Study of optical band gap and FTIR spectroscopy of Li2O.Bi2O3.P2O5 glasses

Glasses having composition (25+x)Li(2)O.(65-x)P(2)O(5).10Bi(2)O(3) (0< or =x< or =25 mol%) were prepared by normal melt quenching technique. The optical absorption spectra of the polished samples were recorded in spectral range from 200 to 3300 nm at room temperature. The optical absorption edge (lambda(cutoff)), optical band gap (E(g)) and Urbach energy (DeltaE) were determined from the absorption spectra. Variation in these optical parameters has been associated with the structural changes occurring in these glasses with increase in Li(2)O:P(2)O(5) ratio. Variation in density (D), molar volume (V(M)) and glass transition temperature (T(g)) has also been correlated with structural changes in the glass samples. The FTIR spectra have been recorded in the spectral range from 400 to 1400 cm(-1). The FTIR spectra show the rapid depolymerization of phosphate chains with increase in Li(2)O content and P-O-Bi bonds are formed.

Effect of time after transplantation on microbiology of urinary tract infections among renal transplant recipients

We evaluated the microbiology of renal transplant recipients hospitalized with urinary tract infections over a 10-year period. While gram-negative organisms were seen most frequently (73%), the median time to infection post transplantation was shorter in patients infected with gram-positive organisms (9.0 vs. 44.7 months).

Hepatitis A vaccination in chronic liver disease: is it really required in a tropical country like India?

Vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been recommended in patients with chronic liver disease to prevent any decompensation due to superinfection. This may not hold good in high endemic areas for hepatitis A like India. The aim of this study was to find out the seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in patients with chronic liver disease and to justify the need for vaccination against hepatitis A virus in these patients. One hundred and thirty three consecutive patients with cirrhosis of liver attending Gastroenterology department of our Institute between June 2004 and June 2005 were enrolled. Seventy-five healthy persons were taken as controls. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical profile, biochemical, radiological (ultrasound abdomen) and endoscopic findings. The etiology of cirrhosis was based on presence of viral markers, history of significant alcohol consumption, autoimmune and metabolic workup. All patients and controls were tested for antiHAV (total) antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Data from patients and control group were compared by unpaired 't' test and Chi square test. All subjects were in the age group 11 to 75 years. Etiology of chronic liver disease was as follows: HBV- 29.3%, HCV - 14.28%, HBV+HCV dual -1.5%, alcohol- 21.8%, Cryptogenic -23.3%, Wilson"s Disease -1.5% and Budd chiari -1.5%. The prevalence of HAV was 93.2% in patients with cirrhosis of liver and 94.6% in controls. The prevalence was almost similar irrespective of the etiology. In view of high seroprevalence of HAV antibodies among cirrhotic patients in our study and the high cost of the vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccination may not be routinely required in this part of the world.

Polymorphism of ZuBeCa3 microsatellite and its association with mammary tumor in dogs

A study was conducted to explore the genetic polymorphism at ZuBeCa3 microsatellite and to estimate the association between microsatellite polymorphism and mammary cancer in dogs. Three genotypes namely AA, AB and BB were observed both in dogs affected by mammary cancer and in non-affected dogs. In the affected group, the frequency of genotype and allele was 0.63 for AA, 0.25 for AB and 0.12 for BB genotype, and 0.76 for A and 0.24 for B allele. In the nonaffected group, the frequency of AA, AB and BB genotype was 0.39, 0.38 and 0.23 and the frequency of A and B allele was 0.58 and 0.42, respectively. Histopathological observation classified the cancer-affected animals into three groups namely, malignant solid mammary carcinoma, malignant papillary adenocarcinoma and benign papillary adenoma in which the frequency of A allele was relatively more predominant in benign tumor group, which is more than 80%. Statistical tests showed significant differences (P < 0.01) of allelic distribution between tumor-affected and non-affected group, which reveals the effect of polymorphism on occurrences of mammary cancer in dogs. Besides, chi(2) test also reflected the significant effect of genotypes on occurrences of three groups of mammary cancer in dogs.

Malignant Degeneration in a Mature Cystic Teratoma of Ovary A Case Report

Malignant transformation of benign cystic teratoma of ovary is rare and the mostcommon malignancy encountered is squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnosis is rarelymade preoperatively and the prognosis is usually poor. Here we report a case ofsquamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid in a 44 years old lady who presentedwith bilateral dermoid cysts. The preoperative findings, surgical approach andadjuvant therapy are discussed.Key Words: Malignant transformation, benign cystic teratoma, squamous cell carcinoma.

Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosionophilia-Scalp

abstract

Formulation and evaluation of controlled-release transdermal patches of theophylline-salbutamol sulfate

Transdermal formulations containing theophylline and salbutamol sulfate (SS) were formulated using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Theophylline was loaded by adsorption with the aid of the coadsorbate sodium chloride. The formulations were subjected to in vitro release studies, and the dose of salbutamol and theophylline was optimized to yield the desired flux. The films were uniform and 93 +/- 5.4 microm thick. The in vitro fluxes of theophylline and salbutamol sulfate from the formulation were 1.22 +/- 0.4 mg/h/cm2 and 13.36 +/- 1.02 microg/h/cm2, respectively. The formulation was subjected to pharmacodynamic studies in guinea pigs. The preconvulsive time (PCT) of guinea pigs increased significantly after 4 h, and the same was observed even after 24 h Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in healthy human volunteers. Theophylline was analyzed in saliva, and salbutamol was analyzed in the blood plasma. The Tmax of the drugs was 3 h, and appreciable concentrations of the drugs above their MEC could be analyzed even after 12 h. The elimination half-life of the drugs was significantly prolonged compared to that for tablets. There were no signs of erythema or edema in the volunteers during observation for a period of 7 days.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva mimicking genital wart: a case report and review of literature

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is an uncommon dermatologic problem that rarely affects the vulva and it is considered to be a localised developmental defect of lymphatic tissue in the dermis. We report a case of vulval LC, clinically diagnosed as genital wart, in a 48-year-old woman without evidence of secondary lymphatic damage. The patient required extensive vulval surgery and there was no recurrence after 16 months.

Persistence and dissipation behavior of triazophos in canal water under Indian climatic conditions

Laboratory studies were undertaken in canal water (pH 8.3) spiked with Hostathion (triazophos 40 EC) at the rates of 0.25 (T(1)) and 0.50 (T(2)) microg a.i. ml(-1) to investigate its persistence, dissipation, and degradation kinetics. Water samples collected on 0 (1h), 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days after spiking were processed for residues of triazophos by GLC. In T(1) the dissipation was 10.9, 19.1, 24.8, 40.4, 53.0, 73.0, and 83.0% in 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 days. Corresponding dissipation in T(2) was 9.2, 17.4, 21.2, 37.1, 50.6, 72.1, and 82.4%. In 90 days the dissipation was about 91% in both treatments. The half-life values observed were 24.87 days in T(1) and 25.44 days in T(2). Kinetic studies revealed that dissipation of triazophos residues followed a first-order kinetics in both spiking levels.

Utilization of MO6-G3 immortalized odontoblast cells in studies regarding dentinogenesis

Tooth formation is the result of reciprocal instructive interactions between oral epithelium and cranial neural-crest-derived ectomesenchymal tissues. These interactions lead to the cytodifferentiation of highly specialized matrix-forming cell types, the ameloblast, odontoblast, and cementoblast, that produce the mineralized tissues enamel, dentin, and cementum, respectively. Our laboratory has been developing immortalized dental cell lines representative of these various cell types to facilitate studies on gene regulation, cell differentiation, matrix formation, and mineralization. Odontoblasts are solely responsible for the synthesis and secretion of the dentin extracellular matrix bilayer that consists of non-mineralized predentin and mineralized dentin. The mouse immortalized MO6-G3 cell line expresses the major matrix proteins associated with the odontoblast phenotype, producing a matrix that is capable of mineralization. This cell line serves as a useful tool in studies designed to explore the various processes of dentinogenesis. In this paper, we present studies using the mouse odontoblast cell line MO6-G3 as examples of the various research applications. Studies highlighted are: in vitro promoter studies investigating the tooth-specific gene regulation of the major non-collagenous dentin matrix protein, dentin sialophosphoprotein; regulation of tertiary dentin formation by cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-Beta 1; and the utilization of dentally relevant cells in dental material biocompatibility testing.

Cystic granulosa cell tumor of the ovary--a case report

A case of cystic granulosa cell tumor of ovary in a 32 year old woman is described. The patient presented with abdominal mass without any signs and symptoms of hyperestrinism and virilization. Ultrasonographically and grossly a diagnosis of benign cystadenoma was considered. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cystic granulasa cell tumor.

Pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland: diagnosis based on fine needle aspiration cytology

A 48 years old male patient presented with a mass in the supratemporal quadrant of orbit. Fine needle aspiration (FNAC) revealed a cellular tumour with a chondrimyxoid background and epithelial cells intermingled with mesenchymal cells in a fibrillary matrix. A diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland was made which was confirmed on histopathology. FNA is a rapid and accurate method in diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumours.

The influence of light wavelength on reproductive photorefractoriness in migratory blackheaded bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)

There are two effects of long day length on reproductive responses in birds, one is the photoinduction of gonadal growth and maturation and the other is the induction of gonadal regression and photorefractoriness. Although it is likely that the same photoreceptors are involved in the photoinduction of gonadal growth and the onset and maintenance of photorefractoriness. and so the influence of wavelength should be similar, this has not been investigated. Therefore, we investigated the influence of light wavelength on reproductive photorefractoriness in the migratory male blackheaded bunting held under long photoperiods. In mid May, when photoperiod was approximately 14L:10D (14 hours light:10 hours darkness), eight groups of sexually mature birds were moved indoors on an artificial photoperiod of 14L:10D (L - 450 lux. D - 0 lux). Then after 3 weeks, for six groups, a 4-h light period in the morning (zt 0-4; zt 0 [zeitgeber time 0] refers to the beginning of lights-on period) or in the evening (zt 10-14) was substituted with green (428 nm), red (654 nm) or white light at 16 +/- 2 lux intensity. Of the remaining two groups, one was maintained on 14L: 10D and the other transferred to 10L:14D: these served as controls. At the end of 4 weeks, all birds were found to have undergone testicular regression, irrespective of LD cycle they were exposed to. When these gonadally regressed birds were subjected to 16L:8D for another 4 weeks, to test their responsiveness to the stimulatory effects of long day lengths, only those exposed to 10L:14D and 14L:10D with a 4-h green light period showed testicular regrowth. On the other hand, birds exposed to 14L:10D with a 4-h white or red light period remained fully regressed, similar to 14L:10D controls. Except for some individual difference, there was no difference in response between the groups that received a 4-h light period in the morning and that received it in the evening. These results suggest that the wavelengths of light influence induction of buntings from the photosensitive state into the photorefractory state. Whereas the short light wavelengths facilitated recovery from the photorefractoriness, the long light wavelengths were more effective in maintaining the photorefractoriness.

Clinical, hematological and histomorphological profile of myelodysplastic syndrome

AIM

The present study was designed to analyse clinical, haematological and histomorphogical features in 37 cases of myelodysplasic syndrome (MDS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

FAB criteria was used to diagnose MDS in 37 patients. Clinical details, peripheral blood findings, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 37 cases, there were 25 females and 12 males in age range of 2 years to 75 years. There were three children. There were nine cases of refractory anaemia (RA), 18 of refractory anaemia with excess blasts (RAEB), nine of refractory anaemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-t) and one of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). All were denovo MDS. All patients had pallor. Hepato and/or splenomegaly was seen in 15 cases. Anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia was seen in 37, 6 and 23 cases respectively. Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) was hyper to normo cellular in 35 cases. Dyshemopoiesis was seen in one or more cell lines in all cases. Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) was available in 16 cases. Abnormal localisation of immature precursors (ALIP) was seen in 11/12 biopsies of RAEB and 3/4 of RAEB-t. BMB was helpful in diagnosis of 3 doubtful cases (one RAEB and two RAEB-t), and upgrading of 2 cases of RAEB to RAEB-t. On follow up, 1 case of RA, 3 of RAEB, 1 of RAEB-t developed AML. One case of RAEB developed ALL and 2 progressed to RAEB-t.

CONCLUSION

Primary MDS is seen in all age groups. Pallor is commonest presentation. RAEB was commonest subgroup seen. BMB is helpful in diagnosis of doubtful cases. ALIP is a reliable diagnostic feature of MDS. BMB is a diagnostic as well as prognostic tool in MDS cases which should be taken as a mandatory investigation.

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) manifests as a skin eruption after healing of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. This study was undertaken to describe the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features of PKDL in Nepal.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic features and response to treatment were studied in 22 patients with PKDL from April 1998 to March 2000.

RESULTS

PKDL accounted for 0.13% of all new dermatologic cases. There were 13 (59.1%) males and nine (40.9%) females. A past history of kala-azar was present in all but one patient. A family history of kala-azar was noted in eight (36.4%) patients. All patients presented with multiple types of lesion, except for two in whom only macular lesions were seen. Oral lesions in the form of nodules and plaques were seen in four patients. Generalized lymphadenopathy was present in five patients. Slit skin smears revealed Leishman-Donovan bodies (LDBs) in nine (40.9%) patients. In macular lesions, there was a sparse infiltrate of plasma cells, lymphocytes, or histiocytes in the upper dermis. There was a dense chronic inflammatory infiltrate comprising plasma cells, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and epithelioid cells in the entire dermis from papules, plaques, or nodules. Giemsa staining of biopsy specimens revealed LDBs in seven (38.9%) patients only. Fine needle aspiration from epitrochlear lymph nodes in two patients demonstrated LDBs. All patients responded well to treatment with minimal side-effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the need to be aware of the possibility of cases of PKDL in endemic regions of leprosy, as the conditions may be difficult to distinguish clinically and histopathologically.

Neurogenic cyst of ovary: an unusual massive monodermal teratoma

An unusual massive benign cystic monodermal teratoma of the ovary in a 14-year-old girl is reported. The multilocular cyst measured 80 x 70 x 80 cm and contained 23 l of fluid. The cyst wall composed of purely mature central nervous system tissue with a prominent microvasculature resting on a thin rim of ovarian cortical tissue. Immunohistochemical stains supported the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge only one such case has been described in the literature.

Non-linear pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in healthy Asian Indian volunteers

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin (RMP) in healthy Asian Indian volunteers after oral administration of commercially marketed reference formulations.

DESIGN

Two separate studies were conducted. In Study 1, 12 volunteers were administered a single 450 mg sugar-coated tablet, and in Study 2, 11 volunteers were administered a 30 ml suspension (100 mg/5 ml) equivalent to a 600 mg dose of RMP. Blood samples were collected at 0 hours and then at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours post dose, and plasma concentrations were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Non-compartmental analysis indicated that the mean (coefficient of variation [%CV]) values for the tablet for Cmax, Tmax and AUC(0-infinity) were 8.59 (53.66) microg/ml, 1.58 h and 49.54 (61.79) microg x h/ml, respectively. The corresponding mean (%CV) values for the suspension were 14.76 (24.14) microg/ml, 1.45 h and 119.12 (28.24) microg x h/ml. Two-compartment analysis indicated that the mean (%CV) values for Cl/F, beta and t(1/2beta) were respectively 197.51 (46.58) (ml/h)/kg, 0.2153 (32.01) h(-1) and 3.57 (34.85) h, at the 450 mg dose (tablet), and were significantly different from the respective 94.76 (33.96) (ml/h)/kg, 0.1210 (33.66) h(-1) and 5.44 (16.69) h at the 600 mg dose (suspension) (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant linear correlation (r = 0.60, P < 0.005, n = 21) between Cmax and the elimination half-life, indicating a concentration-dependent increase in half-life.

CONCLUSION

Rifampicin obeys two-compartment kinetics with zero order absorption, and exhibits non-linear saturable elimination kinetics as well as large inter-individual variability.