Estimation of factors from natural and anthropogenic radioactivity present in the surface soil and comparison with DCF values

A study was conducted to evaluate the absorbed rate coefficient of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs present in soil. A total of 31 soil samples and the corresponding terrestrial dose rates at 1 m from different locations were taken around the Anushaktinagar region, where the litho-logy is dominated by red soil. A linear regression model was developed for the estimation of these factors. The estimated coefficients (nGy h(-1) Bq(-1) kg(-1)) were 0.454, 0.586, 0.035 and 0.392, respectively. The factors calculated were in good agreement with the literature values.

The EIF4EBP3 translational repressor is a marker of CDC73 tumor suppressor haploinsufficiency in a parathyroid cancer syndrome

Germline mutation of the tumor suppressor gene CDC73 confers susceptibility to the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome associated with a high risk of parathyroid malignancy. Inactivating CDC73 mutations have also been implicated in sporadic parathyroid cancer, but are rare in sporadic benign parathyroid tumors. The molecular pathways that distinguish malignant from benign parathyroid transformation remain elusive. We previously showed that a hypomorphic allele of hyrax (hyx), the Drosophila homolog of CDC73, rescues the loss-of-ventral-eye phenotype of lobe, encoding the fly homolog of Akt1s1/ PRAS40. We report now an interaction between hyx and Tor, a central regulator of cell growth and autophagy, and show that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (EIF4EBP), a translational repressor and effector of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is a conserved target of hyx/CDC73. Flies heterozygous for Tor and hyx, but not Mnn1, the homolog of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) tumor suppressor associated with benign parathyroid tumors, are starvation resistant with reduced basal levels of Thor/4E-BP. Human peripheral blood cell levels of EIF4EBP3 were reduced in patients with CDC73, but not MEN1, heterozygosity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated occupancy of EIF4EBP3 by endogenous parafibromin. These results show that EIF4EBP3 is a peripheral marker of CDC73 function distinct from MEN1-regulated pathways, and suggest a model whereby starvation resistance and/or translational de-repression contributes to parathyroid malignant transformation.

Transplacentally acquired organophosphorus poisoning in a newborn: case report

A term neonate was born to a mother who had consumed an organophosphorus compound with suicidal intent 50 hours before delivery. At birth, the infant showed signs and symptoms of organophosphorus poisoning and was treated with atropine and pralidoxime to which she responded well. Unfortunately, the mother died despite appropriate treatment. This is only the second report documenting transplacental organophosphate poisoning.

Screening for distress can predict loss of follow-up and treatment in cancer patients: results of development and validation of the Distress Inventory for Cancer Version 2

INTRODUCTION

The evidence suggests that in most instances distress from cancer goes unrecognised. There has been substantial work in screening for distress leading to development in practice guidelines recommending screening for distress. There is a need to identify distress early in the continuum, where suitable and timely interventions will benefit the patient. The Distress Inventory for Cancer (DIC) was designed for this.

METHODS

The present study reports the improved psychometric properties of the second version of the DIC (DIC 2). A standardisation sample of 520 patients was administered the 73-item draft questionnaire as well as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). Additional 240 patients were administered Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) besides the final DIC 2 and FACT-G. Internal consistency was measured with the Cronbach's alpha. Chi-square, odds ratio, and binary logistic regression were used to compare the results of three tools and to establish validity.

RESULTS

A principal factor analysis of the 73-item draft questionnaire with varimax rotation in a six-factor structure resulted in 33 items. Activity of daily living emerged as a single item domain. The FACT-G scores negatively correlated with DIC 2 scores, while emotional distress of DIC 2 overlapped with anxiety in HADS. DIC 2 significantly predicted patient non-compliance to treatment and follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The results show a suitable internal consistency, construct, and convergent/divergent validity of the global distress measure (DIC 2). The DIC 2 also demonstrates a predictive function for future negative clinical behaviour, the knowledge of which may facilitate better intervention triage.

Non-smokers are more prone to pulmonary oedema than smokers during acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are prone to develop pulmonary oedema with varied degree of hypoxaemia. The aim was to compare the risk for pulmonary oedema and related complications during ACS amongst non-smokers vs. smokers.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study was performed in consecutive 68 patients presenting with ACS. They were divided into two groups; group 1 (n = 33) non-smokers and group 2 (n = 35) chronic smokers. Standard conservative treatment was given to maintain mean arterial pressure >or= 60 mmHg, oxygen saturation > 95%. The bedside chest x-ray was graded for Battler grading (0-4) for pulmonary oedema. All patients were evaluated for troponin, serial creatinine kinase, echocardiography, arterial blood gas, renal function and correlated with inotropes requirement, active respiratory support, coronary care unit (CCU) stay and hospital outcome.

RESULTS

Patients in both the groups had similar cardiac involvement for cardiothoracic ratio, troponin, ejection fraction and creatinine kinase muscle and brain (CK-MB). The bedside chest x-ray revealed significant (p < 0.05) lung oedema grades (3 and 4) in 60% non-smokers (group 1) vs. smokers (11%). These patients (group 1) also presented with significant (p < 0.001) hypoxaemia (lower PaO(2)/FiO(2)-201 +/- 44), metabolic acidosis (higher lactate; 2.1 +/- 0.72 mmol/l, base deficit; -5.1 +/- 4.8) and hypocarbia (28 +/- 2.9 mmHg) than smokers (group 2). The risk estimates for active respiratory support (OR =1.716) and inotrope use (OR = 1.836) was three times higher in non-smokers than smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher degree of pulmonary oedema and hypoxemia probably contributed to poor short-term outcome in non-smokers than smokers. It would be important to recognise and treat hypoxaemia in non-smokers during ACS.

Raman spectroscopic investigations of nanoparticles of Sn(x)Ti(1-x)O2 solid solution

SnO2 nanoparticles dispersed in TiO2 matrix are prepared at a relatively low temperature of approximately 185 degrees C. Nanoparticles of Sn(x)Ti(1-x)O2 solid solution without significant aggregation have been prepared by annealing them at approximately 500 and 900 degrees C. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies have clearly established the nano-size nature of the samples. Raman spectroscopic investigations of these samples show mixed vibrational modes, some of them being similar to TiO2 (A(1g), E(g)), while some of them are similar to SnO2 (B(2g)). The E(g) mode shows significant red shift and B(2g) mode shows significant blue shift. Unlike this A(1g) mode remains unaffected. These results are explained based on the combined effects of random alloy formation and the nano-size nature of samples.

A hernia in the inguinal region is not always an inguinal hernia

A male patient of 60 years presented with a swelling in the left groin of 10 months duration. Past records showed bilateral lumbar sympathectomy and omentopexy done 20 and 6 years back, respectively, for Buerger's disease. Abdominal examination revealed a huge hernial swelling in the left groin extending from the symphysis pubis to anterior superior iliac spine measuring 25 x 18 cm. On exploration, the contents were intestines and omentum, which were coming out through a defect of 5 x 3 cm in the lower fibers of the conjoint muscle 4 cm cephalad to the deep ring, a finding which made the final diagnosis as an incisional hernia. We present this interesting case as a very rare complication of omentopexy, probably not reported previously, and an unusual case of an incisional hernia presenting as an inguinal hernia which is very difficult to diagnose unless encountered before. Its rarity and clinical challenge is highlighted.

Taurine fails to protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced striatal dopamine depletion in mice

Taurine, a known antioxidant and neuroprotector has been investigated for its free radical scavenging action in vitro in isolated mitochondria, and tested whether it protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice. Taurine (0.1-10 mM) did not affect 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium-induced hydroxyl radical production in isolated mitochondria. Systemic administration of taurine (250 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a small, but significant loss of dopamine levels in the striatum of mice. Taurine failed to reverse MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletion, but caused significant increase in dopamine turnover in these animals. In the light of the present study it may be suggested that consumption of taurine may neither help in scavenging of neurotoxic hydroxyl radicals in the brain mitochondria, nor would it help in blocking the process of neurodegeneration.

Seed mucilage from Ipomoea dasysperma

A non-ionic water-soluble galactomannan, having galactose and mannose in 1:6 molar ratio, was isolated from endosperm of the seeds of Ipomoea dasysperma. The seed mucilage was found to have a structure having a linear chain of beta (1-->4) linked mannopyranosyl units with D-galactose side chains attached through alpha (1-->6) linkage to the main chain. I. dasysperma seed gum possesses non-ionic characteristics of commercial seed gums and has potential to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Arsenic contamination in the Kanker district of central-east India: geology and health effects

This paper identifies newer areas of arsenic contamination in the District Kanker, which adjoins the District Rajnandgaon where high contamination has been reported earlier. A correlation with the mobile phase episodes of arsenic contamination has been identified, which further hinges on the complex geology of the area. Arsenic concentrations in both surface and groundwater, aquatic organisms (snail and water weeds) soil and vegetation of Kanker district and its adjoining area have been reported here. The region has been found to contain an elevated level of arsenic. All segments of the ecoysystem are contaminated with arsenic at varying degrees. The levels of arsenic vary constantly depending on the season and location. An analysis of groundwater from 89 locations in the Kanker district has shown high values of arsenic, iron and manganese (mean: 144, 914 and 371 microg L(-1), respectively). The surface water of the region shows elevated levels of arsenic, which is influenced by the geological mineralised zonation. The most prevalent species in the groundwater is As(III), whereas the surface water of the rivers shows a significant contamination with the As(V) species. The analysis shows a bio-concentration of the toxic metals arsenic, nickel, copper and chromium. Higher arsenic concentrations (groundwater concentrations greater than 50 microg L(-1)) are associated with sedimentary deposits derived from volcanic rocks, hence mineral leaching appears to be the source of arsenic contamination. Higher levels of arsenic and manganese in the Kanker district have been found to cause impacts on the flora and fauna. A case study of episodic arsenical diarrhoea is presented.