Bucky Tubes Induce Oxidative Stress Mediated Cell Death in Human Lung Cells

Unique physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have opened a new era for therapeutics and diagnosis (known as theranostics) of various diseases. This exponential increase in application makes them important for toxicology studies. The present study was aimed at exploring the toxic potential of one of the CNMs, that is, bucky tubes (BTs), in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line. BTs were characterised by electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flow cytometric study showed a concentration and time dependent increase in intracellular internalization as well as reduction in cell viability upon exposure to BTs. However, a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed as evident by increased fluorescence intensity of 2',7' - dichlorofluorescein (DCF). BTs induced oxidative stress in cells as evident by depletion in glutathione with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidationwith increasing concentrations. Asignificant increase in micronucleus formation and apoptotic cell population and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as compared to control were observed. Moreover, in the present study, BTs were found to be mild toxic and it is encouraging to conclude that BTs having outer diameter in the range of 7-12 nm and length 0.5-10 mu m can be used for theranostics

Synthesis and characterization of Pt/graphene-CNTs electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract In the present work we report a facile method for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles supported reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite by an in-situ chemical reduction. The incorporation of MWCNTs to rGO leads to decrease in agglomeration between rGO sheets due to π -π interactions and higher loading of Pt nanoparticles. In this process, a mixture of exfoliated graphene oxide, CNTs and chloroplatinic acid was treated with a mixture of hydrazine hydrate and ammonium hydroxide at 95° C in an oil bath for 1 h. Pt nanoparticles of 4-6 nm size were homogeneously dispersed on rGO-CNTs nanocomposite as revealed by TEM analysis. Cyclic voltammetry measurements depict an anodic current density of 11.74 mA/cm 2 that could be obtained using Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst and 6.2 mA/cm 2 using Pt/rGO catalyst during methanol oxidation, indicating that the catalytic activity of Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst is almost 2 times higher than that of Pt/rGO catalyst. The electrochemical stability of Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst was also found to be much higher as compared with that of Pt/rGO catalyst. Thus, Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst has the potential to be used in the preparation of a promising anode material for direct methanol fuel cell

Nasal Schwannoma

Introduction A schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumuor of myelinated nerves arising  from Schwann cells. In the head and neck region, the most common site is the eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear). Only 4% of schwannomas seen in the head and neck region arise from the nose and paranasal sinuses involving branches of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic or maxillary) or from the autonomic nervous system.   Case Report A 29 year old female patient presented to the Ear, Nose and Throat Out Patient Department with the complaints of left sided nasal obstruction and left sided nasal bleed. On anterior rhinoscopy, a single, smooth, greyish, non-pulsatile polypoidal mass was seen in the left nasal cavity seeming to be arising medial to middle turbinate. A provisional diagnosis of benign nasal mass was made and the patient underwent excision under general anaesthesia. On histopathology, an impression of Schwannoma was made.   Discussion Sino-nasal schwannomas are a very rare entity with non specific imaging studies. A confirmatory diagnosis can be made only after histopathology. The treatment modality of choice is surgical excision of the mass, taking care to leave no residual, so as to prevent a recurrence

Pressure induced phase transformation in U<SUB>2</SUB>O(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB>

The high pressure behavior of U<SUB>2</SUB>O(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB> has been investigated with the help of Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction measurements up to ~14 and 6.5 GPa, respectively. The observed changes in the Raman spectra as well as the X-ray diffraction patterns suggest that U<SUB>2</SUB>O(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB> undergoes a phase transition at ~6 GPa to a mixture of a disordered ambient pressure phase and a new high pressure phase. The new phase resembles the triclinic mixed-valence phase of uranium orthophosphate (U(UO<SUB>2</SUB>)(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB>). On release of pressure the initial phase is not retrieved

Foreign Body Nose: An Unusual Presentation

Introduction This is a very interesting case of retained homicidal foreign body in the nose in contrast to most of the foreign bodies which are accidental. Case Report A 27 year old male presented to ENT emergency with alleged history of assault over face with sharp object following which patient developed nasal bleed. On examination vertical laceration of approximately 8 cm in length was present along left naso-orbital groove extending superiorly from medial canthus of left eye and inferiorly to nasal alar cartilage. On anterior rhinoscopy a metallic foreign body was seen in both nasal cavities, which appeared to be crossing from left to right side piercing the nasal septum. Foreign body was removed via open approach. Discussion Penetrating maxillofacial injury with foreign body impaction are less common. High index of suspicion is required in diagnosing these cases. Radiological intervention should be done to get idea of exact location and extent of foreign body. Lateral rhinotomy is a useful approach in removing these foreign bodies

Schwannoma causing greater occipital nerve neuralgia: Case report

Schwannomas are benign tumors that originate from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. They can arise from any myelinated nerve. The pre-operative diagnosis of schwannoma is difficult and should be suggested by clinical features and supported by investigations based on techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Schawannomas can present with very subtle symptoms or morbid sequel. A 19-year-old male patient presented with 6 months history of swelling in the upper left side part of the neck. Local examination showed a 5 cm and times; 3 cm single globular mass in the left suboccipital region. The contrast enhanced CT scan showed a 44 mm and times; 46 mm and times; 39 mm well defined heterogeneous mildly enhancing mass on the left side of the upper three cervical vertebras abutting them. The mass was excised under general anesthesia by transcervical approach. After extensive search of English literature we came across only three case reports where schwannoma of greater occipital nerve presented with neuralgia. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2016; 5(1.000): 59-62

Tracheal T-Tube Stent for Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Ten Year Experience

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome following stenting over a period of 10 years in patients with chronic laryngotracheal stenosis.   Materials and Methods: Between 2000–2010, out of 111 patients with laryngotracheal trauma, 71 underwent tracheal        T-stenting for laryngotracheal stenosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India. All 71 patients underwent stenting by tracheal T-stent through an external approach. The follow-up period ranged from 3–10 years (mean, 3.2 years). The tracheal T-stent was removed after a minimum period of 6–12 months.   Results: The majority of patients in this study were aged less than 10 years or between the ages of 20–30 years. A pre-operative tracheostomy (emergency or elective) was performed in all patients. of 71 patients, decannulation was not possible in six (8%).   Conclusion:  Management of laryngotracheal stenosis is a challenging problem that demands a multidisciplinary approach from surgical teams well trained in this field. The ideal treatment option should be individualized according to patient characteristics. The use of silastic stents has both advantages and disadvantages