MyMedR

Liposomes to Cubosomes: The Evolution of Lipidic Nanocarriers and Their Cutting-Edge Biomedical Applications

Attri N, Das S, Banerjee J, Shamsuddin SH, Dash SK, Pramanik A

ACS Appl Bio Mater, 2024 Apr 13.

PMID: 38613498 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00153

Lipidic nanoparticles have undergone extensive research toward the exploration of their diverse therapeutic applications. Although several liposomal formulations are in the clinic (e.g., DOXIL) for cancer therapy, there are many challenges associated with traditional liposomes. To address these issues, modifications in liposomal structure and further functionalization are desirable, leading to the emergence of solid lipid nanoparticles and the more recent liquid lipid nanoparticles. In this context, "cubosomes", third-generation lipidic nanocarriers, have attracted significant attention due to their numerous advantages, including their porous structure, structural adaptability, high encapsulation efficiency resulting from their extensive internal surface area, enhanced stability, and biocompatibility. Cubosomes offer the potential for both enhanced cellular uptake and controlled release of encapsulated payloads. Beyond cancer therapy, cubosomes have demonstrated effectiveness in wound healing, antibacterial treatments, and various dermatological applications. In this review, the authors provide an overview of the evolution of lipidic nanocarriers, spanning from conventional liposomes to solid lipid nanoparticles, with a special emphasis on the development and application of cubosomes. Additionally, it delves into recent applications and preclinical trials associated with cubosome formulations, which could be of significant interest to readers from backgrounds in nanomedicine and clinicians.

Health-care professionals exposed to latex allergy: a cause of concern?

Das S

ANZ J Surg, 2008 Nov;78(11):939.

PMID: 18959687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2008.04708.x

Fulltext Ethyl 2-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)-oxy]acetate

Fun HK, Quah CK, Aich K, Das S, Goswami S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2013 Apr 1;69(Pt 4):o502.

PMID: 23634050 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536813005539

In the title compound, C13H12O5, the mean plane of the 2H-chromene ring system (r.m.s deviation = 0.026 Å) forms a dihedral angle of 81.71 (6)° with the mean plane of ethyl 2-hy-droxy-acetate moiety (r.m.s deviation = 0.034 Å). In the crystal, C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds result in the formation of zigzag layers parallel to the bc plane.

Fulltext 7-Hy-droxy-methyl-2-pivaloyl-amino-1,8-naphthyridine

Fun HK, Quah CK, Aich K, Das S, Goswami S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2013 Apr 1;69(Pt 4):o503.

PMID: 23634051 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536813005527

In the title compound, C14H17N3O2, the mean plane of the 1,8-naphthyridine ring system (r.m.s deviation = 0.020 Å) forms a dihedral angle of 23.4 (1)° with the acetamide moiety (r.m.s deviation = 0.001 Å). The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond, which generates an S(5) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into inversion dimers by pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating 18-membered R 2 (2)(18) ring motifs.

Fulltext A case of closed loop small bowel obstruction within a strangulated incisional hernia in association with an acute gastric volvulus

Kosai NR, Gendeh HS, Noorharisman M, Sutton PA, Das S

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2014;57(2):83-6.

PMID: 25257156 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2014.45

Small bowel obstruction is a common clinical problem presenting with abdominal distention, colicky pain, absolute constipation and bilious vomiting. There are numerous causes, most commonly attributed to an incarcerated hernia, adhesions or obstructing mass secondary to malignancy. Here we present an unusual cause of a small bowel obstruction secondary to an incarcerated incisional hernia in association with an acute organoaxial gastric volvulus.

Dural metastasis mimicking meningioma: an interesting case

Hamid HA, Gee KY, Muhammad R, Abd Rahman ZA, Das S

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2009;52(1):19-22.

PMID: 19754003

Dural metastasis is a rare entity in clinical practice. We report a case of dural metastasis secondary to thyroid carcinoma, which on both preoperative CT and MRI and at surgery had the typical appearance of a meningioma. Histopathological findings confirmed metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma as a primary site. Although rare, dural metastases can mimic a meningioma. Our experience in this case has led us to consider metastasis as a differential diagnosis even when a meningioma is suspected. We believe that reporting of the case of dural metastasis mimicking a meningioma may help clinicians in future.

An 11-year-old girl presenting with chronic knee pain: a case report with diagnostic dilemma

Maj MK, Ar AH, Faisal SA, Ahmad J, Das S

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2010;53(4):247-9.

PMID: 21400986

Discoid meniscus is the commonest anatomical aberration of the knee joint, among rare cases such as bilateral separated lateral meniscus, accessory lateral meniscus, partial deficiency of the lateral meniscus and double-layered lateral meniscus. An 11-year-old girl presented with history of chronic pain in her right knee for the last 6 months. The problem disturbed her involvement in the sport activities at school. Clinical examination revealed a clicking sensation on knee extension with lateral joint line tenderness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her right knee showed torn posterior horn of lateral meniscus. Arthroscopy examination revealed a discoid meniscus with absence posterior horn. Posterior horn deficient discoid meniscus is a rare form of a congenital meniscus anomaly. We as clinicians believe that the abnormal shaped meniscus may pose a diagnostic challenge clinically and radiologically. Presentation of this case may be beneficial for orthopaedicians in their daily clinical practice.

A case of disproportionate macrodactyly or a mild form of Proteus syndrome? An interesting case

Abdullah S, Haflah NH, Sapuan J, Das S

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2010;53(4):243-6.

PMID: 21400985

We present a 20-year-old Malay male whom we believe has Proteus syndrome, a rare congenital disorder of asymmetrical overgrowth of body tissues. There are fewer than 100 confirmed cases reported worldwide thus the clinical presentation and histopathological findings are of significance. Our patient presented with an overgrown right small finger and subcutaneous purplish pigmentation over his left upper arm and chest since birth. His small finger gradually increased in size. He had no abnormalities in sensation or power. Radiographs revealed a delta shaped middle phalanx of the small finger. His activities of daily living were uninterrupted but he requested debulking surgery for cosmetic reasons. Histopathological examination reported hypertrophic fatty tissue composed of well formed lobules of mature adipocytes interspersed with fibrous elements.

Anomalous higher branching pattern of the femoral nerve: a case report with clinical implications

Das S, Vasudeva N

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2007;50(4):245-6.

PMID: 18290549

The femoral nerve usually divides into anterior and posterior branches below the inguinal ligament. In the present case, we report the anomalous higher branching pattern of the femoral nerve on both sides of a 52 year male cadaver. The femoral nerve divided into the anterior and posterior branches above the inguinal ligament. Such a higher division of femoral nerve is a rare finding and it may be important for surgeons, orthopaedicians and anaesthetists in day to day clinical practice.

A rare case of intussusception associated with metastasized small cell carcinoma of lung

Jarmin R, Azman A, Rahim R, Kosai NR, Das S

Acta Med Iran, 2012;50(11):782-4.

PMID: 23292632

Intussusception is common cause of bowel obstruction in the paediatric age group compared to the elderly population. Many times, the diagnosis may be difficult because of asymptomatic nature of this bowel disorder. We hereby describe the case of a 75-year-old male who presented with lethargy, weakness, loss of movement in the joints and was found to be anemic. The haemoglobin level was low so he was transfused with packed cells. On gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, upper GI bleed was observed. A mass was observed beyond ampulla at the 2nd and 3rd part of the duodenal junction. Computerized tomography (CT) scan also showed a mass at the head of pancreas and the lesion at the left lung. In view of persistent bleed, 'Whipple's procedure' was performed. Histopathological examination showed small cell carcinoma of the lungs with metastasis to the pancreas and the jejunum. We here discuss the case of intussusception with intestinal metastasis which presented with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fulltext Histological changes in the heart and the proximal aorta in experimental diabetic rats fed with Piper sarmentsoum

Thent ZC, Lin TS, Das S, Zakaria Z

Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2012;9(3):396-404.

PMID: 23983373

Cardiovascular complications are one of the major causes of death in diabetes mellitus. Piper sarmentosum (P.s) is an herb that possesses antihyperglycaemic effects. The main aim of the study was to observe the histological changes in the heart and the proximal aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats following P.s administration. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were equally randomized into four groups: control group supplemented with normal saline (C); control group supplemented with P.s (CTx) ; diabetic group supplemented with normal saline (D) and, diabetic group supplemented with P.s (DTx). Diabetes was induced by STZ (50mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly. P.s extract (0.125g/kg) was administered orally for 28 days, following four weeks of STZ induction. The cardiac and aortic tissues were collected and processed under different stains: Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E), Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG), Masson's Trichome (MT) and Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS). There were abnormal cardiomyocytes nuclei, disarray of myofibres and increase in connective tissue deposits in cardiac tissues of the diabetic untreated group. The thickness of tunica media and ratio of tunica intima to media were found to be significantly increased in the aorta of diabetic untreated group (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. There were degenerative changes in the proximal aorta in diabetic untreated groups. All the histological damages of cardiac and aortic tissues were found to be lesser in the diabetic treated groups. Supplementation with P.s extract prevented the oxidative damage arising from diabetes mellitus, and reduced its complications.

Chemopreventive efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in ethionine induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis

Yusof YA, Ahmad N, Das S, Sulaiman S, Murad NA

Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2008 Oct 25;6(1):87-93.

PMID: 20162046

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosco) is widely used in foods as a spice all around the world. It has been reported to have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. We investigated the effect of ginger in ethionine induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group 1 and 2 served as controls and they received normal rat chow and olive oil respectively. Group 3 was fed with ginger oleoresin dissolved in olive oil at 100 mg/kg body wt. Group 4 was fed with choline deficient diet and 0.1% ethionine in drinking water (CDE diet), and group 5 received ginger with CDE diet. Blood samples were taken from the orbital sinus at 0 and 8 weeks of experiment for the determination of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA). Rats were also killed at 8 weeks for the observation of liver tumor formation. CDE diet induced the formation of liver nodules in rats and increased SOD activity. However, it had no effect on catalase, GPx and MDA levels when compared to both controls at 8 weeks of experiment. When CDE rats were treated with ginger, the formation of liver tumour, SOD activity and MDA level reduced, catalase activity was increased but no change was observed for GPx activity when compared to CDE group. In conclusion, ginger supplementation suppressed liver carcinogenesis by scavenging the free radical formation, and by reducing lipid peroxidation.

Gigantic chloroplasts, including bizonoplasts, are common in shade-adapted species of the ancient vascular plant family Selaginellaceae

Liu JW, Li SF, Wu CT, Valdespino IA, Ho JF, Wu YH, et al.

Am J Bot, 2020 04;107(4):562-576.

PMID: 32227348 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1455

PREMISE: Unique among vascular plants, some species of Selaginella have single giant chloroplasts in their epidermal or upper mesophyll cells (monoplastidy, M), varying in structure between species. Structural variants include several forms of bizonoplast with unique dimorphic ultrastructure. Better understanding of these structural variants, their prevalence, environmental correlates and phylogenetic association, has the potential to shed new light on chloroplast biology unavailable from any other plant group.

METHODS: The chloroplast ultrastructure of 76 Selaginella species was studied with various microscopic techniques. Environmental data for selected species and subgeneric relationships were compared against chloroplast traits.

RESULTS: We delineated five chloroplast categories: ME (monoplastidy in a dorsal epidermal cell), MM (monoplastidy in a mesophyll cell), OL (oligoplastidy), Mu (multiplastidy, present in the most basal species), and RC (reduced or vestigial chloroplasts). Of 44 ME species, 11 have bizonoplasts, cup-shaped (concave upper zone) or bilobed (basal hinge, a new discovery), with upper zones of parallel thylakoid membranes varying subtly between species. Monoplastidy, found in 49 species, is strongly shade associated. Bizonoplasts are only known in deep-shade species (<2.1% full sunlight) of subgenus Stachygynandrum but in both the Old and New Worlds.

CONCLUSIONS: Multiplastidic chloroplasts are most likely basal, implying that monoplastidy and bizonoplasts are derived traits, with monoplastidy evolving at least twice, potentially as an adaptation to low light. Although there is insufficient information to understand the adaptive significance of the numerous structural variants, they are unmatched in the vascular plants, suggesting unusual evolutionary flexibility in this ancient plant genus.

Histopathologic Findings in the Placentas of Pregnant Women With COVID-19

Ahmad MF, Das S, Goldstein JA, Shanes ED, Mithal LB, Miller ES

Am J Clin Pathol, 2021 07 06;156(2):329-330.

PMID: 34145875 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab079

Fulltext Placental histopathological changes in COVID-19 in term patients admitted to labor and delivery

Ahmad MFB, Das S

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2021 09;225(3):353-354.

PMID: 34062121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.05.040

Circle of Willis of the brain: anatomical variations and their importance

Mahakkanukrauh P, Das S

Anat Sci Int, 2016 Mar;91(2):215.

PMID: 26694711 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-015-0321-y

Through-knee amputation for a patient with proximal femur focal deficiency and tibial hemimelia: surgical anatomy and clinical implications

Lloyd S, Rashid AH, Das S, Ibrahim S

Anat Sci Int, 2014 Mar;89(2):122-5.

PMID: 24158808 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-013-0211-0

Tibial hemimelia is a rare anomaly of unknown etiology. This condition can occur sporadically or may have a familial inheritance. It is characterized by deficiency of the tibia with a relatively intact fibula. The anomaly may be unilateral or bilateral. We report a case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with right lower limb deformity since birth. She was diagnosed with proximal femur focal deficiency with absence of the ipsilateral tibia. She presented with a shorter right lower limb and a deformed foot. She was treated with a through-knee amputation. Anatomical dissection of the amputated limb was carried out to verify the anomalies. The dissection showed that the distal phalanx of the great toe was trifid. The anatomical and clinical significance of this interesting case is discussed.

Supratrochlear foramen of the humerus

Das S

Anat Sci Int, 2008 Jun;83(2):120; author reply 121.

PMID: 18507622 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-073X.2008.00232.x

Fulltext Morphology of the human aorta and age-related changes: anatomical facts

Komutrattananont P, Mahakkanukrauh P, Das S

Anat Cell Biol, 2019 Jun;52(2):109-114.

PMID: 31338225 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.109

Aorta is the largest artery in the human body. Its starting point is the aortic orifice of the aortic valve and it terminates at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The main function of the aorta is to transport oxygenated blood to supply all the organs and cells. With advancing age, the structure and hence the function show progressive changes. Various changes in the aortic morphology include the luminal diameter of aorta, whole length of the aorta, thickness, the microstructural components also change, and these include collagen, elastin and smooth muscle cells. In addition, the dimensions of all segments of the aorta increase with age in both sexes. Since age is a major risk factor for degenerative change and diseases affecting the aorta, understanding the detailed anatomy of the aorta may provide essential information concerning the age-associated process of the aorta. Knowledge of the morphological changes in the aorta is also important for future clinical therapies pertaining to aortic disease. Additionally, the information regarding the structural changes with age may be applied for age determination. This review describes the overview of the anatomy of the aorta, age related changes in the morphology of the aorta and aortic diseases.

Fulltext Erratum: Study of sexual dimorphism of Malaysian crania: an important step in identification of the skeletal remains

Ibrahim A, Alias A, Nor FM, Swarhib M, Abu Bakar SN, Das S, et al.

Anat Cell Biol, 2019 Jun;52(2):219.

PMID: 31338243 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.219

[This corrects the article on p. 86 in vol. 50, PMID: 28713610.].

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 546 in total