Population dynamics of a parasite Pallisentis in two species of fish Channa punctatus and Channa striatus

In an aquatic environment, there is a profound and inverse relationship between environment quality and disease status of fish. Parasites are one of the most serious limiting factors in aquaculture. Therefore, the present investigation has been undertaken to sort out the population dynamics of Pallisentis (Acanthocephala), in relation to host sex from freshwater fishes, Channa of Rohilkhand region. A total of 517 fishes (Channa punctatus, n = 198 and C. striatus, n = 319) were examined regularly from August 2006 to February 2010. Overall prevalence of Pallisentis in C. striatus was higher in females (67.78%) as compared to males (63.52%). In case of C. punctatus, overall prevalence of Pallisentis was higher in males (53.77%) as compared to females (52.17%) whereas, relative density was higher in females (61.41%) than in males (52.72%). Intensity (2-3 parasite/host, in both sexes), density (1.36 in males and 1.69 in females) and infection index (0.73 in males and 0.88 in females) were recorded.

Plasma testosterone in adult normoglycaemic men: impact of hyperinsulinaemia

This study analysed the relationship of plasma testosterone with β-cell secretion, insulin sensitivity and other pituitary-target gland hormones in normoglycaemic adult men. The sample frame was the 'Offspring of individuals with diabetes study' database. A total of 358 offspring of individuals with type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and 287 individuals without known family history of T2DM were recruited for the study. Normoglycaemic men aged ≥18 years (maximum 55) were selected for this analysis. All participants underwent 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min for plasma insulin and C-peptide. Total testosterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine (T4) were measured in the fasting sample. A total of 164 men (age 28 ± 7.7 years) were included in analysis. Testosterone correlated negatively with BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR), area under curve (AUC) of C-peptide and insulin (during OGTT) and was positively correlated with insulin sensitivity (r ~ 0.4). Cortisol and T4 positively correlated (weak) with testosterone (r ~ 0.2). In multivariate analysis, AUC C-peptide, BMI, WHR (negatively) and cortisol (positively) were related to testosterone. Concluding, testosterone correlated negatively with BMI and β-cell secretion. There was a positive association of testosterone with insulin sensitivity, cortisol and T4.

Investigation of wound healing activity of methanolic extract of stem bark of Mimusops elengi Linn

The present study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of extract of bark part of Mimusops elengi. It is well-known plant in Indian traditional medicines. On the basis of traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for wound healing potential. A methanolic extract of bark parts of Mimusops elengi was examined for wound healing activity in the form of ointment in three types of wound models on mice: the excision, the incision and dead space wound model. The extract ointments showed considerable response in all the above said wound models as comparable to those of a standard drug Betadine ointment in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength and dry granuloma weight. Histological analysis was also consistent with the proposal that Mimusops elengi bark extract exhibits significant wound healing.

Awareness about HIV infection among the paramedical staff in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India

In India, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a growing epidemic involving all sections of the society. Health care personnel are at increased risk of acquiring blood borne diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, etc. We aimed to assess the level of awareness of HIV infection among the paramedical staff working in a tertiary care hospital. A total number of 207 paramedical staff were asked to complete a questionnaire covering the various aspects of HIV and AIDS which was then critically reviewed. We observed that 57.54% of the staff was aware of the different aspects of HIV infection. Our results highlighted that awareness regarding the different facets of HIV varied among the nurses, lab technicians and support staff. Transmission of blood borne infections through needle stick injury is a harsh reality involving health care personnel. There is an urgent need to teach basic knowledge about HIV infection among high-risk populations.

Macroenvironmental influence on Hepatozoon lacertilis infectivity to lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis

Hemidactylus flaviviridis Ruppell, 1835 (n= 199) sampled during different seasons from Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh, India) were infected with a sporozoan parasite belonging to the genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908. Four morphovariants of the parasite, Type I, II, III and IV were identified on their growing pattern. When compared with earlier reported species, the parasite could be characterized taxonomically by its comparatively greater length 17.35 (13.57-21.30) microm and width 7.51 (5.59-10.11) microm, unusual larger size of parasite nuclear length 8.86 (4.75-15.83) microm and width 3.55 (2.14-5.11) microm and cytomorphological differences. These characteristics warrant creation of a new species and was named Hepatozoon lacertilis sp. nov. The morpho-variants, their effect on hostcell and host nuclei are clearly illustrated. The influence of macroenvironmental factor (host sex) on parasitic infectivity indicated that it was 7.14% prevalant in male and 6.25% in female Hemidactylus flaviviridis.

Abdominal wall metastasis in scar after open resection of an adrenocortical carcinoma

A 42-year-old man patient presented with progressively increasing, occasionally painful lump in the left upper and central abdomen. Investigations revealed well-defined capsulated left adrenocortical carcinoma. Tumor was resected successfully along with left kidney. Tumor recurred in the abdominal surgical scar 1.5 years after surgery. We are reporting this case because of rarity of metastatic recurrence of an adrenocortical carcinoma in the abdominal surgical scar 1.5 years after resection of primary tumor.

Correlation of D dimer and factor VIII levels with histopathology in patients with breast carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that the components of the coagulation/fibrinolytic system play a role in cancer biology and angiogenesis. Studies reveal that at the time of diagnosis, majority of the cancer patients have laboratory evidence of systemic coagulation activation. Our purpose was to investigate the significance of D-Dimer (product of fibrin degradation) and factor VIII levels in breast cancer and to evaluate its relationship with other variables such as histological characteristics, lymph node status and immunohistochemistry markers (ER, PR and Her-2neu).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery in collaboration with Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Radiodiagnosis & Imaging, Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. Fifty patients with diagnosed cancer breast who were treated in surgery department were evaluated for D Dimer and factor VIII levels. D-dimer and Factor VIII levels were measured three times i.e. at the time of commencement of treatment then after three cycles of Chemotherapy (CAF Regimen) and finally after six weeks of surgery.

RESULTS

Significantly higher levels of D Dimer and factor VIII were observed in tumors with significant lymphovascular and adipose tissue invasion in comparison to localized tumors. The reduction in D-dimer and Factor VIII values after Surgery was significant for both D-dimer (p value 0.000) and Factor VIII (p value 0.000). The reduction in D-dimer after 3 cycles of chemotherapy was significant for D-dimer (575.51 ± 572.47 ng/ml vs. 422.45 ± 363.58 ng/ml; p value 0.046) but not significant for Factor VIII (307.83 ± 184.47 ng/ml vs. 288.78 ± 163.02 ng/ml; p value 0.151).

CONCLUSION

D-dimer and factor VIII may be used as yardstick for systemic adjuvant therapy in node negative < 1 cm breast cancer. D-dimer may prove to be a safe, convenient and easily available biomarker which can be combined with conventional sentinel node biopsy in clinically node negative breast cancer to assess metastatic disease in axilla and reduce false negative results.

Ameloblastoma in children: should we be radical?

Ameloblastoma is the most common aggressive benign odontogenic tumor of the jaws. The tumor is often asymptomatic, presenting as a slowly enlarging facial swelling. The physical presence of the tumor may cause symptoms such as pain, ulceration, loosening of teeth, or malocclusion. Ameloblastoma is a locally destructive tumor with a propensity for recurrence if not entirely excised. It is seen in all age groups, but the lesion is most commonly diagnosed in the third and fourth decades. The tumor is considered a rarity in the young age group. The treatment of ameloblastoma is still controversial and presents some special problems in children like the growth of the jaw, the different incidence, behavior and prognosis of the tumor in children, which make the surgical considerations different from adults. Some reports have encouraged conservative treatment for ameloblastoma in children.

Extraosseous Ewing's tumor of lateral abdominal wall

Extraosseous Ewings tumor (EES) is a rare entity. Few cases have been reported in literature. There are no specific guidelines for management of this disease. We are reporting a case of EES arising from left lateral abdominal wall. We did wide excision of tumor followed by chemoradiation. Patient is asymptomatic after 8 months of follow up.

Tubercular sinus over manubrium sterni: a rare presentation

Isolated sternal involvement in tuberculosis is rare. Very few case reports are available in literature even from the countries where tuberculosis is endemic. We are reporting a case of 32-year-old female who presented to us with a pus discharging sinus over manubrium sterni with no other systemic features of tuberculosis. Sinus tract was excised and biopsy confirmed tuberculosis. Patient received antitubercular therapy for 9 months.