Mechanisms of suppression of neoplastic transformation in vitro by low doses of low LET radiation

Suppression of neoplastic transformation of HeLa x skin fibroblast human hybrid cells in vitro following low doses of low linear energy transfer radiation has been reported previously. The present study represents an exploration of two hypothesized mechanisms that may underlie this observed suppression. These are the up-regulation of reduced glutathione (GSH), a known antioxidant, and induction of DNA repair activity. The hybrid cells were found to have a high endogenous level of GSH and no induction following low doses of 60 kVp X-rays was observed. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH biosynthesis inhibitor, completely suppressed GSH levels in both unirradiated and irradiated cells. Furthermore, there was no significant impact of BSO-induced suppression of GSH on the neoplastic transformation frequency of either unirradiated or low dose irradiated cells indicating that glutathione levels play no role in the low dose suppression of transformation frequency. To assess the possible role of DNA repair in the low dose suppression of transformation the effect of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), a poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor was examined. In these experiments, there was no significant effect of 3-AB on the transformation frequency at a dose of Cs-137 gamma rays of 0.5 cGy, however, at a dose of 5 cGy there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the transformation frequency in the presence of 3-AB. These findings suggest that the influence of DNA repair on the low dose suppression of transformation is significant at a dose of 5 cGy, but not at the lower dose of 0.5 cGy.

Continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy in advanced head and neck malignancies

58 patients of advanced head and neck cancer were treated by continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (study group) or conventional radiotherapy (control group). The study group of 29 patients had 26/29 (89%) of patients of stage T3 and T4 with 12/29 (41% 0) > N2 disease. The schedule employed was 1.5 Gy 3 times a day in 36 fractions on 12 treatment days without stopping for weekends. The spinal dose has been kept at 40.5 Gy and interfraction interval has been strictly kept at 6 hrs. Clinical, as well as radiological assessment has been encouraging with 23/29 (79.13%) of patients achieving complete regression of the primary tumor and nodal disease. Compared to the conventionally treated controls this value has been significant (P value < 0.001). In stage III disease tumor control has been in 9/10 (90%) cases, while in stage IV disease in 14/19 (73.68%) cases. The acute mucosal reactions have been found to be severe in these cases with 18/29 i.e. 62.06% suffering from grade III reactions. Nasogastric feeding was required in 25.92% of patients.

Effect of Prunus amygdalus seeds on lipid profile

The effect of Prunus amygdalus, which is rich in unsaturated fat, fibre diet and low cholesterol was studied in 36 normolipidemic male albino rabbits for 60 days. Three different doses i.e. whole seeds defatted and oil showed a decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and an increase in phospholipid, faecal sterol and HDL cholesterol. The maximum effects where shown by whole seeds followed by oil and defatted.

Fine needle aspiration of poorly differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma presenting with quadriparesis. A case report

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of metastatic poorly differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in lymph node specimens by fine needle aspiration presents a difficult problem since it is virtually indistinguishable from other small round cell neoplasms.

CASE

Fine needle aspiration was performed under radiologic guidance on an extradural, space-occupying lesion of unknown etiology in the region of the C-6 and C-7 vertebrae in a 20-year-old male who was hospitalized with quadriparesis. Cytologic examination suggested a metastatic tumor consistent with the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. A subsequent search for the primary tumor site revealed a soft tissue swelling in the right calf muscle. Light microscopic, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical examination of multiple Tru-cut biopsy specimens from the swelling in the right calf muscle confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

Immunostaining is useful for muscle proteins in the detection of poorly differentiated forms of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Electron microscopy is of limited use in such cases.

Changes in the blood lipid profile after administration of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) leaves in the normal albino rabbits

Administration of fresh leaves of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) mixed as 1 g and 2 g in 100 gms of diet given for four weeks, brought about significant changes in the lipid profile of normal albino rabbits. This resulted in significant lowering in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and LDL-cholesterol levels and significant increase in the HDL-cholesterol and total faecal sterol contents.

Effect of alcohol on serum lipids & lipoproteins in male drinkers

The evaluation of the effect of moderate and high doses of ethanol on the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), cholesterol content of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), HDL2, HDL3 subfractions and apoproteins: apo-AI and apo-B was undertaken in 45 (25 controls, 10 moderate and 10 high dose drinkers) healthy males. The results of this preliminary study showed a significant rise in total HDL-cholesterol and apo-AI levels of alcoholics of both the groups. Out of the two subfractions, HDL2 appeared to be induced more. Increased levels of atherogenic lipids (TG, VLDL-chol., LDL-chol. and apo-B) were found in high as well as moderate drinkers. Our results suggest that the benefit of alcohol intake need to be weighed carefully against its considerable risks.

Computed tomography of brain in symptomatic birth asphyxia

Twenty five asphyxiated newborns (seventeen term and eight preterm) with mean gestational age of 37 weeks (range 28-48 weeks) and mean birth weight of 2.4 kg (range 0.75 kg to 3.5 kg), respectively, constituted the cases in present study. Normal CT scan was found in five term (29.4%) and two preterm babies (25%). CT abnormalities noted in term babies included hemorrhage (subarachnoid 5.8%, intracerebral 11.6%), hypodensity (mild 23.2%, moderate 11.6% severe 5.8%); hypodensity with hemorrhage 5.8% and cerebral atrophy 5.8%. In the preterm babies abnormalities included intraventricular hemorrhage in 25%, isolated hypodensity in 37.5% and hypodensity with hemorrhage in 12.5% cases. Where as mild hypodensity on CT scan in the absence of hemorrhage or other gross abnormality was indicative of a favourable outcome, moderate to severe hypodensity was indicative of ischemic brain injury and an unfavourable outcome. The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage irrespective of the size of bleed was associated with mortality in all in the present study.

Japanese B encephalitis with neurocysticercosis

A case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) with multiple calcified lesions suggestive of calcified neurocysticercosis on CT scan of the head is reported. The presence of nonenhancing calcified lesions and rising antibody titres for JE differentiated it from acute encephalitis neurocysticercosis. Post mortem studies indicate that neurocysticercosis predisposes to fatal JE infection. The present report is of an association of the two diseases which did not result in a fatal outcome.

Angiofibromas of the postnasal space: a critical appraisal of various therapeutic modalities

Angiofibromas of the postnasal space are an enigma to the treating surgeon in view of their extensions around the skull base. The availability of modern investigative procedures has to some extent facilitated the decision making process in choosing a suitable surgical approach. Proper tumour staging and the earliest and widest possible exposure tailored to the needs of the specific situation together with adequate blood replacement is the key to success in minimizing the chances of the recurrence. The present study aims at an evaluation of the methodology adopted in 100 serial cases of angiofibromas of the postnasal space. After initial surgery, a further 31 procedures were needed for the management of recurrences.

Ring or disc-like enhancing lesions in partial epilepsy in India

One-hundred unselected children presenting with partial motor seizures were subjected to clinical work-up and cranial computed tomography (CT scan). Seventy-three children had an abnormal scan. On these, 56 patients had either a ring (35 patients) or a disc-like (21 patients) enhancing lesion which coincided with the probable site of origin of the seizures in all cases. The lesions were surrounded by perifocal oedema which was occasionally severe enough to produce a mass effect. The significance of these disc or ring lesions is discussed in the light of recent literature. All patients with such lesions were put on three-drug anti-tubercular therapy along with anticonvulsants. A repeat scan could be obtained in 20 patients, 10 weeks to 11/2 years after the initial scan. This showed a decrease in size or disappearance of the lesion in the majority (13 patients). Four patients showed a spot of calcification in the area of the original lesion and another two showed a typical 'target sign', i.e. calcification within a ring. It is concluded that these ring or disc lesions represent tuberculomas which are, thus, the commonest cause of partial motor seizures in children in this area.

A rational classification of angiofibromas of the post nasal space

Angiofibromas of the post nasal space have the potential to extend in all directions along predetermined pathways with a definite mode and chronological pattern. In order to understand their clinical behaviour, methods of treatment and prognosis, a system of clinical staging based on conventional and tomographic observations has been found useful in this series of cases. The classification has been evolved according to the extent of the tumour involvement but also the age of onset, duration, size and area of encroachment including the surgical approach and consequent prognosis. Deficiencies in the earlier classifications are discussed.

Gastric lesser curve superficial seromyotomy: an experimental study in dogs

Lesser curve superficial myotomy has been investigated in the dog. The anatomical basis for the operation is discussed. The operation has the advantage of being easily performed and the risk of damage to the nerve of Latarjet or ischemic necrosis of the lesser curvature is obviated. Acid studies in the dogs confirmed that the operation was capable of producing secretory inhibition in keeping with vagotomy of the parietal cell area. The experiment needs further investigation in animals and in man, for assessment of the potential of the operation to replace other forms of vagotomy in patients with duodenal ulcer.