OXIDATIVE STRESS IN BRAINS OF MALE RATS INTOXICATED WITH ALUMINIUM AND NEUROMODULATING EFFECT OF CELASTRUS PANICULATUS ALCOHOLIC SEED EXTRACT.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the alcoholic seed extract of Celastrus paniculatus (ASECP) could potentially prevent aluminium induced neurotoxicity in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of the rat brain. Male albino rats were administered with AlCl3 at a dose of 4.2mg/kg/day i.p. for 4 weeks. Experimental rats were given Celastrus paniculatus seed extract in two different doses of 200mg and 400mg/kg/day orally 1hr prior to the AlCl3 administration for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiments, aluminium administration significantly decreased the level of GSH and the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase and increased the level of LPO and the activities of ALP, ACP, ALT and AST in all the brain regions when compared with control rats. Pre-treatment with ASECP at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w increased the antioxidant status and activities of membrane bound enzymes and also decreased the level of LPO and the activities of marker enzymes significantly, when compared with aluminium induced rats. Al treatment also revealed an increase in DNA fragmentation as evidenced by an increase in number of comets. Interestingly, ASECP pretreatment reduced the damage inflicted on DNA by aluminium. Aluminium induction also caused histopathological changes in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of rat brain which was reverted by pretreatment with ASECP. The present study clearly indicates the potential of seed extract of Celastrus paniculatus in counteracting the damage inflicted by Al on rat brain regions

Sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase of Category-1 regimen in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus or HIV infection: An analysis of risk factors

Background & objectives: New smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) are treated with a 6-month short-course chemotherapy (SCC) regimen irrespective of co-morbid conditions. We undertook this retrospective analysis to compare sputum conversion rates (smear, culture) at the end of intensive phase (IP) of Category-1 regimen among patients admitted to concurrent controlled clinical trials: pulmonary tuberculosis alone (PTB) or with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-TB) or HIV infection (HIV-TB), and to identify the risk factors influencing sputum conversion. Methods: In this retrospective analysis sputum conversion rates at the end of intensive phase (IP) in three concurrent studies undertaken among PTB, DM-TB and HIV-TB patients, during 1998 – 2002 at the Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC), Chennai, were compared. Sputum smears were examined by fluorescent microscopy. HIV infected patients did not receive anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Patients with DM were treated with oral hypoglycaemic drugs or insulin (sc). Results: The study population included 98, 92 and 88 patients in the PTB, DM-TB and HIV-TB studies. At the end of IP the smear conversion (58, 61, and 62%) and culture conversion (86, 88 and 92%) rates were similar in the three groups respectively. The variables associated with lack of sputum smear or culture conversion were age >45 yr, higher pre-treatment smear and culture grading, and extent of the radiographic involvement. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings confirm that the current policy of the control programme to treat all pulmonary TB patients with or with out co-morbid conditions with Category-I regimen appears to be appropriate

Assessment of long term status of sputum positive pulmonary TB patients successfully treated with short course chemotherapy

Background: Long term status of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients treated with short course chemotherapy (SCC) regimens remains unknown. Objective: To assess the clinical, bacteriological, radiological status and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of PTB patients 14 -18 years after successful treatment with SCC. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, cured PTB patients treated during 1986 – 1990 at the Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC) were investigated for their current health status including pulmonary function tests (PFT). The St Georges respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the HRQoL Results: The mean period after treatment completion for the 363 eligible participants was 16.5yrs (range 14-18 yrs, 84% coverage) ; 25 (7 %) had been re-treated and 52 (14%) died. Among the investigated, 58 (29%) had persistent respiratory symptoms; 170(86%) had radiological sequelae but none had active disease. Abnormal PFT was observed in 96 (65%) with predominantly restrictive type of disease in 66(45%). The SGRQ scores for activity and impact were high implying impairment in HRQoL. Conclusion: Assessment of long term status of cured PTB patients showed an impairment of lung functions and HRQoL highlighting the need to address these issues in the management of TB that may provide added value to patient care

Centrilobular emphysema and coronary artery calcification: mediation analysis in the SPIROMICS cohort

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a two-to-five fold increase in the risk of coronary artery disease independent of shared risk factors. This association is hypothesized to be mediated by systemic inflammation but this link has not been established. Methods We included 300 participants enrolled in the SPIROMICS cohort, 75 each of lifetime non-smokers, smokers without airflow obstruction, mild-moderate COPD, and severe-very severe COPD. We quantified emphysema and airway disease on computed tomography, characterized visual emphysema subtypes (centrilobular and paraseptal) and airway disease, and used the Weston visual score to quantify coronary artery calcification (CAC). We used the Sobel test to determine whether markers of systemic inflammation mediated a link between spirometric and radiographic features of COPD and CAC. Results FEV1/FVC but not quantitative emphysema or airway wall thickening was associated with CAC (p = 0.036), after adjustment for demographics, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, statin use, and CT scanner type. To explain this discordance, we examined visual subtypes of emphysema and airway disease, and found that centrilobular emphysema but not paraseptal emphysema or bronchial thickening was independently associated with CAC (p = 0.019). MMP3, VCAM1, CXCL5 and CXCL9 mediated 8, 8, 7 and 16% of the association between FEV1/FVC and CAC, respectively. Similar biomarkers partially mediated the association between centrilobular emphysema and CAC. Conclusions The association between airflow obstruction and coronary calcification is driven primarily by the centrilobular subtype of emphysema, and is linked through bioactive molecules implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier: NCT01969344 .https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146749/1/12931_2018_Article_946.pd

Bio-Fabrication of Human Amniotic Membrane Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Wet/Dry HAM Dressing Membrane for Wound Healing

Publication history: Accepted - 25 June 2021; Published online - 28 July 2021.The preparation of unique wet and dry wound dressing products derived from unprocessed human amniotic membrane (UP-HAM) is described. The UP-HAM was decellularized, and the constituent proteins were cross-linked and stabilized before being trimmed and packed in sterile Nucril-coated laminated aluminium foil pouches with isopropyl alcohol to manufacture processed wet human amniotic membrane (PWHAM). The dry type of PD-HAM was prepared by decellularizing the membrane, UV irradiating it, lyophilizing/freeze-drying it, sterilizing it, and storing it at room temperature. The UP-HAM consists of a translucent yellowish mass of flexible membranes with an average thickness of 42 µm. PW-HAM wound dressings that had been processed, decellularized, and dehydrated had a thinner average thickness of 30 µm and lacked nuclear-cellular structures. Following successful decellularization, discrete bundle of fibrous components in the stromal spongy layers, microvilli and reticular ridges were still evident on the surface of the processed HAM, possibly representing the location of the cells that had been removed by the decellularization process. Both wet and dry HAM wound dressings are durable, portable, have a shelf life of 3–5 years, and are available all year. A slice of HAM dressing costs 1.0 US/cm2 . Automation and large-scale HAM membrane preparation, as well as storage and transportation of the dressings, can all help to establish advanced technologies, improve the efficiency of membrane production, and reduce costs. Successful treatment of wounds to the cornea of the eye was achieved with the application of the HAM wound dressings. The HAM protein analysis revealed 360 µg proteins per gram of tissue, divided into three main fractions with MWs of 100 kDa, 70 kDa, and 14 kDa, as well as seven minor proteins, with the 14 kDa protein displaying antibacterial properties against human pathogenic bacteria. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology | www.frontiersin.org 1 July 2021 | Volume 9 | Article 695710 fbioe-09-695710 July 22, 2021 Time: 16:39 # 2 Ramasamy et al. HAMP-ZnO Nanoparticles HAM Wound Dressing Wet and dry wound dressings were produced. HAM proteins were purified and analysed. The zinc oxide nanoparticles (HAMP-ZnO NP) made from HAM proteins were characterised and tested for their antibacterial activity. Wounds to the cornea of the eye healed easily when treated with HAM wound dressings. Fresh human Amniotic membrane, Serological screening, selection of disease-free HAM, reome stromal layer, preparation of HAM. UNPROCESSED HAM Cuboidal epithelial cells, basement membrane, compact layer, stromal and spongy layers containing scatted fibroblast cells are visible in hsitological analysis. The flow chart depicts the methods for processing, and preparation of wet (PWHAM) and dry (PD-HAM) wound healing dressings. HAM proteins, Nanoparticle synthesis (HAMP-ZnO NP) and analysis. Antibacterial analysis show Inhibition of growth and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria . Processed HAM lacked a nuclear-cellular epithelium, but it did have a distinct fibrous elements in basement membrane, stromal and spongy layers. Processed PW-HAM (Light &SEM) showed smooth epithelial surface topography with microvilli,. HAM dressing, wet/dry, packed, labelled, sterilised and processed. They are durable, portable, have long shelf life . A slice of HAM dressing costs US 1.0 / cm² . The wound dressings are ready to be applied. The dermal wounds and conjunctival surface can be successfully repaired using processed HAM wound dressings GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT | Flow chart depicting the methods, preparing, and characterizing, by histological, and scanning electron microscopy, of wet (PW-HAM) and dry (PD-HAM)of wound healing dressing, and preparation of nanoparticles (HAMP ZnO NP); and application of HAM wound dressing. A wide range of antibacterial activity was observed after treatment with 75 µg/ml zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from human amniotic membrane proteins (HAMP-ZnO NP), including dose-dependent biofilm inhibition and inhibition of Gram-positive (S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and L. fusiformis) and Gram-negative bacteria (S. sonnei, P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, and C. freundii).PR has acknowledged Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital for providing the article processing charges of the journal, and moral and technical support. The support of Cologenesis Health Care Pvt. Ltd. for a study on “Human amniotic membrane for ocular and dermal applications” is sincerely appreciated

Prawn fauna (Crustacea: Decapoda) of India - An annotated checklist of the Penaeoid, Sergestoid, Stenopodid and Caridean prawns

Twenty four species of Pandalid shrimps reported from the Indian waters, of which six genera (Chlorotocella, Chlorotocus, Chlorocurtis, Dorodotes, Heterocarpoides and Stylopandalus) are represented by single species each. The genera, Plesionika and Heterocarpus are represented by eleven and seven species respectively. Plesionika adensameri (Balss, 1914) a deep-sea shrimp hitherto unreported from Indian waters is recorded from west coast of India. Information on some biological aspects of few Pandalid shrimps from Indian waters is also reported in the present paper

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy