The range and nature of sleep dysfunction in untreated Parkinson's disease (PD). A comparative controlled clinical study using the Parkinson's disease sleep scale and selective polysomnography

In this study we have explored the nature and range of sleep dysfunction that occurs in untreated Parkinson's disease (PD) comparing data obtained from the use of the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) in an untreated PD patient group compared to advanced PD and healthy controls. 25 untreated (drug-naive, DNPD) PD patients (mean age 66.9 years, range 53-80, 18 males) completed the validated Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS), mean duration of PD was 2.1 years (1-10, up to 4 years in all except one patient with tremulous PD reporting tremor duration of 10 years) and mean Hoehn and Yahr score 1.9 (1-3). Data were compared to 34 advanced PD (mean age 70.2 years, range 51-88, 23 male), mean duration of PD 11 years (range 4-22), mean Hoehn and Yahr score 3.4 (3-5) and PDSS data obtained from 131 healthy controls (mean age 66.6 years, range 50-93, 56 males). Total PDSS scores and PDSS sub-items, except PDSS item 2, were highly significantly different (p<0.001) between DNPD, advanced PD and controls. Controls reported higher mean PDSS scores than both groups of patients, and advanced cases reported lower (mean+/-S.D.) PDSS scores (86.95+/-20.78) than drug-naive (105.72+/-21.5) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that items PDSS8 (nocturia), PDSS11 (cramps), PDSS12 (dystonia), PDSS13 (tremor), and PDSS15 (daytime somnolence) were significantly impaired in DNPD compared to controls while PDSS7 (nighttime hallucinations) additionally separated advanced PD from DNPD. In a subgroup of 11 advanced PD cases (mean age 62 years, range=49-84 years, mean Hoehn and Yahr score 2.5, range=1-3) with high Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores (mean 14.5), low item 15 PDSS score (mean 4.7) and complaints of severe daytime sleepiness, underwent detailed overnight polysomnography (PSG) studies, all showing abnormal sleep patterns. We conclude that nocturia, nighttime cramps, dystonia, tremor and daytime somnolence seem to be the important nocturnal disabilities in DNPD and some of these symptoms may be reminiscent of "off" period related symptoms even though patients are untreated. Furthermore, polysomnography in "sleepy" PD patients may help diagnose unrecognised conditions such as periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder.

MRI-guided needle localization of suspicious breast lesions: results of a freehand technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect clinically and mammographically occult breast lesions. In this study we report the results of MRI-guided needle localization of suspicious breast lesions by using a freehand technique. Preoperative MRI-guided single-needle localization was performed in 220 patients with 304 MRI-only breast lesions at our hospital between January 1997 and July 2004. Procedures were performed in an open 0.5-T Signa-SP imager allowing real-time monitoring, with patient in prone position, by using a dedicated breast coil. MRI-compatible hookwires were placed in a noncompressed breast by using a freehand technique. MRI findings were correlated with pathology and follow-up. MRI-guided needle localization was performed for a single lesion in 150 patients, for two lesions in 56 patients, and for three lesions in 14 patients. Histopathologic analysis of these 304 lesions showed 104 (34%) malignant lesions, 51 (17%) high-risk lesions, and 149 (49%) benign lesions. The overall lesion size ranged from 2.0-65.0 mm (mean 11.2 mm). No direct complications occurred. Follow-up MRI in 54 patients showed that two (3.7%) lesions were missed by surgical biopsy. MRI-guided freehand needle localization is accurate and allows localization of lesions anterior in the breast, the axillary region, and near the chest wall.

Sleep-related problems of Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To define the epidemiology, characteristics and aetiology of nocturnal symptoms and sleep disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and evaluate the available methods for their diagnosis and management.

METHODS

A review of the English-language literature pertaining to sleep disturbances associated with PD, using the Medline database and bibliographies in relevant articles.

RESULTS

Sleep-related problems specific to PD may occur early and even predate the diagnosis of the disease but are generally more frequent and more severe in patients with advanced PD. These problems can seriously compromise patients' quality of life and lead to impaired functioning in daily activities. Scales designed specifically for the assessment of sleep problems in patients with PD have recently been developed. Evidence base for the treatment of sleep disturbances in PD is poor, and only nocturnal akinesia, excessive day-time sleepiness and rapid eye movement behaviour disorder have been partially addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disorders associated with PD are a common and under-recognised problem. The assessment of sleep should be part of the routine evaluation of patients with PD, and large-scale controlled therapeutic trials are necessary.

Development of bioconcrete material using an enrichment culture of novel thermophilic anaerobic bacteria

In the biosphere, bacteria can function as geo-chemical agents, promoting the dispersion, fractionation and/or concentration of materials. Microbial mineral precipitation is resulted from metabolic activities of microorganisms. Based on this biomineralogy concept, an attempt has been made to develop bioconcrete material incorporating of an enrichment culture of thermophilic and anaerobic bacteria within cement-sand mortar/concrete. The results showed a significant increase in compressive strength of both cement-sand mortar and concrete due to the development of filler material within the pores of cement sand matrix. Maximum strength was observed at concentration 10(5)cell/ml of water used in mortar/concrete. Addition of Escherichia coil or media composition on mortar showed no such improvement in strength.

Caspase-3 Induced Apoptosis in Transgenic Zebrafish

Zebrafish is an attractive model organism for studying apoptosis development because of its genetic accessibility. Here we describe the induction of clonally derived apoptosis in transgenic zebrafish expressing mouse caspase-3 (CASP3) under control of the zebrafish beta-actin promoter (betap). Visualization of apoptotic cells, expressing a chimeric transgene encoding CASP3 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, revealed that apoptosis arose in the thymus, spread locally into gill arches and retro-orbital soft tissue, and then disseminated into abdominal organs like testis, kidney. This transgenic model provides a platform for over-expression of caspase-3 induced extensive apoptosis in embryos and adult.

The effect of chronic consumption of red wine polyphenols on vascular function in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate whether the chronic consumption of dealcoholised red wine (DRW) (polyphenol-rich component) and/or red wine (RW) improves vascular function in hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women.

DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTION

A randomised parallel-arm study. Forty-five hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women were randomised into either water, DRW or RW group for 6 weeks following a 4 week washout. Fasting measures of central haemodynamic parameters, arterial wave reflection and endothelial nitric oxide were taken at 0 and 6 weeks.

SETTING

Clinic in the School of Public Health, Curtin University.

RESULTS

There were no significant between group differences in arterial stiffness as measured by augmentation index (AIx) and augmentation pressure (AP). However, a significant within group decrease in AIx (-9%, P=0.02) and AP (-12%, P=0.02) was observed following DRW consumption. No significant changes were observed in central haemodynamic parameters and endothelial nitric oxide levels following DRW and RW consumption, compared to water.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the chronic consumption of DRW nor RW improved markers of arterial stiffness, compared to control. However, the significant within group improvements in these indices following the consumption of DRW cannot be overlooked and warrant further investigation.

Impact of diesel oil effluent in the mucosal surface of the alimentary canal of Oreochromis nilotica (Linnaeus): a scanning electron microscopic study

Adverse effects of diesel oil on microanatomical structure of the alimentary canal of O. nilotica were studied using SEM observations. The study revealed irregular arrangement of the stratified epithelial cells along with fragmentation of the normal concentric pattem of microridges of the same cells in buccopharynx and oesophagus. The excessive secretion of mucus of buccopharynx and oesophagus were the salient changes caused by diesel oil pollution. The destruction and degeneration of the mucosal folds of stomach and intestine along with their epithelial cells exhibited a concrete hyperactivity resulting in abundant' secretion of mucus over the microridges of the epithelial cells. In the intestinal region the columnar epithelial cells showed tumefaction and microvilli of the plasma membrane of epithelial cells get heavily damaged. Disarray of the microridges of epithelial cells, excessive secretions of mucus formation of even cell sheet were the most conspicuous changes in rectum. It was concluded that chronic exposure of diesel oil may hamper the absorption of the nutrients through alimentary canal resulting into ill-growth and production of the fish.

Effect of chitosan on lipid levels when administered concurrently with atorvastatin--a placebo controlled study

In a placebo controlled trialthe lipid lowering effects of chitosan, a unique dietary fibre, was assessed when given along with atorvastatin 10 mg in patients with chronic coronary heart disease. Altogether 100 patients were studied. They were randomly allocated in two groups of 50 patients each. Patients of group A received atorvastatin 10 mg before dinner plus 2 g/day chitosan in two divided doses. The groupB patients received atorvastatin 10 mg plus placebo. Patients were followed up for a period of 6 weeks. There was significant reduction in mean body weight in group A patients (3.14% versus 1,29% of body weight, p<0.05). There was also a significant rise in HDL cholesterol value (3.8% versus 1.07%, p=0.02) in group A patients. However, there was no significant reduction in the mean values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride in the two groups, although group A patients showed marginally lower values.

Isolated tuberculosis of the pancreas diagnosed with needle aspiration: a case report and review of the literature

Pancreatic tuberculosis is very rare, especially in immunocompetent patients, and represents a diagnostic challenge. The clinical features in patients with pancreatic tuberculosis are usually non-specific. The radiological features mimic pancreatic malignancy or pancreatitis. We describe a case of pancreatic tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma on Computed tomography scan. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed caseating granulomatous inflammation. The diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis was made and the patient was put on anti-tubercular therapy. Five months later, a repeat CT scan of the abdomen revealed resolution of the pancreatic lesion. We emphasize that tuberculosis should now be included in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic mass. Diagnostic indicators include the association of a pancreatic mass with fever, the presence of abdominal pain and a cystic pancreatic mass in a younger patient coming from a region where tuberculosis is endemic.

Elephantiasis Nostras Verrucosa: a rare thyroid dermopathy in Graves' disease

Elephantiasis Nostras Verrucosa (ENV) is a rare form of pretibial myxedema, which is nearly always associated with Graves' disease. A case is presented here of Graves' disease who had elephantiasis variety of pre-tibial myxedema (PTM).

Role of two toxin-producing plankton and their effect on phytoplankton–zooplankton system – a mathematical study supported by experimental findings

Plankton is the basis of the entire aquatic food chain. Phytoplankton, in particular, occupies the first trophic level. Plankton performs services for the Earth: it serves as food for marine life, gives off oxygen and also absorbs half of the carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere. The dynamics of a rapid (or massive) increase or decrease of plankton populations is an important subject in marine plankton ecology and generally termed as a 'bloom'. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have adverse effects on human health, fishery, tourism, and the environment. In recent years, considerable scientific attention has been given to HABs. Toxic substances released by harmful plankton play an important role in this context. In this paper, a mathematical model consisting of two harmful phytoplankton and zooplankton system will be discussed. The analytical findings will be verified through our experimental observations which were carried out on the eastern part of Bay of Bengal for the last three years.

Variability pattern and correlation studies in Silybum marianum Gaertn

Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were determined investigating the characters of 15 accessions of Silybum marianum. Seed yield/plant and number of capsules/plant had highest estimates of genotypic variation, heritability and genetic advance which suggest that direct selection for these traits is suitable for the improvement of this crop. Number of capsules/plant had a significant positive correlation with the number of branches/plant and leaf length (r=0.3398, 0.7547), whereas seed yield/plant had a positive significant correlation with leaf length, stem diameter, capsule diameter and silymarin content (r=0.6830, 0.3140, 0.3484, 0.2925).

Evaluation of the possible role of five enzymes in the metabolism of IBA in mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)

The enzymatic activity of five enzymes viz. Glutathione S-transferases, Esterases, NADH dehydrogenase, NADH oxidase and Glutathione reductase were assessed under the influence of Indole butyric acid (IBA) (400 ppm) in the nymphs (48-52h old) of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi fed on radish plants treated for 13, 25 and 37h. The activity of Glutathione S-transferases, Esterases and NADH dehydrogenase increased compared to that found in the control of the same age group of nymphs and it was concluded that these enzymes might be involved in the metabolism of IBA. The other two enzymes, NADH oxidase and Glutathione reductase showed no significant increase in their activity compared to that in the control of the same age group. It was hypothesized that the latter enzymes do not play any significant role in the metabolism of IBA.

Polyphenolics and fat absorption

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate whether the acute consumption of red wine polyphenolic compounds regulates lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in dyslipidemic postmenopausal women.

DESIGN

Eight dyslipidemic postmenopausal women each consumed a mixed meal accompanied by either water, dealcoholized red wine or alcoholic red wine on three separate visits, in a random order, 2 weeks apart. One fasting and six hourly postmeal blood samples were taken and analyzed for plasma apolipoprotein B48 (apoB48; specific marker of chylomicrons (CM) and their remnants (CMR)); total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol; triglycerides (TAG); insulin and glucose at each time point.

RESULTS

There was a decrease in postprandial apoB48 levels after alcoholic and nonalcoholic red wine consumption compared to water.

CONCLUSION

Red wine attenuates postprandial CM and CMR levels in plasma, possibly by delaying the absorption of dietary fat, as suggested by a decrease in plasma apoB48 levels. The reduction of postprandial lipoproteins in circulation after red wine consumption may partly explain the low cardiovascular mortality rates among the French.

Dynamical scaling of surface growth in simple lattice models

We present extensive simulations of the atomistic Edwards-Wilkinson (EW) and Restricted Edwards-Wilkinson (REW) models in 2+1 dimensions. Dynamic finite-size scaling analyses of the interfacial width and structure factor provide the estimates for the dynamic exponent z=1.65+/-0.05 for the EW model and z=2.0+/-0.1 for the REW model. The stochastic contribution to the interface velocity U due to the deposition and diffusion of particles is characterized for both the models using a blocking procedure. For the EW model the time-displaced temporal correlations in U show nonexponential decay, while the temporal correlations decay exponentially for the REW model. Dynamical scaling of the temporal correlation function for the EW model yields a value of z, which is consistent with the estimate obtained from finite-size scaling of the interfacial width and structure factor.

Dynamics of nutrient-phytoplankton interaction in the presence of viral infection

The present paper deals with the problem of a nutrient-phytoplankton (N-P) populations where phytoplankton population is divided into two groups, namely susceptible phytoplankton and infected phytoplankton. Conditions for coexistence or extinction of populations are derived taking into account general nutrient uptake functions and Holling type-II functional response as an example. It is observed that the three component systems persist when the infected phytoplankton population is not able to consume nutrient.

The Parkinson's disease sleep scale: a new instrument for assessing sleep and nocturnal disability in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

No formal instruments are available for quantifying sleep problems in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new sleep scale to quantify the various aspects of nocturnal sleep problems in Parkinson's disease, which may occur in up to 96% of affected individuals.

METHODS

Employing a multidisciplinary team approach, a visual analogue scale was devised addressing 15 commonly reported symptoms associated with sleep disturbance in Parkinson's disease-the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS). In all, 143 patients with Parkinson's disease completed the PDSS, covering the entire spectrum of disease from newly diagnosed to advanced stage. As controls, 137 age healthy matched subjects also completed the scale. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup of subjects. The Epworth sleepiness scale was also satisfactorily completed by 103 of the patients with Parkinson's disease.

RESULTS

PDSS scores in the Parkinson group were significantly different from the healthy controls. Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease had impaired scores compared with early/moderate disease. Individual items of the scale showed good discriminatory power between Parkinson's disease and healthy controls. Relevant items of the PDSS correlated with excessive daytime sleepiness. The scale showed robust test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

This appears to be the first description of a simple bedside screening instrument for evaluation of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. A combination of subitems may help identify specific aspects of sleep disturbance, which in turn may help target treatment.

Effect of amitriptyline on gastric ulceration

Amitriptyline significantly inhibited alcohol, aspirin, indomethacin and cold-restraint stress-induced ulceration. Secretory studies conducted in pyloric-ligated rats revealed that the drug, at the doses employed, significantly reduced total acidity and protein content. However, significant reductions of the gastric volume were only observed at the highest dose of the drug. In another set of experiments, when 50% alcohol (v/v) was administered to the pyloric-ligated rats pretreated with amitriptyline, it was observed that the drug significantly reduced the pH, total acidity and protein content.

Psychopharmacological studies on Tragia involucrata root extract

The methanol fraction of the root extract of Tragia involucrata was investigated for psychopharmacological activity in rodents. It produced an alteration of behavioural pattern and a reduction in spontaneous motility. A significant potentiation of pentobarbitone-induced sleep, a decrease of body temperature, suppression of the aggressive behaviour pattern and of the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) were observed with the fraction. These suggest that the methanol fraction of the T. involucrata root extract possesses significant central nervous system depressant action.

Antioxidant activity of the methanol fraction of Pluchea indica root extract

Studies were carried out to evaluate the influence of the methanol fraction of Pluchea indica Less root extract (PIRE), the dual inhibitors (BW 755C and phenidone) and vitamin on both in vivo and in vitro free radical-scavenging activities, CCl(4)-induced lipid peroxidation and the metabolism of arachidonic acid by lipoxygenase. PIRE produced significant antiinflammatory activity against glucose oxidase-induced paw oedema (in vivo), inhibited hydroxyl radical and superoxide generation, lysis of erythrocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide, CCl(4)-induced lipid peroxidation and also dioxygenase activity of lipoxygenase (both in the presence and absence of hydrogen peroxide). Significantly higher free radical-scavenging activity was observed with BW 755C and phenidone compared with PIRE. However, both BW 755C and phenidone stimulated hydroxyl radical generation compared with the observed inhibitory effects of PIRE and vitamin E.

Achieving 24-hour control of Parkinson's disease symptoms: use of objective measures to improve nocturnal disability

Sleep-related problems are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and may occur due to the disease process, alteration in sleep architecture or nocturnal motor problems such as akinesia and dystonia. Neuropsychiatric problems and nocturia can also cause significant sleep disruption in PD. Poor sleep may lead to daytime consequences such as excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue. As there are no PD-specific sleep scales, we have devised a simple visual analogue scale - the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) which is aimed at formal quantification of various aspects of nocturnal sleep disturbance in PD. In this paper, we discuss the development of this scale, its clinical use and how the scale could be used to devise targeted treatment strategies for nocturnal problems in PD.

Thrombocytopenia as the presenting manifestation of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder characterized by multisystem involvement, however, symptomatic thrombocytopenia as a presenting manifestation is rare. Here we are reporting a case of sarcoidosis presenting with splenomegaly and severe immune thrombocytopenia as a presenting manifestation.

Current status of surgery and transplantation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview

Despite many therapeutic advances in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma over the past two decades, this disease continues to be a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This review focuses on the recent advances in surgical technique, perioperative management, and transplantation of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver resection continues to be the mainstay of curative treatment in noncirrhotic patients and selected cirrhotic patients with small tumors and preserved liver function. Transplantation should be advocated for patients with poor liver function and localized lesions or for patients with large fibrolamellar carcinomas that are otherwise unresectable. Surgery has a definite role in the management of hepatic recurrences in the absence of systemic dissemination. Newer advances in the therapeutic armamentarium, such as cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwave coagulation, and ethanol injections are discussed, and their overall efficacy assessed.

Quantitative imaging of glutathione in hippocampal neurons and glia in culture using monochlorobimane

Glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant system in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Abnormalities of GSH metabolism have been associated with many disorders of the CNS, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntingdon's diseases and ischaemic/reperfusion injury. Investigation of GSH levels in the CNS generally relies on biochemical assays from cultures enriched for different cell types. Because glia influence neuronal metabolism, we have studied cultures in which neurons and glia are cocultured. This approach demands fluorescence imaging to differentiate between the different cell types in the culture, permitted by the use of monochlorobimane (MCB), which reacts with GSH to produce a fluorescent product. We have defined the conditions required to ensure steady-state MCB loading and show the specificity of MCB for GSH through a reaction catalysed by glutathione-S-transferase (GST). [GSH] was consistently higher in glia than in neurons, and [GSH] in both cell types decreased with time in culture. Inhibition of GSH synthesis by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) caused a greater proportional depletion of GSH in glia than in neurons. The depletion of GSH induced by BSO was significantly greater in cells cultured for >10 days. Furthermore, release of GSH from glia and its breakdown by the ectoenzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gammaGT) maintains [GSH] in neurons. In older cultures, inhibition of gammaGT by acivicin caused significant depletion of neuronal GSH. After inhibition of GSH synthesis by BSO, inhibition of the glia-neuron trafficking pathway by acivicin caused widespread neuronal death. Such neurotoxicity was independent of the endogenous glutamate and nitric oxide synthase, suggesting that it is not due to secondary excitotoxicity.

Mechanisms of curcumin-induced apoptosis of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells

Curcumin, the active ingredient from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn), is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been recently demonstrated to possess discrete chemopreventive activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such anticancer properties of curcumin still remain unrealized, although it has been postulated that induction of apoptosis in cancer cells might be a probable explanation. In the current study, curcumin was found to decrease the Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell number by the induction of apoptosis in the tumor cells as evident from flow-cytometric analysis of cell cycle phase distribution of nuclear DNA and oligonucleosomal fragmentation. Probing further into the molecular signals leading to apoptosis of EAC cells, we observed that curcumin is causing tumor cell death by the up-regulation of the proto-oncoprotein Bax, release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, and activation of caspase-3. The status of Bcl-2 remains unchanged in EAC, which would signify that curcumin is bypassing the Bcl-2 checkpoint and overriding its protective effect on apoptosis.

Green tea upregulates the low-density lipoprotein receptor through the sterol-regulated element binding Protein in HepG2 liver cells

Green tea from Camellia sinensis lowers plasma cholesterol in animal models of hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of green tea on the expression of the hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, a cell surface protein involved in the control of plasma cholesterol. Incubating human HepG2 liver cells in culture with green tea increased both LDL receptor binding activity and protein. An ethyl acetate extract of green tea, containing 70% (w/w) catechins, also increased the LDL receptor binding activity, protein, and mRNA, indicating that (1) the effect was at the level of gene transcription and that (2) the catechins were the active constituents. The mechanism by which green tea up-regulated the LDL receptor was then investigated. Green tea decreased the cell cholesterol concentration (-30%) and increased the conversion of the sterol-regulated element binding protein (SREBP-1) from the inactive precursor form to the active transcription-factor form. Consistent with this, the mRNA of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, was also increased by green tea. In conclusion, green tea up-regulated the LDL receptor in HepG2 cells. The effect was most likely mediated through SREBP-1 in response to a decrease in the intracellular cholesterol concentration. The LDL receptor may therefore play a role in the hypocholesterolemic effect of green tea in vivo.

Historical introduction of acupuncture in India

Acupuncture, though originated in oriental countries in the ancient times but, its philosophical understanding is amazingly wide open to the modern medical science. Historically, records are there regarding its Indian origin. However, acupuncture practised today in Indian sub-continent mainly shows Chinese origin and its introduction to India was pioneered by Dr. B.K. Basu, the first Indian who learned Chinese acupuncture from mainland China during 1959. It is interesting enough to note that though acupuncture is successfully practised in India in a rejuvenated form for the last few decades but due to lack of proper Governmental support this thereby suffers from under utilization and under development. While WHO suggested for its wider application and development through concerted Governmental efforts.

Biogenesis and function of peroxisomes and glycosomes

Peroxisomes of higher eukaryotes, glycosomes of kinetoplastids, and glyoxysomes of plants are related microbody organelles that perform differing metabolic functions tailored to their cellular environments. The close evolutionary relationship of these organelles is most clearly evidenced by the conservation of proteins involved in matrix protein import and biogenesis. The glycosome can be viewed as an offshoot of the peroxisomal lineage with additional metabolic functions, specifically glycolysis and purine salvage. Within the parasitic protozoa, only kinetoplastids have been conclusively demonstrated to possess glycosomes or indeed any peroxisome-like organelle. The importance of glycosomal pathways and their compartmentation emphasizes the potential of the glycosome and glycosomal proteins as drug targets.

Epileptogenesis induces long-term alterations in intracellular calcium release and sequestration mechanisms in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of epilepsy

Calcium and calcium-dependent processes have been hypothesized to be involved in the induction of epilepsy. It has been shown that epileptic neurons have altered calcium homeostatic mechanisms following epileptogenesis in the hippocampal neuronal culture (HNC) and pilocarpine models of epilepsy. To investigate the mechanisms causing these alterations in [Ca2+]i homeostatic processes following epileptogenesis, we utilized the HNC model of in vitro 'epilepsy' which produces spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). Using [Ca2+]i imaging, studies were initiated to evaluate the mechanisms mediating these changes in [Ca2+]i homeostasis. 'Epileptic' neurons required much longer to restore a glutamate induced [Ca2+]i load to baseline levels than control neurons. Inhibition of Ca2+ entry through voltage and receptor gated Ca2+ channels and stretch activated Ca2+ channels had no effect on the prolonged glutamate induced increase in [Ca2+]i in epileptic neurons. Employing thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), it was shown that thapsigargin inhibited sequestration of [Ca2+]i by SERCA was significantly decreased in 'epileptic' neurons. Using Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release (CICR) cell permeable inhibitors for the ryanodine receptor (dantrolene) and the IP3 receptor (2-amino-ethoxydiphenylborate, 2APB) mediated CICR, we demonstrated that CICR was significantly augmented in the 'epileptic' neurons, and determined that the IP3 receptor mediated CICR was the major release mechanism altered in epileptogenesis. These data indicate that both inhibition of SERCA and augmentation of CICR activity contribute to the alterations accounting for the impaired calcium homeostatic processes observed in 'epileptic' neurons. The results suggest that persistent changes in [Ca2+]i levels following epileptogenesis may contribute to the long-term plasticity changes manifested in epilepsy and that understanding the basic mechanisms mediating these changes may provide an insight into the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat epilepsy and prevent or reverse epileptogenesis.

Immunization with the Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis major outer membrane protein can elicit a protective immune response against a genital challenge

Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic abdominal pain are frequent complications of genital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis. In an attempt to produce a vaccine to protect against this pathogen we purified and refolded the C. trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) major outer membrane protein (MOMP). This preparation, mixed with Freund's adjuvant using vortexing or sonication, was used to immunize BALB/c mice that were subsequently challenged in the upper genital tract. Vaginal cultures were taken on a weekly basis, and mice were mated 6 weeks after the challenge. Gels of the vortexed MOMP showed a predominant band with a molecular size of 62 kDa and weaker bands at 42 and 132 kDa, while the sonicated MOMP had a single band with a molecular size of 42 kDa. Following immunization with these two preparations, strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were detected in the mice inoculated with the vortexed MOMP. On the other hand, mice immunized with the sonicated MOMP had a strong humoral immune response but a relatively weak cell-mediated immune response, as determined by a T-cell lymphoproliferative assay and level of cytokine production by splenocytes. Vaginal cultures showed that the mice immunized with the vortexed MOMP were significantly protected, as determined by a decrease in the number of animals with positive cultures, the length of time the mice shed viable organisms, and the number of inclusion-forming units recovered per mouse. Animals immunized with the sonicated MOMP, on the other hand, showed a weaker level of protection based on the same three parameters. After mating, the number of fertile animals and number of embryos per mouse were significantly higher for the mice immunized with vortexed MOMP, but not for the mice immunized with sonicated MOMP, compared to those of the control groups. In conclusion, immunization with a purified and refolded preparation of the C. trachomatis MoPn MOMP confers a significant level of protection in mice against a genital challenge.