SnO2 NPs) at various doping concentrations. The structural characterization using XRD, Raman, and FTIR measurements confirmed the incorporation of Fe ions into the SnO2 lattice without any deviation in the tetragonal crystal system of SnO2 nanoparticles. SEM and HRTEM images show the spherical-shaped nanoparticles with agglomeration. The values of interplanar spacing ( d -value) calculated from the HRTEM lattice are consistent with the XRD results. Further, optical analysis revealed a red shift in the optical absorption band and a decrease in the band gap energy with an increase in Fe-dopant concentration. The decrease of PL emission peak intensity with Fe doping revealed the generation of singly charged oxygen vacancies. The H2O2-assisted photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Fe-SnO2 NPs investigated against crystal violet dye indicated an efficiency of 98% for 0.05 M Fe-SnO2 NPs within 30 minutes under visible light illumination. In addition, the effects of pH, scavengers, and reusability of the catalyst are tested. The antibacterial behavior of Fe-SnO2 NPs against Escherichia coli is examined by using the colony count method, and the inhibition rate was found to be 49, 65, 70, and 78% for pure, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 M Fe-SnO2 NPs, respectively

Neural processing of criticism and positive comments from relatives in individuals with schizotypal personality traits

Objectives. High negative expressed emotion by family members towards schizophrenia patients increases the risk of subsequent relapse. The study aimed to determine whether individuals with high schizotypy (HS) and low schizotypy (LS) would differ in activation of brain areas involved in cognitive control when listening to relative criticism

Comparative efficacy of two poeciliid fish in indoor cement tanks against chikungunya vector Aedes aegypti in villages in Karnataka, India

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2006, severe outbreaks of <it>Aedes aegypti</it>-transmitted chikungunya occurred in villages in Karnataka, South India. We evaluated the effectiveness of combined information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns using two potential poeciliid larvivorous fish guppy (<it>Poecilia reticulata</it>) and mosquitofish (<it>Gambusia affinis</it>), in indoor cement tanks for <it>Aedes </it>larval control.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Trials were conducted in two villages (Domatmari and Srinivaspura) in Tumkur District from March to May 2006 for <it>Poecilia </it>and one village (Balmanda) in Kolar District from July to October 2006 for <it>Gambusia</it>. A survey on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on chikungunya was initially conducted and IEC campaigns were performed before and after fish release in Domatmari (IEC alone, followed by IEC + <it>Poecilia</it>) and Balmanda (IEC + <it>Gambusia</it>). In Srinivaspura, IEC was not conducted. Larval surveys were conducted at the baseline followed by one-week and one-month post-intervention periods. The impact of fish on <it>Aedes </it>larvae and disease was assessed based on baseline and post-intervention observations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Only 18% of respondents knew of the role of mosquitoes in fever outbreaks, while almost all (<it>n </it>= 50 each) gained new knowledge from the IEC campaigns. In Domatmari, IEC alone was not effective (OR 0.54; <it>p </it>= 0.067). Indoor cement tanks were the most preferred <it>Ae. aegypti </it>breeding habitat (86.9%), and had a significant impact on <it>Aedes </it>breeding (Breteau Index) in all villages in the one-week period (<it>p </it>< 0.001). In the one-month period, the impact was most sustained in Domatmari (OR 1.58, <it>p </it>< 0.001) then Srinivaspura (OR 0.45, <it>p </it>= 0.063) and Balmanda (OR 0.51, <it>p </it>= 0.067). After fish introductions, chikungunya cases were reduced by 99.87% in Domatmari, 65.48% in Srinivaspura and 68.51% in Balmanda.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>Poecilia </it>exhibited greater survival rates than <it>Gambusia </it>(86.04 <it>vs</it>.16.03%) in cement tanks. Neither IEC nor <it>Poecilia </it>alone was effective against <it>Aedes </it>(<it>p </it>> 0.05). We conclude that <it>Poecilia </it>+ IEC is an effective intervention strategy. The operational cost was 0.50 (US$0.011, 1 US$= 47) per capita per application. Proper water storage practices, focused IEC with <it>Poecilia </it>introductions and vector sanitation involving the local administration and community, is suggested as the best strategy for <it>Aedes </it>control.</p

Increased capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in skin nerve fibres and related vanilloid receptors TRPV3 and TRPV4 in keratinocytes in human breast pain

BACKGROUND: Breast pain and tenderness affects 70% of women at some time. These symptoms have been attributed to stretching of the nerves with increase in breast size, but tissue mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODS: Eighteen patients (n = 12 breast reduction and n = 6 breast reconstruction) were recruited and assessed for breast pain by clinical questionnaire. Breast skin biopsies from each patient were examined using immunohistological methods with specific antibodies to the capsaicin receptor TRPV1, related vanilloid thermoreceptors TRPV3 and TRPV4, and nerve growth factor (NGF). RESULTS: TRPV1-positive intra-epidermal nerve fibres were significantly increased in patients with breast pain and tenderness (TRPV1 fibres / mm epidermis, median [range] – no pain group, n = 8, 0.69 [0–1.27]; pain group, n = 10, 2.15 [0.77–4.38]; p = 0.0009). Nerve Growth Factor, which up-regulates TRPV1 and induces nerve sprouting, was present basal keratinocytes: some breast pain specimens also showed NGF staining in supra-basal keratinocytes. TRPV4-immunoreactive fibres were present in sub-epidermis but not significantly changed in painful breast tissue. Both TRPV3 and TRPV4 were significantly increased in keratinocytes in breast pain tissues; TRPV3, median [range] – no pain group, n = 6, 0.75 [0–2]; pain group, n = 11, 2 [1-3], p = 0.008; TRPV4, median [range] – no pain group, n = 6, [0–1]; pain group, n = 11, 1 [0.5–2], p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Increased TRPV1 intra-epidermal nerve fibres could represent collateral sprouts, or re-innervation following nerve stretch and damage by polymodal nociceptors. Selective TRPV1-blockers may provide new therapy in breast pain. The role of TRPV3 and TRPV4 changes in keratinocytes deserve further study

Cell-Free DNA and Active Rejection in Kidney Allografts

Histologic analysis of the allograft biopsy specimen is the standard method used to differentiate rejection from other injury in kidney transplants. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a noninvasive test of allograft injury that may enable more frequent, quantitative, and safer assessment of allograft rejection and injury status. To investigate this possibility, we prospectively collected blood specimens at scheduled intervals and at the time of clinically indicated biopsies. In 102 kidney recipients, we measured plasma levels of dd-cfDNA and correlated the levels with allograft rejection status ascertained by histology in 107 biopsy specimens. The dd-cfDNA level discriminated between biopsy specimens showing any rejection (T cell-mediated rejection or antibody-mediated rejection [ABMR]) and controls (no rejection histologically), P1% indicate a probability of active rejection