Mechanism of Cyanide Toxicity and Efficacy of its Antidotes

This paper attempts to review the various antidotes available for countering cyanide threat in the light of the toxicity associated with it. It also critically evaluates the drawbacks and advantages of these antidotes for their therapeutic and/or prophylactic utility. The physico-chemical properties of hydrogen cyanide which make it a chemical warfare agent have also been highlighted. In an attempt to make the complex chemical and biological processes understandable, the chemical structures of the antidotes have been included and simple mechanistic pathways have been used to show the role of antidotes in activating the inhibited enzymes

An algorithm to identify rheumatoid arthritis in primary care: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink study

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder associated with increased levels of morbidity and mortality. While much research into the condition is conducted in the secondary care setting, routinely collected primary care databases provide an important source of research data. This study aimed to update an algorithm to define RA that was previously developed and validated in the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Methods: The original algorithm consisted of two criteria. Individuals meeting at least one were considered to have RA. Criterion 1:≥1 RA Read code and a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) without an alternative indication. Criterion 2:≥2RA Read codes, with at least one 'strong' code and no alternative diagnoses. Lists of codes for consultations and prescriptions were obtained from the authors of the original algorithm where these were available, or compiled based on the original description and clinical knowledge. 4161 people with a first Read code for RA between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 were selected from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD, successor to the GPRD), and the criteria applied. Results: Code lists were updated for the introduction of new Read codes and biological DMARDs. 3577/ 4161 (86%) of people met the updated algorithm for RA, compared to 61% in the original development study. 62.8% of people fulfilled both Criterion 1 and Criterion 2. Conclusions: Those wishing to define RA in the CPRD, should consider using this updated algorithm, rather than a single RA code, if they wish to identify only those who are most likely to have RA

Coupled-resonator optical waveguides: Q-factor and disorder influence

Coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW) can significantly reduce light propagation pulse velocity due to pronounced dispersion properties. A number of interesting applications have been proposed to benefit from such slow-light propagation. Unfortunately, the inevitable presence of disorder, imperfections, and a finite Q value may heavily affect the otherwise attractive properties of CROWs. We show how finite a Q factor limits the maximum attainable group delay time; the group index is limited by Q, but equally important the feasible device length is itself also limited by damping resulting from a finite Q. Adding the additional effects of disorder to this picture, limitations become even more severe due to destructive interference phenomena, eventually in the form of Anderson localization. Simple analytical considerations demonstrate that the maximum attainable delay time in CROWs is limited by the intrinsic photon lifetime of a single resonator.Comment: Accepted for Opt. Quant. Electro

Delays in help seeking at the onset of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic synthesis of qualitative literature

A systematic review of qualitative peer-reviewed publications was conducted to identify drivers of and barriers to help-seeking behaviour in adults with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 1058 abstracts were searched to identify relevant publications. 21 relevant publications were identified assessed for quality and subjected to analysis informed by thematic and grounded theory frameworks. Several interacting themes were identified including the early experience of symptoms in relation to disease prototypes, minimising the impact of symptoms, speaking to others, gathering information and seeking alternative treatments, and issues related to accessing health services and attitudes towards healthcare professionals. Many people suggested that they had little knowledge of RA before diagnosis, believing RA to be a mild condition that affected older people. These misperceptions made correct symptom interpretation unlikely. Normalising and ignoring symptoms led people to delay in help-seeking. However, when symptoms impacted on daily activities help was usually sought. Individual interpretations of symptoms are both drivers of and barriers to help seeking. Targeted public health interventions are required to inform symptom interpretation and reduce delays

The response of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) genotypes to callus induction, regeneration and different concentrations of the selective agent (geneticin -418)

Two commercial cultivars (CPF-245 and CPF-237) and three advanced lines (CSSG-668, S-2003US633, S-2003US114) of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarium) grown in Punjab, Pakistan were evaluated for their potential to induce callus, embryogenic callus and regeneration. Cultivar CSSG-668 was found to be the best genotype yielding maximum embryogenic callus and regeneration whereas cultivar CPF- 245 exhibited lowest callus induction frequency. Five different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80mg/L) of the selective agent (geneticin-418) were used to optimize selection conditions with nontransformed embryogenic calli. The geneticin concentration 60 mg/L was found to be the optimal dose to select the embryogenic calli of genotypes CSSG-668, CPF-245 and S-2003US63, while 35 mg/L geneticin was found to be the best concentration for S-2003US-114. Similarly, 60 mg/L geneticin was optimum dose to select regenerated plantlets of the cultivars CSSG-668 and CPF-245 while it was 40, 25 mg/L for the cultivars S-2003US-114 and S-2003US-633, respectively. It is concluded from the present study that geneticin concentration in the range of 25 to 60 mg/L can be effectively used for the selection of transformed embryogenic calli and regenerants of different sugarcane cultivars.Keywords: Callus induction, embryogenic callus, regeneration, Saccharum officinarum L., selection, geneticin

CHARACTERIZATION & EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY CAPPARIS DECIDUA MICROEMULSION

Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objective to develop microemulsion from the ethanolic extract of the plant, Capparis decidua and evaluate its potency against microorganisms (bacteria & fungi).Methods: The solubility of the extract was tested in various solvents to determine the oil phase to be used in the microemulsion system. Microemulsion formulations were developed from the plant extract and their physico-chemical studies were carried out as per standard parameter.Results: The prepared microemulsion was tested for its antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Preliminary screening of the microemulsion showed the potent antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The development of microemulsion was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) analysis.Conclusion: 5% (w/w) microemulsion from the ethanolic extract of the Capparis decidua was successfully prepared. The microemulsion was found to possess potent antibacterial and antifungal activities.Â

Searching for a prodrome for rheumatoid arthritis in the primary care record: a case-control study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has articular and non-articular manifestations. Early, intensive treatment has substantial benefit for both. This requires patients be identified as soon as symptoms develop. Objectives: To determine whether selected signs and symptoms can be identified in the primary care records of patients prior to a formal diagnosis of RA being made and, if so, how early they can be identified. Methods: A case-control study was constructed within the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). 3577 individuals with 'definite' RA, were matched to 14287 individuals without inflammatory arthritis. An index date was established (i.e. date general practitioner (GP) first appeared to suspect RA). Rates of consultation and consultations for suspected early RA symptoms were compared in cases and controls in the two years prior to the index date using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for number of consultations. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 58.8 (14.5) years and 66.8% were female. Rates of any consultation were significantly higher in RA cases than in controls for at least two years prior to the index date. Cases were more likely to have a pre-diagnosis coded consultation for joint, and particularly hand symptoms (aOR 11.44 (9.60, 13.63)), morning stiffness (8.10 (3.54, 18.5)), carpal tunnel syndrome (4.57 (3.54, 5.88)) and other non-articular features. Conclusions: In patients who develop RA, GP consultation rates are higher for at least two years prior to the first recorded suspicion of RA. This study highlights symptoms that should raise a GP’s index of suspicion for RA