Short-term physical training alters cardiovascular autonomic response amplitude and latencies

This study reports the results of 15 days of exercise training in 25 adult males on cardiovascular autonomic response amplitude and latencies. A standard battery of autonomic function tests including both activity (tone) and reactivity was used. Parasympathetic activity as evaluated from Heart rate variability (HRV) showed no statistically significant change in both time and frequency domain measures, similarly Sympathetic activity as measured by QT/QS2 ratio showed no statistically significant change, but there was a trend of a decrease in sympathetic activity and an increase in parasympathetic activity. There were no changes in the parameters measuring parasympathetic reactivity. Sympathetic reactivity as evaluated by diastolic blood pressure responses to hand grip test (HGT) and cold pressor test (CPT) showed significant decreases. Time domain assessment of autonomic responses was done by measuring tachycardia and bradycardia latencies during Valsalva maneuver (VM) and lying to standing test (LST). Physical training resulted in a decrease in tachycardia latency during LST and a decrease in bradycardia latency during VM. We conclude from the present study that 15 days of physical training is not enough to alter autonomic activity and PNS reactivity but can result in changes in SNS reactivity and latency parameters. We hypothesize that a decrease in bradycardia latency during VM signifies a faster recovery of heart rate during VM and a decrease in tachycardia latency during LST denotes a delayed activation of the system both of which are favorable cardiovascular responses.

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in a rural setup: comparison of clinical algorithm, smear scoring and culture by semiquantitative technique

This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a rural set up and compare the smear scoring system to that of culture by semiquantitative technique. A total of 505 married women, who were in sexually active age group of 15-44 years, were selected from three different villages. High vaginal swabs, endocervical swabs, vaginal discharge and blood were collected and processed in the laboratory. Overall prevalence of 29% reproductive tract infection was detected. Endogenous infection was commonly observed (27.92%), and very low prevalence of STIs (Trichomonas 1.18%, Syphilis 0%, Gonorrhea 0%) was detected. Diagnosis of BV was possible in 104 (20.5%) women by smear alone and 88 (17.42%) women by semiquantitative culture.

Single crystal EPR of Cu(II) doped [Co(tbz)2(NO3)(H2O)]NO3: probe into copper-thiabendazole interaction

EPR of Cu(II) doped, low symmetry Co(II)-thiabendazole complex [Co(tbz)2(NO3)(H2O)](NO3) is investigated at 300 K. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are found to be orthorhombic with g33=2.305, g22=2.1351, g11=2.0626 and A33=147.0 x 10(-4), A22=33.5 x 10(-4) and A11=23.1 x 10(-4) cm(-1). Computer simulation of isofrequency plots reveal that the Cu(II) ions is substitutionally incorporated in the host lattice. Angular variation of the spectra shows the presence of two magnetic sites in the lattice. The low magnitude of A33 of the complex is rationalized in terms of admixture of d(x2-y2)/d(z2) ground state and delocalization of unpaired spin density onto the ligands.

Optical absorption and EPR spectra of fuchsite

Chromium containing mica is called fuchsite. Fuchsite originating from the Nellore district of India containing 3.37 wt.% of chromium is used in the present study. Optical absorption and EPR studies were carried out at room temperature (RT). The optical absorption spectrum gives energies at 14925, 15070, 15715, 16400, 17730 and 21740 cm(-1), which are attributed to spin-allowed transitions for Cr(3+) in an octahedral symmetry. EPR spectra show a strong resonance with g=1.98 along with two sets of weak resonances which are attributed to two sets of chromium in the sample. The zero field splitting parameter (D) is almost zero. These spectra are due to Cr(3+) in the mineral. The NIR spectrum is due to hydroxyl ions in the sample.

99mTc-peptide-peptide nucleic acid probes for imaging oncogene mRNAs in tumours

Imaging oncogene mRNA in tumours would provide a powerful tool for the early detection of occult malignant lesions. The goal was to prepare a chimera consisting of a dodecamer antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) specific for c-MYC oncogene overexpressed in human breast cancer cells and a chelating moiety that facilitates quantitative radiolabelling with 99mTc and evaluate it for hybridization and tissue distribution in laboratory animals. The pentapeptide chelator-PNA dodecamer specific for c-MYC mRNA was extended from a solid support by 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) coupling. Similarly, a chelator-PNA chimera with four central mismatches was also prepared which served as a control. The chimeras were purified, characterized and evaluated for hybridization to c-MYC mRNA by fluorescent, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The chimeras were labelled with 99mTc and their tissue distribution was examined in athymic nude mice bearing experimental human breast tumours. 99mTc radiolabelling was quantitative and presented a single peak in reversed phase liquid chromatography. Fluorescent real-time polymerase chain reactions using primer and fluorescent probe sets previously calculated for c-MYC mRNA demonstrated inhibition of reverse transcription by the c-MYC specific chimera as compared to that of the control. Tissue distribution studies of antisense and mismatch chimeras at 4 h and 24 h after administration displayed modest accumulation in the liver, and appreciable levels in tumours. These observations suggest that 99mTc-peptide-PNA probes might be useful for imaging gene expression in tumours, and the approach is worthy of further investigation.

Optical and EPR studies of iron bearing phosphate minerals: satterlyite and gormanite from Yukon Territory, Canada

The iron phosphate minerals satterlyite and gormanite have been investigated by EPR and optical absorption studies. The optical results indicate the presence of ferrous and ferric ions in both minerals. In gormanite the site symmetry of Fe(III) is near octahedral whereas in satterlyite it is tetragonally distorted. On the other hand, the Fe(II) ions are in tetragonally distorted octahedral site in both minerals. In satterlyite the EPR results indicate the presence of the ferric ion in a tetragonally distorted state together with a small percentage of Mn(II). Crystal field (Dq) and interelectronic parameters (B and C) are evaluated.

Carotid artery stenting with filter protection

BACKGROUND

Neurologic events associated with distal embolization of debris during percutaneous carotid artery stenting complicate the procedure. Filter devices for cerebral protection potentially reduce the risk of embolization and other neurologic events. We studied the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of carotid artery stenting with a filter device.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between January 2002 and January 2003, a total of 22 consecutive patients (30 lesions) who had >70% diameter stenosis of the internal carotid artery underwent carotid artery stenting with filter protection at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 64+/-9 years; 14 were men and 8 women, and 15 had neurologic symptoms. A stent was successfully implanted in 29 lesions. It was possible to position a filter device in all the 29 lesions. Neurologic complications during the procedure, in the hospital, and at 30-day clinical follow-up occurred in 2 patients. One patient suffered a minor stroke that resolved within 24 hours. None of the patients had a major embolic stroke. There was one death from intracerebral hemorrhage related to hyperperfusion and the use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

Filter protection during carotid artery stenting seems technically feasible, safe, and effective. In the present study, the incidence of embolic neurologic events was low.

Study on integration of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme into primary health care services: a pilot project

The Central Leprosy Training and Research Institute, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, undertook an interventional study, as a pilot project, on integration of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) vertical activities into the PHC system in two selected districts of Visakhapatnam and Krishna of Andhra Pradesh, between September 1997 and March 1999. The objective of the study was to assess the various operational aspects and implications of integrated implementation of the activities of the NLEP through the PHC system. 1,304,163 people (239,142 in the study group and 1,065,020 in the control group) were enrolled in the study. The methodology employed in carrying out the pilot project in the two selected districts is described. MDT was in operation for more than 5 years in these two districts through vertical approach. Prevalence has declined from >50/10000 at the start of MDT to about 3/10000 at the start of the project. During the implementation phase, 1459 new leprosy cases were detected (NCDR 5.39/10000 person-years) and 1458 cases were released from treatment (RFT rate: 93.04%) and towards the end of the project 450 cases were under treatment (PR 1.66/10000). Simple rates, ratios and proportions were used in the analysis of data and results were compared. The interventional study was designed to assess the implications and impact of implementation of NLEP activities through PHC staff. The study design, rationale, data collection, data processing, quality control methods employed in the study project and the results are discussed. The results of the study indicate that integrated implementation of the NLEP by PHC staff is feasible, if proper support is provided.

Conditional engagement of medial frontal cortex during responding under uncertain reinforcement in rats: a paradigm for subjective behavior

Rats were studied for their performance on DRL 10 s and 5 s with 50% probability of reinforcement, before and after medial frontal cortical lesions. A sequential analysis of interresponse times (IRTs) was carried out. It suggested 1. that the medial frontal cortex mediates subjective risk of response choice in rats and 2. that the tolerated risk levels in human decision-making may have a biological basis.

Single crystal EPR and optical studies of paramagnetic ions doped zinc potassium phosphate hexahydrate--part II: VO(II)--a case of substitutional site

Single crystal electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies were carried at room temperature for VO(II) doped zinc potassium phosphate hexahydrate. The results indicate that the paramagnetic impurity has entered the lattice only substitutionally, as confirmed by the single crystal rotations. The spin Hamiltonian parameters calculated from the spectra are g parallel = 1.9356, g perpendicular = 1.9764, A parallel = 200.9 G and A perpendicular = 76.5 G. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits three bands (800, 670 and 340 nm) suggesting the C4v symmetry and the optical parameters evaluated are Dq = 1492, Ds = -3854 and Dt = 186 cm(-1).