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Rubber materials have wide range of commercial applications such as, infant diapers, famine hygiene products, drug delivery devices and incontinency products such as rubber tubes, tyres, etc. In the present work, studies on mechanical properties of some selected rubber materials viz., natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) have been carried out in three states viz., raw, vulcanized and reinforced. To enhance the quality of rubber elastomers, an attempt is made to prepare new elastomers called polyblends. In the present study an attempt is made to blend NR with NBR and with EPDM. We here report, a novel approach for the evaluation of various physico-mechanical properties such as mechanical strength, tensile strength, elongation and hardness. The method is simple, direct and fast and involves infrared spectral measurements for the evaluation of these properties. With the applications of modern infrared spectroscopy, the mechanical strength of these rubber materials have been analyzed by calculating the internal standards among the methyl and methylene group vibrational frequencies obtained from FTIR spectroscopy. Also the tensile strength measurements carried out by universal testing machine. The results pertaining physico-mechanical properties of the rubber derivatives undertaken in the present study obtained by IR-based method are in good agreement with data resulted from the standard methods.

A postal survey of 500 general practitioners (GPs) in south-west England was undertaken to evaluate the levels of undergraduate and postgraduate otolaryngology training and/or experience received by GPs in that area. Most GPs had received two weeks of undergraduate training in ENT, which had involved no formal assessment. Three-quarters of GPs considered this inadequate. A quarter of GPs had completed a hospital post in ENT prior to entering general practice, most of which lasted three months. Sixty-one per cent of GPs had received some formal postgraduate training in ENT, in the form of courses, lectures or hospital training sessions. Almost half of the GPs considered this inadequate. Seventy-five per cent of GPs stated they would like further training in ENT. Subjective estimates of referral rates to hospital ENT specialist clinics varied considerably.This study illustrates the variability and level of dissatisfaction regarding ENT training amongst GPs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Vibrational spectroscopy is an important tool for the structural investigation of the organic molecules. In the present investigation, a normal coordinate analysis has been carried out on some anti-epileptic drugs, viz. diazepam, phenytoin and phenobarbitone. Diazepam is a derivative of benzodiazepine, phenytoin is a derivative of hydanation and pheonobarbitone is a barbiturate. The infrared spectra of the compounds are recorded in the region 4000–400 cm −1 and Raman spectra are recorded in the region 3500–50 cm −1 . From the structural point of view, diazepam, phenytoin and phenobarbitone have been assumed to C s point group. A systematic set of symmetry coordinates has been constructed for these compounds and Wilson's FG matrix method has been applied for the normal coordinate analysis using general quadratic valance force field. The potential energy distribution is also calculated to check the vibrational band assignments.

OBJECTIVES Transplantation of pancreatic islets is considered a potential curative treatment of type 1 diabetes. Electron microscopy plays a major role in the evaluation of pancreatic islets. The aim of this study was to study the reversal of diabetes by xenotransplantation of monkey pancreatic islets into diabetic recipient by functional and structural findings. METHODS Islets of Langerhans were isolated from monkeys by collagenase digestion method. Two days after the induction of diabetes in rats with streptozotocin, diabetes was confirmed. Freshly isolated islets were transplanted under the renal capsule of the diabetic rats. The recipients received cyclosporin A (30 mg/kg) every day. Fasting plasma glucose was estimated on days 3, 7, and 14 after transplantation. The presence of glucose and ketone in urine was checked. After 14 days, the grafts were removed and processed for light and electron microscopic study. RESULTS After the induction of diabetes, the mean fasting plasma glucose was 347.20 mg/dL. On day 3 after transplantation, the mean fasting plasma glucose value was 100 mg/dL. The mean fasting plasma glucose was 94.6 mg/dL on day 7 and 94.8 mg/dL on day 14. Histology of the monkey islet grafts after 14 days showed the survival of pancreatic islets. Ultrastructure of the same grafts showed the presence of alpha, beta, and delta granules similar to those of native pancreatic islets with the other cellular organelles. CONCLUSION The diabetic state of rats can be reversed by xenotransplantation of isolated monkey islets. Ultrastructural study confirms the normal synthesis and release of islet hormones. The released insulin from transplanted monkey islets had lowered the plasma glucose level of recipient rats.

Tracheostomy remains the primary method of treatment of acute airway obstruction due to malignant invasion and compression of the trachea. However, the development of tracheal stents has provided an alternative effective treatment modality. This case report and literature review highlights the benefits of intra-luminal stenting, including resolution of distressing obstructive symptoms, and subsequent improvement in quality of life.

Our objective was to study the effects of three (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg) doses of Streptozotocin (STZ) on fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) and observe its effects at the cellular level in rat pancreas by electron microscopy. FPG was measured in rats before induction of diabetes and then on 3, 7, and 14 days after induction of diabetes with STZ. Keto diastix urine strips were used to check urine glucose and ketone bodies. Two weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rat pancreas was removed and fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. Three days after induction, the mean FPG level was 112 mg/dl in Group I (30 mg/kg STZ), 217 mg/dl in Group II (40 mg/kg STZ), and 376 mg/dl in Group III (50 mg/kg STZ). Histology was normal in Group I but revealed altered islet structure in Groups II and III. Ultrastructure revealed intact D cells in all three groups. The focal mitochondria and Golgi complex swelling found in A and B cells was occasional in Group I and frequent in Groups II and III. Swelling of other organelles and reduction in the size and number of granules was further observed in Group III. It is our conclusion that the 30-mg/kg body weight STZ produces mild changes while 50 mg/kg proves to be fatal. STZ at 40 mg/kg has a moderate effect on plasma glucose as well as on the islets of Langerhans at a cellular level.

Objectives: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lansoprazole in children between 1 and 11 years of age with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: In a multicenter, open-label trial of pediatric patients with symptomatic GERD, children were assigned, based on their weight, to receive lansoprazole 15 mg (patients weighing ≤30 kg) or lansoprazole 30 mg (patients weighing > 30 kg) once daily. The effects of lansoprazole on 24-hour median intragastric pH, the percentages of time intragastric pH was above 3 and 4, and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed at the day-5 visit and compared to baseline. Results: Sixty-six children were enrolled in the study. Mean lansoprazole C max values of 790.9 ng/mL and 898.5 ng/mL and T max values of 1.5 hours and 1.7 hours were observed in the ≤30 kg and the > 30 kg body weight treatment groups, respectively. AUC 0-24 values of 1707 ng.h/mL and 1883 ng.h/mL and T 1/2 values of 0.68 hours and 0.71 hours were observed in the ≤ 30 kg and > 30 kg lansoprazole body weight treatment groups, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in AUC 0-24 between the two groups (P = 0.2571). After 5 days of treatment lansoprazole produced significant increases in patients' 24-hour mean intragastric pH and the percentages of time intragastric pH was above 3 and 4 compared to baseline. Conclusion: The observed pharmacokinetic properties of lansoprazole in children between I and 11 years of age with GERD were similar to those previously observed in healthy adult subjects. Lansoprazole significantly increased the mean 24-hour intragastric pH and the percentages of time intragastric pH was above 3 and 4 when children were dosed with either 15 or 30 mg according to bodv weight.

To assess the efficacy of lansoprazole for the relief of symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children 1 to 11 years of age. In addition, the efficacy in healing of erosive esophagitis (EE) was determined in those children with EE who were enrolled in the study.In this phase I/II, open-label, multicenter (11 sites) U.S. study, children with symptomatic GERD, EE by endoscopy, and/or intraesophageal pH4 for greater than 4.2% of the time based on 24-hour pH testing were assigned, on the basis of body weight, to lansoprazole 15 mg (or = 30 kg) or 30 mg (30 kg) once daily for 8 to 12 weeks. At the discretion of the investigator, the dosage of lansoprazole was increased up to 60 mg daily in children who continued to be symptomatic after 2 weeks of treatment. Symptom response was assessed by investigator interview and daily diary. Esophagitis healing was evaluated by repeat endoscopy after 8 and, if applicable, 12 weeks of treatment.Sixty-six children were enrolled. At week 8, 78% (21/27) of the children with EE at baseline had healed; the remaining six children were healed by week 12 (100%, 6/6). By investigator interview, 70% of children experienced resolution or improvement in their overall symptoms of GERD by their final visit. Statistically significant reductions from baseline in the severity of each symptom were reported with the exceptions of wheezing, hematemesis, and melena. Based on daily diary data, improvement in overall GERD symptoms was reported in 76% (47/62) of all children. With few exceptions, significant (P0.05) reductions from baseline occurred during each of the 2-week treatment intervals of the study period in the percentage of days and the average daily severity of GERD symptoms, the percentage of days antacid was used, and the average number of antacid tablets used per day.In children 1 to 11 years of age, lansoprazole is efficacious in healing EE and in relieving GERD-related symptoms.

We describe a simple stationary digestion method of islet isolation and separation by various density gradients from monkey pancreas (Macaca radiata radiata). Effective method, different types and concentrations of collagenase were standardized. Sigma type XI collagenase yielded >1000 islets/gram pancreas at the concentration of 4 mg/ml and 3 ml Hank's/gram pancreas. Slow digestion with less concentration of collagenase was suitable for monkey islet isolation. Discontinuous density gradients of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dextran were compared with standard Ficoll for separation of islets. Islet yield (1038 +/- 81), insulin secretory response (stimulation index, S.I.11) and histological examination revealed dextran gradients were more appropriate for monkey islets when compared to BSA and Ficoll. Insulin secretory characteristics of monkey islets were studied by exposing them to low and high concentrations glucose (S.I.11.5), arginine (S.I.4.2), leucine (S.I.2.3) and tolbutamide (S.I.1.7). The results indicated that the magnitude of glucose induced insulin secretion of monkey islet is about half as that of rat and mouse islets. However, it is higher than that of porcine and bovine islets. In conclusion, the knowledge of insulin secretory ability of Indian bonnet monkey islets together with the techniques of isolation and separation are useful tool for diabetic research especially islet transplantation.

This paper presents a small scale batch technology for production of natural extract which can be utilized as food colourant. This technology was designed based on the laboratory tests performed on Thermomyces sp; it allows very simple way for production of valuable product for food industry which acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and food dye. The pigment was identified using combination of UV-visible spectral data, HPLC and FT-IR as a quinone pigment with e max at 424nm. After extraction and purification the colourant was suspended in water for evaluation. The stability of the pigment was tested in both solutions and when incorporated in food products. Thermomyces sp pigments was applied to a few food products like cookies, rice wine, orange squash and guava jelly. Sensory tests inferred that orange squash, cookies and rice wine had recorded high acceptability followed by guava jelly.

The investigation on bio-colour production for use is food through fermentation and evaluation of the yellow pigments secreted by Thermomyces sp in submerged culture, using sucrose and ammonium sulphate as carbon and nitrogen sources is reported. After extraction and purification, these colorants were suspended in water for evaluation. The stability of the extract was tested in different environmental conditions such as pH, heat, light, antioxidants and chemical preservatives. It has been shown that increasing the pH, temperature or exposure to light does not affect stability of the yellow pigment. The pigment extract was more stable at pH 5.1 and 8.0, temperature at 10°C, 20°C and 30°C both in the presence and absence of light, however moderate stability was observed in antioxidants and preservatives. Thus, yellow pigment obtained from Thermomyces sp has a high potential to be used as a natural food colorant.

The presence of t(15;17) or PML-RAR alpha fusion transcript is the diagnostic hallmark of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Cytogenetic (CG), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are mainly the techniques used for detecting this abnormality. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the role of CG, FISH and RT-PCR in the diagnosis of APL.CG, FISH and RT-PCR analysis were performed in 29 patients with APL (28 M3, 1 M3v; 27 studied at diagnosis and 2 at relapse).Karotypes obtained in 25 patients revealed t(15;17) in 21 normal karyotype in 3 and trisomy 8 in 1 patient. In 26 patients FISH was positive for PML-RAR alpha fusion in both interphase (IP) and metaphase, two were negative and one patient had no cells for FISH analysis. IP FISH confirmed the fusion of PML-RAR alpha in all patients with t(15;17) detected by CG. RT-PCR was positive in the 22 patients analyzed (7 patients did not have RT-PCR). PCR was positive in the 3 patients with cytogenetically normal karyotypes and in one patient when karyotyping was a failure. CG detected 21 (72.4%) patients with t(15;17) of which additional chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 20 per cent of patients with successful karyotype.FISH and RT-PCR were useful in detecting PML-RAR alpha fusion in cytogenetically normal patients and those in when karyotyping was a failure and can be used in routine analysis for rapid confirmation of t(15;17) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Introduction: Islet cell transplantation offers a new approach for the treatment of diabetes. Before transplantation, immunomodulation procedures are conducted to reduce the immunogenicity of the pancreatic islets. Aim: To study the effect of cyclophosphamide pretreatment and culture on the xenograft survival of monkey pancreatic islets. Methodology: Islets were isolated from normal monkeys and transplanted under the renal capsule of the rats. The grafts were removed 7 days after transplantation and processed for histologic study to examine graft survival. Islets from normal monkeys without cyclosporine treatment were destroyed in 7 days. These islets required cyclosporine (30 mg/kg) to prevent rejection. In the second group, the donor monkeys were treated with cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg body weight) -4 and -2 days before harvesting of the islets. On day 0, the islets were isolated and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium for 7 days in 95% air and 5% CO 2 . After culture, the islets were transplanted into the rats. The grafts were removed and processed for histologic study to examine graft survival. Results: The pretreated and cultured islets required 15 mg/kg cyclosporine to prevent rejection. Half of the usual dose of cyclosporine is enough to prevent rejection if the donor monkeys were pretreated and the islets cultured. Conclusion: This study shows that donor pretreatment and culture reduces immunogenicity of the xenotransplanted primate islets into rats.

The families of thiosemicarbazone compounds have been extensively studied due to their wide range potential in medical applications [1]. Some studies with acetophenone derivatives and their coordination complexes [2] reveal that these compounds could be used as a new class of anti-trypanosomal drug candidate. In view of the importance of these compounds, two new thiosemicarbazones (I) and (II) have been synthesized (compound I substituted with Chloro atom and compound II substituted with Bromine atom), and their crystal structure features are presented here. The crystal structures are isostructural and the molecules crystallize in a P21/c space group. In the crystal packing the molecules are connected through N-H···S hydrogen bonds to form a centrosymmetric synthon. The optimized geometry of the compound (I) was calculated from the DFT–B3LYP gradient calculations employing 6-31G (d,p) basis set and calculated vibrational frequencies are evaluated via comparison with experimental values. Molecular stability has been analyzed using Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Natural Localized Molecular Orbital (NLMO) analysis and the limits of the molecular electrostatic potential calculated. The HOMO and LUMO energies shows the charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The results showed no significant geometrical differences (distances and angles), when the solid state crystal structure is compared with the optimized structure in the gas phase. Very good agreements have been found between principal vibrational frequencies calculated from the optimized structure and the experimental spectroscopic data [3]. We thank financial support from Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MAT2010-15094, Factoría de Cristalización– Consolider Ingenio 2010, ERDF funds and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Objective: We present a very interesting and extremely rare case of an accessory tragus in the middle ear. Method: Case report and review of literature. Results: Accessory tragus is not an uncommon congenital malformation of the external ear. The exact prevalence of accessory tragus as an isolated physical finding is unknown but it has been estimated to be 1.7:1000. There are many case reports on accessory tragus but there is no report of accessory tragus being found in the middle ear in English literature. We report the presentation and discuss the radiology and histopathology findings of this interesting case. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first one to be reported in the English literature.

An adolescent had marked systemic features suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Giardia lamblia trophozoites were present in endoscopic biopsy specimens from the terminal ileum and from the duodenum. His illness rapidly and completely resolved after metronidazole therapy. Giardiasis must be included in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in children.

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) is a disorder that includes juvenile polyposis as part of its pathologic spectrum, and it recently has been shown to share phenotypic and genotypic features with Cowden's disease. In existing literature, descriptions of intestinal pathology in patients with BRRS are relatively sparse and occasionally erroneous. We describe the intestinal pathology in multiple specimens from three children with BRRS. Examination of gastrointestinal biopsies from these children revealed predominantly colonic and rectal polyps with the histology of juvenile polyps. Additionally, two cases with clusters of ectopic ganglion cells within the lamina propria, one in a colonic polyp and one in a duodenal biopsy, and an atypical polyp were observed. Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome should be included in the list of differential diagnostic considerations when a child or young adult presents with a juvenile polyp, particularly if unusual histologic features such as atypical polyps or ectopic ganglion cells are encountered.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a small-vessel vasculitic disease that most often affects the skin. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been well described, including duodenojejunal inflammation (DJI).Four children with DJI and clinical features of HSP are described, in whom the rash was either not present or appeared atypically late in the illness.The characteristic rash did not develop in three children, and it developed much later in one. The patients (three boys and one girl) were aged between 7 and 9 years (mean, 7.5 years). Growth characteristics were normal. In all patients, pain occurred acutely with colicky abdominal pain in the spring or fall of the year, and all stools were positive for occult blood. No infectious cause was identified. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations demonstrated significant visual and histologic duodenitis in a pattern consistent with previous reports in children with known HSP. Factor XIII activity was absent. Immunoglobulin A levels were increased in three of four children. All children made a prompt recovery with the administration of intravenous glucocorticoids. In one child, the characteristic rash of HSP developed 18 weeks after the initial examination.Duodenojejunal inflammation may be the primary manifestation of HSP, even in the absence of the characteristic rash.

A 7-year-old boy was seen for severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and a 2.0-kg weight loss of 2 weeks duration. Stools were Hemoccult positive. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy showed multiple, raised red lesions in the duodenal bulb and descending duodenum. Although the patient did not have the typical cutaneous eruption, other findings such as acute onset of abdominal pain in a previously healthy boy, absence of infectious or surgical lesions, and more importantly endoscopic changes seen typically in the descending duodenum, led to the likely diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). The patient was treated with prednisone and the duodenal lesions resolved. The diagnosis of HSP was confirmed 24 weeks after the initial symptom when he developed a palpable purpuric rash over both legs. Thirteen months following the initial symptoms and 6 months after the onset of rash, severe abdominal pain with epigastric tenderness recurred and stools were Hemoccult positive. UGI endoscopy showed multiple, raised red lesions in the descending duodenum as seen earlier. The patient was diagnosed with recurrent HSP. This presentation is atypical because of the abnormally long interval between the onset of abdominal pain and the appearance of the skin rash, and unique because of the endoscopically demonstrated recurrent gastrointestinal lesions.

Interaction of metal ions with nucleic acid bases and their derivatives has attracted much attention in recent years because metal complexes are involved in the proper functioning of most of the living systems1-2. Vibrational spectroscopy enables studies of metal complexes at a molecular level, because the bands, observed in vibrational spectroscopy arises from all parts of the metal-ligand complex. Among various possible structural modifications of parent nucleic bases one may consider the ring alterations via the substitution of CH group by the nitrogen atom3. In this way one can obtain 5-azauracil by substituting N atom at 5th position in the ring. The biological activity of aza analogues of uracil has been intensively investigated. 5-azauracil was considered to be a potential anticancer agent. Since drugs show increased activity when used in the form of their metalcomplexes, therefore, it was considered of interest to prepare and characterise the complex of Cu(II) with 5-azauracil (5-AU).

In the present study, In vivo antioxidant activity of fungal pigment extract of Thermomyces sp was evaluated in animal model using albino mice. The pigment extract was orally administrated at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 30 days. The Enzymatic antioxidant such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) non enzymatic antioxidant Glutathione (GSH) was analyzed in kidney and liver tissues. The fungal pigment treated groups recorded higher antioxidant activity compare to control animals.

A reliable method for performing sensitive intravenous glucose tolerance tests in monkeys has been standardized. This helps in assessment of beta cell function. A normal curve for glucose disposal is constructed. A high variability in insulin levels is also documented.

The susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus to a series of alpha, beta-unsaturated styryl ketones known to be thiol-alkylators was examined, and the results were compared with those obtained for Candida albicans. Among 13 compounds used in our study, one (designated NC1110) inhibited the growth of A. fumigatus completely at low concentrations (minimum inhibitory concentration = 32 microM). Structure-activity analysis of these compounds indicated that the electron attracting property as well as the overall hydrophobicity of the compounds are important parameters for their antifungal activity. These preliminary results suggest that further modification of these molecules to enhance their hydrophobicity and the electron attracting property may result in more active compounds with improved antifungal activity.

Islets of Langerhans were isolated from the monkey pancreatic by collagenase digestion method. Freshly isolated monkey pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal capsule of normal rats. Treated group of rats received Cyclosporine A injections and the control group of rats did not receive any drug. In Cyclosporine A treated rats the monkey islets were not destroyed. They maintained their normal structural integrity with occasional neutrophils surrounding the islets. In the untreated rats dense infiltration of neutrophils destroyed the islets in three days. On the seventh day dense infiltration of lymphocytes was seen. Granulomas composed of epitheloid cells and occasional multinucleated Langerhans type giant cells were seen on the fourteenth day.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic, generalized vasculitis of unknown etiology thought to be related to an IgA-mediated autoimmune phenomenon. Diagnosis is based on a constellation of physical findings that include the characteristic nonthrombocytopenic petechial or purpuric rash, migratory polyarthralgias, abdominal pain, and renal complications. We report the case of a 19-year-old man with a diagnosis of HSP who had severe abdominal pain and endoscopic documentation of duodenal involvement. Though not clear at presentation, the diagnosis became obvious when the characteristic rash emerged.

A study was designed to investigate the possibility of reducing peritoneal adhesion formation in mice by pretreatment with allopurinol. Allopurinol, at a dose of 35 mg/kg of body weight/d significantly reduced the severity of peritoneal adhesions (P < .001), and also the neutrophil response to ischemia (P < .05). Tissue myeloperoxidase activity at the site of ischemic injury was significantly lower in the allopurinol-treated mice at the end of 2 weeks (P < .001). However, xanthine oxidase was undetectable in both control and allopurinol-treated mice. These observations suggest that allopurinol reduces the severity of peritoneal adhesion formation in mice, possibly by reducing the neutrophil response to ischemia.