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Biomedical subjects

P G Rao

Publications and source records attributed to P G Rao.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Studies on the influence of power ultrasound on dye penetration in leather dyeing using photomicrographic analysis.

The use of power ultrasound in enhancing diffusion rate in various chemical as well as physical processes is gaining in importance. The influence of power ultrasound in the leather dyeing process on enhancing the penetration of dye through the leather matrix was studied. The penetration of dye through a leather cross-section for a given time in the presence and absence of an ultrasonic field (33 kHz, 150 W) was studied by photomicrographic analysis using a stereomicroscope. Different types of black dyes, such as Acid black 1, Metal complex black 194 and Direct black 155, were used for dyeing leather in the present study. Photomicrographic analysis of a cross-section of dyed leather indicated better penetration of dyes through the leather matrix with the use of ultrasound than without it. Therefore, the results indicate that ultrasound helps to improve the diffusion of dye and to reduce diffusional resistance in the leather dyeing process.

Journal Article↗

New approach to curb the transmission of leprosy.

The effect of local treatment of nose of lepromatous type of patients with different formulations of rifampicin nasal drops/sprays was investigated in a large number of patients. The preparations were either sprayed or instilled into the nostrils after flushing the nostrils with normal saline at 37 degrees C. It was observed that 10 mg/ml of rifampicin was effective in reducing the BI and MI to zero in nose in seven days in majority of the patients. No untoward effect was seen in any of the patients. It is suggested that nasal sprays/drops may be able to prevent the transmission of hanseniasis, as nose is recognised to be an important portal of exit of M. leprae. Further when rifampicin drops/sprays are used as soon as the diagnosis is made, the nasal deformity may be prevented. It is believed that local treatment along with systemic therapy would go a long way in controlling the transmission of hanseniasis.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Non-narcotic orally effective, centrally acting analgesic from an Ayurvedic drug.

Embelin, a p-quinone, is derived from Embelia ribes Burm. The analgesic effect of potassium embelate has been studied in rats and mice. The test drug was found to be effective by oral, i.m. and i.c.v. routes and the results compared well with morphine. Although potassium embelate acts centrally to produce analgesia, its effect is not antagonized by naloxone indicating a different central site of action. There is no precipitation of abstinence syndrome as observed with morphine. Peripheral site of action of the drug is ruled out as it lacks any demonstrable anti-inflammatory action. It can be concluded that high oral efficacy and non-narcotic properties of the test drug make it more acceptable than morphine. In addition, lack of any adverse effects, high therapeutic index and absence of abstinence syndrome confers a long term safety on potassium embelate for use as an analgesic.

Acetates↗

Thiol-dependent and non-thiol-dependent stimulations of insulin release.

The effects of reduced glutathione (GSH) and diamide (an oxidant of GSH) on insulin release induced by glucose, glyceraldehyde, leucine, tolbutamide, glibenclamide, Ca-ionophore A-23187, isoprenaline, and dbcAMP were studied using isolated rat pancreatic islets. In the absence or presence of low glucose (5.6 mM) neither GSH (0.1 mM) nor diamide (0.1 mM) affected insulin release. Insulinotropic action of glucose (11.1 mM) and glyceraldehyde (11.1 mM), and that of tolbutamide (0.1 mg/ml) and leucine (10 mM) both in the presence of 11.1 mM glucose was further augmented by GSH and inhibited by diamide. GSH (0.05-1 mM) and diamide (0.1 mM) failed to affect the insulin secretion evoked by glibenclamide (5 micrograms/ml) + glucose (11.1 mM), Ca-ionophore A-23187 (50 micrograms/ml) + glucose (5.6 mM), isoprenaline (1 microM) + glucose (5.6 mM), and db-cAMP (1 mM) + glucose (5.6 mM). The data suggest that the insulin-releasing capacity of glucose, glyceraldehyde, tolbutamide, and leucine depends on the redox state of islet thiols, whereas the insulin-releasing effect of glibenclamide, Ca-ionophore, isoprenaline, and db-cAMP does not. The possibility that thiol dependency is associated with those compounds increasing Ca uptake but not with compounds acting as Ca-ionophores or only by increasing intracellular cAMP is discussed.

Animals↗

Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability of drugs.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the scientific basis of the use of the trikatu group of acrids (long pepper, black pepper and ginger) in the large number of prescriptions in Ayurveda. [3H] vasicine and [3H] sparteine were taken as test drugs. Piper longum (long pepper) increased the blood levels of vasicine by nearly 233%. Under the influence of piperine, the active principle of Piper species, sparteine blood levels increased more than 100%. The results suggest that these acrids have the capacity to increase the bioavailability of certain drugs. It appears that the trikatu group of drugs increase bioavailability either by promoting rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, or by protecting the drug from being metabolised/oxidised in its first passage through the liver after being absorbed, or by a combination of these two mechanisms.

Abortifacient Agents↗

Absorption, distribution and excretion of N-4-phenyl-phenacyl-heliotridanium bromide.

Absorption, distribution and excretion of a tritium labelled halogenomethyl-aryl-ketone derivative of pyrrolizidine alkaloid heliotridine is studied. This compound, i.e., N-4-phenylphenacyl heliotridanium bromide, a potent non-specific antispasmodic shows maximum blood level at 10 min after an i.m. injection. Half-life in blood is 1.5 h. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) shows maximum incorporation of activity and displays main pharmacological activity. Highest concentration of drug is noticed in liver by 20 min showing a sharp fall thereafter. Excretion is mainly through urine.

Animals↗

Stricture-plasty for tubercular strictures of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Twenty stricture-plasties have been performed for multiple tubercular strictures of the gastro-intestinal tract in 9 patients, who in total had 35 strictures. The procedure has been found to be safe, simple and effective in relieving obstructive symptoms. It does not appear to carry the disadvantages of entero-anastomosis or multiple and/or massive resections in cases of multiple tubercular strictures of the small bowel.

Adult↗

Catheter duodenostomy for perforated duodenal ulcer.

A new technique of catheter duodenostomy is described as treatment for a large perforated duodenal ulcer in a patient who came to the hospital seven days after the perforation. The problem of gastric stasis due to pyloric obstruction was tackled by gastrostomy. Nutritional needs of the patient were met by feeding through the duodenostomy catheter.

Aged↗