Generation of geometry of closed human head and discretisation for finite element analysis

Medical &; Biological Engineering &; Computing -     

Development of an Inhaled Sustained Release Dry Powder Formulation of Salbutamol Sulphate,an Antiasthmatic Drug

The present research was aimed to develop and characterize a sustained release dry powder inhalable formulation of salbutamol sulphate. The salbutamol sulphate microparticles were prepared by solvent evaporation method using biodegradable polymer poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) to produce salbutamol sulphate microparticle mixed with carrier respirable grade lactose for oral inhalation of dry powder. The drug content were estimated to produce 1 mg sustained release salbutamol sulphate per dose. Total four formulations K1, K2, K3 and K4 were prepared with 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 ratio of salbutamol sulphate:poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid). The developed formulations were studied for physicochemical properties, in vitro drug relase and Anderson cascade impaction studies. The prepared formulations effectively releases drug for 12 h in diffusion bag studies. Based on dissolution performance the 1:1 ratio of salbutamol sulphate:poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) produces in vitro release 92.57% at 12 h and having particle size of microparticles (D_0.5μm) 5.02±0.6 and the pulmonary deposition of dry powder 34.5±3.21 (respiratory fraction in percentage).     

Review of national tuberculosis programmes: the experience in Bangladesh.

Tuberculosis control efforts should be evaluated periodically to assess progress made by national programmes and to plan for the future. Simple and reliable tools are required for such assessments. This paper summarises the methodology and results of the review of the national tuberculosis programme in Bangladesh conducted in 1997. The authors conclude that similar reviews would not only help to verify the reports from the routine recording system, but would also assist policy development and future planning.     

Temporal bone: comparison of isotropic helical CT and conventional direct axial and coronal CT.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare helical CT (with reformation of coronal images from the axial data set) with conventional direct axial and coronal CT of the temporal bones. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent both conventional 1-mm direct axial and coronal CT and helical 0.5-mm axial CT. The helical data set was reconstructed at 0.2-mm increments, and axial and coronal images were reconstructed in a plane similar to that of the conventional study, with a slice width of 0.5 mm and 0.5-mm increments. Forty small structures were evaluated independently by three observers, who were unaware of the method of imaging. Observers graded the 40 structures using a modified Likert scale. The graded differences between the two techniques were evaluated using a paired t test. Correlation between observers' gradings was evaluated using analysis of variance. RESULTS: The helical CT technique scored significantly higher than the conventional technique for many individual structures and groups of structures (scutum [p = .041], stapes footplate [p = .006], stapes crura [p = .004], oval window [p = .026], crista falciformis [p = .006], whole temporal bone [P = .012], middle ear [p = .033], inner ear [p = .021], ossicles [p = .044], and stapes [p = .010]). The correlation coefficient among observers was .91 for the whole temporal bone. CONCLUSION: Helical CT using 0.5-mm technique and reconstruction produces diagnostic images comparable with or superior to conventional 1-mm technique because helical CT can obtain thinner slices.     

Role of Hair Transplantation in Scarring Alopecia—To Do or Not to Do

Alopecia in the scalp region leads to psychosocial embarrassment for an individual. Alopecia could be due to several reasons, including genetic, hormonal, traumatic and infections. Cicatricial alopecias (CAs) are considered as trichological emergency, since their progression is rapid and always results in permanent hair loss. The pathogenesis, disease progression and prognosis of CA are poorly understood, and the treatment process is still evolving. An early diagnosis must be established, and aggressive treatment protocol should be followed in the management of scarring alopecia. This article presents various aspects of CA and determines whether hair transplant (HT) should be done in this condition.     

Expression of short chain fatty acid receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines in utero-placental tissues is altered in cows developing retention of fetal membranes

Introduction

Retention of fetal membranes (RFM) is an economically important condition in dairy cattle disturbing the health and production in affected animals. In spite of extensive research, pathogenesis for RFM and identification of a predictive marker for the condition still remains elusive. Since expulsion of fetal membranes in an inflammatory process, studying the expression of inflammatory molecules is expected to give an idea about the pathogenesis of RFM.

Methods

Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptors and adhesion molecules was studied using qRT-PCR in the utero-placental tissues obtained from the cows that expelled fetal membranes normally (n = 12) and from the cows that developed RFM (n = 12). Concentrations of SCFAs were estimated in the utero-placental tissues using Gas Chromatography.

Results

The concentration of butyrate in the utero-placental tissue extract was 3–4 times lower, and GPR41 and GPR43 mRNA expression was 7.7–10.0 and 3.4–4.4 folds lower (p < 0.05) in cows that developed RFM compared to those that expelled the fetal membranes normally. The expression of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ICAM and PECAM was higher (p < 0.05) in the cows that normally expelled the fetal membranes compared to those that developed RFM.

Discussion

Since a clear association of butyrate levels, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and SCFAs receptors was observed with expulsion of fetal membranes, modulating the levels of these molecules prior to parturition might help in reducing the incidence of RFM in cows.

Conclusion

Inflammatory response is essential for normal expulsion of fetal membranes and that inadequate or altered expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and SCFA receptors is associated with RFM in cows.     

CT findings for postsurgical blind pouch of small bowel

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to define the CT criteria for blind pouches formed after enteric anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the CT appearance of blind pouches avoids the mistaking of these entities for bowel obstruction or abscesses.