Epibrassinolide ameliorates Cr (VI) stress via influencing the levels of indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid, polyamines and antioxidant system of radish seedlings

The present investigation determined the effects of epibrassinolide (EBL) on the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and polyamine (PA) and antioxidant potential of 7-d old Raphanus sativus L. cv. 'Pusa chetki' seedlings grown under Cr (VI) metal stress. Reduced titers of free (0.767 μg g(-1) FW) and bound (0.545 μg g(-1) FW) IAA in Cr (VI) stressed seedlings were observed over untreated control. Supplementations of EBL to Cr (VI) stressed seedlings were able to enhance both free (2.14-5.68 μg g(-1) FW) and bound IAA (2.45-7.78 μg g(-1) FW) concentrations in comparison to Cr (VI) metal treatment alone. Significant rise in free (13.49 μg g(-1) FW) and bound (12.17 μg g(-1) FW) ABA contents were noticed for Cr (VI) stressed seedlings when compared to untreated control. No significant increase in ABA contents were recorded for Cr (VI) stressed seedlings upon supplementation with EBL over Cr (VI) treatment alone. A significant increase in Put (18.40 μg g(-1) FW) and Cad (9.08 μg g(-1) FW) contents were found for 10(-9)M EBL plus Cr (VI) metal treatments when compared to Cr (VI) treatment alone. Spermidine (Spd) contents were found to decline significantly for EBL treatment alone or when supplemented with Cr (VI) treatments over untreated controls and Cr (VI) treatment alone. Antioxidant levels were found to enhance, with glutathione (57.98 mg g(-1) FW), proline (4.97 mg g(-1) FW), glycinebetaine (39.01 μmol mL(-1)), ascorbic acid (3.17 mg g(-1) FW) and phytochelatins (65.69 μmol g(-1) FW) contents noted for EBL supplemented to Cr (VI) metal solution over Cr (VI) treatment alone. Reduced activities of guaiacol peroxidase (0.391 U mg(-1) protein) and catalase (0.221 U mg(-1) protein) and enhanced activities of glutathione reductase (7.14 U mg(-1) protein), superoxide dismutase (15.20 U mg(-1) protein) and ascorbate peroxidase (4.31 U mg(-1) protein) were observed in seedlings treated with EBL plus Cr (VI) over Cr metal treatment alone. Reduced MDA (2.55 μmol g(-1) FW) and H(2)O(2) (33.24 μmol g(-1) FW) contents were recorded for 10(-9)M EBL supplemented to Cr (VI) stress over Cr (VI) treatment alone. Enhancement in free radical scavenging potential as indicated by higher values of 1,1-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, deoxyribose and reducing power activity assays, and increased levels of phenols and soluble sugars also showed significant influence of EBL in alleviating Cr (VI) stress in radish seedlings.

Rectosigmoid Endometriosis Causing an Acute Large Bowel Obstruction: A Report of a Case and a Review of the Literature

Endometriosis is often seen in gynecology practice and is treated medically. However, intestinal involvement of endometriosis causing acute large bowel obstruction is uncommon and is dif cult to differentiate from malignancy before surgery, owing to its similar colonoscopic and radiologic ndings. We report a successfully-treated case of a 30-year-old woman in which endometrial in ltration of the large bowel caused acute obstruction, requiring emergency surgery to relieve the symptom and conrm the diagnosis. We present this unusual disease in general surgical practice and also review the literature. Keywords: colorectal malignancy, endometriosis, intestinal obstruction

Concomitant renal cell carcinoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia: use of a targeted approach

Numerous therapeutic options have been introduced for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) in recent years, including monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sunitinib and sorafenib. Similarly, several other small-molecule inhibitors-including imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib-have been approved for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The combination of these targeted agents is an area of intense clinical investigation. Here, we describe a patient diagnosed with MRCC)while on imatinib therapy for cml. Treatment of this patient with the combination of bevacizumab and imatinib led to a 6-month period of stable disease, with no treatment-related adverse events. More extensive clinical exploration of this combination of agents may therefore be warranted.

In vitro antioxidant activity of extracts from the leaves of Abies pindrow Royle

Traditionally, the leaves of Abies pindrow Royle are employed as an ayurvedic remedy for fever, hypoglycaemic, respiratory and inflammatory conditions. In this study, dichloromethane, methanol and acetone extracts of A. pindrow leaves were analysed for their phytochemical content and in vitro antioxidant activities. The methanol extract exhibited highest antioxidant activity while acetone extract showed presence of relatively high total phenol and flavonoids contents. The present study provides evidence that extracts of Abies pindrow leaves are a potential source of natural antioxidants and could serve as a base for future drugs.

Profound and persistent painful paclitaxel peripheral neuropathy in a premenopausal patient

The authors herein report the case of a 35-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant therapy for node positive breast cancer, who presented with short and rapidly progressive history of bilateral lower limb symptoms of peripheral neuropathy following therapy with paclitaxel. MRI of her neural axis revealed no leptomeningeal enhancement or focal metastatic lesions. Neurophysiological tests favoured toxic sensory axonal polyneuropathy. She remains symptomatic following discontinuation of therapy 20 months ago, and is under review with pain management.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Calothrix isolates obtained from diverse environments in India

Abstract-Thirty cyanobacterial strains of Calothrix (family Rivulariaceae) isolated from diverse geographical regions of India were analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches. Most of the isolates were planktonic while some grew benthically. Significant differences were observed with regard to the shape and size of the vegetative cells, heterocysts, and akinetes. Analyses of molecular polymorphisms using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) of 16S rRNA genes with the reference strain led to unambiguous differentiation of the isolates as well as understanding of their genetic relationships.

Correlation of quantitative diffusion tensor tractography with clinical grades of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SSPE is a persistent infection of the central nervous system caused by the measles virus. The correlation between the clinical staging and conventional MR imaging is usually poor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tract-specific DTI measures in the major white mater tracts correlate with clinical grades as defined by the Jabbour classification for SSPE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative DTT was performed on 20 patients with SSPE (mean age, 9 years) and 14 age- and sex-matched controls. All patients were graded on the basis of the Jabbour classification into grade II (n=9), grade III (n=6), and grade IV (n=5) SSPE. The major white matter tracts quantified included the CC, SLF, ILF, CST, CNG, SCP, MCP, ICP, ATR, STR, and PTR.

RESULTS

Although a successive decrease in mean FA values was observed in all the fiber tracts except for the SCP and ICP, moving from controls to grade IV, a significant inverse correlation between clinical grade and mean FA values was observed only in the splenium (r=-0.908, P<.001), CST (r=-0.663, P=.013), SLF (r=-0.533, P=.050), ILF (r=-0.776, P=.001), STR (r=-0.538, P=.047), and PTR (r=-0.686, P=.035) fibers. No significant correlation of mean MD values from these white matter tracts was observed with clinical grades of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the grade of encephalopathy correlates inversely with the tract-specific mean FA values. This information may be valuable in studying the disease progression with time and in assessing the therapeutic response in the future.

Rectosigmoid endometriosis causing an acute large bowel obstruction: a report of a case and a review of the literature

Endometriosis is often seen in gynecology practice and is treated medically. However, intestinal involvement of endometriosis causing acute large bowel obstruction is uncommon and is difficult to differentiate from malignancy before surgery, owing to its similar colonoscopic and radiologic findings. We report a successfully-treated case of a 30-year-old woman in which endometrial infiltration of the large bowel caused acute obstruction, requiring emergency surgery to relieve the symptom and confirm the diagnosis. We present this unusual disease in general surgical practice and also review the literature.

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a clinical review

This article provides a clinical overview of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage, focusing on clinical aspects of the aetiology, diagnosis and management (both in the emergency department and in a critical care environment) of this important and devastating condition.

Spontaneous rupture of incisional hernia: a rare cause of a life-threatening complication

Spontaneous evisceration is a very rare and potentially fatal complication of abdominal-wall incisional hernia. Here the authors present a case report of spontaneous evisceration in an incisional hernia in a 45-year-old female patient. Management of the condition using prosthetic mesh repair risks mesh infection, while the use of non-prosthetic repair risks recurrence of the hernia due to the absence of stout natural tissues. Use of a biological mesh for the condition seems quite plausible. Thorough saline washes of the eviscerated organ; excision of redundant/unhealthy skin and strict adherence to the fundamental principles of hernia repair is desired in managing the condition.

A study on habit of preservation of prescriptions by pregnant women in India

Irrational use of medicine is very common in developing countries like India. Drug or medicine use during pregnancy is an important event for both mother and child. Thalidomide disaster showed the adverse effects of drugs on the unborn child. Knowledge about use of medicines can play a crucial role in rational drug use. Prescription is an important tool to assess the past clinical condition of patients and the use of medicines for them. The present study explored the habit of preservation of previous prescriptions in the pregnant women of villages of Wardha District of Maharashtra state of India. This is an observational cross sectional survey using predesigned, precoded and pretested questionnaire. This study showed an interesting habit of these women. 81% of pregnant women have a habit of preservation of prescription as an important document. It was clear that with increasing level of formal education there is a definite increase in habit of preservation of prescription among the pregnant women in rural areas of India.

Surgical anatomy of urogenital diaphragm and course of its vessels in exstrophy-epispadias

OBJECTIVES

To report the surgical anatomy of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm and the pattern of its vessels in the classic exstrophy bladder and incontinent epispadias.

METHODS

A total of 11 patients, 9 with unoperated classic exstrophy and 2 with incontinent epispadias, who were >5 years old at presentation, were selected for the present study. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis was performed using a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner and an 8-channel coil. Computed tomography was performed for 5 patients using a multidetector row helical computed tomography scanner. Angiograms of the vessels of the urogenital diaphragm were also obtained using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

RESULTS

A central perineal body was seen in all the patients, with attachment of the bulbospongiosus anteriorly, superficial transverse perinei laterally, and anal sphincter posteriorly. At the root of corpora, the ischiocavernosus muscle was also seen. The triangle among the ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, and superficial transverse perinei muscle was accentuated and contained the perineal artery, indirectly indicating the course of the perineal nerve. The dorsal penile artery was nearer to the posterior edge of the ischiopubic ramus, before coursing on the lateral aspect of the anterior segment of the corpora. The deep transverse perinei muscle and laid open external urethral sphincter were also seen in the proximal planes of the urogenital diaphragm.

CONCLUSIONS

First, all the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm, including the external urethral sphincter, were present in the exstrophy bladder. Second, the perineal artery and its sphincteric branches were in the triangular space between the ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, and superficial transverse perinei muscle. Finally, the dorsal penile artery ran along the inner edge of the ischiopubic ramus before lying on lateral aspect of the corpora.

Assessment of in-plant particulate matter and its toxic metals contents of sponge iron industry in Goa, India

The present study attempted to assess toxic metal contents (Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Cobalt, Chromium, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Lead and Zinc) in Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and Particulate Matter less than ten micron (PM₁₀) in three sponge iron industries in Goa (India), one of the famous tourist place on the World map. TSP and PM(10) average concentration in all three sponge iron industries were found to be in the range 401-485 μg/m³ and 135-270 μg/m³ respectively. Amongst all the metals, concentration of iron was the highest in TSP as well as in PM₁₀. Statistical results indicate that proportion of specific metals were found higher in PM₁₀ as compared to the ratio of PM₁₀/TSP ratio. Value of correlation coefficient was found to be significant for Cr-Pb indicating coal burning was the major source contributor.

Drying of 'Perlette' grape under different physical treatment for raisin making

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the suitability of grape (Vitis vinifera L) cv. 'Perlette' for raisin preparation with different physical treatments. The treatments consisted of whole berries, half cut berries and berries with superficial abrasion of peel/waxy cuticle. The effectiveness of these treatments on drying characteristics and quality of the prepared raisin were studied. The half cut berries took less time to dry as compared to scratchy surfaced berries and whole berries. Drying of berries was carried out at 60 °C in an air circulatory tray dryer with loading capacity of 6.0 kg/m(2). Initial moisture content of berries was 67% (wb) with varying total soluble solids of 15-18% which was dried to moisture content of around 15% (wb). Empirical/semi-theoretical/mathematical models, commonly describing thin-layer drying of various biological materials have been investigated to illustrate the drying characteristics of the physically treated berries. A non-linear regression analysis using a standard statistical program was used to evaluate the constants of mathematical models to describe appropriately the drying behaviour. The results as indicated that the abrasion method is effective for faster drying as against the chemical method; however this treatment gave comparatively darker raisin which was less attractive.

Alopecia universalis, hypothyroidism and pituitary hyperplasia: polyglandular autoimmune syndrome III in a patient in remission from treated Hodgkin lymphoma

We herein report a case of a 33-year-old man in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma, who presented with reduced potency and hair loss. Initial endocrine tests revealed autoimmune hypothyroidism. An MRI of his pituitary gland at onset revealed hyperplasia. He tolerated replacement endocrine therapy with good response, but with no improvement in his alopecia universalis. A repeat MRI, 6 months after his initial endocrine manipulation, showed resolution of his pituitary hyperplasia.

Traumatic brain injury in children

This article provides a clinical overview of traumatic brain injury in children. It concentrates on the current management guidelines from initial assessment in the accident and emergency department through to specialist critical care.

Obstructive sleep apnoea: a clinical review

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common medical disorder associated with considerable morbidity and is being recognized and diagnosed with increasing frequency. Patients with OSA are frequently overweight and usually present with longstanding history of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness along with accompanying obesity. The diagnosis is established with Polysomnography (PSG), although the decision as to who should be sent to a sleep laboratory must be individualised, especially for those patients whose main complaint is snoring. The most important factor in the pathogenesis of OSA is a narrow and floppy pharyngeal airway. Of the several treatment modalities which are available presently, the most successful is the application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during sleep.

Clinical & molecular characterization of human TT virus in different liver diseases

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

TT virus (TTV) is a newly discovered non-enveloped, single stranded DNA virus of high genotypic variability, found frequently in patients with acute or chronic hepatitis of non A-G aetiology. This study was carried out to look for the presence of TTV and its genotypes in patients with different types of liver diseases from northern India.

METHODS

A total of 262 serum samples from patients of acute viral hepatitis (AVH; n=72), fulminant hepatic failure (FHF; n=49), chronic active hepatitis (CAH; n=93) and liver cirrhosis (LC; n=48), were analyzed for hepatitis A-G viral markers. TTV DNA was detected in all cases by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primers from N22 and untranslated (UTR) region. TTV-DNA was also tested in 150 volunteer blood donors. Direct nucleotide sequencing of N22 amplicons were carried out to look into the prevalent TTV genotypes.

RESULTS

TTV-DNA was detected in 73.6, 59.2, 21.5 and 29.1 per cent cases with AVH, FHF, CAH and cirrhosis, respectively. In AVH and FHF groups, TTV showed co-infection with all A-G hepatitis cases whereas in CAH and cirrhosis groups, TTV co-infection observed with HBV, HCV and HGV. TTV-DNA was detected in 45.3 per cent volunteer blood donors. No statistically significant difference was observed amongst the mean liver function profile of UTR PCR positive and negative cases in different liver disease groups except AVH cases, in whom the various biochemical parameters between TTV positive and TTV negative patients were marginally significant. However, no significant evidence of biochemical or histological deterioration of the liver was observed in TTV positive cases amongst FHF, CAH and cirrhosis. Predominance of genotype 1a was observed in all the cases from north India.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

TTV is a frequent virus isolated from patients with various types of liver diseases as well as in healthy individuals from northern India. TTV has no effect on biochemical markers of associated liver diseases. Genotype 1a was the most predominant type in different liver disease groups. The occurrence of TTV did not further influence the course of the disease.

Diffusion tensor MR imaging in children with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation and their siblings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that iron concentration influences DTI metrics in deep gray matter nuclei. We hypothesized that increased FA in the deep gray nuclei may indicate abnormal iron accumulation in patients with PKAN and their siblings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven patients with the characteristic "eye-of-the-tiger sign," their 5 siblings, and 5 age-matched controls were prospectively studied. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparisons was used to compare DTI metrics (FA and MD) among subject groups in the putamen, CN, GP, SN, and ALIC. In addition, hypointense and hyperintense regions of the eye-of-the-tiger sign were segmented, and their DTI metrics were compared. In the patient group, the values of DTI metrics in hypointense regions were also compared with those of the ALIC.

RESULTS

A significant increase in FA values of the GP and SN from controls to the patient group to siblings was observed. In the GP, MD values were significantly higher in patients compared with controls and siblings. The patients showed significantly increased FA with decreased MD in hypointense compared with hyperintense regions of the eye-of-the-tiger sign. No difference in FA values were observed between the ALIC and hypointense regions of the eye-of-the-tiger sign in patients.

CONCLUSIONS

High FA values in siblings of patients with PKAN suggest the presence of abnormal iron in deep gray matter nuclei, even in the absence of its demonstration on T2*-weighted GRE.

In vivo proton MR spectroscopy evaluation of pyogenic brain abscesses: a report of 194 cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The combination of nonspecific clinical findings and similarities in morphologic appearances on imaging often makes it difficult to distinguish abscesses from other brain lesions. We present a retrospective analysis of in vivo (1)H-MR spectroscopy data for characterization of the etiology of the brain abscess based on the established criteria and demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of metabolite markers assigned to specific bacterial groups defined by the microbial culture in 194 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Conventional MR imaging and in vivo (1)H-MR spectroscopy data were evaluated from patients with pyogenic brain abscesses, with ages ranging from 3 to 60 years. Imaging and (1)H-MR spectroscopy were performed on a 1.5T scanner. After MR imaging was performed and analyzed, pus aspirates were obtained in all patients. The causative organisms were confirmed by pus cultures.

RESULTS

Resonance of AAs with or without other metabolites on in vivo (1)H-MR spectroscopy was observed in 80% of abscesses, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.72 and 0.30, respectively. Most obligate anaerobes and some facultative anaerobes showed the presence of Lac/Lip, AAs, and Ac with or without Suc. Mostly obligate aerobes or facultative anaerobes showed the presence of Lac and AAs, with or without lipids.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of AAs on in vivo (1)H-MR spectroscopy is a sensitive marker of pyogenic abscess, but its absence does not rule out a pyogenic etiology. The presence of Ac with or without Suc favors an anaerobic bacterial origin of the abscess; however, this may also be seen in some of the abscesses secondary to facultative anaerobes.

Development of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in systemic lupus erythematosus: an unusual cause of portal vein thrombosis

We report a case of a 60 year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was being managed with low-dose oral prednisolone. Four years later, she was admitted with pain in upper abdomen of 1 week duration. It was associated with ascitis and thrombocytopenia. Radiological investigations revealed portal vein thrombosis. There were no known local thrombophilic risk factors. Investigations ruled out any associated inherited or acquired hypercoagulable states. To evaluate the cause of thrombocytopenia, bone marrow aspiration was performed. Cells were subjected to flow cytometric examination, which revealed deficiency of CD55 and CD59 on granulocytes, indicating that a clone of cells with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria had developed in this patient which had resulted in portal vein thrombosis. At this juncture, Ham test was also positive. The importance of considering rare possibilities of thrombosis at unusual site in patients with SLE is highlighted.