Global school personnel survey among 5200 school personnel in India: comparison of the results for the years 2009 and 2006

BACKGROUND

The results of the Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS) conducted in India in 2009 are compared with 2006 GSPS to assess any change in 2009 on tobacco use and knowledge and attitudes to tobacco use, training and availability of tobacco control teaching material in schools and the existence of school tobacco control policies.

METHODS

GSPS is a cross sectional survey conducted twice (2006 and 2009) in entire India. A total of 180 schools were surveyed each time.

RESULTS

Of the participating school personnel, 2660 in 2006 and 2575 in 2009, about 95% were teachers and the balance administrators. In 2009, compared to 2006 the prevalence of current smoking of cigarettes (19.6% in 2006 and 10.3% in 2009) and bidis (21.5% in 2006 and 13.9% in 2009) was found to be significantly lower; the percentage of teachers receiving training on preventing youth tobacco use has significantly reduced (16.7% in 2006 and 10.1% in 2009); access of teachers to educational materials on tobacco use and how to prevent its use among youth had not increased (34.6% in 2006 and 37.8% in 2009); there was no change in policy prohibiting tobacco use among students and school personnel; however, ever use of any tobacco on school premises was significantly lower (15.6% in 2006 and 9.6% in 2009).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of current smoking (cigarettes/bidis) among school personnel and use of any tobacco on school premises were significantly decreased in 2009 as compared to 2006. Necessary action should be planned to increase the number of teachers trained and the availability of teaching materials on preventing youth tobacco use in order to have effective prevention of tobacco use among students.

Hematology and serum chemistry reference values of stray dogs in Bangladesh

Hematology and serum chemistry values were obtained from 28 male and 22 female stray dogs in Chittagong Metropolitan area, Bangladesh. The goal of the study was to establish reference value for hematology and serum chemistry for these semi wild animals in relation to age, sex, reproductive stage and body condition. No significant differences were found for mean values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, differential leukocyte count, total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, phosphorus and potassium among or between sexes, ages, reproductive states or body conditions. Significant differences were noted for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p<0.02) between sexes. Among different age groups significant differences were found for total red blood cell count (p<0.001). Different body conditions have significant differences in red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p<0.001). Pregnant and non-pregnant females differed significantly in their red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p<0.001).

Reduced heart rate variability predicts poor sleep quality in a case-control study of chronic fatigue syndrome

Parasympathetic function is important in the induction and maintenance of sleep. We examined whether nocturnal vagal modulation of heart rate is related to the poor sleep quality commonly reported in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Heart rate (HR, as R-R intervals) was continuously monitored during sleep in 20 patients with CFS and 20 matched control subjects. Questionnaires assessed demographic information, symptoms, functional impairment, and subjective sleep quality. CFS was associated with more sleep problems in general and poorer subjective sleep quality on the study night (all p < 0.003), and reports of repeated awakening during the night were 7 times more likely compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.017). Time and frequency-domain parameters of HR variability during sleep were significantly lower in patients with CFS (all p < 0.006). Multiple regression analyses revealed that heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were the best predictors of subjective sleep measures. This study identified significant reductions in vagal modulation of heart rate during sleep in CFS. Low HRV strongly predicted sleep quality-suggesting a pervasive state of nocturnal sympathetic hypervigilance in CFS.

A bioactive compound from Polygala tenuifolia regulates efficiency of chronic stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

3,6'-Disinapoyl sucrose (DISS) is the active oligosaccharide ester component from roots of Polygala tenuifolia, and its antidepressant effects was found in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). We aimed to study the antidepressant effects of DISS in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS) model in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We found that when subjected to the chronic stress protocol for 28 days, animals showed reduced sensitivity to reward and abnormality in the HPA axis. DISS (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.g.) improved the reward reaction as measured by increasing sucrose consumption, remarkably reduced serum CORT, ACTH and CRH levels in the CMS-treated rats. In addition, DISS enhanced the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA. These results indicated that the antidepressant effects of DISS in chronically stressed animals might relate to the modulating effects on the HPA axis, which might be an important mechanism for its antidepressant effect.

Malignant hemangiopericytoma in the gluteal region: a rare entity

We present here a case of malignant hemangiopericytoma in a 40-year-old female who presented with a history of slowly growing mass in left gluteal region for about 1.5 years. She was evaluated and a mass of 10 x 7.5 x 5.5 cm 3 was found on computed tomography. The tumor was resected and was sent for histopathological evaluation. Grossly the tumor was encapsulated and on cut section it was nodular. Microscopy showed spindle cells forming cords and sheets separated by thin delicate stroma consisting largely of thin-walled vessels revealed by reticulin stain. Pleomorphism and mitotic figures were seen. It was diagnosed as a case of malignant hemangiopericytoma of gluteal region. The patient underwent radiotherapy and did apparently well. She is on regular follow-up because long-term follow-up is essential in all cases as recurrence can occur several years after treatment.

Leiomyoma of scrotum

Leiomyoma is a benign tumor of smooth muscles. Leiomyoma originating from the scrotum is a rare entity. We report here a case of 50-year-old male who presented with a 4-cm lump in the left side of scrotum. Clinically, it was provisionally diagnosed as sebaceous cyst and was excised. The histopathology showed findings consistent with leiomyoma. There was no cytological atypia or mitosis. The final diagnosis of solitary leiomyoma of scrotum was given. The patient was followed up regularly and is doing fine for last 4 months.

Antinociceptive activity of n-butanol fraction from MeOH extracts of Paederia scandens in mice

The n-butanol fraction of the MeOH extract from Paederia scandens was evaluated for antinociceptive activity in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception. The n-butanol fraction, given orally at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg produced significant inhibition of chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin or capsaicin injections, and of thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and in the hot plate test. More significant inhibition of nociception was observed at a dose of 600 mg/kg. In the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time test and the open-field test, the n-butanol fraction neither significantly enhanced pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time nor impaired motor performance, indicating that the observed anti-nociception was unlikely to be due to sedation or motor abnormality. Moreover, the n-butanol fraction-induced anti-nociception in both the capsaicin and formalin tests was insensitive to naloxone or glibenclamide but was significantly antagonized by nimodipine. These results suggest that the n-butanol fraction produced anti-nociception possibly related to nimodipine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels, which merits further studies regarding the precise site and mechanism of action. Furthermore, four iridoid glycosides isolated from the n-butanol fraction might be related to its antinociceptive action fraction. Therefore, the effect on analgesic activity of each chemical compound in large quantity might well be considered in a further study.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and constituents of Xanthium strumarium L

The aim of this study was to fractionate an extract of Xanthium strumarium L. (EXS) and to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the extract and its fractions. The ethanol extract of X. strumarium (EXS) was fractionated on the basis of polarity. Among the different fractions, the n-butanol fraction showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity in the croton-oil-induced ear edema test and furthermore reduced the number of writhings induced by acetic acid in mice in a dose-dependent manner. This indicates that the n-butanol fraction of X. strumarium possesses potent analgesic effects which are likely to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation of EXS led to the isolation and identification of ten caffeoylquinic acids and three heterocyclics by HPLC-DAD-MS(n) from the active n-butanol fraction, implying that the active compounds are polar in nature. The isolated caffeoylquinic acids could partially explain the antinociceptive effect of X. strumarium polar extract.

Estrogen-like activities in Vitex species from China determined by a cell based proliferation assay

Ethanolic extracts of four Chinese medicinally used Vitex species were selected and tested for their estrogen-like activities, using an ERalpha-positive MCF-7 cell based proliferation assay (E-screen assay) and cell cycle analysis (flow cytometry). Vitex negundo displayed the highest estrogenic-like activity, and could be useful in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities of Fructus Viticis and its effective fractions and chemical constituents

Vitex rotundifolia L. is widely distributed along the sea coast of China. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities of substances isolated from Fructus Viticis (the fruit of Vitex rotundifolia), which may be effective in the treatment of pre-menstrual symptoms, using acetic-acid-induced writhing and metoclopramide-dihydrochloride-induced hyperprolactinemia in mice. The fractions effective in terms of anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities were obtained from Fructus Viticis by elution through macro-porous resin, and polyamide and silica gel column chromatography. The standardization of the fractions obtained from the separation procedures was carried out by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fingerprint. In this study, the flavone-enriched fraction (Fraction 6) showed a higher inhibitory rate than indomethacin (69.4% vs. 56.4%) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt., and significantly reduced the prolactin level as compared to HPRL-treated mice (8.2 ng/ml vs. 25.5 ng/ml). Furthermore, this fraction showed anti-nociceptive activity in a dose-dependent manner (10-50 mg/kg body wt., i.g.). On further purification with silica gel, Casticin was isolated from this fraction and it decreased abnormal serum levels of prolactin by approximately 50% (p < 0.01). Using bioassay-screening methods, our results indicate that the presence of flavonoids such as Casticin in this plant may be responsible for the activity effects. Casticin has potent analgesic and anti-hyperprolactinaemia properties, is likely to be one of the active components of Fructus Viticis, and may have a role in treating PMS (premenstrual syndrom).

Radiological impact of dietary intakes of naturally occurring radionuclides on Pakistani adults

Daily dietary intakes of three naturally occurring long-lived radionuclides (232)Th, (238)U and (40)K were estimated for the adult population of Pakistan using neutron activation analysis (NAA), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), respectively. The daily intakes of (232)Th ranged from 4 to 29 mBq, (238)U ranged from 17 to 82 mBq and (40)K ranged from 51 to 128 Bq. The geometric means of these intakes were 10 mBqd(-1) for (232)Th, 33 mBqd(-1) for (238)U and 78.5 Bqd(-1) for (40)K. The measured values give annual committed effective doses of 0.80, 0.53 and 178.75 microSvyr(-1) for (232)Th, (238)U and (40)K, respectively to Pakistani population. The net radiological impact of these radionuclides is 180.08 microSvyr(-1). This value gives cancer risk factor of 4.5 x 10(-4) and loss of life expectancy of 0.87 days only. Whereas ICRP cancer risk factor for general public is 2.5 x 10(-3) and total risk involve from the all natural radiation sources based on global average annual radiation dose of 2.4 mSvyr(-1) is 6.0 x 10(-3). The estimated cancer risk shows that probability of increase of cancer risk from daily Pakistani diet is only a minor fraction of ICRP values. Therefore, the diet does not pose any significant health hazard and is considered radiologically safe for human consumption.

Antinociceptive activity and chemical composition of constituents from Caragana microphylla seeds

This investigation was undertaken to ascertain the antinociceptive activity of Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds and isolate and characterize the constituents. Antinociceptive activity was screened using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in ICR mice. The 75% ethanol extract and some fractions showed analgesic activity, but the antinociceptive activity of chloroform fraction was the strongest and was more productive than other fractions. Seven compounds were isolated from it and identified as: (1) machaeric acid, (2) beta-sitosterol, (3) stigmasterol, (4) pratol, (5) dehydrocavidine, (6) formononetin and (7) sucrose. Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds showed analgesic activity, with the chloroform fraction showing the strongest analgesic activity among the fractions.

Failed tracheal intubation in obstetrics: no more frequent but still managed badly

In the South-West Thames region of the United Kingdom, during a 5-year period from 1999 to 2003, there were 20 failed tracheal intubations occurring in 4768 obstetric general anaesthetics (incidence 1 : 238). In half of the 16 cases for which the patient's notes could be examined there was a failure to follow an accepted protocol for failed tracheal intubation.

Sustainable urban development in Brisbane City--the Holy Grail?

Impacts from urban stormwater runoff on receiving environments have been well documented, particularly through specific regional scientific studies. Using various local government planning and management elements, urban developments in Brisbane City are now able to address stormwater management in an increasingly holistic context. One key initiative includes facilitating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) components within an Integrated Water Management Strategy that looks at policy formation, planning strategies, design option, community marketing and acceptance, maintenance programs and finally evaluation of various WSUD approaches. These can include the use of Natural Channel Designs, grassed swales, bio-filtration systems, porous pavements and roofwater tanks in several economic combinations. By linking with the Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, Brisbane City Council has influenced the design of WSUD planning tools and benefited the city with academic inputs into extensive evaluation programs. As well, it has also contributed to the Cooperative Research Centre's research outcomes. These evaluation programs are increasingly providing better understanding of various stormwater quality best management practices throughout Australia. As part of the overall implementation process, active involvement by a range of stakeholders has been crucial. These stakeholders have included internal planning, development assessment and design staff, external consultants, developers, and other local and state government agencies. The latter two groups are assisting in the important task of "regionalisation" of Brisbane City Council's policies and guidelines. Implementation of WSUD initiatives and stormwater re-use strategies under Council's new "Integrated Water Management" agenda are showing some excellent results, suggesting that sustainable urban development is no longer like the search for the Holy Grail.

Historical perspective on garlic and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a complex and multifactorial disease characterized by such factors as high cholesterol, hypertension, reduced fibrinolysis, increase in blood-clotting time and increased platelet aggregation. Dietary therapy is the first step in the treatment of hyperlipidemia; garlic has been used medicinally for centuries and is still included in the traditional medicine of many cultures. Historically, there has been great interest in the role of garlic in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Evidence from numerous studies points to the fact that garlic can bring about the normalization of plasma lipids, enhancement of fibrinolytic activity, inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduction of blood pressure and glucose. However, some contradictory results have also emerged as a result of methodological shortcomings, the use of different formulations/preparations of garlic and different time scales of the studies. Accordingly, further clinical studies are required in which standardized formulations of garlic with known compositions can be used. Such formulations (e.g., Aged Garlic Extract) are now available and are being investigated. Evidence obtained from these studies indicates that garlic has potential in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disorders and is beneficial when taken as a dietary supplement.

Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation in humans

Garlic has been widely reported to protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol concentrations and blood pressure and by inhibiting platelet aggregation. However, most of these studies have been performed in hypercholesterolemic subjects or in animal models. We performed a 13-wk study in normolipidemic subjects who ingested 5 mL of aged garlic extract (AGE, Kyolic) per day. Blood was drawn from these subjects at the beginning and end of the study. Aggregation of platelet-rich plasma was induced by ADP; full lipid profiles and liver function tests were determined on serum, and plasma concentrations of eicosanoids were also measured. Dietary supplementation with AGE significantly inhibited both the total percentage and initial rate of platelet aggregation at concentrations of ADP up to 10 micromol/L. The K:(M) for ADP-induced aggregation were approximately doubled after supplementation with AGE, whereas the maximum rate of aggregation was unaffected. No significant changes in plasma thromboxane B(2) and 6-ketoprostaglandin F(1alpha) concentrations or serum lipid profiles were observed. We conclude that AGE, when taken as a dietary supplement by normolipidemic subjects, may be beneficial in protecting against cardiovascular disease as a result of inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Treatment with aged garlic extract protects against bromobenzene toxicity to precision cut rat liver slices

Precision-cut liver slices from phenobarbital-induced rats were incubated for 6 h with the model hepatotoxin bromobenzene (BB) at a final concentration of 1 mM. Severe toxicity was indicated by a decreased K+, adenosine triphosphate and glutathione (GSH) content of the slices, increased release of alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase into the medium, and increased formation of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances. Pretreatment of animals for 7 days with aged garlic extract (AGE) (Kyolic) at doses of 2 and 10 ml/kg/day dramatically reduced the toxicity of BB in a dose-dependent manner. The GSH content of liver slices from rats treated with AGE at 2 or 10 ml/kg/day increased by 50 and 80%, respectively. The BB-induced decrease in GSH content was less in slices derived from AGE-treated rats compared with slices from control rats. Pretreatment with AGE did not affect cytochrome P450 when assayed as 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activities in hepatic microsomes. Thus, the mechanism by which pretreatment with AGE protects against BB hepatotoxicity involves both an elevation of hepatic GSH content, and a GSH sparing effect, possibly due to conjugation of organosulphur compounds in AGE with toxic BB metabolites. Only this GSH sparing effect was seen in our earlier study on the in vitro hepatoprotective effect of AGE [Wang et al., 1998. Toxicology 126, 213-222].

Circadian rhythm of periodic limb movements and sensory symptoms of restless legs syndrome

The symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) worsen while patients are sitting or lying and also worsen at night. The current study was designed to determine if the periodic limb movements (PLMs) and sensory symptoms of RLS are modulated by an independent circadian factor. We recorded sleeping and waking PLMs and waking sensory symptoms in eight volunteers with RLS for 3 successive nights and days, starting with a polysomnographic recording of 2 nights, followed by a third night of sleep deprivation and the day after sleep deprivation. This study showed that both the PLMs and sensory symptoms were worst at night with a maximum for both between midnight and 1:00 AM and a minimum between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Sleep and drowsiness had a tendency to worsen PLMs and sensory symptoms after the night of sleep deprivation. Circadian temperature curves were normal in all four patients with adequate data collection. The highest PLM counts occurred on the falling phase of the circadian temperature curve whereas the lowest PLM counts occurred on the rising phase of the curve. We conclude that the PLM and sensory symptoms in RLS are influenced by a circadian rhythm, and that the "worsening at night" criterion of the RLS Definition Criteria is, at least in part, distinct from the "worsening while lying or sitting" criterion.

Protective effects of aged garlic extract against bromobenzene toxicity to precision cut rat liver slices

Precision-cut liver slices from phenobarbital-treated rats were incubated for up to 8 h with the industrial solvent and hepatotoxin bromobenzene at a final concentration of 1 mM. Phenobarbital pretreatment potentiates bromobenzene hepatotoxicity by inducing those P450 isoforms responsible for the formation of the active hepatotoxin, namely bromobenzene-3,4-oxide. A reduction in cell viability was indicated by a decrease in the K+, ATP and glutathione content of the slices and the increased release of the intracellular enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase, into the medium. Furthermore, levels of lipid peroxidation as judged by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were increased approximately 5-fold. Aged garlic extract (AGE) at concentrations of 1-5% (v/v) reduced the toxicity of bromobenzene in a concentration-dependent manner as judged by all of the parameters of viability studied, with the exception of lipid peroxidation which was reduced to control levels even at the lowest concentration of garlic extract used. AGE was found to cause partial inhibition of cytochrome P450 when assayed as both 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activities, but even the highest concentration used inhibited both activities by less than 50%. It is suggested that the hepatoprotective effects of AGE are due primarily to the reduced glutathione-sparing properties of its constituents, most probably its organosulphur compounds.