Synthesis,supramolecular organization and thermotropic phase behaviour of N-acyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

Herein, we reported the supramolecular organization of N-acyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (NATM) in the solid state as well as in aqueous solution. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that NATM adopts a fully interdigitized structure. The thermodynamic parameters associated with thermotropic phase behaviour of NATM was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The molecular packing and phase state of the NATM analyzed by laurdan and prodan fluorescence supports the formation of an interdigitized phase in aqueous solution. The potential application of the self-assembled NATM vesicles was demonstrated through entrapping model drug, Rhodamine B.

Self assembly of N-acyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane into interdigitized vesicles.     

Imaging of the adult male urethra,penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters

Abdominal Radiology - To discuss the imaging appearances of various pathologies affecting adult male urethra and to review the role of imaging in the assessment of artificial urinary sphincters and...     

Management of upper limb arterial injury without angiography--Chennai experience

We present our experience and observations in the management of upper limb arterial injury in a tertiary trauma care centre of a University Hospital in a developing country from January 2000 to January 2002. In this retrospective study, we had treated 27 patients (identified from trauma register) with upper extremity vascular injuries. Clinical examination and Doppler pressure studies were our prime modalities of investigation. Angiography was not employed. Our immediate limb salvage rate was 100%. Two patients developed complications during a mean follow up of 70 days with one requiring amputation. We thereby emphasise the fact that good results can be obtained by thorough clinical examination and Doppler evaluation and prompt surgery without the need for angiography in upper limb vascular trauma.     

Exacerbation of thrombotic events by diesel exhaust particle in mouse model of hypertension

Several epidemiological studies have shown that acute exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with increases in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and that these effects are especially exacerbated among individuals with pre-existing compromised cardiovascular function such as hypertension. This study was undertaken to determine the cardiovascular effect of diesel exhaust on TO mice made hypertensive by implanting osmotic minipump infusing angiotensin II or vehicle (control). On day 13, the animals were intratracheally instilled with either DEP (15 μg/mouse) or saline. 24 h later, pulmonary exposure to DEP had significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive (HT) mice (P<0.01), but not in normotensive (NT) mice. The number of leukocytes and red blood cells, and the plasma interleukin 6 concentration in plasma, however, were not affected in any of the animals. The PaO? was decreased, and PaCO? increased in DEP-treated HT mice compared to NT mice treated with DEP (P<0.05). The number of circulating platelets was significantly increased in DEP-treated HT versus saline-treated HT and DEP-treated NT mice. Moreover, in NT mice, DEP exposure induced a prothrombotic effect in pial arterioles compared with saline-treated NT mice (P<0.05). Interestingly, in DEP-treated HT mice, the prothrombotic events were significantly aggravated compared with saline-treated HT and DEP-treated NT mice. The direct addition of DEP (0.1-1 μg/ml) to untreated mouse blood significantly induced in vitro platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion, and these effects were more pronounced in blood of HT mice. In vitro exposure to DEP (0.25-1 μg/ml) led to activated intravascular coagulation, an effect that was confirmed by a shortening of both the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and the prothrombin time (PT). The effect of DEP on aPTT was potentiated in the plasma of HT mice. It can be concluded that the thrombotic events caused by DEP are exacerbated by hypertension in mice. Our findings, therefore, provide a possible plausible explanation for the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality accompanying urban air pollution.     

Organochlorine pesticides in commercial marine fishes of Coimbatore, India and their suitability for human consumption

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in 10 species of fishes caught at Cochin and Rameshwaram coast, and sold in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Species were selected on the basis of their regular availability throughout the year and commercial value. A total of 389 fishes were analyzed for organochlorine residues and their suitability for human consumption was evaluated. Results show varying levels of residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDT, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan and dieldrin. Among the 10 species, high concentration of pesticide residues were recorded in Sardinella longiceps, Carangoides malabaricus, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Saurida tumbil and Rastrelliger kanagurta. The variation in total organochlorine residues among species and between places was not significant (P>0.05). Only five species of fishes showed monthly variation in residue levels and there was no significant correlation between the body size and residue levels in the tissue. About 22% of the fishes exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRL) of total HCH prescribed by FAO/WHO for fish products. The calculated dietary intake of total HCH through consumption of C. malabaricus, C. agassizi and S. longiceps exceeded the maximum acceptable dietary intake (ADI) limits prescribed for human consumption. The present study recommends continuous monitoring of environmental contaminants in marine fishes to assess the possible impact on human health.     

An unusual case of fibular (postaxial) polydactyly: extrametatarsal head with fused duplication of the proximal phalanx

Polydactyly of the foot is a congenital anomaly characterized by the appearance of all or part of 1 or more additional rays. A number of morphologically and anatomically based classifications exist. We present an unusual case of fibular (postaxial) polydactyly characterized by an extrametatarsal head with fused duplication of the proximal phalanx. We describe the method of surgical correction and emphasize the need for careful preoperative planning to achieve a good functional and cosmetic outcome.     

Isolation and screening for alkaline thermostable xylanases

Screening of xylanase producing microorganisms from soil samples and hemicellulosic materials were carried out in three stages using wheat bran extract agar medium, xylan agar medium and liquid medium with xylan. One of the isolates, identified as Bacillus SSP-34 produced 100 times more xylanase activity than the other isolates. Maximum enzyme production by this isolate was observed after 102 hours of growth. The optimum pH for the crude xylanase preparation range from 6–8 and optimum temperature was at 50 °C. The enzyme was stable up to 20 minutes at 50 °C and at pH range 4.5–9.0 for more than 2 hours.     

Fusarium solani breast abscess

An unusual manifestation of breast fusariosis was encountered in a 55-year-old female diabetic patient. Two fine needle aspirates (FNA) from the abscess were done at three days interval and they showed hyaline, septate, branched, fungal hyphae in 10% potassium hydroxide mount. Fungal infection was confirmed by demonstrating the fungal hyphae in the midst of lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils in Leishman stained smears. Culture of both FNAs yielded a heavy and pure growth of Fusarium solani. The patient responded to oral ketoconazole 200 mg once daily for 3 weeks. The breast fusariosis reported here is presumably the first case in India.