Peak expiratory flow rate of normal school going children in Mymensingh municipality

This cross sectional study was conducted to measure the PEFR values of normal school going children of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Peak expiatory flow rate (PEFR) is a lung function test which is easily measurable and reproducible but the base line values of PEFR have not been studied in large scale among Bangladeshi children. In Mymensingh municipality out of 79 schools 4 schools were selected purposively. A total of 984 (499 boys and 485 girls, nearly equal in ratio) normal children (6-15 years), were selected randomly by using lottery technic in classroom. To obtain peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) mini Wright peak flow meter was used. The highest of three readings was taken as the correct value. Anthropometric parameters including body weight and height were recorded by bathroom scale and stadiometer respectively and body surface area was calculated. According to age interval (10 months) in boys and girls the mean difference of PEFR values showed that among age categories of 6, 7 & 8 years had no significant (p were <0.18, <0.73 and <0.70 accordingly) and all other age categories the mean difference of PEFR between boys and girls had significant (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient (r values) and the level of significance between different anthropometric parameters and PEFR in case of boys and girls were significant (p<0.001). Correlation of height (boys r=0.961 & girls r=0.954) with PEFR was the highest in comparison to other anthropometric parameters (age, sex and body weight). Boys had significantly higher values of PEFR than the girls at any height.

Cellular schwannoma masquerading as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: a diagnostic dilemma

We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with a pulsatile, rapidly enlarging mass at the root of the nose suspected to be malignant. Excisional biopsy showed worrisome histological features; however, a final diagnosis of cellular schwannoma was reached excluding the possibility of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour by histological and immunohistochemical attributes. Cellular schwannoma, a pseudosarcomatous entity, is a rare benign neoplasm that may cause bone erosion and may be mistaken for a malignancy, clinically and histologically. Diagnosis of cellular schwannoma is essential to prevent mismanagement as it never metastasises and responds to local excision as opposed to aggressive treatment required by a malignant neoplasm.

Low serum immunglobulin G (IgG) during nephrosis is a predictor of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with nephrotic syndrome

Low serum level of IgG, complement C3 and C4 in nephrotic syndrome children may cause increased susceptibility to infection. Serum level of IgG and complements in nephrotic children (NS) with UTI has been analyzed in this cross sectional study. It was carried out in the department of Pediatric nephrology, National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology (NIKDU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study subjects were followed up prospectively for one year to see and compare the frequency of relapse of NS and UTI. Patients were selected in a nonrandom purposive technique. Nephrotic syndrome children with initial attack between 1-12 year of age were included over a period of one year. The patients were grouped into Group I - UTI positive and Group II - UTI negative depending on urine culture positivity and colony count >10⁵ CFU/ml. Serum IgG and complements C3, C4 levels were done in both groups during nephrosis and were compared. A total of 101 children M: F 1.7:1, mean age 5.96±3.2 years were included in this study. Group I, n=45 vs. Group II, n=56. The mean serum level of IgG was low in Group I (549.91±210.71 vs. 728.64±235.81mg/dl, p<0.001). Serum IgG level less than 700mg/dl was found in 37 vs. 23 children {x² (¹) 17.52 p<0.001, OR=6.63}. Mean serum complement C3 level was also low in Group I (123.09±40.52 vs. 143.38±37.06mg/dl, p<0.05). But complement C3 and C4 level do not carry any risk of developing UTI in nephrotic children. Higher number of children in Group II were at remission (n=24) during follow up, while frequent relapsers were high in Group I (n=22). Increased frequency of UTI attack (88 episodes) was found in Group I children compared to none in Group II during follow up. So low serum level of IgG in children with NS during nephrosis can predict UTI with an odds ratio of 6.63 as well as relapse. Serum level of C3, C4 do not associated with any risk of development of UTI in NS children.

No change in calcium absorption in adult Pakistani population before and after vitamin D administration using strontium as surrogate

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone levels and calcium absorption was assessed before and after cholecalciferol using Strontium as a surrogate. Increase in 25OHD, lowering of iPTH with no effect on Sr absorption was seen, suggesting the possibility that maximal Ca absorption had already been achieved in these volunteers.

INTRODUCTION

This paper discusses the determination of calcium (Ca) absorption, using strontium (Sr) as a surrogate, before and after a single IM injection of vitamin D(3) (600,000 IU).

METHODS

Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), Sr, Ca, P, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were determined in 53 fasting volunteers, followed by administrating (PO) 0.03 mM (4.8 mg/kg) SrCl(2) and collecting blood at 0.5, 1 and 4 h to determine the absorption (AUC(0 → t )) of Sr. Following the initial absorption test, volunteers received a single IM injection of 600,000 IU vitamin D(3). Two months later, the fasting serum and the Sr absorption test were repeated, as described above.

RESULTS

The IM injection of vitamin D(3) caused a significant increase in fasting 25OHD (from 43.5 ± 19 to 66.1 ± 19.1 nmol/L (p < 0.001)) and a trend toward lower serum iPTH (from 59.8 ± 27.8 to 53 ± 31 ng/L). Fasting serum Ca and P remained unchanged. A higher 25OHD level failed (p = 0.32) to translate into a higher rate of Sr absorption. AUC(0 → 4 h) were almost identical before and after the IM injection of vitamin D(3).

CONCLUSION

A single vitamin D(3) injection of 600,000 IU significantly increase mean 25OHD concentration and tended to lower iPTH concentrations in volunteers with initially low 25OHD status, suggesting to utilize this simple form of treatment to improve vitamin D status and to have a possible biological effect on Ca homeostasis. However, we found no obvious effect on Sr absorption, suggesting the possibility that maximal vitamin D-dependent Ca absorption had already been achieved in these volunteers at a lower vitamin D status.

Electrochemical measurement and speciation of inorganic arsenic in groundwater of Bangladesh

The presence of arsenic in groundwater above the maximum permissible limit of 50 mug l(-1) has threatened the health of more than 50 million people in Bangladesh and neighboring India. We report here the development of an inexpensive anodic stripping voltammetric (ASV) technique for routine measurement and speciation of arsenic in groundwater. The measurements are validated by more expensive atomic absorption, atomic emission and other techniques. To understand the present situation in Bangladesh, we measured As(III) in 960 water samples collected from 18 districts. A random distribution of 238 samples was used to measure both As(III) and As(V). The results from the present study indicate that most toxic form of inorganic arsenic, As(III), has the broad range of 30-98%. It shows 60% of the samples have 10 mug l(-1) and 44% of the samples have 50 mug l(-1) or more As(III). The fractional distribution pattern shows significant skew towards high percent occurrence which may indicate a progressive reduction process with a single source or a single mechanism for the formation of As(III). For direct consumption, this is possibly one of the most toxic groundwater known today. Speciation distribution at groundwater pH value shows H(3)AsO(3) is the predominant species including H(2)AsO(4)(-) and H(2)AsO(4)(2-) whose distribution is significantly pH dependent. This is also supported by E(h)-pH measurements. The depth distribution for Kushtia shows most of the As(III) is located within 100-200 ft deep aquifers. Similar fractional distribution of As(III) is found in deeper aquifers and may indicate contamination by leakage from upper aquifer. This study clearly demonstrates the aquifer environment is reductive and conducive to the formation of As(III) species.

Temporal distribution of fine particulates (PM₂.₅:PM₁₀), potentially toxic metals, PAHs and Metal-bound carcinogenic risk in the population of Lucknow City, India

Ubiquitous fine particulates can readily be bound to toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and are considered to be a great threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of air pollution risks to public health by determining four crucial parameters- inhalable particulates, metals in particulates and PAHs which are associated with PM₁₀ in the air environment of Lucknow, India during 2007-09. The values of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ ranged between 102.3-240.5 and 28.0-196.9 μg/m³ whilst the average PM₁₀ was 1.7 times and PM was 1.5 times higher than their respective NAAQS of 100 and 60 μg/m³ respectively. The estimated relative death rate and hospital admissions for each increase in the PM₁₀ levels of 10 μg/m³ ranged from 1.5-8% and from 3.9-8.0% (as per APHEA2 1990) respectively in persons > 65 yrs. Among the locations; AQ, AQ and AQ (with diversified activities and heavy traffic) recorded higher concentrations of both the particulate fractions than the AQ (residential area with low traffic). The average concentrations of Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd in PM₁₀ were 219.4, 40.6, 35.1, 27.3, 22.2 and 16.2 ng/m³ and that in PM₂.₅ were 54.3, 33.9, 38.5, 29.4, 8.4, and 1.17 ng/m³ respectively Regression analysis revealed that correlation of metals with PM₂.₅ was stronger than PM. The ratio of metals adsorbed on surface of particles (PM₂.₅:PM₁₀) reveals that PM₂.₅ has more affinity for Ni, Cu and Pb and PM₁₀ for Cd, Fe and Cr. Health risk due to carcinogenic metals bound to respirable particulates was predicted by estimating excess cancer risk (ECR). The highest ECR value was estimated for Cr, 266.70 × 10⁻⁶, which was associated with PM10 and 100.92 × 10⁻⁶ which was associated with PM₂.₅, whereas lead has the lowest ECR value. Amongst PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene (51.96 ± 19.71 ng/m) was maximum in PM₁₀ samples. Maximum concentrations of PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, metals and PAHs were detected during winter, and the lowest was during monsoon. The higher prevalence of diseases among the population may be due to high concentration of particulates coated with toxic metals and PAHs present in air environment.

Pharmacokinetic study of a new derivative of sulfamethoxazole

The study was aimed at determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of a previously synthesized salicylidine-sulfamethoxazole-Zn(II) monohydrate in normal humans. This new derivative of sulfamethoxazole was reported to be more active and less toxic than the parent drug by our group. 10 volunteers received a 200 mg dose of the drug orally. Blood samples were collected just before and after 0.16, 0.33, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 h of administration of the drug. The plasma samples were analyzed for sulfamethoxazole by a new validated high performance liquid chromatography method having a suitable limit of quantification. The dose of each drug was well tolerated without any adverse effect. The maximum plasma sulfamethoxazole concentration was 280 μg L - 1 at a tmax 1.30 h. This suggests a rapid onset effect of the complex as compared with the parent drug. The plasma half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution of sulfamethoxazole from salicylidine-sulfamethoxazole-Zn(II) monohydrate were 1.64 h, 0.24 L h - 1 and 0.57 L kg - 1 respectively. The elimination of sulfamethoxazole followed the first order kinetics with R2>0.984. The larger value of volume of distribution and clearance for the new derivative, as compared to that of the parent drug, show that the new derivative may exhibit prolonged antimicrobial effect with rapid clearance.

Interdependency of cystathione γ-lyase and cystathione β-synthase in hydrogen sulfide-induced blood pressure regulation in rats

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenous vasoactive agent, is produced by cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) enzymes. This study was conducted to evaluate the relative contribution of these enzymes in regulating systemic arterial pressure.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were chronically treated with CGL inhibitor, -propargylglycine (PAG, 37.5 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneally, i.p.) or CBS inhibitor, aminooxyacetic acid (AOA, 8.75 mg/kg/day; i.p.) or in combination for 4 weeks and the effects on arterial pressure (tail-cuff plethysmography) and renal excretory function (24 h urine collections using metabolic cages) were assessed once in a week. Changes in renal blood flow (RBF; Ultrasonic flowmetry) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; Inulin clearance) were assessed in acute experiments in anesthetized rats at the end of treatment period.

Results

Compared to vehicle treated control group, only the rats with combination therapy showed a decrease in urinary sulfate excretion rate (248 ± 47 vs. 591 ± 70 nmol/24 h; marker for endogenous H₂S level) which was associated with an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP; 130 ± 2 vs. 99 ± 2 mm Hg). Urine flow and sodium excretion were also increased in combination group as consequent to the increase in MAP. GFR did not alter due to these treatments but RBF was lowered (4 ± 0.3 vs. 7 ± 0.4 ml/min/g) only in the combination group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that a deficiency in one enzyme's activity could be compensated by the activity of the other to maintain the endogenous H₂S level, the deficiency of which modulates systemic and renal vascular resistances leading to the development of hypertension.

An assessment of the long-term health outcome of renal transplant recipients in Ireland

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation remains the preferred method of renal replacement therapy in terms of patient survival, quality of life and cost. However, patients have a high risk of complications ranging from rejection episodes, infection and cancer, amongst others.

AIMS AND METHODS

In this study, we sought to determine the long-term health outcomes and preventive health measures undertaken for the 1,536 living renal transplant patients in Ireland using a self-reported questionnaire. Outcomes were divided into categories, namely, general health information, allograft-related information, immunosuppression-related complications and preventive health measures.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate a high rate of cardiovascular, neoplastic and infectious complications in our transplant patients. Moreover, preventive health measures are often not undertaken by patients and lifestyle choices can be poor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the work needed by the transplantation community to improve patient education, adjust immunosuppression where necessary and aggressively manage patient risk factors.

Thyroid function in children with nephrotic syndrome

This study was done to find out the thyroid function of nephrotic children during nephrosis and to compare any significant changes of thyroid function status during nephrosis and remission. This is an observational study with prospective follow up of study subjects. It was carried out over a period of one year from July'2006 to June'2007 in the department of Paediatric Nephrology, National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology (NIKDU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 85 nephrotic children with initial attack and relapse cases were studied. Age ranged from 2-12 years, M: F=1.7:1. All patients were clinically euthyroid. The mean value of serum T3 (0.65±0.31 ng/ml) and T4 (5.04±4.18 μg/ml) in 85 nephrotic children during nephrosis were within normal limit. But the mean value of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was higher than normal level (7.1±5.8 MIU). In 21 nephrotic children thyroid function status was compared during nephrosis and 4 weeks later after achieving remission. A significant increase in TSH level during nephrosis (9.11±6.36 vs. 4.2±3.6 MIU/L, p = 0.005) was found, which normalized during remission. No significant difference between T3 and T4 level was observed. There was a negative correlation of serum albumin with serum TSH level (r = -0.216, p = 0.047). This result suggests that children with nephrotic syndrome commonly have a state of mild or subclinical hypothyroidism during proteinuria although they are clinically euthyroid. This temporary hypothyroid state improves with remission and needs no treatment.

Radon in the environment and in dwellings in a uranium mining area in eastern India: an overview

Radon has been extensively studied in the Singhbhum Thrust Belt (STB) of eastern India where mining and processing of uranium ore has been in progress for over four decades. Emanation from the soil is the main natural source of environmental radon. Releases from mine and emanations from waste rocks and tailings are the technological sources. Rn studies in the environment, dwellings and ground waters in STB are reviewed in this paper.

Measurement techniques and instruments for airborne nanoparticles

PM10 and PM2.5 are being monitored for asssessment of human health exposure. Laser aerosol spectrometry (25-300 nm), Aerasense Nano Monitors (10-300 nm), Aerasense Nano Tracer (10-300 nm) could be used for qualitative and quantitative detection. There is a need to develop instrumentation and methods for a wide range of engineered nanomaterials that are smaller in size and in very low concentrations in aerial, terrestrial and aquatic environment.

Photoresponse Study of Polycrystalline Diamond thin Film Schottky Diodes

We are reporting the first quantitative photoresponse characteristics of boron doped hot-filament CVD (HFCVD) diamond based Schottky diodes using semi-transparent aluminum contacts in the spectral range of 300–1050 nm. Quantum efficiencies, obtained without correction for surface reflection in the visible and near UV region, were between 5 % and 10% when the diodes were unbiased. Effect of reverse bias on the photoresponse was investigated at selected photon energies. Reverse biased diodes exhibit increasing photoresponse and ultimately saturation. Quantum efficiency as high as 30% was also obtained at 500 nm, when a reverse bias of over I volt was applied. The photoresponse mechanism of CVD diamond Schottky diodes is also discussed. A Schottky barrier height of 1.15 ± 0.02 eV for Al-HFCVD diamond contacts was determined using the d.c. photoelectric method.

Assessment of urban air pollution and it's probable health impact

The present study deals with the quantitative effect of vehicular emission on ambient air quality during May 2006 in urban area of Lucknow city. In this study SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and 7 trace metals associated with RSPM were estimated at 10 representative locations in urban area and one village area for control. Beside this, air quality index (AQI), health effects of different metals and mortality were assessed. The 24 hr average concentration of SPM, RSPM, SO2 and NOx was found to be 382.3, 171.5, 24.3 and 33.8 microg m(-3) respectively in urban area and these concentrations were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher by 94.8, 134.8, 107.4 and 129.6% than control site respectively The 24 hr mean of SPM and RSPM at each location of urban area were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) except SPM for industrial area. The 24 hr mean concentration of metals associated with RSPM was found to be higher than the control site by 52.3, 271.8, 408.9, 75.81, 62.7, 487.54 and 189.5% for Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cr respectively. The inter correlation of metals Pb with Mn, Fe and Cr; Zn with Ni and Cr; Ni with Cr; Mn with Fe and Cu with Cr showed significant positive relation either at p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 level. Metals Pb, Mn and Cr (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) showed significant positive correlation with RSPM. These results indicate that ambient air quality in the urban area is affected adversely due to emission and accumulation of SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and trace metals. These pollutants may pose detrimental effect on human health, as exposure of these are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurological impairments, increased risk of preterm birth and even mortality and morbidity.

Role of immunochromatographic test for rapid diagnosis of malaria

The study was conducted to compare among the different diagnostic procedures for malaria in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh during the period from July 2005 to June 2006. In this study a total of 98 malaria patients were included as cases. Another 30 age and sex matched healthy people were included as controls. Blood sample from each of the case and control was collected and examined for malarial parasite by microscopic examination of peripheral blood film. Subsequently antigen and antibody were detected by immuno-chromatographic test (ICT). Out of 98 clinically suspected cases 59(60.20%) were positive for malarial parasite by microscopic examination of peripheral blood film, 57(58.16%) were positive by ICT for antigen and 58(59.19%) were positive by ICT for antibody. Sensitivity and specificity of ICT for antigen were 93.22% and 94.87% respectively. For antibody, sensitivity and specificity were 89.83% and 87.17% respectively. From this study, sensitivity and specificity of ICT for malaria was found quite satisfactory, so it is suggested that ICT for malaria could be an alternative to peripheral blood film for the diagnosis of malaria where parasite could not be detected in peripheral blood film.

Preliminary report on anaerobic culture at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the anaerobic bacterial agents of puerperal sepsis among the patients admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during the period from July 2006 to June 2007. Endocervical swabs/secretions were collected from 50 cases of puerperal sepsis and were cultured anaerobically. Anaerobiasis was done by using gas pack (BD GAS PAK TM EZ) in anaerobic jar. Out of 50 samples, 42(84%) yielded growth in cultures. Among 42 culture positive cases, 20(40%) were Aerobic organisms and 22(44%) were mixed, i.e., Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria. The isolated Anaerobic organisms were Peptostreptococcus 14(63.63%), Bacteroides fragilis 3(13.64%), Prevotella melaninogenica 3(13.64%) and Clostridium perfringens 2(9.09%). As a preliminary study, it was observed that anaerobic culture could be carried out with available logistic arrangement. So, it was recommended to design further study on anaerobic bacterial isolation with particular emphasis on their antimicrobial susceptibility.

Interaction between renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems in a rat model of pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy

1 A raised cardiac workload activates neurohormones which will increase muscle mass and shift contractility to the right along the Frank-Starling curve. 2 This study examined the interaction between the SNS and RAS in contributing to vascular responsiveness following the development of cardiac hypertrophy due to aortic banding. 3 Sprague Dawley rats (180-200 g) were assigned to one of six groups; Normal, Sham-operated, Aortic Banded (AB), Aortic Banded treated with losartan (ABLOS), Aortic Banded treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (ABSYMP) and Aortic banded treated with both losartan and 6-hydroxydopamine (ABSYMPLOS). A constricting band was placed around the supra renal aorta on day zero with drug treatment from day 37 to day 44. Vasopressor responses to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and angiotensin II were measured on day 45. 4 The magnitudes of the MAP responses to all vasoactive agents, expressed as percentage changes, were similar in Normal and Sham groups, but reduced in the AB group. ABLOS group showed attenuated response to ANGII whereas all responses were enhanced in the ABSYM group. 5 A positive interaction between the two systems was observed with alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors identified as a major component of SNS and AT(1) receptors of RAS to induce vasopressor effects.

Influence of high dietary sodium intake on the functional subtypes of alpha-adrenoceptors in the renal cortical vasculature of Wistar-Kyoto rats

1 Increased renal vascular resistance is one renal functional abnormality that contributes to hypertension, and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors play a pivotal role in modulating this renal vascular resistance. This study investigates the functional contribution of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes in the renal cortical vasculature of Wistar-Kyoto rats on a normal sodium diet (WKYNNa) compared with those given saline to drink for 6 weeks (WKYHNa). 2 The renal cortical vascular responses to the adrenergic agonists noradrenaline (NA), methoxamine (ME) and phenylephrine (PE) were measured in WKYHNa and WKYNNa rats either in the absence (the control phase) or presence of chloroethylclonidine (CEC), an alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist, 5-methylurapidil (5-MeU), an alpha(1A) antagonist, or BMY7378, an alpha(1D) antagonist. 3 Results showed a greater renal cortical vascular sensitivity to NA, PE and ME in the WKYHNa compared with WKYNNa rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, 5-MeU and BMY7378 attenuated adrenergically induced renal cortical vasoconstriction in WKYHNa and WKYNNa rats; this response was largely blunted in CEC-treated WKYHNa rats (all P < 0.05) but not in CEC-treated WKYNNa rats. 4 The data suggest that irrespective of dietary sodium content, in Wistar-Kyoto rats alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-subtypes are the major alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in renal cortical vasculature; however, there appears to be a functional involvement of alpha(1B)-adrenoceptors in the WKYHNa rats.

A genome-wide panel of congenic mice reveals widespread epistasis of behavior quantitative trait loci

Understanding the genetics of behavioral variation remains a fascinating but difficult problem with considerable theoretical and practical implications. We used the genome-tagged mice (GTM) and an extensive test battery of well-validated behavioral assays to scan the genome for behavioral quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The GTM are a panel of 'speed congenic' mice consisting of over 60 strains spanning the entire autosomal genome. Each strain harbors a small (approximately 23 cM) DBA/2J donor segment on a uniform C57BL/6J background. The panel allows for mapping to regions as small as 5 cM and provides a powerful new tool for increasing mapping power and replicability in the analysis of QTLs. A total of 97 loci were mapped for a variety of complex behavioral traits including hyperactivity, anxiety, prepulse inhibition, avoidance and conditional fear. A larger number of loci were recovered than generally attained from standard mapping crosses. In addition, a surprisingly high proportion of loci, 63%, showed phenotypes unlike either of the parental strains. These data suggest that epistasis decreases sensitivity of locus detection in traditional crosses and demonstrate the utility of the GTM for mapping complex behavioral traits with high sensitivity and precision.

Cerebriform nevus sebaceus: a rare entity

We present a case of cerebriform nevus sebaceus in an 18-year-old boy. This form of nevus sebaceus is quite rare, in contrast to the relatively common linear variant.