DNA interaction,anti-proliferative effect of copper oxide nanocolloids prepared from metallosurfactant based microemulsions acting as precursor,template and reducing agent

In the present study, we have synthesized mixed cuprous/copper oxide nanosuspensions by metallosurfactant based microemulsion technique. Three metallosurfactants were synthesized which includes two non-ionic double chained metallosurfactants with C₁₂, C₁₆ chains with coordinated copper i.e. Cudda and Cuhexa, respectively. Another cationic double chained metallosurfactant with loosely bound metal (Cuctac) was also prepared. The prepared metallocomplexes were characterized using FTIR, elemental analysis, and NMR. The effect of the position of metallosurfactant in microemulsion on the fabrication and properties of nanosuspensions was elucidated. In this method, no external reducing agent and capping agent were added and tween 80 acted both as reducing and stabilizing agent for the nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and it was observed that mixed copper and cuprous oxide particles are present in colloidal suspension for all the three studied metallosurfactants. The kinetics of formation of mixed copper/cuprous oxide nanosuspensions (Ns) and their stability was estimated using Uv-visible spectroscopy. Further, the binding and interactions of copper nanosuspensions with calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were assessed using Uv–vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism and gel electrophoresis. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the Cu Ns was checked using DPPH assay. The role of positive charge on nanoparticles as evaluated from Zeta potential was responsible for DNA affinity. The DNA conformational changes in the presence of nanosuspensions and relevant scavengers were investigated. Further, the anti-proliferative activity of copper Ns was assessed using HeLa cells and Cuhexa derived Ns were proved to be active with highest activity at a low concentration and were nontoxic towards normal cell lines. In summary, this work demonstrates a softer approach for the synthesis of copper nanosuspensions with a size range of 2–5?nm and evaluated the role of type and structure of metallosurfactant on size, stability of particles and anti-proliferative activity.     

Lichen sclerosus in men is associated with elevated body mass index, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and smoking

Purpose

To elucidate disease associations and possible etiology of lichen sclerosus (LS), we identified comorbidities present in men with LS. LS is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology affecting genitals and urethra of men commonly resulting in strictures.

Methods

Men with LS of the urethra, penis, prepuce and scrotum were identified. A control population was generated from men seen in the Department of Urology matched by age and race in a 5:1 ratio. A case–control study was performed and comorbidities identified by ICD9, CPT codes and medication use via systematic electronic medical record review. Subgroup analysis of men with urethral strictures was performed based on their LS status.

Results

Men with LS had a significantly higher mean body mass index [31.0 (range 18.9–52.6)] compared to controls [28.1 (16.8–64.1), p = 0.001], significantly increased rate of coronary artery disease (CAD) (15.3 vs. 8.9 %, p = 0.05) as well as a twofold higher rate of diabetes mellitus (15.5 vs. 8.3 %, p = 0.02). Of men with LS and stricture disease, 11/19 (58 %) were current or former smokers, compared to 28 % of men with strictures without LS (p = 0.006). No association of LS with other morbidities like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease or dermatologic disorders was found.

Conclusions

Men suffering from LS have an increased BMI and a higher prevalence of concomitant CAD, diabetes mellitus and tobacco use. Development and chronicity of LS may not be a purely dermatologic condition, but be associated or confounded by systemic or vascular compromise from disorders of CAD, DM and smoking.     

Head Computed Tomography Is Not Useful for Evaluating Patients Change in Mental Status Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

We retrospectively reviewed 187 patients who presented with neurologic abnormality after total joint arthroplasty to establish the incidence of diagnosed organic brain disorders in these patients and determine the utility of advanced head imaging studies. 139 of 187 (74.3%) patients underwent imaging for altered mental status (AMS) and 48 patients for a focal neurologic deficit (FND). Acute findings on head imaging were more common in the FND group. The incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack was significantly lower in the AMS group compared to FND group (Stroke: 0% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001; TIA: 0% vs. 16.7%, P < .001). Advanced head imaging for evaluation of TJA patients with a change in mental status is of low yield. An algorithm for evaluation of these patients is proposed.     

Presentation of cauda equina syndrome due to an intradural extramedullary abscess: a case report

Background contextCauda equina syndrome is caused by compression or injury to the nerve roots distal to the level of the spinal cord. This syndrome presents as low back pain, motor and sensory deficits in the lower extremities, and bladder as well as bowel dysfunction. Although various etiologies of cauda equina syndrome have been reported, a less common cause is infection.PurposeTo report a case of cauda equina syndrome caused by infection of an intradural extramedullary abscess with Staphylococcus aureus.Study design/settingCase report and review of the literature.MethodsThe literature regarding the infectious causes of cauda equina syndrome was reviewed and a case of cauda equina syndrome caused by infection of an intradural extramedullary abscess with Staphylococcus aureus was reported.ResultsA 37-year-old woman, with history of intravenous drug abuse, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, presented with low back pain lasting 2 months, lower extremity pain, left greater than right with increasing weakness and difficulty ambulating, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Her presentation was consistent with cauda equina syndrome. The patient underwent a T12–L2 laminectomy, and intradural exploration revealed an abscess. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found on wound culture.ConclusionsCauda equina syndrome, presenting as a result of spinal infection, such as the case reported here, is extremely rare but clinically important. Surgical intervention is generally the recommended therapeutic modality.     

An efficient and environmentally sustainable domino protocol for the synthesis of structurally diverse spiroannulated pyrimidophenazines using erbium doped TiO2 nanoparticles as a recyclable and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst

An efficient and environmentally sustainable domino protocol has been presented for the synthesis of structurally diverse spiroannulated pyrimidophenazines involving a four component reaction of 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, benzene-1,2-diamine, cyclic ketones and amino derivatives in the presence of erbium doped TiO₂ nanoparticles as a recyclable and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst. The present synthetic protocol features mild reaction conditions with operational simplicity, excellent yield with high purity, short reaction time and high atom economy with the use of a recoverable and reusable environmentally sustainable heterogeneous catalyst.

An efficient and environmentally sustainable domino protocol has been presented for the synthesis of structurally diverse spiroannulated pyrimidophenazines using erbium doped TiO₂ nanoparticles as a recyclable and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst.