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Currently, the green route for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using plants leaf extract is an emerging research area in nanotechnology. The present study was explored for synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of Ag NPs using Diospyros lotus fresh leaf extracts. Factors affecting the synthesis were optimized and optimum conditions were pH of 8.6, silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration of 1.5 mM and 10 mL leaf extract. Formation of Ag NPs was observed by change in color of reaction mixture from pale yellow to reddish brown. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, EDX, XRD and SEM analyses. UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed maximum absorbance peak in the range of 407 nm at different time intervals indicating formation of Ag NPs. SEM and XRD analysis confirmed face centered cubic structure and crystalline nature of biologically synthesized Ag NPs with average particle size of 27 nm. The purity of synthesized Ag NPs was revealed by EDX. Finally, photo catalytic activity (PCA) of Ag NPs was studied and 72.91% decolorization of industrial waste water was obtained at 54 h. Some important parameters like pH, turbidity, conductance; TSS, TDS, sulphide, sulphates, etc. were also monitored before and after treatment with Ag NPs.

In the present investigation the biosorption potential of rosa gruss an teplitz (Red Rose) Waste Biomass (RRWB) for the removal of Pb(II) and Co(II) from aqueous solutions was studied. The effect of different process parameters such as pH, biosorbent dose, biosorbent size, temperature, contact time, initial metal concentration and pretreatments on the biosorption capacity of this waste biomass was studied. The results showed that the equilibrium data for both metal ions followed the Langmuir isotherm with a biosorption capacity of 112.0 and 115.9 mg/g for Pb(II) and Co(II) respectively. The overall biosorption process was best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Modification of red rose waste biomass by pretreating with different reagents significantly improved its biosorption capacity. A maximum biosorption capacity of 99.72 and 51.68 mg/g was observed for Pb(II) and Co(II) by treating the biomass with methanol and polyethyleneimine + glutraldehyde respectively. The results clearly indicated that red rose waste biomass has a potential to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Abstract Polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped Zn1-x Mn x S (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanocrystals have been synthesized using wet chemical co-precipitation method. Crystallographic and morphological characterization of the synthesized materials have been done using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Crystallographic studies show the zinc blende crystals having average crystallite size approx. 3 nm, which is almost similar to the average particle size calculated from electron micrographs. Atomic absorption spectrometer has been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of synthesized nanomaterials. Photo-catalytic activity has been studied using methylene blue dye as a test contaminant. Energy resolved luminescence spectra have been recorded for the detailed description of radiative and non-radiative recombination mechanisms. Photo-catalytic activity dependence on dopant concentration and luminescence quantum yield has been studied in detail.

Abstract The requirement of cholesterol for internalization of eukaryotic pathogens like protozoa (Leishmaniasis, Malaria and Toxoplasmosis) and the exchange of cholesterol along with other metabolites during reproduction in Schistosomes (helminths) under variable circumstances are poorly understood. In patients infected with some other helminthes, alterations in the lipid profile have been observed. Also, the mechanisms involved in lipid changes especially in membrane proteins related to parasite infections remain uncertain. Present review of literature shows that parasites induce significant changes in lipid parameters, as has been shown in the in vitro study where substitution of serum by lipid/cholesterol in medium and in experimental models (in vivo). Thus changes in lipid profile occur in patients having active infections with most of the parasites. Membrane proteins are probably involved in such reactions. All parasites may be metabolising cholesterol, but the exact relationship with pathogenic mechanism is not clear. So far, studies suggest that there may be some factors or enzymes, which allow the parasite to breakup and consume lipid/cholesterol. Further studies are needed for better understanding of the mechanisms involved in vivo. The present review analysis the various studies till date and the role of cholesterol in pathogenesis of different parasitic infections.

The superior engineering properties and excellent biocompatibility of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) stimulate applications in biomedical industries. Electric discharge machining, a widely used process in advanced applications, is an attractive option that simultaneously offers machining and surface modification. In this study, a comprehensive list of roughening levels of process variables such as pulse current, pulse ON time, pulse OFF time, and polarity, along with four tool electrodes of graphite, copper, brass, and aluminum are evaluated (against two experimentation phases) using a SiC powder-mixed dielectric. The process is modeled using the adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to produce surfaces with relatively low roughness. A thorough parametric, microscopical, and tribological analysis campaign is established to explore the physical science of the process. For the case of the surface generated through aluminum, a minimum friction force of ~25 N is observed compared with the other surfaces. The analysis of variance shows that the electrode material (32.65%) is found to be significant for the material removal rate, and the pulse ON time (32.15%) is found to be significant for arithmetic roughness. The increase in pulse current to 14 A shows that the roughness increased to ~4.6 µm with a 33% rise using the aluminum electrode. The increase in pulse ON time from 50 µs to 125 µs using the graphite tool resulted in a rise in roughness from ~4.5 µm to ~5.3 µm, showing a 17% rise.

Senescence is a natural phenomenon of growing old. It accelerates under certain conditions like diabetes mellitus resulting in early decline of bodily functions, which can be avoided by many claimed functional foods. The present study aims to investigate the anti-aging ability of Fenugreek seeds ( Trigonellafoenum-graecum) ; a common ingredient of Indo-Pak cuisines. Briefly, the Fenugreek seeds extract (FgSE) in concentrationsof0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml inhibited the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and fructosamine adducts in Bovine serum albumin (BSA)/fructose model in vitro . The BSA conformational analysis via Circular Dichorism and Congo red assays showed that it preserves secondary structure of BSA in aforementioned model. Although mechanistic studies revealed insignificant lysine blocking ability of Fenugreek by OPA assay, however carbonyl entrapping was found to be 24%, 34% and 42% at 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. In vivo model of High Fructose diet (HFD) induced glycation, FgSE treatment in doses of 10, 25 & 50 mg/kg markedly improved Escape latency (p < 0.01) and preserved cognition in Morris Water Maze. Our data further exhibits significant decrease of CML ( N ε-carboxymethyl lysine) levels in serum and hippocampus byFgSE treatment in comparison with HFD group. Therefore, we deduced that FgSE prevents glycation-induced memory decline via entrapping the reactive carbonyl intermediates, formed during production of AGEs. Hence, as a promising functional food it slows down the harmful process of glycation and aging associated morbidities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

The goal of our Eyes Toward Tomorrow Program is to enrich the future workforce with STEM by providing students with an early, inspirational, interdisciplinary experience fostering inclusive excellence. We attempt to open the eyes of students who never realized how much their voice is urgently needed by providing an opportunity for involvement, imagination, invention, and innovation. Students see how what they are learning, designing, and building matters to their own life, community, and society. Our program embodies convergence by obliterating artificially created, disciplinary boundaries to go far beyond STEM or even STEAM by including artists, designers, social scientists, and entrepreneurs collaborating in diverse teams using scientific discoveries to create inventions that could shape our future. Our program connects two recent revolutions by amplifying Bioinspired Design with the Maker Movement and its democratizing effects empowering anyone to innovate and change the world. Our course is founded in original discovery. We explain the process of biological discovery and the importance of scaling, constraints, and complexity in selecting systems for bioinspired design. By spotlighting scientific writing and publishing, students become more science literate, learn how to decompose a biology research paper, extract the principles, and then propose a novel design by analogy. Using careful, early scaffolding of individual design efforts, students build the confidence to interact in teams. Team building exercises increase self-efficacy and reveal the advantages of a diverse set of minds. Final team video and poster project designs are presented in a public showcase. Our program forms a student-centered creative action community comprised of a large-scale course, student-led classes, and a student-created university organization. The program structure facilitates a community of learners that shifts the students' role from passive knowledge recipients to active co-constructors of knowledge being responsible for their own learning, discovery, and inventions. Students build their own shared database of discoveries, classes, organizations, research openings, internships, and public service options. Students find next step opportunities so they can see future careers. Description of our program here provides the necessary context for our future publications on assessment that examine 21st century skills, persistence in STEM, and creativity., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.)

The methanolic extract of aerial parts of Tithonia tubaeformis showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH assay. It was subjected to bioassay guided fractionation affording more active ethyl acetate fraction which on further purification led to the isolation and identification of a series of bioactive phenolic compounds having important biosynthetic relationship. Of these, 4-hydroxyphenethyl henicosanoate (tithonoid) is a new compound. Moreover, in the carrageenan induced paw edema test, significant attenuation of inflammation was also produced by the extract at 50-200 mg/kg. The structures of all the constituents were determined through spectroscopic methods. It is the first systematic biological and chemical investigation on T. tubaeformis , which showed that phenolics may play an important role in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the plant, probably through synergism.

Research in undergraduate STEM education often requires the collection of student demographic data to assess outcomes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Unfortunately, this collection of demographic data continues to be constrained by socially constructed categories of race and ethnicity, leading to problematic panethnic groupings such as "Asian" and "Latinx." Furthermore, these all-encompassing categories of race and ethnicity exasperate the problematic "underrepresented minority" (URM) label when only specific races and ethnicities are categorized as URMs. We have long seen calls for improved outcomes related to URMs in undergraduate STEM education, but seldom have we seen our own understanding of what it means to be a URM go beyond socially constructed categories of race and ethnicity. If we aim to not only improve diversity outcomes but also make undergraduate STEM education more equitable and inclusive, we must reevaluate our use of the term "URM" and its implications for demographic data collection. The classifications of "underrepresented" and "minority" are more nuanced than simple racial categories. Though there has been development of alternative terms to URM, each with their own affordances, the main goal of this article is not to advocate for one term over another but rather to spark a much-needed dialogue on how we can "inclusify" our collection of racial and ethnic demographic data, particularly through data disaggregation and expanding our definition of what it means to be both "underrepresented" and a "minority" within STEM., (Copyright © 2021 Bhatti.)

Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease and requires the development of new scaffold to treat it. In this regard, thiazoles derivative are playing their significant role. In the current research paper we have focused our attention for the development of tetrasubstituted thiazole (3a-h) derivatives using domino synthesis by mixing the thiourea as a precursor, with acetophenone in the presence of iodine and tosic acid in DMSO and refluxed for 12-22 h. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and EIMS analysis. Thiazole derivatives were analyzed for their biological significances against acetyl and butylcholinesterase enzymes and compound 3b and 3d were found more active against these enzyme, respectively. The mode of inhibition was determined for the potent compounds against both the enzymes. Moreover, the molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the interactive behavior of the compounds within the active pocket of enzymes. Furthermore, the derivatives (3a-h) were evaluated for their anticancer potential against HeLa cancer cell lines. Most potent inhibition was observed by compound 3b., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The study was aimed at evaluating various biological actions of widely consumed Areca catechu nut. The nut's ethanolic extract exhibited cytotoxicity (lung cancer cell line), embryotoxicity (chick embryo), phytotoxicity (Lemna minor), insecticidal (Rhyzopertha dominica), anti-bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), anti-fungal (Microsporum canis) and mitogenic (human blood lymphocytes) actions. The standardization results revealed presence of 1.7 μ g arecoline per mg of extract. In conclusion, the Areca nut is endowed with both harmful and beneficial biological actions. Keeping in view its wide consumption and ease of availability, the aforesaid information should be channelized for health and agricultural benefits.

Recent efforts to develop cure for chronic diabetic complications have led to the discovery of potent inhibitors against aldose reductase (AKR1B1, EC 1.1.1.21) whose role in diabetes is well-evident. In the present work, two new natural products were isolated from the ariel part of Ocimum basilicum; 7-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl-8-β-O-d-glucoside-2H-chromen-2-one (1) and E-4-(6'-hydroxyhex-3'-en-1-yl)phenyl propionate (2) and confirmed their structures with different spectroscopic techniques including NMR spectroscopy etc. The isolated compounds (1, 2) were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and aldehyde reductase (AKR1A1). The natural product (1) showed better inhibitory activity for AKR1B1 with IC 50 value of 2.095±0.77µM compare to standard sorbinil (IC 50 =3.14±0.02µM). Moreover, the compound (1) also showed multifolds higher activity (IC 50 =0.783±0.07µM) against AKR1A1 as compared to standard valproic acid (IC 50 =57.4±0.89µM). However, the natural product (2) showed slightly lower activity for AKR1B1 (IC 50 =4.324±1.25µM). Moreover, the molecular docking studies of the potent inhibitors were also performed to identify the putative binding modes within the active site of aldose/aldehyde reductases., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Owing to the biological importance of cyclic sulfonamides (sultams), herein we report a new, facile and cost-effective method for the synthesis of sultams that makes use of a reaction between dansyl amide and easily accessible benzaldehydes under mildly acidic conditions. All compounds were obtained in good yields (69-96%). Consequently a series of cyclic sulfonamides (7a-7n) was synthesized and characterized using FTIR, MS and NMR spectroscopy, crystal structure of compound 7b has also been determined. All compounds were evaluated for their potential to inhibit alkaline phosphatase (bTNAP and bIAP). All compounds were found to be excellent inhibitors of bTNAP with IC 50 values in lower micro-molar range (0.11-6.63μM). Most of the compounds were selective inhibitors of bTNAP over bIAP. Only six compounds were found to be active against bIAP (IC 50 values in the range 0.38-3.48μM). Molecular docking studies were carried out to identify and rationalize the structural elements necessary for efficient AP inhibition., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

With the advances in remote sensing technology, satellite-based rainfall estimates are gaining attraction in the field of hydrology, particularly in rainfall-runoff modeling. Since estimates are affected by errors correction is required. In this study, we tested the high resolution National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH) satellite rainfall product (CMORPH) in the Gilgel Abbey catchment, Ethiopia. CMORPH data at 8 km-30 min resolution is aggregated to daily to match in-situ observations for the period 2003-2010. Study objectives are to assess bias of the satellite estimates, to identify optimum window size for application of bias correction and to test effectiveness of bias correction. Bias correction factors are calculated for moving window (MW) sizes and for sequential windows (SW's) of 3, 5, 7, 9, …, 31 days with the aim to assess error distribution between the in-situ observations and CMORPH estimates. We tested forward, central and backward window (FW, CW and BW) schemes to assess the effect of time integration on accumulated rainfall. Accuracy of cumulative rainfall depth is assessed by Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). To systematically correct all CMORPH estimates, station based bias factors are spatially interpolated to yield a bias factor map. Reliability of interpolation is assessed by cross validation. The uncorrected CMORPH rainfall images are multiplied by the interpolated bias map to result in bias corrected CMORPH estimates. Findings are evaluated by RMSE, correlation coefficient (r) and standard deviation (SD). Results showed existence of bias in the CMORPH rainfall. It is found that the 7 days SW approach performs best for bias correction of CMORPH rainfall. The outcome of this study showed the efficiency of our bias correction approach.

The aim of the study was to explore the traditional use of Cinnamomum cassia against depression. The standardised methanolic extract of the bark of C. cassia was evaluated for antidepressant activity using various behavioural tests, i.e. tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST) and locomotor activity test. The serotonergic and noradrenergic modulation was assessed using 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head twitches and yohimbine potentiation tests, respectively. The fluoxetine and phenelzine were used as positive controls in the study. The C. cassia extract significantly decreased the immobility time in TST (maximum effective dose tested was 50 mg/kg) while no effect was observed in FST and locomotor activity test. The extract significantly increased the 5-HTP-induced head twitches while yohimbine-induced lethality remained unaltered. The aforementioned results are similar to that caused by fluoxetine. The standardised methanolic extract of C. cassia demonstrated antidepressant activity that can be attributed to rise in serotonin levels.

Society places great emphasis on the presence of hair. Some degree of hair loss is accepted as a normal part of the aging process, in line with the observation that more than 50% of men will develop androgenetic alopecia by the age of 50 years. However, it is possible to understand the psychosocial isolation and distress felt by men with a strong familial predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, who tend to display hair loss in their late teens or twenties. There are currently two drugs which have been licensed for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution which are effective to some extent. Furthermore, upon discontinuing treatment, any gain that has been achieved is quickly lost. Added to which there is an entire market of unproven over the counter products: advertised in the electronic media, local hair salons, and various departmental stores. In this review, we highlight the important advances in the management of male androgenetic alopecia with emphasis on approaches that can lead to more successful and long-term hair restoration for young adults. In particular, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of the follicular unit grafting technique in conjunction with medical treatment before and after the procedure. Moreover, some other alterations of this most popular state of the art hair restoration technique have been mentioned briefly. As a result, patients and physicians seem equally satisfied from this procedure for its naturally looking results which are cosmetically more acceptable and esthetically pleasing for longer period of time., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This study evaluates if the temporal stability concept is applicable to a time series of satellite soil moisture images so to extend the common procedure of satellite image validation. The area of study is the Maqu area, which is located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan plateau. The network serves validation purposes of coarse scale (25-50 km) satellite soil moisture products and comprises 20 stations with probes installed at depths of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 cm. The study period is 2009. The temporal stability concept is applied to all five depths of the soil moisture measuring network and to a time series of satellite-based moisture products from the Advance Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E). The in-situ network is also assessed by Pearsons's correlation analysis. Assessments by the temporal stability concept proved to be useful and results suggest that probe measurements at 10 cm depth best match to the satellite observations. The Mean Relative Difference plot for satellite pixels shows that a RMSM pixel can be identified but in our case this pixel does not overlay any in-situ station. Also, the RMSM pixel does not overlay any of the Representative Mean Soil Moisture (RMSM) stations of the five probe depths. Pearson's correlation analysis on in-situ measurements suggests that moisture patterns over time are more persistent than over space. Since this study presents first results on the application of the temporal stability concept to a series of satellite images, we recommend further tests to become more conclusive on effectiveness to broaden the procedure of satellite validation.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound with real-time-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), endobronchial forceps biopsy (EBBx), and 2D fluoroscopic-guided transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBLBx) for centrally located peribronchial lung lesions., Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lesions, that is, medial margin of the mass within inner third of hemithorax by computerized tomography scan. Patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for lymph node sampling were excluded., Results: Thirty-two cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 69±12 years. Sixteen (50%) were male patients. Of the 32 EBUS-TBNA cases, 13 underwent concomitant TBLBx (group 1), 8 had concomitant EBBx (group 2), and 11 had EBUS-TBNA alone (group 3). In group 1, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 95% (n=12/13), whereas the yield of TBLBx was 61% (n=8/13). In group 2, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 100% (n=8/8), whereas EBBx was positive in 75% (n=6/8). In group 3, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 91% (n=10/11). Overall diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lung lesions was 94% (n=30/32)., Conclusion: Where available, EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lung lesions should be given a strong consideration given its high diagnostic yield.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ocimum basilicum belongs to the genus Ocimum (Lamiaceae). Many species of this genus including O. basilicum have been traditionally used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including respiratory diseases and symptoms of tuberculosis., Aim of Study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of pure constituents of O. basilicum, a plant used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases including symptoms of tuberculosis, against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv., Materials and Methods: The crude methanolic extract from the aerial parts (leaves, fruits and flowers) of the plant was separated into EtOAc and water subextracts and the EtOAc subextract was further divided into acidic and neutral fractions. Each of these was subjected to fractionation through column chromatography followed by prep. TLC. Several pure compounds were thus isolated and their activity was determined against M. tuberculosis H37Rv using MABA assay., Results: Nine compounds were assayed for antituberculosis activity which exhibited upto 49% inhibition of M. tuberculosis H37Rv at 6.25 μg/mL. These include one new compound bacilicin, the structure of which was elucidated based on 2D-NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY) and Ms spectral analysis. The known compounds were identified on the basis of comparison of their spectral data with those reported earlier., Conclusions: Inhibition of M. tuberculosis by pure compounds from O. basilicum supports the use of this plant in ethnomedicine as a remedy for symptoms of tuberculosis. The results also suggest that the activity of the plant may be due to a synergistic effect of active compounds including those investigated in the present studies, and hence this plant is a potential candidate for obtaining further new antituberculosis natural products., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A pentacyclic triterpene, oleanderocioic acid, two flavonoidal glycosides, quercetin-5-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside and kaempferol-5-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, and a cardenolide, oleandigoside, together with 11 known compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Nerium oleander. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The growth inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of eight compounds were evaluated against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line using a sulforhodamine B assay. Three compounds, oleandrin, odoroside A and B were further assayed using a panel of 57 human cancer cell lines., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Here we report a large, extensively characterized set of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the human genome. We determined the allele frequencies of 55,018 SNPs in African Americans, Asians (Japanese-Chinese), and European Americans as part of The SNP Consortium's Allele Frequency Project. A subset of 8333 SNPs was also characterized in Koreans. Because these SNPs were ascertained in the same way, the data set is particularly useful for modeling. Our results document that much genetic variation is shared among populations. For autosomes, some 44% of these SNPs have a minor allele frequency > or =10% in each population, and the average allele frequency differences between populations with different continental origins are less than 19%. However, the several percentage point allele frequency differences among the closely related Korean, Japanese, and Chinese populations suggest caution in using mixtures of well-established populations for case-control genetic studies of complex traits. We estimate that approximately 7% of these SNPs are private SNPs with minor allele frequencies <1%. A useful set of characterized SNPs with large allele frequency differences between populations (>60%) can be used for admixture studies. High-density maps of high-quality, characterized SNPs produced by this project are freely available.

Recent studies of human populations suggest that the genome consists of chromosome segments that are ancestrally conserved ('haplotype blocks'; refs. 1-3) and have discrete boundaries defined by recombination hot spots. Using publicly available genetic markers, we have constructed a first-generation haplotype map of chromosome 19. As expected for this marker density, approximately one-third of the chromosome is encompassed within haplotype blocks. Evolutionary modeling of the data indicates that recombination hot spots are not required to explain most of the observed blocks, providing that marker ascertainment and the observed marker spacing are considered. In contrast, several long blocks are inconsistent with our evolutionary models, and different mechanisms could explain their origins.

A total of 135 consecutive patients with primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) were treated as day cases using submucosal Teflon injection (STING) between 1984 and 1988. Up to 3 repeat procedures were performed in the event of failure; 89% of patients and 92% of ureters were cured. None was obstructed and 2 recurred. Eight patients continue to have asymptomatic reflux Grade 2 or less, while 7 have had open surgery to correct the reflux. Most of the failures had a satisfactory appearance at STING but this deteriorated with time and appears to have been caused by leakage of Teflon from the injection site post-operatively. There were no signs or symptoms of embolisation or migration of the implant material.