FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 5-chlorocytosine: Solid state simulation and tautomerism. Effect of the chlorine substitution in the Watson-Crick base pair 5-chlorodeoxycytidine-deoxyguanosine

The laser Raman and IR spectra of 5-chlorocytosine have been recorded and accurately assigned in the solid state using Density functional calculations (DFT) together with the linear scaling equation procedure (LSE) and the solid state simulation of the crystal unit cell through a tetramer form. These results remarkably improve those reported previously by other authors. Several new scaling equations were proposed to be used in related molecules. The six main tautomers of the biomolecule 5-chlorocytosine were determined and optimized at the MP2 and CCSD levels, using different basis sets. The relative stabilities were compared with those obtained in cytosine and their 5-halo derivatives. Several relationships between energies, geometric parameters and NBO atomic charges were established. The effect of the chlorine substitution in the fifth position was evaluated through the stability of the Watson-Crick (WC) base pair of 5-chlorodeoxycytidine with deoxyguanosine, and through their vibrational spectra.

Imaging of the small intestine in Crohn's disease: Joint position statement of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and Indian Radiological and Imaging Association

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease. These 29 position statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.

Identification of morphological and biochemical changes in keratin-8/18 knock-down cells using Raman spectroscopy

Accurate understanding of cellular processes and responses to stimuli is of paramount importance in biomedical research and diagnosis. Raman spectroscopy (RS), a label-free and nondestructive spectroscopic method has the potential to serve as a novel 'theranostics' tool. Both fiber-optic and micro-Raman studies have demonstrated efficacy in diagnostics and therapeutic response monitoring. In the present study, we have evaluated the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopic maps in identifying changes induced by loss of K8/18 proteins in a tongue cancer cell line. Furthermore, we also evaluated the efficacy of less expensive and commercially available fiber probes to identify K8/18 wild and knock-down cell pellets, in view of the utility of cell pellet-based studies. The findings suggest that major differences in the cellular morphology and biochemical composition can be objectively identified and can be utilized for classification using both micro-Raman and fiber-probe-based RS. These findings highlight the potential of fiber-optic probe-based RS in noninvasive cellular phenotyping for diagnosis and therapeutic response monitoring, especially in low-resource settings.

Nutritional Status of Dalit Children: A Comparative Study with Non-Dalit Children in Eastern Terai of Nepal

IntroductionThe poor nutritional status of under five children has been considered a serious problem in Nepal for many years. Children need adequate nutrition for their proper physical, emotional as well as psychological development.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess and compare the nutritional status of under five children and explore its socio demographic determinants.MethodologyAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Terai, ecological belt of Nepal. Predesigned, pretested interview schedule was used to collect the information. Information was collected from 720 Dalit as well as Non-dalit mothers about their youngest children. The nutritional status was measured byusing anthropometric measurements.  ResultsIn bi-variate analysis the significant difference were observed among children's nutritional status between castes as well as a number of socio-demographic variables however in multivariate analysis only caste, number of Children Ever Born (CEB) and mother's education were found significant determinants of height for age, mother's education was found significant determinant for weight for height and caste, age of children and mother's education were found significant determinants of weight for age of children.ConclusionDalit children were found much more malnourished than Nondalit. The castes, age of child, CEB to mother and mothers' education were found as the determinants of nutritional status among under-five children.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, Page: 117-126

Study of cyanide removal from contaminated water using zinc peroxide nanomaterial

The present study highlights the potential application of zinc peroxide (ZnO₂) nanomaterial as an efficient material for the decontamination of cyanide from contaminated water. A process patent for ZnO₂ synthesis has been granted in United States of America (US Patent number 8,715,612; May 2014), South Africa, Bangladesh, and India. The ZnO₂ nanomaterial was capped with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to control the particle size. The PVP capped ZnO₂ nanomaterial (PVP-ZnO₂) before and after adsorption of cyanide was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry. The remaining concentration of cyanide after adsorption by PVP-ZnO₂ was determined using ion chromatograph. The adsorption of cyanide over PVP-ZnO₂ was also studied as a function of pH, adsorbent dose, time and concentration of cyanide. The maximum removal of cyanide was observed in pH range 5.8-7.8 within 15min. The adsorption data was fitted to Langmuir and Fruendlich isotherm and it has been observed that data follows both the isotherms and also follows second order kinetics.

Short-term outcome of substance-induced psychotic disorder in a large UK first episode psychosis cohort

OBJECTIVE

The incidence and outcome of first-episode substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) are unclear. The study aimed to compare the 1-year outcomes of those given a SIPD diagnosis by clinicians compared to other psychosis diagnoses in a first-episode cohort.

METHOD

Data were from a large (n = 1027) cohort of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients admitted to early intervention services in the UK (National EDEN). Diagnosis, including that of SIPD, was made by treating psychiatrists at baseline using ICD10 criteria. Details on symptoms, functioning, quality of life, relapse and recovery were available at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS

There were 67 cases of SIPD (6.5% of the cohort). At baseline, SIPD patients were no different to other psychoses on symptoms, functioning and quality of life. At 12 months, there was no difference in SIPD and other psychoses on functioning, quality of life or relapse and recovery rates. Levels of psychotic and general symptomatology were similar but depressive symptoms were higher in the SIPD group.

CONCLUSIONS

First-episode psychosis patients with a diagnosis of SIPD do not appear to have better outcomes than those with other primary psychotic diagnoses. The higher levels of depressive symptoms may be a specific marker in these patients.

Tufted Angioma of Eyelid in an Adult - A Case Report

Tufted Angiomas also known as angioblastomas /Angioblastoma of Nagakawa are rare vascular neoplasms localised to the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the upper trunk and neck being most common sites. They are mainly seen in children but a few cases in juveniles and adults have been reported. We hereby report this case, a 40-year-old male who presented with a right lower lid, painless, slowly progressive, firm swelling diagnosed as Tufted Angioma on histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Non-pharmacological interventions for reducing aggression and violence in serious mental illness: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

For people with mental illness that are violent, a range of interventions have been adopted with the aim of reducing violence outcomes. Many of these interventions have been borrowed from other (offender) populations and their evidence base in a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) population is uncertain.

AIMS

To aggregate the evidence base for non-pharmacological interventions in reducing violence amongst adults with SMI and PD (Personality Disorder), and to assess the efficacy of these interventions. We chose to focus on distinct interventions rather than on holistic service models where any element responsible for therapeutic change would be difficult to isolate.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and narrative synthesis of non-pharmacological interventions intended to reduce violence in a SMI population and in patients with a primary diagnosis of PD. Five online databases were searched alongside a manual search of seven relevant journals, and expert opinion was sourced. Eligibility of all returned articles was independently assessed by two authors, and quality of studies was appraised via the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias.

RESULTS

We included 23 studies of diverse psychological and practical interventions, with a range of experimental and quasi-experimental study designs that included 7 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). The majority were studies of Mentally Disordered Offenders. The stronger evidence existed for patients with a SMI diagnosis receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or modified Reasoning & Rehabilitation (R&R). For patients with a primary diagnosis of PD, a modified version of R&R appeared tolerable and Enhanced Thinking Skills showed some promise in improving attitudes over the short-term, but studies of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in this population were compromised by high risk of experimental bias. Little evidence could be found for non-pharmacological, non-psychological interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for non-pharmacological interventions for reducing violence in this population is not conclusive. Long-term outcomes are lacking and good quality RCTs are required to develop a stronger evidence base.

A synthetic modular approach for modeling the role of the 3D microenvironment in tumor progression

Here, we demonstrate the flexibility of peptide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels for modeling tumor progression. The PEG hydrogels were formed using thiol-ene chemistry to incorporate a matrix metalloproteinase-degradable peptide crosslinker (KKCGGPQG↓IWGQGCKK) permissive to proteolytic remodeling and the adhesive CRGDS peptide ligand. Tumor cell function was investigated by culturing WM239A melanoma cells on PEG hydrogel surfaces or encapsulating cells within the hydrogels, and either as monocultures or indirect (non-contact) cocultures with primary human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs). WM239A cluster size and proliferation rate depended on the shear elastic modulus for cells cultured on PEG hydrogels, while growth was inhibited by coculture with hDFs regardless of hydrogel stiffness. Cluster size was also suppressed by hDFs for WM239A cells encapsulated in PEG hydrogels, which is consistent with cells seeded on top of hydrogels. Notably, encapsulated WM239A clusters and single cells adopted invasive phenotypes in the hDF coculture model, which included single cell and collective migration modes that resembled invasion from human melanoma patient-derived xenograft tumors encapsulated in equivalent PEG hydrogels. Our combined results demonstrate that peptide-functionalized PEG hydrogels provide a useful platform for investigating aspects of tumor progression in 2D and 3D microenvironments, including single cell migration, cluster growth and invasion.

Recent advances in optical diagnosis of oral cancers: Review and future perspectives

Optical diagnosis techniques offer several advantages over traditional approaches, including objectivity, speed, and cost, and these label-free, noninvasive methods have the potential to change the future workflow of cancer management. The oral cavity is particularly accessible and, thus, such methods may serve as alternate/adjunct tools to traditional methods. Recently, in vivo human clinical studies have been initiated with a view to clinical translation of such technologies. A comprehensive review of optical methods in oral cancer diagnosis is presented. After an introduction to the epidemiology and etiological factors associated with oral cancers currently used, diagnostic methods and their limitations are presented. A thorough review of fluorescence, infrared absorption, and Raman spectroscopic methods in oral cancer diagnosis is presented. The applicability of minimally invasive methods based on serum/saliva is also discussed. The review concludes with a discussion on future demands and scope of developments from a clinical point of view. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2403-E2411, 2016.

Salivary metabolomics in the diagnosis of oral cancer and periodontal diseases

Metabolomics is a systemic study of metabolites, which are small molecules generated by the process of metabolism. The metabolic profile of saliva can provide an early outlook of the changes associated with a wide range of diseases, including oral cancer and periodontal diseases. It is possible to measure levels of disease-specific metabolites using different methods as presented in this study. However, many challenges exist including incomplete understanding of the complicated metabolic pathways of different oral diseases. The review concludes with the discussion on future perspectives of salivary metabolomics from a clinician point of view. Salivary metabolomics may afford a new research avenue to identify local and systemic disorders but also to aid in the design and modification of therapies. A MEDLINE search using keywords "salivary metabolomics" returned 23 results in total, of which seven were omitted for being reviews or letters to the editor. The rest of the articles were used for preparation of the review, 13 of these were published in the last 5 years.

Expression of microRNA-155 correlates positively with the expression of Toll-like receptor 7 and modulates hepatitis B virus via C/EBP-β in hepatocytes

Effective recognition of viral infection and successive activation of antiviral innate immune responses are vital for host antiviral defence, which largely depends on multiple regulators, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and microRNAs. Several early reports suggest that specific TLR-mediated immune responses can control hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and express differentially with disease outcome. Considering the versatile function of miR-155 in the TLR-mediated innate immune response, we aimed to study the association between miR-155 and TLRs and their subsequent impact on HBV replication using both a HBV-replicating stable cell line (HepG2.2.15) and HBV-infected liver biopsy and serum samples. Our results showed that miR-155 was suppressed during HBV infection and a subsequent positive correlation of miR-155 with TLR7 activation was noted. Further, ectopic expression of miR-155 in vitro reduced HBV load as evidenced from reduced viral DNA, mRNA and subsequently reduced level of secreted viral antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg). Our results further suggested that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β), a positive regulator of HBV transcription, was inhibited by miR-155. Taken together, our study established a correlation between miR-155 and TLR7 during HBV infection and also demonstrated in vitro that increased miR-155 level could help to reduce HBV viral load by targeting C/EBP-β.

Clinical and psychosocial outcomes of borderline personality disorder in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

While there is a growing body of research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) in children and adolescents, controversy remains regarding the validity and diagnosis of the disorder prior to adulthood.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych INFO and PubMed databases were systematically searched for articles pertaining to the clinical and psychosocial outcomes (i.e. predictive validity) of BPD first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence (i.e. prior to 19 years of age). All primary empirical studies were included in the review. A narrative synthesis of the data was completed.

RESULTS

A total of 8200 abstracts were screened. Out of 214 full-text articles, 18 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria. Quality assessment indicated that most studies had high risk of bias in at least one study domain. Consistent with the adult literature, the diagnostic stability of BPD prior to the age of 19 years was low to moderate, and mean-level and rank-order stability, moderate to high. Individuals with BPD symptoms in childhood or adolescence had significant social, educational, work and financial impairment in later life.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies indicate that borderline pathology prior to the age of 19 years is predictive of long-term deficits in functioning, and that a considerable proportion of individuals continue to manifest borderline symptoms up to 20 years later. These findings provide some support for the clinical utility of the BPD phenotype in younger populations, and suggest that an early intervention approach may be warranted. Further prospective studies are needed to delineate risk (and protective) factors pertinent to the chronicity of BPD across the lifespan.

Non-diabetic renal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Study of renal - retinal relationship

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD), is known to occur in diabetic patients. The renal and retinal relationship in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nephropathy is not uniform. This study was carried to study the histological spectrum of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria and its relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Total 31 (males - 26; females - 5) proteinuric type 2 diabetic patients were studied. Average age of patients was 50.7 years. Nephrotic syndrome was noted in 21 (67.7%) patients. Overall, isolated DN, NDRD and NDRD superimposed on DN (mixed lesion) were observed in 12 (38.7%), 13 (41.9%) and 6 (19.4%) cases, respectively. DR was absent in 21/31 (67.7%) cases. The spectrum of nephropathy in patients without DR included: DN in 6 (28.57%), NDRD in 12 (57.14%) and mixed lesion in 3 (14.29%). Kidney histology in patients with DR (n-10) revealed DN in 6 (60%), NDRD in 1 (10%) and mixed lesion in 3 (30%) patients. Thus, absence of DR favors NDRD but does not exclude DN because isolated DN was noted in 28.57% cases in absence of DR. Similarly biopsy proven NDRD (pure NDRD; 10% and mixed lesion; 30%) was noted in 40% of cases in presence of DR. In summary, patients with T2DM had higher incidence of NDRD. DR is less frequent (32.3%) in type 2 diabetes and is a poor predictor of type of nephropathy. Hence, renal biopsy is essential for precise diagnosis of nephropathy in patients with T2DM.

Gamma radiation shielding and health physics characteristics of diaspore-flyash concretes

Different gamma radiation interaction parameters has been measured experimentally for the prepared diaspore-flyash concretes at 59.54, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV using narrow-beam transmission geometry and results are found to be in good agreement with theoretical values computed with a computer programme, WinXCom. The radiation exposure rate and absorbed dose rate for the gamma radiation with and without shielding of diaspore-flyash concretes have been determined using linear attenuation results. The results show that on average, there is reduction of 95%, 53% and 40% in dose rate for gamma sources (241)Am, (137)Cs and (60)Co, respectively with diaspore-flyash concretes as shielding material. Other health physics parameters namely equivalent dose, effective dose, gamma flux and energy fluence rate have also been determined.

Blood lactate changes in professional Indian divers under hyperbaric conditions

BACKGROUND

Hyperoxia due to hyperbaric conditions influences lactate metabolism. Previous studies on lactate levels in hyperbaric conditions have reported varied results depending on the depth of evaluation and breathing gas mixture used.

METHODS

This study compared post-exercise blood lactate levels of Indian professional male divers (breathing ambient air under normobaric conditions) with their post-exercise blood lactate levels measured under simulated hyperbaric conditions.

RESULT

In the present study, blood lactate levels in divers were found to have decreased significantly during recovery phase of exercise in hyperbaric conditions of dry diving at 2.8 Atmospheres Absolute (ATA) as compared to normobaric conditions. A significant improvement was observed in physical performance in terms of HR max and duration of exercise.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that hyperoxia due to moderate hyperbaric condition leads to improvement in lactate metabolism in muscles and organs (liver and heart) for its removal.

Effect of mixture of Trichoderma isolates on biochemical parameter in tomato fruits against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum rot of tomato plant

Experiments revealed that a mixture of Trichoderma harzianum isolates, BHU51 and BHU105 showed lowest mean disease rating (MDR) of 1.70 and 1.62% and per cent disease reduction (PDR) by 41.00 and 44.84% during the year 2008-09 and 2009-10, respectively. Shoot length, chlorophyll content and yield was also recorded highest in the mixture of BHU51+ BHU105 treatment followed by single Tichoderma treatments while lowest was found in pathogen inoculated control. The nutritional quality such as lycopene content, protein and carbohydrate was recorded highest in BHU51+ BHU105 treatment. The antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging ability of tomato fruit extract was also recorded. The results indicated that maximum 1,1-diphenyl -2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (47.86%), ferrous ion chelation capacity (50.81%), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (49.18%) and reducing power 0.203 O.D. at wavelength 700 nm was maximum for BHU51+ BHU105 treatment, followed by single Trichoderma treated treatments while these were recorded lowest in pathogen inoculated control.

Exploitation of microbes for enhancing bacoside content and reduction of Meloidogyne incognita infestation in Bacopa monnieri L

Despite the vast exploration of rhizospheric microbial wealth for crop yield enhancement, knowledge about the efficacy of microbial agents as biocontrol weapons against root-knot disease is scarce, especially in medicinal plants, viz., Bacopa monnieri. In the present investigation, rhizospheric microbes, viz., Bacillus megaterium, Glomus intraradices, Trichoderma harzianum ThU, and their combinations were evaluated for the management of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and bacoside content enhancement in B. monnieri var CIM-Jagriti. A novel validated method Fourier transform near infrared was used for rapid estimation of total bacoside content. A significant reduction (2.75-fold) in root-knot indices was observed in the combined treatment of B. megaterium and T. harzianum ThU in comparison to untreated control plants. The same treatment also showed significant enhancement (1.40-fold) in total bacoside contents (plant active molecule) content using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) method that analyses samples rapidly in an hour without solvent usage and provides ample scope for natural product studies.

Comparison of the dental arch changes in patients with different malocclusions

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the pre-treatment and post-treatment dental arch changes in both upper and lower arches in orthodontic patients treated with extraction of first premolar teeth.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Measurements were made on casts of 50 post treated cases in the age group of 12-30 years for individual tooth measurements, width of the arches (inter-incisal, inter-canine, inter-premolar and inter-molar) arch length (both right and left sides, anterior segment, posterior segment and total arch length for both for the maxillary and mandibular dental casts.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for Normality, Regression Analysis was done as variables were tested and proved to follow normality. Statistical software  Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18 (SPSS Inc.; Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to compare the changes in the Class I and Class II div 1 groups.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the inter-incisor and inter-canine width post-treatment in the Class I and Class II div 1 subjects in the upper arch but no significant change in inter-incisor width in the lower arch in class I subjects. A significant decline in the inter-molar arch width in both the groups were seen. The inter-premolar arch width declined significantly in Class I cases while it increased significantly in Class II div 1 subjects. There was a significant increase in anterior arch length and a significant decrease in posterior arch length in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this original clinical research should significantly help the orthodontists in orthodontic treatment planning in patients requiring extractions of premolars.

Role of multivitamins, micronutrients and probiotics supplementation in management of HIV infected children

OBJECTIVES

To assess the immuno-clinical response of micronutrients supplementation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children (both on and without antiretroviral therapy) and to assess the role of probiotics in improvement of CD4 counts in HIV infected children not on antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

This was an open labeled randomized control study, conducted in Department of Pediatrics and Antiretrovial Therapy (ART) Center, S.N. Medical College, Agra. One hundred and twenty seven HIV infected children aged ≤ 15 y were included in the study. Enrolled children were randomized to receive micronutrients for 6 mo or probiotics for 3 mo. Children who did not receive supplements served as control. Change in WHO clinical stage, immunological stage, CD4 counts and body mass index (BMI) status were taken at the end of 6 mo. In probiotic group, mean CD4 count were taken as outcome measure. A detailed history, examination and WHO clinical staging were recorded for all the patients.

RESULTS

In micronutrient supplemented group (not on ART), significant improvement was seen in WHO clinical staging (p = 0.049) when compared to controls after 6 mo. Probiotic supplemented group showed significant increase in CD4 counts compared to control group (p = 0.0022) in children >5 y. Control group showed significant decline in CD4 count in children ≤5 y (-65.3 cells/mm(3), p=0.005) and in children >5 y (-87.9 cells/mm(3), p=0.05) after 12 wk of supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics supplementation has shown significant improvement in CD4 counts. Micronutrients supplementation has shown significant delay in the progression towards advance stage of disease.

Raman mapping of oral buccal mucosa: a spectral histopathology approach

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. One-fifth of the world's oral cancer subjects are from India and other South Asian countries. The present Raman mapping study was carried out to understand biochemical variations in normal and malignant oral buccal mucosa. Data were acquired using WITec alpha 300R instrument from 10 normal and 10 tumors unstained tissue sections. Raman maps of normal sections could resolve the layers of epithelium, i.e. basal, intermediate, and superficial. Inflammatory, tumor, and stromal regions are distinctly depicted on Raman maps of tumor sections. Mean and difference spectra of basal and inflammatory cells suggest abundance of DNA and carotenoids features. Strong cytochrome bands are observed in intermediate layers of normal and stromal regions of tumor. Epithelium and stromal regions of normal cells are classified by principal component analysis. Classification among cellular components of normal and tumor sections is also observed. Thus, the findings of the study further support the applicability of Raman mapping for providing molecular level insights in normal and malignant conditions.

Reliable screening technique for evaluation of wild crucifers against mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)

Wild crucifers namely Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica fruticulosa, B. rugosa, B. spinescens, B. tournefortii, Camelina sativa, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Crambe abysinnica, Cronopus didymus, Diplotaxis assurgens, D. gomez-campoi, D. muralis, D. siettiana, D. tenuisiliqua, Enatharocarpus lyratus, Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba along with five cultivated Brassica species including B. rapa (BSH-1), B. juncea (Rohini), B. napus (GSC-6), B. carinata (DLSC-2) and Eruca sativa (T-27) were screened against mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) with a standardized technique under definite level of aphid pressure developed using specially designed cages. Observations have revealed that B. fruticulosa, B. spinescens, Camelina sativa, Crambe abysinnica and Lepidium sativum were resistant to mustard aphid L. erysimi with aphid infestation index (AII) ≤ 1. Capsella bursa-pastoris was highly susceptible to bean aphid, Aphis fabae during its vegetative stage (with 100% mortality). Other genotypes were found in the range of 'susceptible' to 'highly susceptible' with AII ranging 3-5.

Anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy: an approach for the fixation of complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures

In order to achieve satisfactory reduction of complex distal humeral fractures, adequate exposure of the fracture fragments and the joint surface is required. Several surgical exposures have been described for distal humeral fractures. We report our experience using the anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy approach. This involves detachment of the triceps along with a sliver of olecranon, which retains the anconeus pedicle. We report the use of this approach in ten patients (six male, four female) with a mean age of 38.4 years (28 to 51). The mean follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18) with no loss to follow-up. Elbow function was graded using the Mayo Score. The results were excellent in four patients, good in five and fair in one patient. The mean time to both fracture and osteotomy union was 10.6 weeks (8 to 12) and 7.1 weeks (6 to 8), respectively. We found this approach gave reliably good exposure for these difficult fractures enabling anatomical reduction and bicondylar plating without complications.

Effect of mixture of Trichoderma isolates on biochemical parameters in leaf of Macrophomina phaseolina infected brinjal

A mixture of Trichoderma harzianum NBRI-1055 (Fx) and T. harzianum BHU-99 (Th) was evaluated for their efficiency to induce systemic resistance during three way interaction among brinjal-Trichoderma-Macrophomina phaseolina. Total phenol content (TPC), defence related enzymes Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), Peroxidase (PO), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and PR proteins (PR-2 and PR-3) were recorded. Total phenolic content was recorded 12.82 times and 1.8 times higher in Trichoderma mixture treated-pathogen challenge (Fx-Th-Pth) treatment than in untreated healthy control and untreated pathogen challenged (Pth) plants respectively after 72 hr pathogen inoculation (hapi). Defence related enzymes PAL 4.54 times higher, 48hapi, PO, 3.96 times higher, 72hapi and PPO 8.1 times higher, 72hapi in Fx-Th-Pth treatment than untreated healthy control, and the PR- proteins such as PR-2, 2.15 times and PR-3, 2.16 times higher, 72hapi than untreated healthy control. The results showed that a mixture of Trichoderma (Fx+Th) performed better than single isolate.

Identification of a group of cryptic marine limpet species, Cellana karachiensis (Mollusca: Patellogastropoda) off Veraval coast, India, using mtDNA COI sequencing

Present communication reports the phylogenetic relationship between three groups of a marine limpet having different color banding patterns using COI sequencing. Samples were sequenced for mtDNA COI gene using universal primer. Comparative BLAST revealed that all three types were around 99.59% identical with Cellana karachiensis, first record of this species from Indian coasts. Apart from the morphological variations, the mtDNA COI gene analysis revealed around 1% nucleotide variations between these three types. The observed dissimilarity in COI sequences was possibly too little to consider these types as three different species. The derivation of amino acid positions indicated that these types could possibly be a complex of three cryptic species of C. karachiensis. The study proposes that the Oman and Indian populations of C. karachiensis might have derived by allopatric speciation due to geographical isolation. The group of these three cryptic species, sharing same habitat between themselves, possibly showed sympatric speciation.

How is affective instability defined and measured? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Affective instability (AI) is poorly defined but considered clinically important. The aim of this study was to examine definitions and measures of AI employed in clinical populations.

METHOD

This study was a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles and Web of Science databases were searched. Also five journals were hand searched. Primary empirical studies involving randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, controlled before and after, and observational investigations were included. Studies were selected, data extracted and quality appraised. A narrative synthesis was completed.

RESULTS

A total of 11 443 abstracts were screened and 37 studies selected for final analysis on the basis that they provided a definition and measure of AI. Numbers of definitions for each of the terms employed in included studies were: AI (n = 7), affective lability (n = 6), affective dysregulation (n = 1), emotional dysregulation (n = 4), emotion regulation (n = 2), emotional lability (n = 1), mood instability (n = 2), mood lability (n = 1) and mood swings (n = 1); however, these concepts showed considerable overlap in features. A total of 24 distinct measures were identified that could be categorized as primarily measuring one of four facets of AI (oscillation, intensity, ability to regulate and affect change triggered by environment) or as measuring general emotional regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

A clearer definition of AI is required. We propose AI be defined as 'rapid oscillations of intense affect, with a difficulty in regulating these oscillations or their behavioural consequences'. No single measure comprehensively assesses AI and a combination of current measures is required for assessment. A new short measure of AI that is reliable and validated against external criteria is needed.

A Study of Etiological Pattern in an Epidemic of Acute Febrile Illness during Monsoon in a Tertiary Health Care Institute of Uttarakhand, India

BACKGROUND

Many parts of India are endemic for the dengue, malaria, typhoid and scrub typhus infections. The relative contribution of these illnesses in an outbreak of acute febrile illness is not known in this region.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to find out the etiological pattern in an epidemic of acute febrile illness in Uttarakhand during the monsoon period. The study also focuses on concurrent infections and tries to find out the mortality outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of four months was conducted on 1141 patients who presented with fever, and were suspected to have dengue, malaria, typhoid or scrub typhus. Patients of 12-years of age or above were included in the study. Serological tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid and scrub typhus were performed. Slides for malaria parasite were examined. In case of enteric fever only culture positive cases were included in the study.

RESULT

Among the 1141 febrile patients dengue was detected in 812(71.2 %), malaria in 146(12.8%), typhoid in 92(8.1%) and scrub typhus in 69(6.0%) cases. Mixed infection was noted in 22(1.9%).

CONCLUSION

Maximum (71.2 %) cases of fever were caused by dengue but significant number (32.3%) of patients suffered from malaria typhoid and scrub typhus. Many (1.9%) suffered from concurrent and multiple infections.

Lactation driven dynamics of adiponectin supply from different fat depots to circulation in cows

Adipose tissue (AT) depots are heterogeneous in terms of morphology and adipocyte metabolism. Adiponectin, one of the most abundant adipokines, is known for its insulin sensitizing effects and its role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Little is known about the presence of adiponectin protein in visceral (vc) and subcutaneous (sc) AT depots. We assessed serum adiponectin and adiponectin protein concentrations and the molecular weight forms in vc (mesenterial, omental, and retroperitoneal) and sc (sternum, tail-head, and withers) AT of primiparous dairy cows during early lactation. Primiparous German Holstein cows (n = 25) were divided into a control (CON) and a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) group. From day 1 of lactation until slaughter, CLA cows were fed 100 g of a CLA supplement/d (approximately 6% of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers each), whereas the CON cows received 100 g of a fatty acid mixture/d instead of CLA. Blood samples from all animals were collected from 3 wk before calving until slaughter on day 1 (n = 5, CON cows), 42 (n = 5 each of CON and CLA cows), and 105 (n = 5 each of CON and CLA cows) of lactation when samples from different AT depots were obtained. Adiponectin was measured in serum and tissue by ELISA. In all AT depots adiponectin concentrations were lowest on day 1 than on day 42 and day 105, and circulating adiponectin reached a nadir around parturition. Retroperitoneal AT had the lowest adiponectin concentrations; however, when taking total depot mass into consideration, the portion of circulating adiponectin was higher in vc than sc AT. Serum adiponectin was positively correlated with adiponectin protein concentrations but not with the mRNA abundance in all fat depots. The CLA supplementation did not affect adiponectin concentrations in AT depots. Furthermore, inverse associations between circulating adiponectin and measures of body condition (empty body weight, back fat thickness, and vc AT mass) were observed. In all AT depots at each time, adiponectin was present as high (approximately 300 kDa) and medium (approximately 150 kDa) molecular weight complexes similar to that of the blood serum. These data suggest differential contribution of AT depots to circulating adiponectin.

Ethnicity as a predictor of detention under the Mental Health Act

BACKGROUND

There has been major concern about the 'over-representation' of Black and ethnic minority groups amongst people detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA). We explored the effect of patient ethnicity on detention following an MHA assessment, once confounding variables were controlled for.

METHOD

Prospective data were collected for all MHA assessments over 4-month periods in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 each in three regions in England: Birmingham, West London and Oxfordshire. Logistic regression modelling was conducted to predict the outcome of MHA assessments - either resulting in 'detention' or 'no detention'.

RESULTS

Of the 4423 MHA assessments, 2841 (66%) resulted in a detention. A diagnosis of psychosis, the presence of risk, female gender, level of social support and London as the site of assessment predicted detention under the MHA. Ethnicity was not an independent predictor of detention.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence for that amongst those assessed under the MHA, ethnicity has an independent effect on the odds of being detained.

Detection of pork adulteration by highly-specific PCR assay of mitochondrial D-loop

We describe a highly specific PCR assay for the authentic identification of pork. Accurate detection of tissues derived from pig (Sus scrofa) was accomplished by using newly designed primers targeting porcine mitochondrial displacement (D-loop) region that yielded an unique amplicon of 712 base pairs (bp). Possibility of cross-amplification was precluded by testing as many as 24 animal species (mammals, birds, rodent and fish). Suitability of PCR assay was confirmed in raw (n = 20), cooked (60, 80 and 100 °C), autoclaved (121 °C) and micro-oven processed pork. Sensitivity of detection of pork in other species meat using unique pig-specific PCR was established to be at 0.1%; limit of detection (LOD) of pig DNA was 10 pg (pico grams). The technique can be used for the authentication of raw, processed and adulterated pork and products under the circumstances of food adulteration related disputes or forensic detection of origin of pig species.

Short communication: circulating and milk adiponectin change differently during energy deficiency at different stages of lactation in dairy cows

Adiponectin, one of the most abundant adipokines in circulation, is known for its role in regulation of body metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a negative energy balance (NEB) at 2 stages of lactation (lactational NEB at the onset of lactation and an induced NEB by feed restriction near 100 d of lactation) on circulating adiponectin concentrations. We also investigated the effect of feed restriction on adiponectin concentrations in milk and the relationships of blood and milk adiponectin with selected plasma or milk variables and with measures of body condition. Plasma adiponectin was measured in 50 multiparous Holstein dairy cows throughout 3 experimental periods [i.e., period 1=3 wk antepartum up to 12 wk postpartum, period 2=3 wk of feed restriction starting at around 100 d in milk with a control (n=25) and feed-restricted group (50% of energy requirements; n=25), and period 3=subsequent realimentation period for 8 wk]. Milk adiponectin was investigated among 21 multiparous cows at wk 2 and wk 12 of period 1 and wk 2 of period 2. Adiponectin concentrations in plasma and skim milk were measured using an in-house ELISA specific for bovine adiponectin. Major changes in circulating adiponectin concentrations were observed during the periparturient period, whereas energy deficiency during established lactation at around 100 d in milk and subsequent refeeding did not affect plasma adiponectin. Together with lower adiponectin concentrations in milk (µg/mL), the reduction in milk yield led to decreased adiponectin secretion via milk (mg/d) at the second week of feed restriction. Irrespective of time and treatment, milk adiponectin represented about 0.002% of total milk protein. Mean adiponectin concentrations in milk (0.61 ± 0.03 µg/mL) were about 92% lower than the mean plasma adiponectin concentrations (32.1 ± 1.0 µg/mL). The proportion of the steady-state plasma adiponectin pool secreted daily via milk was 2.7%. In view of the similar extent of NEB in both periods of energy deficiency, decreasing adiponectin concentrations seems important for accomplishing the adaptation to the rapidly increasing metabolic rates in early lactation, whereas the lipolytic reaction toward feed restriction-induced NEB during established lactation seems to occur largely independent of changes in circulating adiponectin.

Satisfaction audit of patients undergoing mandibular distraction osteogenesis with extra-oral distraction appliances

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this research was to evaluate the level of satisfaction of patients who were undergoing distraction osteogenesis of mandible with extraoral distraction appliance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective study was performed on 13 patients with facio-mandibular deformity reporting to the Oral Health Sciences Center, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India, who required surgical and orthodontic intervention for correction. A standardized multiple choice questionnaire was provided to all patients at 3 stages of treatment i.e. during predistraction, distraction and post distraction period.

RESULTS

Predistraction evaluation showed that the main reason for patients to seek treatment was lack of facial esthetics and all of them were sure that there would be a change in their lives after they underwent this treatment procedure. During distraction phase the most common complaint was pain. None of the patients felt that they were suffering during active distraction phase and all felt that they made the right decision. In post distraction phase, all patients were satisfied with the treatment and felt that the treatment was worth it. Twelve out of 13 patients would recommend treatment to others without any hesitation.

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that distraction osteogenesis of the mandible with extra-oral appliances is acceptable to patients, and improved facial appearance is a positive influence. The appliance and results of the procedure are socially accepted and appreciated.

A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of aggression during the first episode of psychosis

OBJECTIVE

The First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) represents a period of heightened risk for aggression. However, it is not known whether this risk is significantly altered following contact with mental health services.

METHOD

Meta-analytic methods were used to estimate pooled prevalence of 'any' and 'serious' aggression during FEP, while meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore reasons for heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies comprising 3, 294 FEP subjects were analysed. Pooled prevalence of 'any aggression' before service contact was 28% (95% CI: 22-34) and following contact 31% (95% CI: 20-42). Pooled prevalence of 'serious aggression' was 16% (95% CI: 11-20) before service contact and 13% (95% CI: 6-20) following contact. Four studies reporting repeated assessments within the same cohort revealed that aggression rates did not significantly differ post and pre service contact: Odds Ratios for any aggression: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.46-2.99) and serious aggression: 0.61 (95% CI: 0.31-1.21).

CONCLUSION

Rates of aggression are high during FEP, both before and following initial service contact, and seem not to alter following contact. This conclusion remains tentative due to considerable heterogeneity between studies and a lack of prospective cohort studies.

Ethnicity, detention and early intervention: reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for black and minority ethnic patients: the ENRICH programme, a mixed-methods study

Background

Black and minority ethnic (BME) service users experience adverse pathways into care. Ethnic differences are evident even at first-episode psychosis (FEP); therefore, contributory factors must operate before first presentation to psychiatric services. The ENRICH programme comprised three interlinked studies that aimed to understand ethnic and cultural determinants of help-seeking and pathways to care.

Aims and objectives

Study 1: to understand ethnic differences in pathways to care in FEP by exploring cultural determinants of illness recognition, attribution and help-seeking among different ethnic groups. Study 2: to evaluate the process of detention under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and determine predictors of detention. Study 3: to determine the appropriateness, accessibility and acceptability of generic early intervention services for different ethnic groups.

Methods

Study 1: We recruited a prospective cohort of FEP patients and their carers over a 2-year period and assessed the chronology of symptom emergence, attribution and help-seeking using semistructured tools: the Nottingham Onset Schedule (NOS), the Emerging Psychosis Attribution Schedule and the ENRICH Amended Encounter Form. A stratified subsample of user–carer NOS interviews was subjected to qualitative analyses. Study 2: Clinical and sociodemographic data including reasons for detention were collected for all MHA assessments conducted over 1 year (April 2009–March 2010). Five cases from each major ethnic group were randomly selected for a qualitative exploration of carer perceptions of the MHA assessment process, its outcomes and alternatives to detention. Study 3: Focus groups were conducted with service users, carers, health professionals, key stakeholders from voluntary sector and community groups, commissioners and representatives of spiritual care with regard to the question: ‘How appropriate and accessible are generic early intervention services for the specific ethnic and cultural needs of BME communities in Birmingham?’

Results

There were no ethnic differences in duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and duration of untreated illness in FEP. DUP was not related to illness attribution; long DUP was associated with patients being young (< 18 years) and living alone. Black patients had a greater risk of MHA detention, more criminal justice involvement and more crisis presentations than white and Asian groups. Asian carers and users were most likely to attribute symptoms to faith-based or supernatural explanations and to seek help from faith organisations. Faith-based help-seeking, although offering comfort and meaning, also risked delaying access to medical care and in some cases also resulted in financial exploitation of this vulnerable group. The BME excess in MHA detentions was not because of ethnicity per se; the main predictors of detention were a diagnosis of mental illness, presence of risk and low level of social support. Early intervention services were perceived to be accessible, supportive, acceptable and culturally appropriate. There was no demand or perceived need for separate services for BME groups or for ethnic matching between users and clinicians.

Conclusions

Statutory health-care organisations need to work closely with community groups to improve pathways to care for BME service users. Rather than universal public education campaigns, researchers need to develop and evaluate public awareness programmes that are specifically focused on BME groups.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.