DNA synthesis in duplicate-type sex chromosomes of the Indian house shrew, Suncus murinus (Insectivora)

Replication patterns of the duplicate-type sex chromosomes have been studied in bone-marrow cells <i>in vivo </i>and fetal cells <i>in vitro </i>of the Indian house shrew, <i>Suncus murinus</i>. The sex chromosomes start their replication along with the rest of the chromosomes in the early S but show asynchrony in the late S phase. The Y chromosome finishes its DNA synthesis earlier than the X chromosome and the autosomes in male bone-marrow and fetal cells. On the other hand, the X chromosomes in female cells behave differently in bone-marrow and fetal cells. One of the X’s replicates early in fetal cells. But there is no definite pattern in bone-marrow cells – the X chromosomes can replicate either early or late. The duplicate-type X chromosome of <i>Suncus </i>is unique among mammals in its replication; the pattern does not conform to the hypothesis that except 5% of the haploid complement residing in the X chromosome is functional. The correlation between genetic activity and late or early replication is discussed. It is proposed that heteropycnosis is merely a reflection of out-of-phase replication and not necessarily genetic inertness.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with early phase acute inflammatory protein on serum protein electrophoresis

Background: The onset of Type 2 diabetes has been associated with low grade systemic inflammation. The inflammatory status has been studied by measuring acute phase reactant proteins like hsCRP, α1- antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen. Most of these acute phase reactants form α1 and α2 bands on electropherogram of serum proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory status in controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and to find the impact of glycemic status as indicated by HbA1c on inflammation process. Materials and Methods: Serum protein electrophoresis was done on serum samples of 60 cases of Diabetes [controlled and uncontrolled] using cellulose acetate paper technique. The electropherogram obtained was stained with Ponseu S and then quantitated using densitometer. Glycemic status was studied by HbA1c analysis. The density of α1and α2 bands in electropherogram were correlated with HbA1c level. Result: A significant increase in the percentage of α1 and α2 band proteins (0.765 and 0.716, p<0.001) were found with the increasing level of HbA1c. With cutoff of HbA1c 7% (American Diabetic Association recommended), the α1 and α2 serum proteins concentration are significantly higher (p<0.001) in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus compared to controlled diabetes mellitus Conclusion: Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins show early phase acute inflammatory status in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The process of systemic inflammation worsens with uncontrolled glycemia as indicated by HbA1c. Inflammatory status should be studied adjunct to glycemic status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6024 JPN 2012; 2(3): 211-214

Delayed presentation of diaphragmatic hernia in a young and fit patient requiring emergency management

Diaphragmatic hernia, when they do present in adults, can manifest as a life threatening complication. Symptoms might initially be minimal in young and fit patients. They can also easily mimic complications like peptic ulcer perforation or tension pneumothorax and early pathophysiological correlation is required to reach an early diagnosis and treatment. DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4077Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.50-51

Induction of collagenolytic and proteolytic activities in rat and human fibroblasts by anti-inflammatory drugs

Confluent monolayers of either mouse or diploid human fibroblasts contained no measurable amounts of either collagenolytic (pH 5.5) or proteolytic (pH 7.5) activities. Within a few hours after exposure of these cells to antiinflammatory drugs, significant amounts of these enzymatic activities were demonstrable extracellularly. These activities were profoundly decreased in cultures simultaneously treated with the anti-inflammatory drugs and cycloheximide or actinomycin D.