Ulcer of the tongue as a presenting feature of pulmonary tuberculosis

Oral tuberculosis is very rare and when present they are usually secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions of the tongue have become so infrequent that they are virtually a forgotten disease entity and may pose a diagnostic problem. The case reported in this paper emphasizes the importance of including tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of any chronic oral ulcer. The low number of oral infections by M. tuberculosis could be due to underreporting.     

Gemcitabine Hydrochloride-Loaded Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes as Potential Carriers for Tumour Targeting

The objective of the present work was to formulate gemcitabine hydrochloride loaded functionalised carbon nanotubes to achieve tumour targeted drug release and thereby reducing gemcitabine hydrochloride toxicity. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were functionalised using 1,2-distearoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine-methyl polyethylene glycol conjugate 2000. Optimised ratio 1:2 of carbon nanotubes:1,2-distearoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine-methyl polyethylene glycol conjugate 2000 was taken for loading of gemcitabine hydrochloride. The formulation was evaluated for different parameters. The results showed that maximum drug loading efficiency achieved was 41.59% with an average particle size of 188.7 nm and zeta potential of −10−1 mV. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the tubular structure of the formulation. The carbon nanotubes were able to release gemcitabine hydrochloride faster in acidic pH than at neutral pH indicating its potential for tumour targeting. Gemcitabine hydrochloride release from carbon nanotubes was found to follow Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model with non-Fickian diffusion pattern. Cytotoxic activity of formulation on A549 cells was found to be higher in comparison to free gemcitabine hydrochloride. Stability studies indicated that lyophilised samples of the formulation were more stable for 3 months under refrigerated condition than at room temperature. Thus carbon nanotubes can be promising carrier for the anticancer drug gemcitabine hydrochloride.     

Location of xylanolytic enzymes in Chaetomium globosum

Localisation of endo β-1-4-xylan xylanohydrolase and β-xylosidase was studied in Chaetomium globosum when the fungus was grown on 1% (w/v) birchwood xylan. Although both enzymes are present in the soluble fraction of the cell, xylanase activity was membrane bound whereas β-xylosidase activity was associated with the cell wall. Xylanase and β-xylosidase acted synergistically on the xylan backbone with the appearance of xylo-oligosaccharides, xylobiose and xylose.     

Gastric and Duodenal Anti-ulcer Activity of SKF 38393, a Dopamine D1-Receptor Agonist in Rats

The effect of SKF 38393 (1-phenyl-7,8-diol-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine), a specific dopamine D₁-receptor agonist, was studied on pylorus-ligation and water immersion plus restraint stress-induced gastric ulcers, and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. Repeated administration of SKF 38393 (5 and 10 mg kg^?1, p.o.) for six days was found to be effective in the prevention of gastric ulceration induced by water immersion plus restraint stress in rats. In 19-h pylorus-ligated rats, repeated treatment with SKF 38393 showed a significant reduction in the number and severity of ulcers. SKF 38393 did not alter the total gastric-mucosal carbohydrates: protein ratio; however, the gastric content volume and the free and total acidity were significantly reduced. In cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers, the treatment with SKF 38393 for 6 days prevented the duodenal lesions. Our data suggests the involvement of dopamine D₁ receptors in the anti-ulcer activity of SKF 38393, which could be largely attributed to its anti-secretory effect. Its anti-ulcer activity against water immersion plus restraint, also points towards a central mode of action, but its failure to alter the carbohydrate: protein ratio rules out any protective effect through the strengthening of the gastric mucosal barrier.     

Undiagnosed case of term heterotopic pregnancy with ectopic abdominal pregnancy

Heterotopic pregnancy involves coexisting intra-uterine and extra-uterine gestations. The incidence for natural uninduced pregnancy is 1 in 30,000 pregnancies. However the incidence is increasing with ovulation induction and artificial reproductive techniques. In more than 90% heterotopic pregnancies, the ectopic implantation is in the fallopian tube. A case of undiagnosed term heterotopic pregnancy in a 26-year-old primigravida is reported. She was referred from a practising obstetrician as a case of term twin pregnancy. Her regular antenatal records suggested intra-uterine growth restriction in one foetus of the twin. After confirmation of findings with ultrasound she was taken for emergency caesarean section. Heterotopic pregnancy was diagnosed on opening the abdomen. The term abdominal pregnancy was managed successfully. Although remained undiagnosed till term, good maternal and perinatal outcome was noted with survival of both the babies.