Effect of Stacking Sequence on Flexural and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Sisal/Glass Polyester Composite

In present study, flexural properties in terms of break load, percentage elongation, flexural strength and flexural modulus, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in terms of storage modulus (), loss modulus (), damping , glass transition temperature  and effectiveness constant of reinforcement  of hybrid sisal/glass fibre reinforced polyester composite are investigated. Polyester based hybrid composites are prepared by Hand lay-up technique followed by static compression having constant 25 wt.% of fibre content  with various stacking sequences.  A significant improvement in flexural properties of sisal fibre reinforced polyester composite is observed by incorporation of glass fibre.  In addition, the stacking sequence has great influences on flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid composites

Trastuzumab-grafted PAMAM dendrimers for the selective delivery of anticancer drugs to HER2-positive breast cancer

Approximately 20% of breast cancer cases are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive. This type of breast cancer is more aggressive and tends to reoccur more often than HER2-negative breast cancer. In this study, we synthesized trastuzumab (TZ)-grafted dendrimers to improve delivery of docetaxel (DTX) to HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Bioconjugation of TZ on the surface of dendrimers was performed using a heterocrosslinker, MAL-PEG-NHS. For imaging of cancer cells, dendrimers were also conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate. Comparative in vitro studies revealed that these targeted dendrimers were more selective, and had higher antiproliferation activity, towards HER2-positive MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cells than HER2-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. When compared with unconjugated dendrimers, TZ-conjugated dendrimers also displayed higher cellular internalization and induction of apoptosis against MDA-MB-453 cells. Binding of TZ to the dendrimer surface could help site-specific delivery of DTX and reduce systemic toxicity resulting from its lack of specificity. In addition, in vivo studies revealed that the pharmacokinetic profile of DTX was significantly improved by the conjugated nanosystem

Bladder injuries during obstetrical and gynecological surgeries

Background: The reproductive and urinary tracts in women are closely related anatomically and embryologically. Knowledge of this anatomy plays an important role in the prevention of urinary tract injury during gynaecologic surgery. The primary approach to prevention is careful surgical dissection and knowledge of the position of urinary tract structures within the surgical field.Methods: Prospective interventional study consisted of 28 patients with obstetrics and gynecological surgeries was carried out at department of surgery, new civil hospital, Surat during December 15th to January 16th. Out of 28 patients 13 patients had bladder injuries which repaired and studied in detail.Results: Out of these 28 patients undergone various obstetrics and gynecological surgeries, 13 patients were having iatrogenic urinary bladder injuries. Bladder injury occurred commonly during in LSCS and in hysterectomies. Out of 13 urinary bladder injuries, 8 injuries repaired in 2 layers by Vicryl 2-0 without insertion of SPC and 5 injuries were managed by primary repair with vicryl 2-0 with insertion of SPC (SPC= suprapubic cystostomy).Conclusions: Surgery adjacent to or within urinary bladder continue to result in occasional iatrogenic injury. These injuries can be minor with no long-term sequelae, or they can result in significant morbidity and inconvenience to patients.</jats:p

Assessment of quality of life in resectable gastric cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatmentLetter to the Editor

Abstract Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as an important endpoint in cancer therapies. However, few data are available on QOL in patients who have received radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach. Methods: Thirty patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled and received chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique), together with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire C30 and STO Q22 was assessed at four time points: pre- and postchemoradiotherapy and at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. Results: Mean age of the patients was 54 years. Male:female ratio was 4:1. Stage II and Stage III disease was present in 60% and 30% of patients, respectively. All patients were able to complete the chemoradiotherapy protocol. Our study found out significant impairment in QOL for emotional functioning, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and dyspnea. Results showed that QOL levels decrease postchemoradiotherapy; however, QOL levels returned to baseline at 1-month and 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach patients who have undergone resection with curative intent is a safe and well-tolerated regimen with respect to QOL.</jats:p

Assessment of quality of life in resectable gastric cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatmentLetter to the Editor

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as an important endpoint in cancer therapies. However, few data are available on QOL in patients who have received radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach. Methods: Thirty patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled and received chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique), together with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire C30 and STO Q22 was assessed at four time points: pre- and postchemoradiotherapy and at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. Results: Mean age of the patients was 54 years. Male:female ratio was 4:1. Stage II and Stage III disease was present in 60% and 30% of patients, respectively. All patients were able to complete the chemoradiotherapy protocol. Our study found out significant impairment in QOL for emotional functioning, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and dyspnea. Results showed that QOL levels decrease postchemoradiotherapy; however, QOL levels returned to baseline at 1-month and 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach patients who have undergone resection with curative intent is a safe and well-tolerated regimen with respect to QOL