Subdural hemorrhage associated with falcine meningioma

A case of falcine meningioma associated with acute subdural hemorrhage is reported. The possible mechanisms of hemorrhage in the case are discussed. We believe that an early recognition and surgery can prevent neurological deterioration.

Second to fourth digit ratio: ethnic differences and family size in English, Indian and South African populations

BACKGROUND

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is lower in men than in women. 2D:4D may be established in utero and is negatively correlated with sperm counts and testosterone in men and positively correlated with oestrogen in men and women. Negative associations between male 2D:4D and family size and positive associations between female 2D:4D and family size have been found in some European populations.

AIM

The study seeks to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D and family size in samples from Europe, Asia and Africa.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Measurements of right hand 2D:4D were made in English (Merseyside, n = 403), Indian (Sugali and Yanadi, n= 160) and South African (Zulu,n = 258) populations.

RESULTS

2D:4D was weakly sexually dimorphic and showed strong ethnic differences. There were significant associations between 2D:4D and family size. For males these included negative associations in English and South African samples, and in the total sample. In females there was a positive association in the English sample, a negative association in the South African sample, and the total female sample showed a positive relationship between 2D:4D and family size.

CONCLUSIONS

2D:4D showed weak sex and strong ethnic differences. Low values of 2D:4D were associated with large family size in men. The situation was less clear in women but on balance there was evidence to support a relationship between high values of 2D:4D and large family size.

Glioblastoma of the cerebellum. A report of 3 cases

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the commonest intra cranial tumors. Infratentorial GBM is, however, a rare entity. We report 3 cases of histologically proven posterior fossa GBM. The clinical presentation was of a rapidly growing posterior fossa mass. The diagnosis was made only on histological examination. The radiological features are non-specific and the clinical course same as GBM elsewhere. We describe their clinical presentation, radiological and pathological features and a review of describe the literature.

Lipid profile before and after renal transplantation--a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The data on lipid profile in renal transplant recipients from the Indian subcontinent is scant.

METHODS

Lipid profile was studied in 30 consecutive patients of end stage renal disease before renal transplantation (0 month) and prospectively posttransplantation at 1, 3, and 6 months. The results were compared with 30, age and sex matched, healthy controls. All the patients received triple immunosuppression (prednisolone, azathioprine and cyclosporine).

RESULTS

Pretransplantation, the hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia was present in 20% and 7% of the patients and the difference (elevation) in the mean values of various lipid fractions was not significant compared to healthy controls except a fall in HDL (p < .01). After renal transplantation, there was a significant elevation in the mean values of total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol at 1, 3, and 6 months. HDL cholesterol levels remained significantly lower as compared to healthy controls. Although, the mean values of serum triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly higher in diabetic end stage renal disease compared to nondiabetic ESRD, however there was insignificant difference in the lipid profile amongst diabetic and nondiabetic renal allograft recipients.

CONCLUSION

Our data shows distinct elevation in the lipids and lipoproteins after renal transplantation and immunosuppressive drugs seem to be the culprit.

Functional proteomics of receptor-Ck in the developmental stages of human atherosclerotic arterial wall

BACKGROUND

The study was undertaken to understand the relationship between the functional proteomics of receptor-Ck and developmental stages of human atherosclerotic aortic wall.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Gene expression study of 25 aortas was undertaken and the results revealed a gradual increase in receptor-Ck gene expression paralleled by the regulatory response of its effector genes coding for sterol response element-binding protein, p27, cyclin D, interleukin-6 and CD40 from a normal to atherosclerotic arterial wall (viz. fatty streak and fibrofatty/fibrous plaque).

CONCLUSIONS

Based upon this and our earlier studies, we propose that cholesterol-specific receptor-Ck-dependent gene regulation may be of crucial importance in atherogenesis.

Simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and glioma in brain: report of two cases

Two patients who presented with a simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and glioma are described. The authors describe their neuroradiological findings, best surgical treatment of this association, aspects of pathology and aetiology, along with a review of literature.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in obstructed hydrocephalus

Forty-three ETV were performed in 46 patients of obstructive hydrocephalus. Study was divided into two groups. Group 1 was with 29 children of less than two years age. Group 2 had seventeen patients of more than 2 years, adolescent and adults. Group 1 had 70% clinical and 63% radiological improvement whereas Group 2 showed 100% clinical and 73% radiological improvement. ETV failed in relieving the symptoms of hydrocephalus in eight patients. They were eventually benefited with VP Shunt. There was one postoperative death, which was not related to the procedure. ETV is an important alternative to VP Shunt in relieving hydrocephalus due to obstruction in CSF pathway.

In-vitro micropropagation of rauwolfia serpentine through multiple shoot generation

Shoot tips and nodal segment explants to Rauwolfia serpentina when cultured on MS medium containing varying concentration of Benzyl adenine purine (BAP) and Benzyl adenine purine in combination with Indole butyric acid (IBA) produced multiple shoots. Maximum multiple shoots (85.6%) were found in static MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/ 1 BAP and 0.5 mg / 1 IBA along with 2.5% sucrose and 0.85% agar. The developed shoots after one month were excised from the culture tube and implanted individually on static MS medium with varying concentration of IBA and Indole butyric acid (IBA). Maximum rooting (76.6%) was observed in 0.5 mg/1 IBA after 27 days. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil. About 74% of plantlets survived under open field conditions.

LARYNGOCELE - REPORT OF A CASE

Abstract