Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicological Evaluation of Copper (II) Oxide Containing Herbometallic Siddha Nanocomplex "Thamira Parpam".

"Thamira parpam" (TP), a copper-based herbometallic oxide (copper (II) oxide) nanodrug has been used in Siddha medicine for centuries because of its anti-ulcerogenic property. However, the physicochemical properties and toxicity of TP still remain elusive. Rigorous clinical translation requires deciphering these vital properties.

Chromium-catechin complex, synthesis and toxicity check using bacterial models.

Chromium-catechin complex was synthesized by reacting [Cr(HO)] (hexa-aqua) with catechin as a ligand. Toxicity studies were carried out for the complex using bacterial models for safer application of this complex in the future as a drug. Chromium-catechin complex was characterized using ESI Mass spectrometry, electronic spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.

Multicolor imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy - a quantitative and qualitative comparison with fundus autofluorescence.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterised by choroidal hyperpermeability which results in neurosensory detachments (NSD) along with numerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations such as RPE atrophy. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrates the functionality of the RPE while multicolor imaging(MCI), by means of its three incident wavelengths, provides insight into clinical changes at various levels of the retina and choroid in CSCR. This study compares various clinical findings in CSCR (NSD, subretinal deposits, RPE atrophy, pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and pachyvessels) on the above mentioned imaging modalities both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Collagen-ZnO Scaffolds for Wound Healing Applications: Role of Dendrimer Functionalization and Nanoparticle Morphology.

Functionalized nanoparticle cross-linked collagen scaffolds offer improved properties to biomaterials and regenerated tissues, as influence of nanoparticle shape on collagen scaffold has received little attention. The present study evaluates the role of ZnO nanoparticle shape (sphere, rod, hexagonal, needle, flower, star, circular disk, doughnut, and cube) on collagen self-assembly. The nanoparticle was prepared by using coprecipitation method and subsequently functionalized with triethoxysilane poly(amidoamine) dendrimer generation 1 (TES-PAMAM-G or G) on the nanoparticle surface.

Random word recognition chart helps scotoma assessment in low vision.

Purpose: To evaluate the use of SKread, a vision test based on random word sequences that prevents the prediction of upcoming words by linguistic criteria and is simple to score in a clinical setting.

Methods: SKread combines the standardized format of the MNread test with sequences of random words and letters like the Pepper Visual Skills for Reading test. A total of 231 subjects (aged 16 to 97 years) participated.

Acute corneal edema with subsequent thinning and hyperopic shift following selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Unlabelled: We report 4 cases of acute corneal edema with subsequent thinning and hyperopic shift following routine selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. Four women from 3 clinical sites developed acute corneal edema and haze within 2 days of uneventful SLT. In the following weeks to months, all treated corneas thinned to below pre-procedure thicknesses with resultant hyperopic shifts of nearly 2.

Fabrication of solid collagen nanoparticles using electrospray deposition.

Collagen is a promising biomaterial for drug delivery due to advantages including high biocompatibility and biodegradable property. However, transforming collagen into solid nanoparticles is difficult, although the solid dosage form is advantageous for some administration routes including pulmonary and oral drug delivery. In this study, collagen solid nanoparticles are prepared in one-step using electrospray deposition under ambient temperature and pressure conditions.

Elucidation of hydration dynamics of locust bean gum-collagen composites by impedance and thermoporometry.

The intricacy of the different parameters involved in the hydration dynamics of collagen influences its performance as biomaterials. This work presents the molecular motions of collagen originating from the solvents and locust bean gum (LBG), which reveal the changes in solvation dynamics of the biopolymers affecting the surface as well as interfacial properties. Water, as a probe liquid bound in collagen has been investigated using a combination of thermoporometry, ATR-FTIR, circular dichroic spectroscopy, dielectric spectroscopy and SEM to explore the influence of LBG on collagen with respect to static and dynamic behaviour.

Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from marine macro-algal biomass.

Activated carbons prepared from two macro-algal biomass Sargassum longifolium (SL) and Hypnea valentiae (HV) have been examined for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution. The activated carbon has been prepared by zinc chloride activation. Experiments have been carried out at different activating agent/precursor ratio and carbonization temperature, which had significant effect on the pore structure of carbon.

Cobalt complexes of terpyridine ligand: crystal structure and photocleavage of DNA.

Two new cobalt complexes, [Co(pytpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2), 1, and [Co(pytpy)(2)](ClO(4))(3), 2 where pytpy=pyridine terpyridine, have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray structure of both the complexes has been resolved. The structure shows the complexes to be a monomeric cobalt(II) and cobalt(III) species with two pytpy ligands coordinated to the metal ion to give a six coordinate complex.

Bioaccumulation and biosorption of chromium by Aspergillus niger MTCC 2594.

Chromium toxicity is of prime concern due to chrome tanning processes in the leather sector. Chrome tanning results in the discharge of toxic levels of chromium causing pollution hazards. Chromium levels of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were high above permissible limits in chrome samples after chrome tanning.

Biodegradability of leathers through anaerobic pathway.

Leather processing generates huge amounts of both solid and liquid wastes. The management of solid wastes, especially tanned leather waste, is a challenging problem faced by tanners. Hence, studies on biodegradability of leather become imperative.

A new dinuclear biphenylene bridged copper(II) complex: DNA cleavage under hydrolytic conditions.

The dinucleating ligand, tpbpd (tetrapyridyl biphenylenediamine) forms a dicopper complex with practically no electronic coupling between the two copper (II) centres. The EPR spectrum of the complex is consistent with coordination of each copper ion to two nitrogens of the binuclear ligand. Cyclic voltammogram of the complex also reveals that the two copper (II) centres have identical ligating environment.

Cytotoxicity studies of chromium(III) complexes on human dermal fibroblasts.

The cytotoxicity of certain Cr(III) complexes, such as [Cr(salen)(H(2)O)(2)](+), [Cr(edta)(H(2)O)](-), [Cr(en)(3)](3+), [Cr(ox)(3)](3-), [Cr(pic)(3)], and CrCl(3), which differ in ionic character and ligand environment in human dermal skin fibroblasts, has been studied. After 72 h of exposure to 100 microM doses of chromium(III) complexes, the order in which the complexes had an inhibitory effect on cell viability was [Cr(en)(3)](3+) > [Cr(salen)(H(2)O)(2)](+) > [Cr(ox)(3)](3-) > [Cr(edta)(H(2)O)](-) > [Cr(pic)(3)] > CrCl(3). Based on viability studies it was confirmed that [Cr(en)(3)](3+), a triply charged cation, inhibits cell proliferation, and therefore, it was chosen to carry out further investigations.

Effect of zirconium(IV) complexes on the thermal and enzymatic stability of type I collagen.

Understanding the mechanism of stabilization of collagen is an important area of research. Metal ions are known to interact with collagen and bring about the stability of the same. In the present investigation, the interaction of zirconium(IV) complexes with collagen was studied.

Cleavage of human orosomucoid by a chromium(V) species: relevance in biotoxicity of chromium.

A chromium(V) complex, CrO(salen)+, was generated in situ and its interaction with human orosomucoid (alpha1-acid glycoprotein) has been evaluated. The chromium(V) species has been found to oxidize the protein rapidly. A second order rate constant of 5 +/- 0.