Regulation of the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 by E2A and Id proteins

The helix-loop-helix transcription factor E2A plays important roles not only in promoting cellular differentiation but also in suppressing cell growth. Id proteins, the inhibitors of E2A, have opposite effects on cell differentiation and growth. To understand the mechanisms by which E2A suppresses cell growth, we examined the role of E2A in regulating the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21CIP1/WAF1/SD11, which prevents cell cycle progression upon overexpression. By using transient-cotransfection assays of luciferase reporter constructs in HeLa cells, we have found that overexpression of E2A can transcriptionally activate the p21 gene. To identify the sequences that mediate this activation in the promoter of the p21 gene, we carried out mutational analyses. Out of the eight putative E2A-binding sequences (E1 to E8) in the promoter, the E1 to E3 sequences located close to the transcription start site are found to be essential. In addition, loss of the E boxes in the promoter also reduces p21 expression without cotransfection with E2A in HIT pancreatic cells, where the endogenous E2A-like activity is high. Furthermore, we have also shown that overexpression of E2A in 293T cells activates expression of the endogenous p21 gene at both the levels of mRNA and protein. In correlation with the finding that E47 overexpression leads to growth arrest in NIH 3T3 cells, we have shown that Id1 overexpression in NIH 3T3 cells accelerates cell growth and inhibits p21 expression. Taken together, these results provide insight into the mechanisms by which E2A and Id proteins control cell growth.

Structural identification of two metabolites of catechins and their kinetics in human urine and blood after tea ingestion

Tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. The metabolic fate of its major constituents, catechins, however, is not well-known. In this study, two catechin metabolites were detected in the urine and plasma of human volunteers after ingestion of green tea. These metabolites were identified by LC/ESI-MS and NMR as (-)-5-(3',4', 5'-trihydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone (M4) and (-)-5-(3', 4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone (M6). The renal excretion of M4 and M6 had a 3 h lag time and peaked 7.5-13.5 h after ingestion of a single dose of green tea, while (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epicatechin peaked at 2 h. M4 and M6 were two major tea metabolites with urinary cumulative excretions as high as 8-25 times the levels of EGC and (-)-epicatechin in some of our subjects, and accounted for 6-39% of the amounts of ingested EGC and (-)-epicatechin. Both the metabolites appeared to be produced by intestinal microorganisms, with EGC and (-)-epicatechin as the precursors of M4 and M6, respectively. Repeated ingestion of green tea produced a slight accumulative effect of the metabolites. They were also detected in the plasma, exhibiting kinetics similar to those of the urinary metabolites, and in the feces. Study on these metabolites may help us further understand the cancer chemopreventive actions and other beneficial effects of tea.

An improved method for the determination of green and black tea polyphenols in biomatrices by high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric array detection

Tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants and are believed to have beneficial health effects. However, the blood and tissue levels of these compounds are not well characterized because of a lack of suitable analytical methods for the biological resolution of these compounds. Previously, we developed methods for the analysis of three green tea catechins. Now we report an improved method for the measurement of the levels of the different catechins and theaflavins in biological fluids and tissues. The method includes digestion of the plasma, urine, or tissue samples with beta-d-glucuronidase and sulfatase, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate and subsequent separation by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The polyphenols are identified on the basis of their retention times, spectral analysis, and electrochemical behavior across an array of electrodes. In a single HPLC run, it is possible to determine the major catechins and theaflavins as well as some of the catechin metabolites. The detection limits for catechins and theaflavins are from 5 to 10 ng/ml of saliva, plasma, or urine.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure: timing and operative technique

A review of closure of Hartmann's colostomy was undertaken to establish guidelines for the timing and technique of reversal. Between 1984 and 1990 there were 69 reversals; 48 patients originally had diverticular disease and 21 had carcinoma. One-third underwent reversal before 4 months and two-thirds after this time. The operative mortality rate was 3 per cent and the anastomotic leak rate 4 per cent. Significant morbidity occurred in 30 per cent. There was no advantage in delayed closure. Complications occurred in 24 per cent of patients undergoing reversal before and 35 per cent undergoing reversal after 4 months. Thirty-five anastomoses were hand-sewn and 34 stapled. There were no differences in operating time for the two techniques, but a greater number were stapled after 4 months than before (P less than 0.05), which may reflect increased rectal stump shrinkage with time. There were no differences in complication rates whether the anastomosis was hand-sewn (34 per cent) or stapled (26 per cent). Closure of Hartmann's colostomy is a safe procedure but has a significant morbidity in nearly one-third of cases. On the basis of these results, there is no indication to delay closure after 4 months have elapsed, and earlier reversal, when the rectal stump is most accessible, is recommended.

Role of mangiferin on biochemical alterations and antioxidant status in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

The current study dealt with the protective role of mangiferin, a polyphenol from Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae), on isoproterenol (ISPH)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats through its antioxidative mechanism. Subcutaneous injection of ISPH (200 mg/kg body weight in 1 ml saline) to rats for 2 consecutive days caused myocardial damage in rat heart, which was determined by the increased activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), increased uric acid level and reduced plasma iron binding capacity. The protective role of mangiferin was analyzed by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test used for macroscopic enzyme mapping assay of the ischemic myocardium. The heart tissue antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase and glutathione reductase activities, non-enzymic antioxidants such as cerruloplasmin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and glutathione levels were altered in MI rats. Upon pretreatment with mangiferin (100 mg/kg body weight suspended in 2 ml of dimethyl sulphoxide) given intraperitoneally for 28 days to MI rats protected the above-mentioned parameters to fall from the normal levels. Activities of heart tissue enzymic antioxidants and serum non-enzymic antioxidants levels rose significantly upon mangiferin administration as compared to ISPH-induced MI rats. From the present study it is concluded that mangiferin exerts a beneficial effect against ISPH-induced MI due to its antioxidant potential, which regulated the tissues defense system against cardiac damage.

Enzymatic single-chain antibody tagging: a universal approach to targeted molecular imaging and cell homing in cardiovascular disease

RATIONALE

Antibody-targeted delivery of imaging agents can enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of current imaging techniques. Similarly, homing of effector cells to disease sites increases the efficacy of regenerative cell therapy while reducing the number of cells required. Currently, targeting can be achieved via chemical conjugation to specific antibodies, which typically results in the loss of antibody functionality and in severe cell damage. An ideal conjugation technique should ensure retention of antigen-binding activity and functionality of the targeted biological component.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a biochemically robust, highly reproducible, and site-specific coupling method using the Staphylococcus aureus sortase A enzyme for the conjugation of a single-chain antibody (scFv) to nanoparticles and cells for molecular imaging and cell homing in cardiovascular diseases. This scFv specifically binds to activated platelets, which play a pivotal role in thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The conjugation procedure involves chemical and enzyme-mediated coupling steps. The scFv was successfully conjugated to iron oxide particles (contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging) and to model cells. Conjugation efficiency ranged between 50% and 70%, and bioactivity of the scFv after coupling was preserved. The targeting of scFv-coupled cells and nanoparticles to activated platelets was strong and specific as demonstrated in in vitro static adhesion assays, in a flow chamber system, in mouse intravital microscopy, and in in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of mouse carotid arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

This unique biotechnological approach provides a versatile and broadly applicable tool for procuring targeted regenerative cell therapy and targeted molecular imaging in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and beyond.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in silent valley of Kerala, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are treating and preventing a variety disease. There is urgency in recording such data. This is the first ethno botanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are done by ICF method. The present study was aimed to identify plants collected for medicinal purposes by the traditional healers of silent valley, located in Palakad district of Kerala, India and to document the traditional names, preparation and uses of these plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field study was carried out a period of 2 years in Kerala. The ethno medicinal information was collected through interviews among traditional healers. The collected data were analyzed through use value (UV) informant consensus factor (F(ic)) and fidelity level (FL).

RESULTS

A total of 102 species of plants distributed in 95 genera belonging to 53 families were identified as commonly used ethno medicinal plants by traditional healers in silent valley for the treatment of 19 ailment categories based on the body systems treated. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts and most of the medicines were prepared in the form of paste and administrated orally. F(ic) values of the present study indicated that dermatological infections/diseases and gastro-intestinal disorders had highest use reports and 7 species of plants has the highest fidelity level of 100%. The most important species according to their use value were Moringa oleifera (2.62), Curculigo orchioides (2.5) Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Vitex negundo (each 2.37), Carica papaya (2.12), Annona squamosa (1.87).

CONCLUSION

Gathering the present study, we can recommended the plants Moringa oleifera, Curculigo orchioides, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Vitex negundo, Carica papaya, Citrus hystrix, and Tribulus terrestris (with high use values), Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Aloe vera, Carum capticum and Discorea pentaphylla (newly reported claims with highest FL) for further scientific investigation based upon the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants can be an approach in the discovery and development of novel drug leads.

Facile synthesis of WO3 with reduced particle size on zeolite and enhanced photocatalytic activity

WO₃ supported on zeolite-Y (WO3-ZY) was successfully synthesized by a facile impregnation method and well characterized by various techniques.

Compression of the C-2 root by a rare anomalous ectatic vertebral artery. Case report

The authors report a symptomatic congenitally anomalous ectatic vertebral artery not passing through the transverse foramen of the atlas (C-1), but instead piercing the dura mater below the posterior arch of the C-1 in the atlantoaxial (C1-2) interlaminar space. This occurrence is exceptionally rare, but in this case it was uniquely associated with occipital neuralgia due to vascular compression of the C-2 root. Microvascular decompression was curative. Neuroradiological and surgical findings are presented and their implications discussed.

Effect of mangiferin on mitochondrial energy production in experimentally induced myocardial infarcted rats

Mangiferin, from the leaves of Mangifera indica Linn., has been suggested as useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. In the present study this drug was examined on the alteration of cardiac energy metabolism in isoproterenol (ISPH) administered myocardial infarcted rats. ISPH (20 mg/kg b.w.), which was administered s.c. twice at an interval of 24 h, caused a significant decrease in the activities of TCA cycle enzymes and antioxidant defense enzymes with a concomitant increase in the lipid peroxidation of heart mitochondria in rat model. The ATP production and the oxidation of succinate in State 3 and 4 decreased significantly in the cardiac mitochondria of ISPH administered rats. These functional alterations were supported by severe modifications in mitochondrial ultrastructure. Pretreatment with mangiferin (100 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) for 28 days prevented these mitochondrial alterations, oxidation with energy metabolism and restored the TCA cycle enzyme activities to near normal values following ISPH administration. The structural integrity of the heart was protected by mangiferin in ISPH administered rats when compared to the untreated controls. The present findings suggest that the protective effect of mangiferin can be attributed to its reducing effect on oxidative damage and activation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. These results could be useful to study and understand the cellular events involved in this cardioprotective mechanism of mangiferin. Our studies of mangiferin on heart failure may have important implication for future therapeutic approaches involving in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Prevention of carcinogenesis by tea polyphenols

Tea, an extract of the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, has been considered a medicine and healthful beverage for ages. The beneficial effects of tea are thought to be due to its polyphenolic components. Herein, we discuss the present status of tea as a possible cancer chemopreventive agent, covering basic chemistry and biochemical activity of tea, pharmacokinetics of major tea components, studies in animal and cell lines, epidemiological investigations, and future challenges. Tea is one of the few chemopreventive agents known to have protective effects at different stages of the carcinogenic process. Tea constituents may inhibit this process by modulating signal transduction pathways leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation and transformation and enhancement of apoptosis. These activities may or may not be due to the antioxidative activity of tea polyphenols. The bioavailability and tissue levels of tea polyphenols is a key topic to be studied in order to understand the mechanisms of action of tea and its possible protection against cancer in humans.

A novel mechanism for Bcr-Abl action: Bcr-Abl-mediated induction of the eIF4F translation initiation complex and mRNA translation

The oncogenic kinase Bcr-Abl is thought to cause chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) by altering the transcription of specific genes with growth- and survival-promoting functions. Recently, Bcr-Abl has also been shown to activate an important regulator of protein synthesis, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which suggests that dysregulated translation may also contribute to CML pathogenesis. In this study, we found that both Bcr-Abl and the rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1 complex contribute to the phosphorylation (inactivation) of 4E-BP1, an inhibitor of the eIF4E translation initiation factor. Experiments with rapamycin and the Bcr-Abl inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, in Bcr-Abl-expressing cell lines and primary CML cells indicated that Bcr-Abl and mTORC1 induced formation of the translation initiation complex, eIF4F. This was characterized by reduced 4E-BP1 binding and increased eIF4G binding to eIF4E, two events that lead to the assembly of eIF4F. One target transcript is cyclin D3, which is regulated in Bcr-Abl-expressing cells by both Bcr-Abl and mTORC1 in a translational manner. In addition, the combination of imatinib and rapamycin was found to act synergistically against committed CML progenitors from chronic and blast phase patients. These experiments establish a novel mechanism of action for Bcr-Abl, and they provide insights into the modes of action of imatinib mesylate and rapamycin in treatment of CML. They also suggest that aberrant cap-dependent mRNA translation may be a therapeutic target in Bcr-Abl-driven malignancies.

Comparative evaluation of natural curcumin and synthetic chlorhexidine in the management of chronic periodontitis as a local drug delivery: a clinical and microbiological study

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of natural curcumin in the management of chronic periodontitis as local drug delivery in comparison to synthetic chlorhexidine, which is the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty chronic periodontitis patients with an age range of 20-50 years with probing pocket depth (PPD) of 4-6 mm were included. Curcumin and chlorhexidine gel was applied in the contralateral disease sites at baseline and day 15. The clinical parameters like PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (Loe and Silness) and plaque index (Turesky Gillmore modification of Quigley Hein) were recorded and colony forming units (CFU) were assessed microbiologically at baseline, 15 and 30 days.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction of the clinical parameters (PPD, CAL) and microbiological parameters CFU at 15 and 30 days for both the groups. Curcumin group showed a greater reduction in the clinical parameters when compared with chlorhexidine group. Both groups had a significant reduction in parameters when compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

Although curcumin has equivalent benefit to chlorhexidine, curcumin being an ayurvedic herb is an excellent alternative to chlorhexidine due to minimal side-effects.

Genetic determinants of feline leukemia virus-induced multicentric lymphomas

Three discrete forms of feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-associated lymphoma have been described clinically: (1) thymic, (2) alimentary, and (3) multicentric. The most common and best-characterized lymphomas are of T-cell origin, generally occurring in the thymus. These tumors typically contain mature T-cells, involve the activation of a distinctive set of proto-oncogenes, and contain FeLV proviruses whose long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences contain tandemly repeated enhancers. Previous studies of a small group of extrathymic, multicentric lymphomas implicated a different set of genetic determinants. The present study expands those observations by examining the lineage of origin, the involvement of proto-oncogenes, and the structure of LTR and env gene sequences in a set of 11 natural, extrathymic lymphomas of the multicentric type. A pattern of genetic events associated with FeLV-positive multicentric lymphomas emerges from this analysis that is clearly distinct from the pattern associated with thymic lymphomas. The tumors do not contain T-cells or B-cells, as evidenced by the germ line organization of TCR beta and IgH loci. Proto-oncogenes strongly implicated in T-cell lymphomagenesis are not involved in these tumors. Rather, a distinct set of proto-oncogenes may be involved. Most striking is the repeated occurrence of an FeLV isolate whose LTR and env gene bear unique sequence elements.

Quantitative ethnomedicinal study of plants used in the Nelliyampathy hills of Kerala, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inspite of tremendous advances made in allopathic medical practices, medicinal plants have played an important role throughout the world in treating and preventing a variety of diseases and hence there is urgency in recording such data. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are done by the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) method. The present study was aimed to identify plants collected for medicinal purposes by the traditional healers of Nelliyampathy hills, located in Palakkad district of Kerala, India and to document the traditional names, preparation and uses of these plants.

METHODS

The field study was carried out over a period of 2 years (2011-2013) using semi-structured interviews with 66 informants (most of the informants belonged to an age between 50 and 70 years) in six remote locations in the hills. Ethnomedicinal data was analyzed using frequency citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and use value (UV) along with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Demographic characteristics of participants, ethnobotanical inventory of plants and data on medicinal application and administration were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 85 medicinal plants belonging to 49 families were reported to be used against 19 different ailments in the hills. The maximum reported medicinal plant families were Cucurbitaceae with 6 species followed by Acanthaceae, Malvaceae and Fabaceae (each 5 species), Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae and Myrtaceae (each 3 species), the most dominant life form of the species includes herbs (42) followed by tree (20), climber (15) and shrub (8), the most frequent used part was leaves (40%) followed by root (14%), seed and flowers (each12%), fruit (9%), bark (7%), stem (2%), latex (2%), rhizome and whole plant (each 1%), the most common preparation and administration methods were paste (32%), powder (22%), decoction and juice (each 20%) and raw (4%), infusion and inhalation (each1% ). The Pearson correlation coefficient between RFC and UV was 0.638 showing highly positive significant association.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we have documented considerable indigenous knowledge about the native medicinal plants in Nelliyampathy hills for treating common ailments. The plants such as further investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically which leads to natural drug discovery development may be based on the present study. The study has various socioeconomic dimensions which are associated with the local communities.

Correlation of Salivary pH, Incidence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Status in Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting many parts of the body. A number of oral diseases have been associated with diabetes mellitus with an increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease.

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the salivary pH and incidence of dental caries and periodontal status in diabetes mellitus compared to that of the normal subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 40 patients divided into 2 groups with group I comprising of 20 known diabetes mellitus patients and group II comprising of 20 non diabetic subjects as control group. The pH of the saliva was determined using a digital pH meter. Dental caries and periodontal status were assessed by DMFT and PDI indices respectively.

RESULTS

There was a decrease in the mean salivary pH of 6.51 in the study group, compared to the normal mean salivary pH of 7.88 in the control group. The mean DMFT index was higher in the study group (8.10) when compared to that of control group (1.15). The mean PDI score was also higher in the study group (4.0) as compared to that of the control group (0.45).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study concluded that there was a significant relationship between the diabetes mellitus and increased incidence of dental caries and periodontitis and there was also a significant reduction in the salivary pH in diabetes mellitus patients, compared to that of non diabetic subjects.

Documentation and quantitative analysis of the local knowledge on medicinal plants in Kalrayan hills of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The aim of the present study was to document the medicinal plants by the traditional medical practitioners from Kalrayan hills of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu, India. Quantitatively analyses of the data were made to acquire some useful leads for further studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Successive free listing was the method adopted for the interview. In this study, 54 traditional healer medical practitioners were included and their knowledge on medicinal plants was gathered. The data were assessed with the help of two indices viz., informant consensus factor (Fic) and Informant Agreement on Remedies (IAR).

RESULTS

The present survey is in accordance with some of the aspects of our previous surveys. Regarding the demography of the informants, it exhibited unevenness in male-female ratio and majority of the informants were poorly educated. Practicing this system of medicine as part time job by majority of the informants might indicate the reduced social status of this medicinal system. The present study had recorded the usage of 81 species, which in turn yielded 1073 use reports. The major illness category 'aphrodisiac, hair care and endocrinal disorders' hold a high Fic values. Among the other illness categories, gastro-intestinal ailments, genito-urinary ailments and dermatological infection ailments have a high percentage of use reports. Eye ailments, general health, kapha ailments, psychological ailments and skeleton muscular system ailments were the other illness categories with high Fic values. Some of the claims viz., Argyrolobium roseum (aphrodisiac ailments), Rosa brunonii (eye ailments) Hibiscus surattensis (dermatological infections ailments), Bauhinia variegata (neurology Ailments), Cotinus coggygria (circulatory system/cardiovascular ailments) and Uvaria narum (gastro-intestinal ailments) which have relatively high consensus can be taken up for further biomedical studies, since no substantial studies have been conducted on them.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of our present study, we have highlighted some claims which are at high use in the study area but having little scientific support. Studies on such claims will provide scientific base to some extent which in turn will be useful to improve the health of indigenous people.

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is one of the most frequently implicated risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of amla (Emblica officinalis) extract (composed of polyphenols, triterpenoids, oils etc. as found in the fresh wild amla fruit) in patients with dyslipidemia.

METHODS

A total of 98 dyslipidemic patients were enrolled and divided into amla and placebo groups. Amla extract (500 mg) or a matching placebo capsule was administered twice daily for 12 weeks to the respective group of patients. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks and efficacy of study medication was assessed by analyzing lipid profile. Other parameters evaluated were apolipoprotein B (Apo B), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), homocysteine and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

RESULTS

In 12 weeks, the major lipids such as total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.0003), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.0003), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.0064) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p = 0.0001) were significantly lower in amla group as compared to placebo group. Additionally, a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of the plasma (AIP) (p = 0.0177) was also noted in amla group. The ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 was reduced more (p = 0.0866) in the amla group as compared to the placebo. There was no significant change in CoQ10 level of amla (p = 0.2942) or placebo groups (p = 0.6744). Although there was a general trend of FBS reduction, the numbers of participants who may be classified as pre-diabetes and diabetes groups (FBS > 100 mg/dl) in the amla group were only 8. These results show that the amla extract used in the study is potentially a hypoglycaemic as well. However, this needs reconfirmation in a larger study.

CONCLUSIONS

The Amla extract has shown significant potential in reducing TC and TG levels as well as lipid ratios, AIP and apoB/apo A-I in dyslipidemic persons and thus has scope to treat general as well as diabetic dyslipidemia. A single agent to reduce cholesterol as well as TG is rare. Cholesterol reduction is achieved without concomitant reduction of Co Q10, in contrast to what is observed with statins.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered with Clinical Trials Registry- India at www.ctri.nic.in (Registration number: CTRI/2015/04/005682 ) on 8 April 2015 (retrospectively registered).

A comparative analysis of the efficacy of cortical screws as lag screws and miniplates for internal fixation of mandibular symphyseal region fractures: a randomized prospective study

The management of facial trauma is one of the most rewarding and demanding aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Being the most prominent mobile bone of the facial skeleton, mandible fracture occurs more frequently than any other fracture. In this study, open reduction and internal fixation was performed for isolated mandibular symphyseal region fractures using cortical screws (as lag screws) in 40 patients and using miniplates in 40 patients. Clinical and radiological evaluations were made at 6 months postoperatively. Primary stability of fracture segments, postoperative swelling, restricted lip mobility, infection, wound dehiscence, implant removal, and mal-union or non-union of fracture segments was evaluated. Primary stability was achieved in 100% of cases treated with cortical screws, whereas for patients treated with miniplates, 97.5% attained primary stability, while one case (2.5%) showed persistent clinical mobility. Postoperative complications were noted in 13 (16.25%) of the total 80 patients. The duration of postoperative swelling was less in patients treated with cortical screws compared to patients treated with miniplates. It is concluded that cortical screw fixation is an effective procedure for the treatment of symphyseal region fractures, but the procedure is somewhat technically sensitive.

Mechanism of protective action of mangiferin on suppression of inflammatory response and lysosomal instability in rat model of myocardial infarction

Lysosomal instability has been suggested as a major factor in the development of cellular injury during myocardial necrosis through the formation of inflammatory mediators. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of mangiferin on lysosomal hydrolases and TNF-alpha production during isoproterenol (ISPH) induced myocardial necrosis in rats. The rats given ISPH (200 mg/kg body weight twice, subcutaneous) for 2 days showed a significant increase in plasma TNF-alpha production, serum and heart lysosomal hydrolases activity. ISPH administration to rats resulted in decreased stability of the membranes, which was reflected by the lowered activity of cathepsin-D and beta-glucuronidase in mitochondrial, nuclear, lysosomal and microsomal fractions. Pretreatment with mangiferin (100 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) for 28 days, significantly prevented the alterations and restored the enzyme activities to near-normal status. These findings demonstrate that mangiferin could preserve lysosomal integrity through decrease in the inflammatory process and hence establish the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin.

Rectal prolapse of intussusception--a single institution's experience

AIM

The objective was to study the clinical presentation and outcome of intussusceptions prolapsing rectally.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was done of 198 children who presented with intussusception at a single institution over a 5-year period. Of this group, the data of children with intussusception prolapsing rectally was studied.

RESULTS

The incidence of prolapsing intussusception in this series was 8%. All 16 patients were infants with an average age of 5 months. The most common presenting features were rectal bleeding and abdominal mass. Only 56% of children had abdominal pain. 4/16 children had abdominal distension and 4 had dehydration. The duration of symptoms was less than 48 hours in 14/16 patients. Air enema reduction (AER) was attempted in 14/16 patients and was successful in 8 patients. The success rate of AER was 57%. One patient developed a perforation during AER. Manual reduction was done in six patients who failed AER and in two patients in whom AER was not attempted because of prolonged duration of symptoms (> 48 hrs). There were no recurrences in this series.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of intussusceptions prolapsing rectally is high in this series. It can present in the absence of the cardinal symptoms of intussusception. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis. AER is often successful and must be attempted in children who do not have contraindications for this procedure.

Effect of microwave argon plasma on the glycosidic and hydrogen bonding system of cotton cellulose

Cotton fabric was processed with microwave (Ar) plasma to alter its hydrophilicity. The process parameters namely microwave power, process gas pressure and processing time were optimized using Box-Behnken method available in the Design Expert software. It was observed that certain combinations of process parameters improved existing hydrophilicity while the other combinations decreased it. ATR-FTIR spectral analysis was used to identify the strain induced in inter chain, intra chain, and inter sheet hydrogen bond and glycosidic covalent bond due to plasma treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies was used to analyze the effect of plasma on unit cell parameters and degree of crystallinity. Fabric surface etching was identified using FESEM analysis. Thus, it can be concluded that the increase/decrease in the hydrophilicity of the plasma treated fabric was due to these structural and physical changes.

Effect of subthalamic nucleus stimulation on penicillin induced focal motor seizures in primate

BACKGROUND

Drug-resistant motor epilepsies are particularly incapacitating for the patients. In a primate model of focal motor seizures induced by intracortical injection of penicillin, we recently showed that seizures propagated from the motor cortex towards the basal ganglia.

OBJECTIVE

Using the same animal model here, we hypothesized that disruption of subthalamic nucleus (STN) activity by chronic high frequency stimulation (HFS) could modify pathological excessive cortical synchronisation occurring during focal motor seizures, and therefore could reduce seizure activity.

METHODS

Two monkeys were chronically implanted with one electrode positioned into the STN. In each experiment, seizures were induced during 6 hours by injecting penicillin into the motor cortex. During stimulation sessions, HFS-STN was applied at the beginning of penicillin injection.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that HFS-STN improved focal motor seizures by delaying the occurrence of the first seizure, by decreasing the number of seizures by 47% and therefore the total time spent seizing by 53% compared to control. These results argue for a therapeutic use of HFS-STN in motor seizures because they were obtained in a very severe primate model of motor status similar to that seen in human. Furthermore, HFS-STN was much more efficient than direct cortical HFS of the epileptic focus, which we already tested in the same primate model.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that HFS-STN could be used as an experimental therapy when other therapeutic strategies are not possible or have failed in humans suffering from motor epilepsy but the present study still warrants controlled studies in humans.