Preparation of 57Co point sources for the performance evaluation of nuclear imaging instruments.

This paper describes the utility of electrodeposition method to prepare (57)Co point sources. A description of the electrolytic cell, the process of (57)Co electrodeposition, encapsulation and quality control of the sealed (57)Co sources is presented. Sources containing ~3.

Modification of PLGA nanoparticles for improved properties as a 99mTc-labeled agent in sentinel lymph node detection.

We have earlier reported on the possible application of poly [lactide (co-glycolide)] (PLGA) nanoparticles of suitable size to serve as a (99m)Tc-labeled diagnostic tracer in sentinel lymph node detection (SLND). Additional efforts have now been made to improve both the radiolabeling yield and the biological efficacy by modifying the PLGA particles. Two approaches were taken, one based on in situ loading of mebrofenin inside PLGA nanoparticles and the second one based on functionalization of existing terminal carboxylic acid groups on the nanoparticle surface with p-aminobenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (p-NH2-Bz-DTPA) for enhanced availability of functional groups suitable for (99m)Tc complexation.

Management of coronary artery disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Aims: The objective of the study was to study the prescribing patterns of drugs used in the coronary artery disease (CAD) and to identify, which drug is mostly prescribed at that hospital.

Settings And Design: This was a prospective observational survey including case series analysis of patients with CAD who met the inclusion criteria. It was conducted in the cardiology unit of multidisciplinary Tertiary Care Hospital in Kanpur.

Intertissue differences for the role of glutamate dehydrogenase in metabolism.

The enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) plays an important role in integrating mitochondrial metabolism of amino acids and ammonia. Glutamate may function as a respiratory substrate in the oxidative deamination direction of GDH, which also yields α-ketoglutarate. In the reductive amination direction GDH produces glutamate, which can then be used for other cellular needs such as amino acid synthesis via transamination.

RNA-binding ability of FUS regulates neurodegeneration, cytoplasmic mislocalization and incorporation into stress granules associated with FUS carrying ALS-linked mutations.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an uncommon neurodegenerative disease caused by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Several genes, including SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, Ubiquilin 2, C9orf72 and Profilin 1, have been linked with the sporadic and familiar forms of ALS. FUS is a DNA/RNA-binding protein (RBP) that forms cytoplasmic inclusions in ALS and frontotemporal lobular degeneration (FTLD) patients' brains and spinal cords.

The influence of DOC trends on light climate and periphyton biomass in the Ganga River, Varanasi, India.

Investigations on periphyton along an eutrophication gradient (NO(3)(-) = 0.23-0.96 mg L(-1); PO(4)(-3) = 0.

Clinical predictors of influenza A(H1N1) in Kanpur, India.

Influenza A (H1N1) commonly known as swine flu, has covered a large part of the globe rapidly since the outbreak started in Mexico on 18th March, 2009. Given the rapid worldwide spread of the virus, it is important to identify the symptoms that require screening for influenza A(H1N1). Therefore, this study was planned to determine the clinical predictors of influenza A(H1N1) in the population of Kanpur city.

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy.

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding.

Prevalence of isolated diastolic hypertension and associated risk factors among adults in Kanpur, India.

Background: Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is a largely unrecognized subtype of hypertension, more commonly seen in the younger age group.

Aims: (1) To determine the prevalence of IDH in the adult population of Kanpur district. (2) To study the associated risk factors of IDH.

Studies toward the biological efficacy of (99m)Tc-labeled dextran-cysteine-mannose ([(99m)Tc(CO)(3)]DCM20) for sentinel lymph node detection.

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the potential of (99m)Tc carbonyl-labeled dextran-cysteine-mannose (DCM20) as a mannose receptor targeting agent for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection using biological in vitro and in vivo assays. (99m)Tc labeling of the previously reported DCM20 ligand was carried out via the [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+) synthon. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed >99% radiolabeling yield using 50 μg of the ligand.

Methods to assay Drosophila behavior.

Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, has been used to study molecular mechanisms of a wide range of human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and various neurological diseases(1). We have optimized simple and robust behavioral assays for determining larval locomotion, adult climbing ability (RING assay), and courtship behaviors of Drosophila. These behavioral assays are widely applicable for studying the role of genetic and environmental factors on fly behavior.

FUS-related proteinopathies: lessons from animal models.

The recent identification of ALS-linked mutations in FUS and TDP-43 has led to a major shift in our thinking in regard to the potential molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). RNA-mediated proteinopathy is increasingly being recognized as a potential cause of neurodegenerative disorders. FUS and TDP-43 are structurally and functionally similar proteins.

Prevalence and determinants of obesity in the adult population of Kanpur district -- a population-based study.

Worldwide, obesity is the most prevalent form of malnutrition. It is one of the most significant contributors to ill health and an indirect cause of morbidity and mortality resulting from hyperlipidaemia and glucose intolerance. Very few studies on the prevalence of obesity have been reported from developing countries like India.

Bombesin analogues for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor imaging.

Objectives: The present study describes the design and development of a series of new bombesin (BBN) antagonist peptide ligands of the form [(64)Cu-(NO2A-X-D-Phe(6)-BBN(6-13)NHEt)], where Cu-64=a positron emitting radiometal; NO2A=1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetic acid; X=6-amino hexanoic acid, 8-amino octanoic acid or 9-Aminononanoic acid; and BBN(6-13)NHEt=Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHEt, an antagonist analogue of bombesin peptide for specific targeting of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR).

Methods: [NO2A-X-D-Phe(6)-BBN(6-13)NHEt] conjugates were manually conjugated with NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid), and the resulting conjugates were labeled with (64)Cu to yield [(64)Cu-(NO2A-X-D-Phe(6)-BBN(6-13)NHEt)]. The metallated and nonmetallated conjugates were purified via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.

Genetic predisposition to oxcarbazepine induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare immunologic reaction that may involve skin or various mucosal surfaces. The etiology may range from multiple pharmacologic agents to viral infections. Associated findings can range from minimal skin and mucosal involvement to extensive dermal exfoliation, nephritis, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, and multiple serologic abnormalities.

Childhood obesity in India: a meta-analysis.

Developing countries are now facing the double burden of childhood underweight and obesity. Childhood obesity is a recent epidemic with a high magnitude in India. Therefore, the authors decided to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Indian children.

Tobacco use in Northern India-Part 1: The detailed habit.

Background: The finite details of tobacco consumption practices in north Indian population are hitherto not well described. This study depicts the modes of tobacco use, their relative frequency, demographic and psychosocial determinants.

Materials And Methods: Random stratified sampling from the list of blocks, villages and urban localities was done.

Radiation exposure of ventilated trauma patients in intensive care: a retrospective study comparing two time periods.

Objective: To describe the cumulative effective dose of radiation that was received during the initial Emergency Department assessment and ICU stay of patients admitted with trauma, who required mechanical ventilation, during two time periods.

Method: A retrospective analysis of radiological and clinical data, set in a regional nonurban ICU. Two cohorts (starting 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2009), each comprising 45 adult patients admitted with trauma who were mechanically ventilated in intensive care, were studied.

A facile, viable approach toward the preparation of 32p patches for the treatment of skin cancer.

A facile, viable, "green" two-step, inexpensive technique was developed for the preparation of (32)P patch for the treatment of skin cancer. This technique consists of impregnation of H(3)(32)PO(4) solution into an inert solid carrier followed by immobilization into a nonleachable matrix by lamination. The morphology of the impregnated paper was evaluated by scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectral analyses.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and paraoxonase gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease in an Indian population.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer remain the leading causes of death in most developed countries. Elucidating the genetic components that contribute to their pathogenesis is challenging. In this case-control association study, we examine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in paraoxonase 573 A/G genes, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C/T and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with CAD independently, as well as synergistically, in a north Indian population.

Fluoride contamination and fluorosis in rural community in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer factory in India.

We studied chronic fluoride intoxication in 10 villages of Udaipur receiving F emissions from phosphate fertilizer factories. Although fluoride remained below permissible limit in most of the drinking water samples, the incidence of fluorosis in adults as well as in children was surprisingly high. Khemli appeared to be the most affected village (with >48% cases) where, about 93% of 2 h air samples contained fluoride above 2.

A Drosophila model of FUS-related neurodegeneration reveals genetic interaction between FUS and TDP-43.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons. Fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP)-43 are DNA/RNA-binding proteins found to be mutated in sporadic and familial forms of ALS. Ectopic expression of human ALS-causing FUS/TLS mutations in Drosophila caused an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, neurodegeneration, larval-crawling defect and early lethality.

Human disease models in Drosophila melanogaster and the role of the fly in therapeutic drug discovery.

The common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a well studied and highly tractable genetic model organism for understanding molecular mechanisms of human diseases. Many basic biological, physiological, and neurological properties are conserved between mammals and D. melanogaster, and nearly 75% of human disease-causing genes are believed to have a functional homolog in the fly.