A comparison of analgesic efficacy and safety of clonidine and methylprednisolone as additives to 0.25% ropivacaine in stellate ganglion block for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome: a prospective randomised single blind study

Sreyashi Naskar,Debesh Bhoi,Heena Garg,Maya Dehran,Anjan Trikha,Mohammed Tahir Ansari 대한통증학회 2023 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.36 No.2

Background: The role of the sympathetic nervous system appears to be central in causing pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The stellate ganglion block (SGB) using additives with local anesthetics is an established treatment modality. However, literature is sparse in support of selective benefits of different additives for SGB. Hence, the authors aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of clonidine with methylprednisolone as additives to ropivacaine in the SGB for treatment of CRPS. Methods: A prospective randomized single blinded study (the investigator blinded to the study groups) was conducted among patients with CRPS-I of the upper limb, aged 18–70 years with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I–III. Clonidine (15 μg) and methylprednisolone (40 mg) were compared as additives to 0.25% ropivacaine (5 mL) for SGB. After medical treatment for two weeks, patients in each of the two groups were given seven ultrasound guided SGBs on alternate days. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to visual analogue scale score, edema, or overall patient satisfaction. After 1.5 months follow-up, however, the group that received methylprednisolone had better improvement in range of motion. No significant side effects were seen with either drug. Conclusions: The use of additives, both methylprednisolone and clonidine, is safe and effective for the SGB in CRPS. The significantly better improvement in joint mobility with methylprednisolone suggests that it should be considered promising as an additive to local anaesthetics when joint mobility is the concern.

Dynamically Vulcanized PP/EPDM Blends:Effects of Different Types of Peroxides on the Properties

( K. Naskar ),( J. W. M. Noordermeer ) 한국고무학회 2003 엘라스토머 및 콤포지트 Vol.38 No.2

N/A Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) or dynamic vulcanizates are thermoplastic elastomers produced by simultaneous mixing and crosslinking of a rubber and a thermoplastic. The objective of the present work is to investigate the effects of different types of peroxides as curing agents on the properties of PP/EPDM TPVs. The mechanical properties change significantly with the chemical nature of the peroxides and the extent of crosslinking at a fixed PP/EPDM blend ratio. The tensile strength of the TPVs obtained with the various peroxides can be related to the solubility parameters of the polymers and of the peroxides. The Young`s modulus of the peroxide-cured TPVs can be correlated with the delta torque values of equivalent thermoset EPDM vulcanizates, corresponding to the crosslinking efficiencies of the peroxides.

Statins, Competitive Inhibitors of HMG-Co Reductase Integral to Cholesterol Biosynthesis, as Immune Modulators

Rema Naskar, Inkyu Hwang 충남대학교 약학대학 의약품개발연구소 2021 藥學論文集 Vol.36 No.-

Statins are cholesterol-lowering agents extensively used for the prevention of cardiovascular dis- eases related to hypercholesterolemia. They are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) to catalyze the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting reaction in the mevalonate pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis. The inhibition of HMGCR causes a decrease in the rates of syntheses of cholesterol and other intermediates such as farnesyl pyrophosphates and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which are necessary for anchoring GTP-binding proteins to the plasma membrane. While statins were originally developed as cholesterol-lowering drugs, many studies have also unveiled their im- mune-regulatory properties, implying the possibilities for repositioning statins to treat various immune disorders. Mechanisms for the immune regulation by statins have also been investigated, highlighting the im- portance of both cholesterol and isoprenoid pyrophosphates in the activation and survival of immune cells and the production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of statins and the underlying mechanisms.

Introduction of control points in B-splines for synthesis of ping finite optimized cam motion program

T. K. Naskar,R. Mishra 대한기계학회 2012 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.26 No.2

In this paper, ping finite cam motion function (CMF) is designed instead of jerk finite program. Work is done on B-splines. Control points (CP), which are defined by angular positions of intermediate knots, are introduced in B-splines to minimize jerk of cam-follower. We studied the effects of CP on the peak values of jerk. The values of jerk and ping at end positions of each motion cycle also influence the peak values of jerk. The angular position of intermediate knots and either jerk or ping at end position are varied independently or simultaneously to optimize the peak values of jerk. Experimental analysis is conducted for measuring cam-follower performance of the newly introduced cam profile. An experimental set-up is designed, manufactured and installed for this purpose.

Metronomic chemotherapy of carboplatin-loaded PEGylated MWCNTs: synthesis, characterization and in vitro toxicity in human breast cancer

Sharma Suraj,Naskar Sweet,Kuotsu Ketousetuo 한국탄소학회 2020 Carbon Letters Vol.30 No.4

Our objective of this study is to design and develop a polyethylene glycol (PEG2000)-modifed multiwall carbon nanotube (PEGylated MWCNT) formulation for oral controlled metronomic chemotherapeutic drug delivery. Multiwall carbon nano�tubes undergo various chemical modifcations including oxidation with strong acids, conjugation of polyethylene glycol, and coating with cellulose acetate phthalate which resulted in the formation of aqueous dispersion and prevention of drug degradation in acidic environment. Advanced analytical procedure such as Fourier transform infra-red, X-ray difraction, diferential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scat�tering techniques were used to evaluate physicochemical characterization. We also performed in vitro cytotoxic study by MTT assay and results revealed that carboplatin-loaded PEGylated MWCNTs did not show signifcant detrimental efect on the viability of MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer) cells. The maximum encapsulation and drug-loading capacity were determined to be 71.58±0.04 and 39.62±0.07%, respectively. The release of carboplatin from PEGylated MWCNTs was investigated at simulated intestinal fuid (SIF), pH 6.8, after optimizing at simulated gastric fuid (SGF), pH 1.2, by enteric coating. Enteric-coated PEGylated MWCNTs exhibit pH-responsive drug activity in a sustained manner especially at pH 6.8. This surface modifcation strongly suggests that PEGylated MWCNTs could be a potential carrier for metronomic chemotherapeutic agent for high drug resistance, drug with maximum adverse efect and poorly oral bioavailable drugs.

Non-mulberry silk fibroin grafted PCL nanofibrous scaffold: Promising ECM for bone tissue engineering

Bhattacharjee, Promita,Naskar, Deboki,Kim, Hae-Won,Maiti, Tapas K.,Bhattacharya, Debasis,Kundu, Subhas C. Elsevier 2015 European polymer journal Vol.71 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A comparative study of nanofibrous scaffolds with inclusion of nonmulberry silk protein fibroin is presented for application in bone tissue engineering. Introduction of silk fibroin into the scaffolds is carried out in two ways: by electrospinning blend of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and by grafting fibroin on aminolyzed electrospun nanofibrous PCL. Verification of aminolysis was provided by confocal laser microscopy of rhodamine B isothiocyanate tagged substrates. Absorbance spectroscopy of the products of the reaction between NH<SUB>2</SUB> groups and ninhydrin was used for quantification of aminolysis. Presence of nitrogen on the substrates was established using energy dispersive X-ray while scanning electron microscopy was used to substantiate their nanofibrous morphology. Evaluation of ATR-FTIR results showed that secondary structure of fibroin was preserved in the respective substrates. Presence of fibroin improves hydrophilicity, measured by dynamic contact angle, and surface roughness, topography viewed by atomic force microscopy. These characteristics support cell growth and proliferation. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds is enhanced due to presence of fibroin. Different biophysical characterizations indicate better hydrophilicity, higher nitrogen content, and higher surface roughness of the fibroin grafted scaffolds. Both fibroin-grafted and fibroin-blended scaffolds successfully support activity and viability of human osteoblast like cells. Cell cycle analysis, alkaline phosphatase assay and Alizarin red S staining are used to substantiate cell cycle pattern, proliferation and resultant neo-matrix generation on the scaffolds respectively. The results show that fibroin grafted matrices are better at supporting cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation. The findings demonstrate advantages of fibroin blended and grafted matrices for use in bone tissue engineering applications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Silk fibroin from <I>Antheraea mylitta</I> was included in nanofibrous PCL matrices. </LI> <LI> Inclusion was carried out either by grafting or by blending the fibroin. </LI> <LI> Inclusion of fibroin improved strength and biocompatibility of the matrices. </LI> <LI> Fibroin grafted matrices were comparatively more biocompatible. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Potential of inherent RGD containing silk fibroin-poly (Є-caprolactone) nanofibrous matrix for bone tissue engineering

Bhattacharjee, Promita,Kundu, Banani,Naskar, Deboki,Kim, Hae-Won,Bhattacharya, Debasis,Maiti, T. K.,Kundu, S. C. Springer 2016 Cell and tissue research Vol. No.

<P>The current study deals with the fabrication and characterization of blended nanofibrous scaffolds of tropical tasar silk fibroin of Antheraea mylitta and poly (D'-caprolactone) to act as an ideal scaffold for bone regeneration. The use of poly (D'-caprolactone) in osteogenesis is well-recognized. At the same time, the osteoconductive nature of the non-mulberry tasar fibroin is also established due to its internal integrin binding peptide RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequences, which enhance cellular interaction and proliferation. Considering that the materials have the required and favorable properties, the blends are formed using an equal volume ratio of fibroin (2 and 4 wt%) and poly (D'-caprolactone) solution (10 wt%) to fabricate nanofibers. The nanofibers possess an average diameter of 152 +/- 18 nm (2 % fibroin/PCL) and 175 +/- 15 nm (4 % fibroin/PCL). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy substantiates the preservation of the secondary structure of the fibroin in the blends indicating the structural stability of the neo-matrix. With an increase in the fibroin percentage, the hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the matrices as measured from melting temperature T-m (using DSC) decrease, while the mechanical strength is improved. The blended nanofibrous scaffolds are biodegradable, and support the viability and proliferation of human osteoblast-like cells as observed through scanning electron and confocal microscopes. Alkaline phosphatase assay indicates the cell proliferation and the generation of the neo-bone matrix. Taken together, these findings illustrate that the silk-poly (D'-caprolactone) blended nanofibrous scaffolds have an excellent prospect as scaffolding material in bone tissue engineering.</P>

Investigation of As‑Cast and Homogenized Microstructure in Mg–6 wt% Sn–1 wt% Al Alloy: An Experimental and Modelling Study

Ashutosh Jena,Niladri Naskar,Nishant Kumar,Manas Paliwal 대한금속·재료학회 2021 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.27 No.9

A wedge casting experiment was performed for ternary Mg–6 wt% Sn–1 wt% Al alloy to obtain solidified microstructure ina wide range of cooling rate (5–150 K/s). As-cast microstructural features such as secondary dendrite arm spacing and totalsecond phase fraction were determined as a function of cooling rate. Furthermore, the as-cast samples were solution treatedat 743 K and 793 K for 1, 6, 12 and 24 h to examine the variation of total secondary phases with respect to temperatureand time. The experimental data revealed the dissolution of total secondary phases within 1 h and 12–24 h at 793 K and743 K respectively. Solidification simulations incorporating solute back diffusion, secondary arm coarsening and dendritetip undercooling were performed for accurate analysis of the experimental results. The study also presents a diffusion-basedhomogenization model to investigate the microstructural changes in the ternary alloy during solution treatment. In thismodel, simultaneous dissolution of Mg2Snand Mg17Al12phases along with Sn and Al redistribution in the hcp Mg matrixwas incorporated. The effect of temperature and time was ascertained on the solute distribution and secondary phases dissolution. The modelling results were compared with the homogenized microstructural features.

Malnutrition, Its Attributes, and Impact on Quality of Life: An Epidemiological Study among β-Thalassemia Major Children

Bijit Biswas,Narendra Nath Naskar,Keya Basu,Aparajita Dasgupta,Rivu Basu,Bobby Paul 대한가정의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Family Medicine Vol.42 No.1

Background: India is home to a large number of thalassemic children. Despite malnutrition being an essential determinant of their therapeutic goals and quality of life (QoL), it was hardly ever explored. With this background, this study aimed to estimate the proportion of β-thalassemia major (β-TM) children experiencing malnutrition, its attributes, and impact on their QoL. Methods: This cross-sectional, hospital-based, analytical observational study was conducted among 328 β-TM children attending the thalassemia day care unit of a medical college from May 2016 to April 2017, with a structured schedule. Data were analyzed following appropriate statistical methods using SPSS statistical package ver. 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among the study participants, 48.2% were malnourished with a mean body mass index of 13.9 kg/m2. In the multivariable logistic regression model, participants’ age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.29), caste (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.23–3.60), mothers’ educational level (AOR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.22– 3.44), blood transfusion frequency (AOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16–1.31), and palpable spleen size (AOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08–1.37) were significant predictors of malnutrition after adjusting for pre-transfusion hemoglobin level and hemolytic facies status. In multiple linear regression analysis, malnutrition negatively impacted total QoL (unstandardized beta [standard error], -4.4 [1.7]; P=0.009) and various domains of the study participants except the social and school domains adjusted for age, sex, caste, place of residence, parents’ educational level, and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Almost half of the study participants had malnutrition. Malnutrition had a negative impact on their QoL.

Changes in expression of monocarboxylate transporters, heat shock proteins and meat quality of Large White Yorkshire and Ghungroo pigs during hot summer period

Parkunan, Thulasiraman,Das, Arun K.,Banerjee, Dipak,Mohanty, Niharika,Paul, Avishek,Nanda, P.K.,Biswas, TK,Naskar, Syamal,Bag, Sadhan,Sarkar, Mihir,Mohan, Narayana H.,Das, Bikash Chandra Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.2

Objective: Present study explores the effect of hot summer period on the glycolytic rate of early post-mortem meat quality of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pig and comparative adaptability to high temperature between above breeds by shifting the expression of stress related genes like mono-carboxylate transporters (MCTs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Methods: Healthy pigs of two different breeds, viz., LYW and Ghungroo (20 from each) were maintained during hot summer period (May to June) with a mean temperature of about $38^{\circ}C$. The pigs were slaughtered and meat samples from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were analyzed for pH, glycogen and lactate content and mRNA expression. Following 24 h of chilling, LD muscle was also taken from the carcasses to evaluate protein solubility and different meat quality measurements. Results: LWY exhibited significantly (p<0.01) higher plasma cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase concentration than Ghungroo indicating their higher sensitivity to high temperature. LD muscle from LWY pigs revealed lower initial and ultimate pH values and higher drip loss compared to Ghungroo, indicating a faster rate of pH fall. LD muscle of Ghungroo had significantly lower lactate content at 45 min postmortem indicating normal postmortem glycolysis and much slower glycolytic rate at early postmortem. LD muscle of LWY showed rapid postmortem glycolysis, higher drip loss and higher degrees of protein denaturation. Ghungroo exhibited slightly better water holding capacity, lower cooking loss and higher protein solubility. All HSPs (HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90) and MCTs (MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4) in the LD muscle of pigs inclined to increase more in Ghungroo than LWY when exposed to high temperature. Conclusion: Effect of high temperature on the variation of HSPs and MCTs may play a crucial role in thermal tolerance and adaptation to different climatic conditions, pH regulation, muscle acidification, drip loss, protein denaturation and also in postmortem meat quality development.