Hypertension with elevated levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and anticardiolipin antibody in the circulation of premenopausal Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke during cooking

This study aims to investigate whether indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuel use was associated with hypertension, platelet hyperactivity, and elevated levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and anticardiolipin antibody (aCL). We enrolled 244 biomass fuel-using (median age 34 year) and 236 age-matched control women who cooked with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure oxLDL in plasma and aCL in serum, flow cytometry for P-selectin expression on platelet and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by leukocytes, aggregometry for platelet aggregation, spectrophotometry for superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes, and laser photometer for particulate matter <10 and 2.5 μm in diameter (PM(10) and PM(2.5), respectively) in cooking areas. Biomass users had three times more particulate pollution in kitchen, had higher prevalence of hypertension (29.5 vs. 11.0% in control, P < 0.05), elevated oxLDL (170.6 vs. 45.9 U/l; P < 0.001), platelet P-selectin expression (9.1% vs. 2.4%), platelet aggregation (23.2 vs. 15.9 Ohm), raised aCL IgG (28.7% vs. 2.1%), IgM (8.6% of vs. 0.4%), and ROS (44%) but depleted (13%) SOD. After controlling potential confounders, the changes were positively associated with PM(10) and PM(2.5) in indoor air, suggesting a positive association between IAP and increased cardiovascular risk.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The study showing high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among poor, underprivileged women in their reproductive ages in rural India is important from public health perspectives. It may motivate the government and the regulatory agencies of the country to take a serious note of the indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuel use as it threatens the health of millions of women, children, and the elderly who mostly stay indoor. We hope the findings will strengthen the demand for setting up a standard for indoor air quality in the country in the line of national ambient air quality standard. The findings may also inspire the authorities to take measures for the reduction in IAP by improving housing, kitchen ventilation, and cook stoves. Moreover, the parameters used in this study can be utilized for large, population-based studies to identify women at a higher risk of developing CVD so that medical intervention can be taken at the formative stage of a disease.

Two IPMC Fingers Based Micro Gripper for Handling

This paper presents the behavior of two finger based micro gripper which is made of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC), an Electro Active Polymer (EAP). An IPMC shows great potential as high-displacement and light weight actuator. Low mass force generation capability is utilized for micro gripping in micro assembly. IPMC responds to low voltage in the range of 0-3V. The material contains an electrolyte which transport ions in response to an external electric field. IPMC actuation for micro gripping is produced by deflecting material according to bending moment theory. An external electric field generated by suitable RC circuit causes this deflection. It is found that an IPMC actuates from 1–5 seconds. The maximum jaw opening and closing position of micro gripper are found to be 5 mm and 0.5 mm respectively. The effect of tempearture, as observed, shows that the acceptable limit varies from 23.1°C to 30.4°C while an IPMC is in operation. An experimental proto type is developed for evaluation of performance.

Modulation of ionizing radiation induced oxidative imbalance by semi-fractionated extract of Piper betle: an in vitro and in vivo assessment

The study was planned to evaluate modulatory effect of aqueous extract of Piper betle leaf (PBL) on ionizing radiation mediated oxidative stress leading to normal tissues damage during radiotherapy and other radiation exposures. The total polyphenols and flavonoids known as free radical scavenger (chelators) were measured in the extract. To ascertain antioxidant potential of PBL extract, we studied free radical scavenging, metal chelation, reducing power, lipid peroxidation inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP ) using in vitro assays. Mice were exposed to varied radiation doses administered with the same extract prior to irradiation to confirm its oxidative stress minimizing efficacy by evaluating ferric reducing ability of plasma, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and micro-nuclei frequency. PBL extract was effective in scavenging DPPH (up to 92% at 100 µg/ml) and superoxide radicals (up to 95% at 80 µg/ml), chelated metal ions (up to 83% at 50 µg/ml) and inhibited lipid peroxidation (up to 45.65% at 500 µg/ml) in a dose dependant manner using in vitro model. Oral administration of PBL extract (225 mg/kg body weight) 1 hr before irradiation in mice significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) radiation abated antioxidant potential of plasma and GSH level in all the observed organs. The treatment with extract effectively lowered the radiation induced lipid peroxidation at 24 hrs in all the selected organs with maximum inhibition in thymus (p < 0.01). After 48 hrs, lipid peroxidation was maximally inhibited in the group treated with the extract. Frequency of radiation induced micronucleated cells declined significantly (34.78%, p < 0.01) at 24 hrs post-irradiation interval by PBL extract administration. The results suggest that PBL extract has high antioxidant potential and relatively non-toxic and thus could be assertively used to mitigate radiotherapy inflicted normal tissues damage and also injuries caused by moderate doses of radiation during unplanned exposures.

Inhibition in radiation mediated cellular toxicity by minimizing free radical flux: one of the possible mechanisms of biological protection against lethal ionizing radiation by a sub- fraction of Podophyllum hexandrum

The study has focused on exploring the mechanism of action of Podophyllum hexandrum sub-fraction (G-001M) exhibiting >90% protection in lethally irradiated mice. Currently, G-001M was assessed for antioxidant characteristics by evaluating DPPH, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radical formation, anti-lipid per oxidation, metal chelation and total flavonoid content. To affirm cytoprotective efficacy of G-001M, plasmid DNA protection, blood WBC counts, marker for lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidant status (GSH) in mice splenocytes and thymocytes were studied. G-001M, having high amount of total phenolic contents (200±10mg, w/w), exhibited dose dependent inhibition in DPPH and superoxide radical formation. Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging was higher than standards. With pre-treatment of G-001M, plasmid DNA was also maximally restored to supercoiled form. Radiation modulated MDA and GSH values in splenocytes and thymocytes of mice altered significantly after 24 hrs and at later intervals, values were close to the controls. Radiation mediated losses in WBC counts were significantly regained (p<0.001) in G-001M pre-treated irradiated mice. The above findings explicitly conveyed that G-001M has successfully minimized radiation inflicted free radicals generation and their multiplication. This activity of G-001M could be undoubtedly among one of the major modes of action in extending whole body survival in lethally irradiated mice.

Cardio-respiratory reflexes evoked by phenylbiguanide in rats involve vagal afferents which are not sensitive to capsaicin

AIM

Stimulation of pulmonary C fibre receptors by phenylbiguanide (PBG, 5-HT(3) agonist) produces hypotension, bradycardia and tachypnoea or apnoea. However, tachypnoeic or apnoeic responses are not consistent. Therefore, this study was undertaken to delineate the actions of PBG on respiration and compared with those evoked by capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist).

METHODS

Blood pressure, respiratory excursions and ECG were recorded in urethane anaesthetized adult rats. The effect of PBG or capsaicin was evaluated before and after ondansetron (5-HT(3) antagonist), capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist) or bilateral vagotomy. In addition, their effect on vagal afferent activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Bolus injection of PBG produced concentration-dependent (0.1-100 microg kg(-1)) hypotensive and bradycardiac responses, while there was tachypnoea at lower concentrations (0.1-3 microg kg(-1)) and apnoea at higher concentrations (10-100 microg kg(-1)). After vagotomy or after exposure to ondansetron both tachypnoeic and apnoeic responses were abolished along with cardiovascular responses. However, capsazepine (3 mg kg(-1)) did not block the PBG-induced reflex responses. Capsaicin (0.1-10 microg kg(-1)), on the other hand, produced a concentration-dependent apnoea, hypotension and bradycardia but tachypnoea was not observed. Ondansetron failed to block the capsaicin-induced reflex response while bilateral vagotomy abolished bradycardiac and hypotensive responses and attenuated the apnoeic response. In another series, vagal afferent activity and cardio-respiratory changes evoked by PBG were blocked by ondansetron. However, capsaicin failed to activate the PBG-sensitive vagal afferents even though cardio-respiratory alterations were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present observations indicate that PBG produced tachypnoea at a lower concentration and apnoea at a higher concentration involving vagal afferents which are different from those excited by capsaicin.

Familial hypoparathyroidism

A family with hereditary (familial) hypoparathyroidism is reported where three of the total four siblings were affected and each presented with different manifestation-one brother with refractory epilepsy since early childhood, another brother with unilateral extrapyramidal features in adult life, and their only sister having recurrent attacks of tingling and numbness due to hypocalcemia since 12 years of age.

Profile of tuberculous meningitis with or without HIV infection and the predicators of adverse outcome

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical, radiological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, at hospital admission, among adult patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with or without HIV infection and to identify the factors that predict adverse outcome at six months.

METHODS

A total of 82 adult patients with TBM were included (40 HIV-positive and 42 HIV-negative). Several clinical (duration of illness, Glasgow Coma Scale score, presence of high temperature, headache, cranial nerve or sphincter abnormality, seizures and endocrine dysfunction), radiological (presence of hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction and oedema, meningeal enhancement, granuloma) and cerebrospinal fluid parameters (glucose, protein, lactate, lymphocytes, neutrophils and adenosine deaminase values) were recorded along with CD4 count in the peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Individual variables were evaluated as prognostic factors for adverse outcome in both groups by calculating the relative risk of association for each.

RESULTS

Temperature more than 38.33 degrees C was more common in the HIV-negative group while seizures, hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction and low CD4 count occurred significantly more commonly in the HIV-positive group. Hydrocephalus had strong association with severe neurological deficit and seizure with death in both the groups.

CONCLUSION

Several clinical and laboratory features of TBM in patients who are HIV-positive are distinctly different from those without HIV infection; some of these have an association with the probability of adverse outcome.

Stochastic resonance-enhanced laser-based particle detector

This paper presents a Laser-based particle detector whose response was enhanced by modulating the Laser diode with a white-noise generator. A Laser sheet was generated to cast a shadow of the object on a 200 dots per inch, 512 x 1 pixels linear sensor array. The Laser diode was modulated with a white-noise generator to achieve stochastic resonance. The white-noise generator essentially amplified the wide-bandwidth (several hundred MHz) noise produced by a reverse-biased zener diode operating in junction-breakdown mode. The gain in the amplifier in the white-noise generator was set such that the Receiver Operating Characteristics plot provided the best discriminability. A monofiber 40 AWG (approximately 80 microm) wire was detected with approximately 88% True Positive rate and approximately 19% False Positive rate in presence of white-noise modulation and with approximately 71% True Positive rate and approximately 15% False Positive rate in absence of white-noise modulation.

Lattice resistance to dislocation motion at the nanoscale

In this Letter, we propose a model that demonstrates the effect of a free surface on the lattice resistance experienced by a moving dislocation in nanodimensional systems. This effect manifests in an enhanced velocity of dislocation due to the proximity of the dislocation line to the surface. To verify this finding, molecular dynamics simulations for an edge dislocation in bcc molybdenum are performed, and the results are found to be in agreement with the numerical implementations of this model. The reduction in this effect at higher stresses and temperatures, as revealed by the simulations, confirms the role of lattice resistance behind the observed change in the dislocation velocity.

Splenic metastasis and bleeding manifestations--an unusual association with gastric malignancy

Splenic metastasis is a rare clinical entity--incidence being 0.6% at autopsy and 1.1% at splenectomy. We report the case of a 30 year old female who presented with purpura and melena and who was later diagnosed to have a mucinous adenocarcinoma of stomach with disseminated intravascular coagulation and splenic metastasis.