Effect of Low-Dose Rapamycin on Senescence Markers and Physical Functioning in Older Adults with Coronary Artery Disease: Results of a Pilot Study

Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor affects senescence through suppression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We studied the safety and feasibility of low-dose rapamycin and its effect on SASP and frailty in elderly undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR). 13 patients; 6 (0.5mg), 6 (1.0mg), and 1 patient received 2mg oral rapamycin (serum rapamycin <6ng/ml) daily for 12 weeks. Median age was 73.9±7.5 years and 12 were men. Serum interleukin-6 decreased (2.6 vs 4.4 pg/ml) and MMP-3 (26 vs 23.5 ng/ml) increased. Adipose tissue expression of mRNAs (arbitrary units) for MCP-1 (3585 vs 2020, p=0.06), PPAR-γ (1257 vs 1166), PAI-1 (823 vs 338, p=0.08) increased, whereas interleukin-8 (163 vs 312), TNF-α (75 vs 94) and p16 (129 vs 169) decreased. Cellular senescence-associated beta galactosidase activity (2.2% vs 3.6%, p=0.18) tended to decrease. We observed some correlation between some senescence markers and physical performance but no improvement in frailty with rapamycin was noted. (NCT01649960).

Accuracy of competing-risks model in screening for pre-eclampsia by maternal factors and biomarkers at 11-13 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of a previously developed model for prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) by a combination of maternal factors and biomarkers at 11-13 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was a prospective first-trimester multicenter study of screening for PE in 8775 singleton pregnancies. A previously published algorithm was used for the calculation of patient-specific risk of PE in each individual. The detection rates (DRs) and false-positive rates (FPRs) for delivery with PE < 32, < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks were estimated and compared with those for the dataset used for development of the algorithm.

RESULTS

In the study population, 239 (2.7%) cases developed PE, of which 17 (0.2%), 59 (0.7%) and 180 (2.1%) developed PE < 32, < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks, respectively. With combined screening by maternal factors, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index and serum placental growth factor, the DR was 100% (95% CI, 80-100%) for PE < 32 weeks, 75% (95% CI, 62-85%) for PE < 37 weeks and 43% (95% CI, 35-50%) for PE ≥ 37 weeks, at a 10% FPR. These DRs were similar to the estimated rates for the dataset used for development of the model: 89% (95% CI, 79-96%) for PE < 32 weeks, 75% (95% CI, 70-80%) for PE < 37 weeks and 47% (95% CI, 44-51%) for PE ≥ 37 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of a combination of maternal factors and biomarkers at 11-13 weeks provides effective first-trimester screening for preterm PE. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Validation of an obstetric fistula screening questionnaire in rural Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional and nested case-control study with clinical examination

OBJECTIVE

To validate a symptom-based fistula screening questionnaire and estimate obstetric fistula (OF) prevalence in rural Nepal.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional and nested case-control study.

SETTING

Sarlahi District, Nepal.

POPULATION

Parous, reproductive age women.

METHODS

The questionnaire assessed symptoms of vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula (VVF and RVF, respectively), stress and urge urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI, respectively), fecal incontinence (FI), and included interviewer observations on the smell and presence of urine and/or stool. All women who screened positive for OF and a randomly selected group of women who screened negative for OF were included in a nested case-control study (one case, four normal controls, and four incontinent controls) and underwent confirmatory clinical examinations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinically confirmed OF, and questionnaire sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).

RESULTS

Of the 16 893 women who completed cross-sectional screening, 68 were screened-positive cases. Fifty-five (82%) screened-positive cases, 203 screened-negative normal controls, and 203 screened-incontinent controls participated in the case-control study, which confirmed one case of VVF and one case of both VVF and RVF without any false-negative cases. For VVF, the screening tool demonstrated Se 100% (95% CI 34.2-100.0%), Sp 86.9% (95% CI 83.3-89.9%), and estimated VVF prevalence as 12 per 100 000 (95% CI 3-43); for RVF, it demonstrated Se 100% (95% CI 20.7-100.0), Sp 99.8% (95% CI 98.6-100.0), and estimated RVF prevalence as 6 per 100 000 (95% CI 1-34).

CONCLUSIONS

The OF screening questionnaire demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in this low-prevalence setting.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Community-based obstetric fistula screening tool validation study, Nepal, n = 16 893: High Se, Sp & feasibility.

Successful Treatment of BK Virus Hemorrhagic Cystitis (HC) Post Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Low Dose Cidofovir

BK virus (BKV) hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT) in patients with hematological malignancies. Around half of allogenic HSCT patients present with BKV viruria at some point after HSCT; about 5-40% of these patients subsequently develop active HC. Supportive care including bladder irrigation, blood transfusions and symptomatic pain management remains the mainstay of therapy; the acyclic nucleoside analogue cidofovir is currently the front-line drug for BKV-HC treatment. Here we report the first case of severe hemorrhagic cystitis from India who was successfully treated with low dose cidofovir therapy.

Functional Outcome of Bipolar Prosthesis versus Total Hip Replacement in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients

Introduction

The present study was performed to compare cemented total hip replacement (THR) with cemented bipolar prosthesis in the treatment of displaced fracture neck of femur in elderly patients.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study included 47 patients of greater than 60 years of age and having fracture of neck of femur, out of which 25 patients were managed by cemented bipolar prosthesis and remaining 22 were managed by cemented THR between June 2011 and June 2013. These patients were followed up post-operatively for two years, at 6, 12 and 24 months, for functional analysis using Modified Harris Hip Score.

Results

Modified Harris Hip Score was significantly higher in the THR group as compared to the bipolar prosthesis group at 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Pain was almost similar in both the groups at all follow-up periods. Gait and range of motion was significantly higher in THR group as compared to bipolar prosthesis group at all-time point intervals.

Conclusion

Cemented THR is a better option as compared to cemented bipolar prosthesis based on our short term functional outcome for the management of fracture of neck of femur in elderly patients.

Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of Ovary: A Case Report

A case of 32 year old female of pelvic pain for one month and with past history of hysterectomy performed two year back. Clinical examination revealed palpable abdominal pelvic mass. Ultrasonography showed right pelvic mass arising from right adnexa measuring 15cm x 15 cm, predominantly solid with some cystic areas. The patient was suspected of having a malignant ovarian tumor and hence operated. A histopathological diagnosis revealed sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary. Sex cord-stromal tumors account for approximately 8% of all ovarian tumor and prevalence of sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary is 1.5% to 6% .This rare neoplasm is not always possible to predict pre-operatively on the basis of clinical and radiological findings. Histologically, it is characterized by several unique features including pseudolobulation, sclerosis, and prominent vascularity. Sclerosing stromal tumor is rare but possibility of this tumor should be considered in young patients with ovarian mass having the characteristic histopathological morphology.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 83-86

Cytological Study of Palpable Breast Lump Presenting in Eastern Nepal

Introduction Breast lump constitute significant proportion of surgical cases. It is necessary to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions for definite treatment. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely adopted for the pathologic assessment because of its accuracy and ease of use.Objective The present study was done to find out the frequency of various patterns of breast lesion on FNAC and the common age - group in which the lesions occurs.Methodology This is a four years retrospective study carried out from December 2011 to January 2016. The 553 patients who presented with palpable breast lump, and have underwent FNAC irrespective of age and sex were included in the study. All the datas were collected from the patients record form. FNAC findings were correlated with the data from histopathology records to determine the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC.Results The majority of the patients were female and majority of lump was benign. Fibroadenoma was the most common lesion accounting for 32.18 % of all lesions and most commonly occurring in age group between 21 -30 years. Fibrocystic disease was second common benign lesion accounting for 30.56 also commonly accounting in the age group 21- 30 years. Carcinoma breast was seen in 5.42 % of cases (30/553) occurring most commonly in the female patients above 30 years of age. Most common age group for gynaecomastia in male breast was 11 – 20 years.Conclusion FNAC is a rapid and safe method for diagnosing palpable breast lump into benign and malignant categorizes and thus avoiding unnecessary surgery.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 27-32

Multimodal embryonic imaging using optical coherence tomography, selective plane illumination microscopy, and optical projection tomography

The murine model is commonly utilized for studying developmental diseases. Different optical techniques have been developed to image mouse embryos, but each has its own set of limitations and restrictions. In this study, we compare the performance of the well-established technique of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to the relatively new methods of selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) and optical projection tomography (OPT) to assess murine embryonic development. OCT can provide label free high resolution images of the mouse embryo, but suffers from light attenuation that limits visualization of deeper structures. SPIM is able to image shallow regions with great detail utilizing fluorescent contrast. OPT can provide superior imaging depth, and can also use fluorescence labels but, it requires samples to be fixed and cleared before imaging. OCT requires no modification of the embryo, and thus, can be used in vivo and in utero. In this study, we compare the efficacy of OCT, SPIM, and OPT for imaging murine embryonic development. The data demonstrate the superior capability of SPIM and OPT for imaging fine structures with high resolution while only OCT can provide structural and functional imaging of live embryos with micrometer scale resolution.

Ecthyma gangrenosum without bacteraemia: evidence in favour of a broader definition

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is often defined as a cutaneous manifestation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicaemia, typically secondary to neutropenia. There is increasing recognition that a broader definition is warranted, as numerous causative organisms and predisposing conditions have been reported. We describe two cases of EG that occurred without bacteraemia. In this atypical subset of cases, the skin is thought to represent the primary inoculation site from which haematogenous spread can occur. The first case occurred in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a rarely reported association. The evidence base guiding clinicians on management of EG is very limited, particularly in relation to patients with HIV, in whom recurrence risk may be higher than normal. Recurrent EG is described in our second case, in an individual with Good syndrome, a rare association of thymoma and immunodeficiency.

Human leucocyte antigen Class I and II alleles associated with anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients of North India

PURPOSE

Humans are the only known natural hosts of hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study was undertaken to examine the frequencies of human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) Class I and Class II genotype profiles in anti-HCV-infected patients of Northern India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a period of January 2013 to August 2014, 148 anti-HCV-positive patients of North India referred to the Department of Molecular Biology and Transplant Immunology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, for performing HLA typing were included in the study.

RESULTS

AFNx0102, AFNx0131 allele frequency decreased significantly in anti-HCV-positive patients. Frequencies for HLA-B loci did not reach any statistical significance. Among the Class II alleles, HLA-DRB1FNx0103 and HLA-DRB1FNx0110 were significantly higher in the patient population, and HLA-DRB1FNx0115 was significantly decreased in the patient population as compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

HLA-AFNx0133 was significantly increased as compared to control population and showed geographic variation in HCV-infected individuals of India.

Presence of viable Mycobacterium leprae in environmental specimens around houses of leprosy patients

PURPOSE

Leprosy is a chronic systemic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, one of the first organisms to be established as the cause for disease in humans. Because of high prevalence pockets of leprosy in the endemic regions, it is necessary to identify the possible sources of M. leprae in the environment and its mode of transmission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Slit skin smears (SSSs) from lesions were collected in 70% ethanol from 50 leprosy cases staying in the leprosy resettlement village and hospital from a high endemic area. One hundred and sixty soil samples were collected from different areas around the leprosy hospital and from the resettlement village of cured leprosy patients where active cases also resided at the time of sample collection. M. leprae specific gene region (RLEP 129 bp) and 16S rRNA targets were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based detection for the presence and viability of M. leprae. An rpoT region was also amplified to determine presence of numbers of 6 bp tandem repeats.

RESULTS

All the SSS samples collected from patients showed three copies of rpoT region (6 bp tandem repeat, an ancient Indian type). Fifty-two soil samples showed presence of M. leprae DNA whereas M. leprae specific 16S rRNA gene was amplified in sixteen of these samples. PCR amplification and fragment length analysis showed 91 bp, i.e., three copies of the rpoT 6 bp tandem repeats from soil samples and similar three copies observed in patient samples.

CONCLUSION

Presence of viable M. leprae in the soil having same rpoT genotype of M. leprae noted in patients suggests that it could be the same strain of M. leprae. M. leprae found in the soil could be the one that is excreted out by the patient. Significance of its viability in the environment and its pathogenicity with respect to transmission needs to be further explored. Findings of this study might provide possible insights for further exploration into understanding transmission patterns in leprosy and also will throw light on identifying potential for existence of extra human source or reservoirs of M. leprae, if any.

Improved milk production through PG-PL system by provision of in-house shelter management in lactating Murrah buffaloes during winter season

Comprehensive information on the role of β-casein and plasminogen-plasmin (PG-PL) system in milk secretion of Murrah buffaloes during winter season is lacking, although effects of cold stress can be ameliorated to an extent by altering microclimate at farm level. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the changes in productivity along with PG-PL system of milk, plasma hormones and metabolites of buffaloes during winter (December-January) season under two different management systems. Average minimum temperature and wind chill index during this season were 7.02 and 12.74 °C respectively. Buffaloes were divided in two groups of six animals each: control and treatment, where treatment group animals were placed in-house with floor bedding of paddy straw and the control group animals in loose housing system without straw bedding. Physiological responses were recorded, and milk and blood samples were collected at weekly intervals for six-week experimental period. Under in-house management system, buffaloes experienced better comfort by alleviating environmental stress as their physiological responses such as respiration rate and pulse rate were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as compared to the control, which subsequently resulted higher milk yield by 9.92% (p < 0.05). Analysis of milk samples revealed higher concentration of plasminogen (10.6 vs. 8.05 μg/ml; p < 0.01) and β-casein (p < 0.05), and lower plasmin level (0.299 vs. 0.321 μg/ml; p < 0.05) in buffaloes under treatment group. It was also found that plasma cortisol, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.01) in control group as compared to the treatment animals by 13.6%, 8.14% and 12.6% respectively. However, milk composition, growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine level in plasma were similar in both the groups. Hence, it may be concluded that provision of in-house shelter management with floor bedding of paddy straw during winter was effective to minimize environmental stress and improved milk production through manipulation of PG-PL system in buffaloes.

Morphoea with prominent plasma cell endoneuritis

Morphoea (localized scleroderma) is a cutaneous inflammatory condition characterized by the development of indurated and discoloured plaques. The histological features of morphoea typically include a superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal chronic inflammatory infiltrate associated with variable degrees of dermal and/or subcutaneous sclerosis. The infiltrate is typically composed of lymphocytes, macrophages and conspicuous plasma cells. The early stages of morphoea may have a very prominent inflammatory infiltrate associated with subtle sclerosis. In addition, the inflammatory infiltrate may show a perineural and rarely intraneural distribution. We report two cases of morphoea that histologically showed plasma cell endoneuritis associated with subtle dermal sclerosis. These two cases highlight the potential for diagnostic confusion with infectious and inflammatory diseases, particularly leprosy and lupus.

Cation distribution: a key to ascertain the magnetic interactions in a cobalt substituted Mg–Mn nanoferrite matrix

The effect of Co²⁺ substitution into nanocrystalline Mg–Mn ferrite synthesized by a solution combustion technique has been studied.

Microbial profile of the vitreous aspirates in culture proven exogenous endophthalmitis: A 10-year retrospective study

PURPOSE

To describe the microbiological profile and clinical outcome in the eyes with culture-proven exogenous endophthalmitis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 495 eyes diagnosed as exogenous endophthalmitis was performed over a period of 10 years. In all, aseptically collected aqueous and vitreous aspirates were cultured for bacteria and fungus using standard microbiological techniques. Gram-stain and KOH preparation of the specimens were also performed. The antibiotic susceptibility testing for bacterial isolates was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The treatment was modified according to the antibiotic sensitivity profile. The final clinical ocular condition was divided into improved, stable or deteriorated.

RESULTS

Of 148 culture-proven endophthalmitis eyes, 137 (92.57%) were referred from elsewhere, and 11 (7.43%) belonged to our institute. Aetiologically, 76 (51.35%) eyes were post-cataract surgery, 61 (41.22%) were post-traumatic, 5 (3.38%) eyes post-intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection, 5 associated with corneal diseases and 1 bleb-related endophthalmitis. In 31 (20.95%) eyes, primary intravitreal antibiotics were given outside. The cultures revealed monomicrobial growth in 92.57% (n = 137) and polymicrobial growth in 7.43% (n = 11). Among the bacteria (n = 121, 81.76%), Pseudomonas species dominated overall (n = 32, 27.11%) and post-operative (n = 26, 38.23%) endophthalmitis group. Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 14, 28%) was prominent in post-traumatic endophthalmitis group. Ninety-two percent (n = 108 isolates) of bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin. In 78 (52.7%) eyes, the clinical ocular condition improved or remained stable while deteriorated in 51 (34.46%).

CONCLUSION

A bacterial predominance was observed among causative organisms of exogenous endophthalmitis with Pseudomonas species being the most common. The appropriate surgical intervention improved or stabilised the visual acuity in nearly 50% eyes.

Correlation of Pirani score and Foot bimalleolar angle in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equino varus by Ponseti method in infants

AIM

Correlation of Pirani score and Foot bimalleolar (FBM) angle in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV) by Ponseti method in infants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

35 feet with idiopathic CTEV deformity <1 year were prospectively treated by Ponseti method. Deformity evaluated each successive week of treatment by Pirani score and FBM angle. Feet were divided according to Pirani score in groups : one(0-2.0), two(2.5-4) and three(4.5-6). Correlation between mean Pirani score and mean FBM angle was evaluated every week and at follow up, firstly by using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation and then, after dividing data in groups by using ANOVA.

RESULTS

Correlation between Pirani score and FBM angle was statistically significant(p value <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pirani score decreases and FBM angle increases with correction. Pirani score and FBM angle correlated in severity of deformity and correction achieved, thus FBM angle provides objective evidence of clubfoot deformity/improvement/deterioration.

Up-regulation of milk secretion with modified microclimate through manipulating plasminogen-plasmin system in Murrah buffaloes during hot dry season

The present study was aimed at determining changes in milk yield and composition along with the plasminogen-plasmin system of milk, plasma hormones, and metabolites of buffaloes during hot dry season (air temperature range 39.7 to 44.8 °C) under two different management systems. Buffaloes were divided in two groups of six animals each: control and treatment, where treatment group animals accessed benefit of mist and fan cooling from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while control group animals were devoid of it. Duration of experiment was 6 weeks. Under mist and fan cooling system, buffaloes experienced better comfort by alleviating environmental stress as their physiological responses such as rectal temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate, and forehead and middorsal temperatures were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared to control, which subsequently resulted higher milk yield by 4.44 % (P < 0.001). Analysis of milk samples revealed higher concentration of plasminogen (7.99 vs 6.27 μg/ml; P < 0.01) and β-casein (1.09 vs 0.92 g/dl; P < 0.001) and lower plasmin level (0.178 vs 0.194 μg/ml; P < 0.05) in buffaloes under the treatment group compared to that under the control. Plasma glucose level was higher (P < 0.001) by 21.08 %, whereas cortisol, norepinephrine, and NEFA levels were lower (P < 0.001) by 19.19, 15.38, and 11.41 %, respectively, in treatment animals. However, exposure of buffaloes to cooling system did not alter composition and calcium content of milk, GH, and epinephrine level in plasma. Hence, it may be concluded that provision of cooling system during summer was effective to minimize environmental stress and improve milk production by manipulation of the PG-PL system in buffaloes.

Rho-associated kinase 1 inhibition is synthetically lethal with von Hippel-Lindau deficiency in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (CC-RCC) is the most lethal of all genitourinary cancers. The functional loss of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene occurs in 90% of CC-RCC, driving cancer progression. The objective of this study was to identify chemical compounds that are synthetically lethal with VHL deficiency in CC-RCC. An annotated chemical library, the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC), was screened in parallel on VHL-deficient RCC4 cells and RCC4VHL cells with re-introduced VHL cDNA. The ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, was identified and validated for selective targeting of VHL-deficient CC-RCC in multiple genetic backgrounds by clonogenic assays. Downregulation of ROCK1 by siRNA selectively reduced the colony forming ability of VHL-deficient CC-RCC, thus mimicking the effect of Y-27632 treatment, whereas downregulation of ROCK2 had no effect. In addition, two other ROCK inhibitors, RKI 1447 and GSK 429286, selectively targeted VHL-deficient CC-RCC. CC-RCC treatment with ROCK inhibitors is cytotoxic and cytostatic based on BrdU assay, Propidium Iodide (PI) staining, and growth curves; and blocks cell migration based on transwell assay. Importantly, knockdown of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) β in the VHL-deficient CC-RCC had a protective effect against Y-27632 treatment, mimicking VHL reintroduction. On the other hand, CC-RCCVHL cells were sensitized to Y-27632 treatment in hypoxia (2% O₂). These results suggest that synthetic lethality between ROCK inhibition and VHL deficiency is dependent on HIF activation. Moreover, HIF1α or HIF2α overexpression in CC-RCCVHL cells is sufficient to sensitize them to ROCK inhibition. Finally, Y-27632 treatment inhibited growth of subcutaneous 786-OT1 CC-RCC tumors in mice. Thus, ROCK inhibitors represent potential therapeutics for VHL-deficient CC-RCC.

Orbital presentation of systemic vasculitis: a diagnostic and management challenge

BACKGROUND

Orbital involvement in Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG) is rare and has an overall good prognosis.

CASE

A 60-year-old hypertensive Indian female presented with vision loss and painful proptosis of left eye. Orbital incisional biopsy suggested necrotising small vessel inflammation. The saddle nose deformity and pedal nodulo- ulcerative lesions further consolidated the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Systemic immunosuppressant provided remission and the only relapse was managed successfully with intravenous Rituximab.

CONCLUSION

Wegener's granulomatosis should be kept in the differential diagnosis of painful proptosis with a diffuse orbital mass in an elderly patient presenting with profound vision loss. Newer immune modulating agents are useful adjuncts in preventing relapses of this fatal disease.

Authentication of five Barilius species from Indian waters using DNA barcoding

Authentic identification of fish species is essential for conserving them as a valuable genetic resource in our environment. DNA barcoding of living beings has become an important and ultimate tool for establishing their molecular identity. Among cyprinids, Barilius is an important genus having nearly 23 species in Indian region whose morphological identification is often difficult due to minute differences in their features. Five species collected from Indian waters and primarily identified as Opsarius bakeri (syn. Barilius bakeri), B. gatensis, B. vagra, B. bendelisis and B. ngawa were authenticated by their DNA barcoding based on mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Five individuals of each species were taken for barcode preparation by COI gene sequencing which yielded one barcode for B. ngawa, two barcodes each for O. bakeri, B. gatensis, B. bendelisis and three barcodes for B. vagra. The order of inter and intra-specific variation was estimated to know a preliminary status of variation prevailing in these cold stream fish species significant for evolution and conservation of these valued species of our ichthyofauna. Average variation within genera was found to be 13.6% with intra-specific variation ranging from 0.0% (B. ngawa) to 0.6% (B. gatensis). These distance data are in the same order found by various researchers globally using COI barcode sequences in different fish species. Phylogenetic relatedness among Barilius species and some other cyprinids validate their status of individual species as established by conventional taxonomy.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY, CYTOTOXICITY AND APOPTOSIS STUDIES OF B-SITOSTEROL-3-O-GLUCOSIDE AND Β -AMYRIN FROM PRUNUS AFRICANA

Background:

Prunus africana is used traditionally in many countries for the treatment of cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Materials and methods:

In this study, compounds from the leaves and bark of this plant were isolated and tested for their cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in two human cancer cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal carcinoma (Caco-2)) and a non-cancer cell line (embryonic kidney (HEK293)). GC-MS profiling of the extract was also conducted.

Results:

Three compounds (β-sitosterol, β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside) were isolated and the cytotoxic activity of β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside on the HepG2, Caco-2 and HEK293 was determined using the MTT cell viability assay. Both compounds had significant cytotoxic activity towards the Caco-2 cell line with IC50 values of 81 μg mL^-1 and 54 μg mL^-1 for β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively while low cytotoxicity was observed on HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 206 μg mL^-1 and 251 μg mL^-1 for β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively. Apoptosis induction in cells was studied using acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining. In both cases, the compounds tested demonstrated selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells with high apoptosis indices in cells exposed to β-amyrin. Low IC50 values of 156 μg mL^-1 and 937 μg mL^-1 for β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively, were observed in the HEK293 cell line.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that the plant is rich biologically active compounds thereby validating its ethno-medicinal use.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in and around Jammu, India, using different serological tests

AIM

Brucellosis is a disease of zoonotic importance as it affects both human as well as animal's health, and therefore, directly affects animal productivity and human efficiency. Therefore, a study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans in Jammu and surrounding areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 121 sera samples from humans occupied with professional related to animals were collected and tested for anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), modified RBPT (mRBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). Sampling was done keeping in view with the occupation, sex, and age.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis recorded was 4.96%. The test-wise seroprevalence was 9.91% by RBPT, 9.91% by mRBPT, 9.09% by STAT, and 16.52% by I-ELISA. The prevalence of brucellosis was higher in >35-50 years age group compared to >20-35 years and >50-65 years. Sex-wise seroprevalence was higher in males than females. Taking I-ELISA as standard, the relative sensitivities of mRBPT, RBPT, and I-ELISA were in the order of mRBPT=RBPT>STAT. All the tests revealed high specificity values; however, among different serological tests, I-ELISA detected a maximum number of positive sera samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of brucellosis was found to be approximately 5%. The adult (>35-50 years) age male group was most vulnerable. The routine diagnosis of brucellosis involved the conventional serological tests, viz., RBPT and STAT, but each was associated with drawbacks which could give either false-positive or false-negative interpretation. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a battery of tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis.

Percutaneous absorption and skin irritation upon low-level prolonged dermal exposure to nonane, dodecane and tetradecane in hairless rats

Even though the dermal toxicity of hydrocarbon fuels has been well established in the literature, there is little information available on the dermal penetration kinetics and irritation potential of the individual hydrocarbons. The penetration and skin retention of nonane, dodecane and tetradecane was assessed in vitro using hairless rats’ skin. The effects of unocclusive dermal exposures of these chemicals (15 mL every 2 h for 8 h a day for four days) on the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema were measured in CD hairless rats. The expression of interleukin 1a (IL-1a) and TNF-a in the skin and blood were measured at the end of dermal exposures. The flux of dodecane was 3- and 77-fold higher than nonane and tetradecane. The retention of chemicals in stratum corneum (SC) was in the order of tetradecane-dodecane-nonane, and directly correlated to the log Kp (r2-0.9900) and molecular weight of the chemicals (r2-0.8782). The TEWL and erythema data indicate that irritation was in the following order: tetradecane-dodecane-nonane. Likewise, the expression of IL-1a in the blood and TNF-a in the skin after dermal exposures was higher for tetradecane followed by dodecane and nonane compared to control. In conclusion, the aliphatic hydrocarbon chemicals of the present study induced cumulative irritation upon low-level repeat exposures for a four-day period. The affinity of the chemicals to SC and their gradual accumulation in the skin in the present study is the probable cause for the differences in the skin irritation profiles of different aliphatic chemicals. The findings of the present study will be helpful in understanding the skin irritation response of the chemicals in humans; indeed the reality check arises from dermal exposures in humans and human experience in occupational handling of these chemicals.

Reprint of: From the 90׳s to now: A brief historical perspective on more than two decades of estrogen neuroprotection

Historical perspective abstract:From the 90׳s to now: a historical perspective on more than two decades of estrogen neuroprotection: In the early 90׳s, estrogens were known to exert organizational and activational effects on reproductive tissues and sexual behavior. As well, the role of sex and gonadal hormones in altering the risk for developing Alzheimer׳s Disease (AD) was only beginning to be elucidated. Preliminary investigations suggested that estrogen-containing therapies typically given for the management of disruptive menopausal symptoms could reduce AD risk, attenuate disease-associated cognitive deficits, and modulate brain substrates known to be dysregulated by the condition, such as the cholingeric system. The findings from our seminal paper demonstrating cognitive benefits and cholinergic impacts with exogenous estrogen treatment in a rodent model of surgical hormone depletion provided initial support for use of estrogen-containing therapies as a treatment for age-related brain disorders. We then went on to demonstrate neuroprotective actions of estrogen in several other in vivo and in vitro models of neurological challenge, including stroke and AD. Further, our findings of the chemical structure requirements for estrogen׳s neuroprotective effects identified a novel approach for optimizing future estrogen-containing hormone therapy options. These early efforts laid the groundwork for later, large-scale clinical investigations into the potential of estrogen-based menopausal hormone therapies for the prevention of a variety of age-related disorders. Although findings of these studies were equivocal, the neuroprotective actions of estrogen, and specifically 17β-estradiol, identified by early investigations, remain well-documented. Future development of interventions that optimize cognitive aging are crucial and, with proper understanding of the factors that influence the realization of beneficial impacts, estrogen-containing treatments may still be among these.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE ABSTRACT

Ovarian steroid deprivation results in a reversible learning impairment and compromised cholinergic function in female Sprague-Dawley rats: We hypothesized that estradiol (E2) serves as a neurotrophomodulatory substance for basal forebrain cholinergic neurons thought to be involved in learning and memory. Learning/memory was assessed using the two-way active avoidance paradigm and the Morris water task. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or OVX for 3 weeks, followed by s.c. implantation of a Silastic pellet containing 17-βE2 (E2 pellet), resulting in a replacement of E2 to physiological levels. Ovary-intact (INTACT) animals served as our positive control. Active avoidance behavior and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus were assessed at 5 and 28 weeks postovariectomy while performance on the Morris water task and high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) were measured only at the 5-week time point. At the 5-week time point, E2 replacement caused a significant elevation in the level of active avoidance performance relative to OVX animals. At the 28-week time point, OVX animals demonstrated a significantly lower number of avoidances relative to controls (61%) whereas E2-pellet animals not only demonstrated superior performance relative to OVX animals but also showed an accelerated rate of learning. Morris water task performance, on the other hand, was not significantly affected by estrogenic milieu despite a trend towards better performance in the E2-pellet group. Neurochemical analyses revealed that 5 weeks of ovariectomy was sufficient to reduce HACU in both the frontal cortex and hippocampus by 24 and 34%, respectively, while E2 replacement was successful in elevating HACU relative to OVX animals in both regions. ChAT activity was decreased in the hippocampus but not the frontal cortex of 5-week OVX animals. E2 replacement resulted in a reversal of this effect. At the 28-week time period, an unexpected decrease in ChAT activity was observed across all treatment groups. Interestingly, E2-pellet animals demonstrated the least severe decline in ChAT. This phenomenon was most evident in the frontal cortex where ChAT decreased by 61 and 56% in INTACT and OVX animals, respectively, whereas the decline in E2-pellet animals was only 16% over the same time period, suggesting a previously unreported cytoprotective effect of E2. Taken together, these findings demonstrate important effects of estrogens on cholinergic neurons and support the potential use of estrogen therapy in treatment of dementias in postmenopausal women. © 1994. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:50th Anniversary Issue.

Academic Status of Plastic Surgery in the United States and the Relevance of Independence

BACKGROUND

The basic administrative structures at most academic institutions were implemented more than 50 years ago and have remained largely unchanged. Since the surgical specialties were in nascent stages during that time, they were clubbed together within the department of surgery. There has been extensive growth in the breadth and depth of plastic surgery over the past few decades and current administrative structures might not truly reflect the current standing of plastic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this article was to review the academic status of Plastic Surgery in the United States and assess the relevance of independence from the department of surgery.

RESULTS

A national survey of 94 hospitals with plastic surgery residency training programs in the United States was conducted to investigate the academic status of plastic surgery. 25 out of those 94 programs had department status with their respective hospitals while another 9 programs were actively planning on transitioning to department status. Out of the 25 plastic surgery hospital departments, 17 programs were also University departments. The number of plastic surgery departments has more than doubled over the past 10 years and continues to rise as more plastic surgery divisions seek department status.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple advantages to seeking department status such as financial and administrative autonomy, ability to participate in medical school curricula, easier access to interdepartmental institutes and faculties, parity with other specialties, and increased control of resident education. There has been concerted advocacy for separating from surgery departments and seeking independent departmental status for plastic surgery. However, the transition from a division to department is a slow and demanding process and requires a well-planned strategy.