Identification of RAPD-SCAR marker linked to white spot syndrome virus resistance in populations of giant black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius

White spot disease (WSD) caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) creates severe epizootics in shrimp aquaculture industry worldwide. Despite several efforts, no such permanent remedy was yet developed. Selective breeding using DNA markers would be a cost-effective strategy for long-term solution of this problem. In the present investigation, out of 30 random primers, only one primer produced a statistically significant (P < 0.01) randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker of 502 bp, which provided a good discrimination between disease resistant and disease susceptible populations of Penaeus monodon from three geographical locations along the East coast of India. Because RAPD markers are dominant, a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed by cloning and sequencing of 502 bp RAPD fragment, which generates a single 457 bp DNA fragment after PCR amplification only in the disease resistant shrimps. Challenge experiment was also conducted to validate this 457 bp SCAR marker, and the results suggested that the WSSV loads were 2.25 × 10(3) fold higher in disease susceptible than that in disease resistant shrimps using real-time PCR. Therefore, this 457 bp DNA SCAR marker will be very valuable towards the development of disease-free shrimp aquaculture industry.

ERRβ signalling through FST and BCAS2 inhibits cellular proliferation in breast cancer cells

Background:

The overexpression of oestrogen-related receptor-β (ERRβ) in breast cancer patients is correlated with improved prognosis and longer relapse-free survival, and the level of ERRβ mRNA is inversely correlated with the S-phase fraction of cells from breast cancer patients.

Methods:

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) cloning of ERRβ transcriptional targets and gel supershift assays identified breast cancer amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) and Follistatin (FST) as two important downstream genes that help to regulate tumourigenesis. Confocal microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP), western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the involvement of ERRβ in oestrogen signalling.

Results:

Overexpressed ERRβ induced FST-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells, and E-cadherin expression was also enhanced through upregulation of FST. However, this anti-proliferative signalling function was challenged by ERRβ-mediated BCAS2 upregulation, which inhibited FST transcription through the downregulation of β-catenin/TCF4 recruitment to the FST promoter. Interestingly, ERRβ-mediated upregulation of BCAS2 downregulated the major G1-S transition marker cyclin D1, despite the predictable oncogenic properties of BCAS2.

Interpretation:

Our study provides the first evidence that ERRβ, which is a coregulator of ERα also acts as a potential tumour-suppressor molecule in breast cancer. Our current report also provides novel insights into the entire cascade of ERRβ signalling events, which may lead to BCAS2-mediated blockage of the G1/S transition and inhibition of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition through FST-mediated regulation of E-cadherin. Importantly, matrix metalloprotease 7, which is a classical mediator of metastasis and E-cadherin cleavage, was also restricted as a result of ERRβ-mediated FST overexpression.

Hypoxia-targeted siRNA delivery

Altered vasculature and the resultant chaotic tumor blood flow lead to the appearance in fast-growing tumors of regions with gradients of oxygen tension and acute hypoxia (less than 1.4% oxygen). Due to its roles in tumorigenesis and resistance to therapy, hypoxia represents a problem in cancer therapy. Insufficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the hypoxic regions in solid tumors is recognized as one of the causes of resistance to therapy. This led to the development of hypoxia imaging agents, and the use of hypoxia-activated anticancer prodrugs. Here we show the first example of the hypoxia-induced siRNA uptake and silencing using a nanocarrier consisting of polyethyleneglycol 2000, azobenzene, polyethyleneimine (PEI)(1.8 kDa), and 1,2-dioleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) units (the nanocarrier is referred to as PAPD), where azobenzene imparts hypoxia sensitivity and specificity. We report hypoxia-activated green fluorescent protein (GFP) silencing in vitro and its downregulation in GFP-expressing tumors after intravenous administration. The proposed nanoformulation represents a novel tumor-environment-responsive modality for cancer targeting and siRNA delivery.

Identification of a Proteinaceous Component in the Leaf of Moringa Oleifera lam. with Effects on High Serum Creatinine

Moringa oleifera Lam. has been an important plant in the history of mankind, both for its nutritional and medicinal uses. Apart from bactericidal effects, the parts of this plant have been effectively used in the treatment of circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive as well as neural disorders. Till date, though, there has been no reported activity of the involvement of any proteinaceous extract from M. oleifera on high levels of serum creatinine. To address this issue, blood samples with high levels of serum creatinine (2 mg/dl and above) were treated with leaf extract from M. oleifera. The crude extract was partially purified initially and eventually purified to completion as well. All these proteinaceous fractions were used to treat samples with high levels of serum creatinine as mentioned above. While the treatment of serum sample having high creatinine with crude extract and partially purified protein fractions showed a decrease of approximately 20% in the levels of serum creatinine over a period of 24 h, the samples treated with purified protein fraction reduced the serum creatinine level by 50%. In light of the fact that increased level of serum creatinine levels have adverse downstream effects on the heart, lungs and other organs, this communication assumes significance because it suggests a way of reducing the level of serum creatinine as an emergency measure. Further, the identification and characterisation of this proteinaceous component and possible in vivo experiments would provide a major tool for the treatment of downstream complications associated with increased serum creatinine via a new sources, albeit a natural one.

Calcium carbide related ocular burn injuries during mango ripening season of West Bengal, eastern India

Introduction: Calcium carbide used in fruit ripening industry as a cheap alternative to natural plant hormone ethylene produces highly inflammable acetylene gas. Inadvertent ignition of this gas can cause severe ocular burn injury with unilateral or bilateral blindness. Objective: To determine the characteristics and visual outcome of ocular burn injuries from calcium carbide during mango ripening season of West Bengal, eastern India. Materials and methods: A prospective study of all cases of calcium carbide related ocular burn injury attending a tertiary care hospital during mango ripening season was carried out. The demographic features, characteristics of the injury, management and outcomes were recorded. Results: Fifty five eyes of 33 patients were studied. Males were more commonly affected (20 patients, 60.6%) than females. The injury was bilateral in 22 patients (66.66%). Seventeen patients (51.51%) were below 20 years of age. Ten eyes had open globe injuries and 45 eyes had closed globe injuries. One eye of a patient had to be enucleated (3%). Children below 14 years of age were mainly injured while playing with indigenous fireworks of shooting carbide. Middle aged women were affected particularly during ignition of evening lamps. Carbide lamp was another source of injury. Conclusion: Males are more commonly affected by calcium carbide related ocular injuries. Children and young adults are the common victims. Such injuries can involve both the eyes and cause a permanent visual disability. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(10): 242-245 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i2.8736

Temporal distribution of dissolved trace metal in the coastal waters of Southwestern Bay of Bengal, India

The objective of the present study was to characterize the concentrations of selected dissolved trace metals in the coastal waters (500 m from shore) of Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. The order of dissolved concentration of these metals was found to be as follows: Co (cobalt) < Cd (cadmium) < Cr (chromium) < Mn (manganese) < Cu (copper) < Ni (nickel) < Pb (lead) < Zn (zinc). The levels of these trace metals were found to be relatively low as compared to the reported values for other Indian coastal waters, which indicates negligible pollution at this location. Cadmium was the only metal found to increase its concentration during the monsoon period, suggesting its allochthonous input. Factor analysis indicated that chromium, nickel, zinc, cobalt, copper, manganese, and lead were of common origin, and external inputs through land runoff had nominal or little impact, typifying in-situ regeneration and remineralization linkage with their temporal variation. However, levels of zinc, cobalt, and copper remained relatively high during the summer period, and abrupt increases in their concentration during December (monsoon season) may be due to their dual (autochthonous as well as allochthonous) input.

Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome

Rubinstein Taybi is a rare genetic syndrome with characteristic facial features, broad thumb and toes, mental retardation. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Here we report a 2 and ½ year old female child with typical facial features and other anomalies characteristics of Rubistein Taybi syndrome. Among the different features described-polydactyly, syndactyly, micrognathia are occasional abnormalities to be found in this syndrome. Bilateral pits on posterior aspect of helix is also a feature described in very few literatures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7091 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):68-69

Erosion Wear Analysis of SiC Filled Glass-Epoxy Composites using Taguchi Technique

This paper describes the processing of a class of hybrid composites prepared by filling of SiC particulates in glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin. Experiments are conducted to study the solid particle erosion response of these composites. A theoretical model for the wear rate of the composites during solid particle impact erosion is proposed for predictive purpose. The validity of the theoretical model is assessed with experimental results and the influence of control factors like impingement angle, impact velocity, erodent temperature, erodent size, stand-off distance and filler content etc. on wear rate is studied. For this purpose a novel technique like Taguchi experimental design is employed. It is observed that the erodent temperature, filler content, impact velocity, impingement angle are the most significant factors effecting the erosion rate. The peak erosion rate is found to be occurring at an impingement angle of 75°. The morphology of eroded surfaces is examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and possible erosion mechanisms are discussed.

An Assessment of Erosion Wear Response of SiC Filled Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Glass and Bamboo Fibers

The present work describes the processing and studies the erosion wear characteristics of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites filled with SiC particulate. The mechanical properties of these composites are evaluated and are then compared with those of a similar set of SiC filled glass-epoxy composites. The solid particle erosion characteristics of the bamboo-epoxy composites have also been studied and the experimental results are compared with the reported erosion test results on glass-epoxy composites under similar test conditions by Biswas and Satapathy (2009). The influence of particulate filler on the erosion wear response of composites has been critically analyzed using Taguchi experimental design. This systematic experimentation has led to determination of significant process parameters and material variables that predominantly influence the wear rate of the particulate filled glass-epoxy and bamboo-epoxy composites. The comparative study indicates that although the bamboo based composites exhibit relatively inferior mechanical properties, their erosion wear performance is better than that of the glass-epoxy composites.

The loss of the BH3-only Bcl-2 family member Bid delays T-cell leukemogenesis in Atm-/- mice

Multicellular organisms maintain genomic integrity and resist tumorigenesis through a tightly regulated DNA damage response (DDR) that prevents propagation of deleterious mutations either through DNA repair or programmed cell death. An impaired DDR leads to tumorigenesis that is accelerated when programmed cell death is prevented. Loss of the ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated)-mediated DDR in mice results in T-cell leukemia driven by accumulation of DNA damage accrued during normal T-cell development. Pro-apoptotic BH3-only Bid is a substrate of Atm, and Bid phosphorylation is required for proper cell cycle checkpoint control and regulation of hematopoietic function. In this report, we demonstrate that, surprisingly, loss of Bid increases the latency of leukemogenesis in Atm-/- mice. Bid-/-Atm-/- mice display impaired checkpoint control and increased cell death of DN3 thymocytes. Loss of Bid thus inhibits T-cell tumorigenesis by increasing clearance of damaged cells, and preventing propagation of deleterious mutations.

An infected urachal cyst

Urachal cysts present very uncommonly in adults. We describe a 25-year-old man who attended with a discharging umbilical swelling and pain. Ultrasonography and CT scan demonstrated an infected urachal cyst which, following cystoscopy, was excised without complication.

Pharmacological and dietary antioxidant therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The progression and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are intimately associated with tobacco smoke/biomass fuel-induced oxidative and aldehyde/carbonyl stress. Alterations in redox signaling proinflammatory kinases and transcription factors, steroid resistance, unfolded protein response, mucus hypersecretion, extracellular matrix remodeling, autophagy/apoptosis, epigenetic changes, cellular senescence/aging, endothelial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and skeletal muscle dysfunction are some of the pathological hallmarks of COPD. In light of the above it would be prudent to target systemic and local oxidative stress with agents that can modulate the antioxidants/ redox system or by boosting the endogenous levels of antioxidants for the treatment and management of COPD. Identification of various antioxidant agents, such as thiol molecules (glutathione and mucolytic drugs, such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, N-acystelyn, erdosteine, fudosteine, ergothioneine, and carbocysteine lysine salt), dietary natural product-derived polyphenols and other compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, quercetin sulforaphane, lycopene, acai, alpha-lipoic acid, tocotrienols, and apocynin) have made it possible to modulate various biochemical aspects of COPD. Various researches and clinical trials have revealed that these antioxidants can detoxify free radicals and oxidants, control expression of redox and glutathione biosynthesis genes, chromatin remodeling, and ultimately inflammatory gene expression. In addition, modulation of cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress and related cellular changes have also been reported to be effected by synthetic molecules. This includes specific spin traps like α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone, a catalytic antioxidant (ECSOD mimetic), porphyrins (AEOL 10150 and AEOL 10113), and a superoxide dismutase mimetic M40419, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation blockers/inhibitors, such as edaravone and lazaroids/tirilazad, myeloperoxidase inhibitors, as well as specialized pro-resolving mediators/inflammatory resolving lipid mediators, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and hydrogen sulfide. According to various studies it appears that the administration of multiple antioxidants could be a more effective mode used in the treatment of COPD. In this review, various pharmacological and dietary approaches to enhance lung antioxidant levels and beneficial effects of antioxidant therapeutics in treating or intervening the progression of COPD have been discussed.

The Way to a Man's Heart is through his Stomach – Peanuts in the Pericardium! a Rare Case of Traumatic Gastropericardial Fistula

Pneumopericardium is most commonly iatrogenic and in cases of gastropericardial fistula, the stomach is usually intrathoracic. We report a case of penetrating trauma induced gastropericardial fistula from an intraabdominal stomach resulting in pneumopericardium. The diagnosis was confirmed during laparotomy. Pneumopericardium, if small, can be managed conservatively, but immediate release is required if tension occurs. Gastropericardial fistula carries a high mortality and should be surgically repaired.

AMP: Assembly Matching Pursuit

Metagenomics, the study of the total genetic material isolated from a biological host, promises to reveal host-microbe or microbe-microbe interactions that may help to personalize medicine or improve agronomic practice. We introduce a method that discovers metagenomic units (MGUs) relevant for phenotype prediction through sequence-based dictionary learning. The method aggregates patient-specific dictionaries and estimates MGU abundances in order to summarize a whole population and yield universally predictive biomarkers. We analyze the impact of Gaussian, Poisson, and Negative Binomial read count models in guiding dictionary construction by examining classification efficiency on a number of synthetic datasets and a real dataset from Ref. 1. Each outperforms standard methods of dictionary composition, such as random projection and orthogonal matching pursuit. Additionally, the predictive MGUs they recover are biologically relevant.

Noncaged laying hens remain unflappable while wearing body-mounted sensors: Levels of agonistic behaviors remain unchanged and resource use is not reduced after habituation

Unique markings or body-mounted sensors facilitate data collection from individuals in large groups of similar-looking conspecifics but may have unintended consequences on behavior. A wireless sensor attached to the back of laying hens via a harness has been developed to monitor space use and activity. Prior to collecting experimental data, effects of the sensor on resource use and social interactions were assessed. Four rooms of 135 hens each were weighed and 10 hens/room were randomly fitted with sensors at 11 wk of age (0 d). Instantaneous scan samples recorded the number of hens (SEN: sensor-wearing hen, and NON: hen without sensor) using resources (feeder, water, nest box, perch) every 5 min over 24 h on -5 d, -4 d, -2 d, -1 d, 1 d, 2 d, 4 d, 8 d, and 16 d. Logistic regression determined that SEN feeder use was less on 1 d and 2 d and more on 16 d than NON feeder use. The SEN water use was reduced only on 1 d. The SEN nest box use increased on 1 d, 2 d, and 16 d. The SEN perched more on 1 d, 2 d, and 4 d, and less on 8 d. Initial resource use was affected by wearing a sensor, but by 16 d, all resources were used similarly or more by SEN than NON. No difference in BW was observed on 17 d, suggesting that long-term resource use was not affected. No differences were observed among the number of agonistic observations -5 d, 8 d, and 16 d. With the exception of SEN hens acting as aggressors toward NON hens, agonistic interaction types occurred close to expected proportions. These factors indicate that hens habituate to wearing sensors within 2 wk.

Lateral sinus thrombosis and haemorrhagic ischemic stroke with protein S deficiency in a young

Stroke or cerebro-vascular disease is one of the most important causes of high morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Stroke in young individuals poses a major problem as these individuals are the earning members of the family. Ischemic strokes are increasingly being attributed to causes other than athero-thrombotic disease. Protein S deficiency is a disorder with increased risk of venous thrombosis. Our patient, 19 years old lady presented with haemorrhagic venous infarction in right temporo-occipito-parietal region with right sided lateral sinus thrombosis.

The clustered protocadherins Pcdhα and Pcdhγ form a heteromeric complex in zebrafish

The clustered protocadherin genes encode a diverse collection of neuronal cell surface receptors. These genes have been proposed to play roles in axon targeting, synaptic development and neuronal survival, although their specific cellular roles remain poorly defined. In zebrafish there are four clustered protocadherin genes, two pcdhα clusters and two pcdhγ clusters, that give rise to over 100 distinct proteins, each with a distinct ectodomain (EC). The zebrafish is an excellent model in which to address the function of protocadherins during neural development, as the embryos are transparent, develop rapidly, and are amenable to experimental manipulation. As a first step to investigating the clustered protocadherins during zebrafish development, we have generated antibodies against the common cytodomains of zebrafish Pcdhγ. We compare the distribution of Pcdhγ with Pcdhα and find a similar pan-neuronal pattern, with strong labeling of neurons within all major regions of the central nervous system. Pcdhα and Pcdhγ are particularly enriched in the developing visual system, with strong labeling found in the synaptic layers of the retina, as well as the optic tectum. Consistent with studies in mouse, we find that Pcdhα and Pcdhγ are present in a complex, as they can be co-immunoprecipitated from zebrafish larval extracts. This interaction is direct and occurs through the ECs of these proteins. Using standard bead aggregation assays, we find no evidence for intrinsic adhesive ability by either Pcdhγ or Pcdhα, suggesting that they do not function as cell adhesion molecules.

Macular pigment optical density in wet age-related macular degeneration among Indians

PURPOSE

To estimate the value of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in adult south Indian population with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

A total of 33 patients with wet AMD and 29 age-matched controls >50 years of age underwent MPOD measurement with the macular densitometer. The patients were also tested for their dietary intake of carotenoids, smoking history, and lifetime UV exposure.

RESULTS

The mean MPOD values in the Indian population with wet AMD was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.18-0.29) vs control was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.37-0.49), P<0.0001, at 0.5° eccentricity. Ex-smokers had a lower MPOD than non-smokers (0.16 (0.09-0.23) vs 0.28 (0.22-0.34), P=0.026) and the lowest level of carotenoids intake had 48% lower MPOD than the highest level (0.14 (0.08-0.21) vs 0.33 (0.24-0.43), P=0.012). There was no significant age-related decline or gender variation in MPOD.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the MPOD in adult Indian population with wet AMD, with a lack of macular pigment in association with wet AMD.

Human B-cell ontogeny in humanized NOD/SCID γc(null) mice generates a diverse yet auto/poly- and HIV-1-reactive antibody repertoire

Characterization of the human antibody (Ab) repertoire in mouse models of the human immune system is essential to establish their relevance in translational studies. Single human B-cells were sorted from bone marrow and periphery of humanized NOD/SCID γc^null mice at 8–10 months post-engraftment with human cord blood-derived CD34⁺ stem cells. Human immunoglobulin variable heavy (V_H) and kappa (V_κ) genes were amplified, cognate V_H-V_κ gene-pairs assembled as single-chain variable fragment-Fc antibodies (scFvFcs) and functional studies performed. Although overall distribution of V_H genes approximated the normal human Ab repertoire, analysis of the V_H-third complementarity determining regions (H-CDR3) in the mature B-cell subset demonstrated an increase in length and positive charges suggesting autoimmune characteristics. Additionally, >70% of V_κ sequences utilized V_κ4-1, a germline gene associated with autoimmunity. The mature B-cell subset-derived scFvFcs displayed the highest frequency of autoreactivity and polyspecificity, suggesting defects in checkpoint control mechanisms. Furthermore, these scFvFcs demonstrated binding to recombinant HIV envelope corroborating previous observations of poly/autoreactivity in anti-HIVgp140 antibodies. These data lend support to the hypothesis that anti-HIV BnAbs may be derived from auto/polyspecific Abs that escaped immune elimination and that the hNSG mouse could provide a new experimental platform for studying the origin of anti-HIV neutralizing Ab responses.

Socio-economic status of workers of building construction industry

BACKGROUND

Informal/unorganised sector covers 92% of the total work force in India. About 50% of the construction industrial workers belonged to informal/unorganised sector.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was undertaken to know the socio-economic status of construction worker and availing of the social security measures by this working group.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The study covered 150 subjects with an average age of 32 years and mean duration of work was nine years. They were poorly paid with an average income of Rs. 4956/-per month. Though the literacy rate was high (79%) yet most of them were addicted to different habits like drinking alcohol, smoking bidi, tobacco chewing etc., Abusing the family members were noted in (30%) of the cases. Their regular intake of food, usually inadequate in quantity and was mainly consisted of rice, pulses, vegetables. Though most of the subjects (73%) were living in kacha houses yet the latrine facilities were available to 62% of total covered houses. Majority of them were unaware of the different social security schemes/measures. The details have been discussed here.

Histological changes of placentas associated with intra-uterine growth restriction of fetuses: a case control study

Placenta is the maternal-fetal contact zone. The placentas of "idiopathic" intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) babies may hold the key to the etiology of growth restriction. The present study primarily aimed at evaluating the structural peculiarities of IUGR placenta. The study was conducted on 35 IUGR and 25 control placentas. Placental tissues were processed for routine histological studies, to determine numbers of syncytial knots in villi and X-cells in the basal plate. Light microscopy suggested that syncytiotrophoblastic lining was more degenerated and number of syncytial knots increased in IUGR placentas than that of the control placentas. X cells were present in both the cases, though more in IUGR. Intravillous and perivillous fibrin depositions were markedly increased in IUGR; also there were more hypovascular/avascular villi and large areas of infarction. Cumulative effects of several placental injuries, e.g. poor perfusion, presence of increased number of X-cells, increased fibrin deposition; etc for a sufficient time were likely cause of IUGR.

Association between various types of obesity and macular pigment optical density

PURPOSE

To elucidate the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and various types of obesity in the South-Indian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 300 eyes of 161 healthy volunteers of South-Indian origin were studied. MPOD was measured psychophysically at 0.25°, 0.50°, 1.00°, and 1.75° eccentricities from fovea. Anthropometric measurements included waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Using the WHO Expert Consultation guidelines, obesity was defined based on BMI alone (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m(2)), based on WC alone (WC ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women), and based on WHR alone (≥ 0.90 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women). Isolated generalized obesity was defined as increased BMI and normal WC. Isolated abdominal obesity was defined as increased WC and normal BMI. Combined obesity was defined as increased BMI and increased WC.

RESULTS

Mean MPOD at all eccentricities was not significantly different between men and women. Mean MPOD values did not significantly differ in various types of obesity, when compared with the normal subjects. On subgroup analysis, in age group ≥ 60 years, mean MPOD values were significantly higher in subjects with obesity based on BMI (0.61 vs 0.41, P=0.036), obesity based on WHR (0.67 vs 0.41, P=0.007), and isolated generalized obesity (0.66 vs 0.41, P=0.045) in comparison with normal subjects at 0.25° eccentricity.

CONCLUSION

We found lack of an association between MPOD and obesity in the South-Indian population. A similar finding was also noted on age group- and gender-wise analyses.

A study on evalution of antidepressant effect of imipramine adjunct with Aswagandha and Bramhi

Depressive disorders increase the risks of self-harm or even suicide in patients. Indigenous drugs are being tried to treat such patient along with conventional antidepressant drugs. This study was planned to investigate the antidepressant action of Ashwagandha and Bramhi and also to confirm its efficacy in the behavioural despair animal model of depression. Normal saline as control (5 ml/kg), Imipramine as standard (16, 32, 64 mg/ kg) and Ashwagandha (50, 100, 150 mg/kg), Bramhi (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) as test drugs were introduced to the albino rats weighing between 200-250 gm for 2 weeks, 1 hr before electric shock in Learned helplessness test (LHT) and swimming in Forced swimming test (FST). Effects of individual drugs as well as their combination were evaluated. Avoidance response, escape failure and immobility period in case of Imipramine and Ashwagandha showed highly significant (p < 0.01) result on individual use. There was no significant result in case of Bramhi used alone except in escape failure and immobility period (FST), where at higher doses it showed significant (p < 0.01) result. But combination of Bramhi and Ashwagandha in low doses with low dose of Imipramine gave a highly significant result (p < 0.01) in all the parameters. Ashwagandha had significant antidepressant action, but Bramhi had not when used alone. Combination of these two indigenous drug with Imipramine showed high efficacy in animal model.