Exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons in ultraperipheral p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

We present the first measurement at the LHC of exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons, in ultraperipheral proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Events are selected with a dimuon pair produced either in the rapidity interval, in the laboratory frame, 2.5<y<4 (p-Pb) or -3.6<y<-2.6 (Pb-p), and no other particles observed in the ALICE acceptance. The measured cross sections σ(γ+p→J/ψ+p) are 33.2±2.2(stat)±3.2(syst)±0.7(theor)  nb in p-Pb and 284±36(stat)_{-32}^{+27}(syst)±26(theor)  nb in Pb-p collisions. We measure this process up to about 700 GeV in the γp center of mass, which is a factor of two larger than the highest energy studied at HERA. The data are consistent with a power law dependence of the J/ψ photoproduction cross section in γp energies from about 20 to 700 GeV, or equivalently, from Bjorken x scaling variable between ∼2×10^{-2} and ∼2×10^{-5}, thus indicating no significant change in the gluon density behavior of the proton between HERA and LHC energies.

Measurement of prompt D-meson production in p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of the prompt charmed mesons D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} and their charge conjugate in the rapidity interval -0.96<y_{cms}<0.04 were measured in p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The nuclear modification factor R_{pPb}, quantifying the D-meson yield in p-Pb collisions relative to the yield in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, is compatible within the 15%-20% uncertainties with unity in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. No significant difference among the R_{pPb} of the four D-meson species is observed. The results are described within uncertainties by theoretical calculations that include initial-state effects. The measurement adds experimental evidence that the modification of the momentum spectrum of D mesons observed in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to pp collisions is due to strong final-state effects induced by hot partonic matter.

A unique presentation: rectus sternalis

Rectus Sternalis is a rare flat slip of muscle present parasternally in the thoracic wall. During the regular dissection of pectoral region, three slips of Sternalis muscle were observed bilaterally in an adult male cadaver. On the right side there was a single slip (RS 1) while on the left side two slips (RS2 and RS3) were present. All three slips were present anterior to the Pectoralis Major muscle of respective side and each muscle had fleshy origin and tendinous insertions. RS1 had two heads arising from the aponeurosis of External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis. RS2 had a single origin from aponeurosis of Rectus Abdominis and RS3 took its origin from the aponeurosis of Pectoralis Major muscle. Indistinct tendinous intersections were noted in both RS1 and RS3 slips proximal to fusion of both Sternalis muscle (RS1 and RS3) with each other. Out of three slips, right Rectus Sternalis was largest with breadth 3.8cm near its origin while the second slip of Rectus Sternalis on the left was longest with length of 12.5cm. RS2 was smallest and shortest among the three slips. The RS1 even presented a flattened tendon running upwards which fused with the membranous origin of right Sternocleidomastoid muscle. The Rectus Sternalis when present arises from hypomeres as longitudinal group of muscles which usually disappears in the thoracic region. The knowledge about Sternalis muscle and its variations is important for anatomists and clinicians (radiologists and surgeons) to avoid any confusion and misdiagnosis as well as anthropologists.

A note on the insecticide susceptibility status of principal malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies in four states of India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The major malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies Giles is reported to contribute ~ 65% of the malaria cases in India. This species developed resistance to DDT and later to HCH, malathion and also to pyrethroids in some states due to their use in the national malaria control programme. In the present study, insecticide susceptibility of this species was monitored in four states of India.

METHODS

To determine insecticide susceptibility status of the major malaria vector An. culicifacies, adult mosquitoes were collected from different localities of 32 tribal districts in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal during October/November 2009-10. Mosquitoes were collected from stratified ecotypes comprising a group of districts in West Bengal and individual districts in three other states. Mosquitoes were exposed to papers treated with WHO diagnostic dose: 4% DDT, 5% malathion and 0.05% deltamethrin following the WHO tube method.

RESULTS

RESULTS provided the susceptibility status of An. culicifacies to different insecticides used in the public health programme in 32 districts in four states. An. culicifacies was found resistant to DDT (mortality range 0-36%) in all the 32 districts; to malathion it was resistant in 14 districts, verification required in 10 districts and susceptible in eight districts (mortality range 32.2-100%). It was resistant to deltamethrin in four districts, verification required in 11 districts and susceptible in 17 districts (mortality range 43.3-100%).

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Development of widespread resistance to insecticides used in public health sprays for vector control including to pyrethroids in An. culicifacies in the surveyed districts is of great concern for the malaria control programme as the major interventions for vector control are heavily reliant on chemical insecticides, mainly synthetic pyrethroids used both for indoor residual spraying and for long-lasting insecticidal nets. Thus, there is a need to periodically monitor and update the susceptibility status of malaria vector(s) to suggest alternative vector control strategies for effective disease management.

Screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with scleroderma--a New Zealand perspective

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in scleroderma (SSc) patients is a devastating complication with high mortality if untreated. Early recognition and specific treatment of PAH may improve outcome. Regular interval screening for PAH is generally recommended in scleroderma patients especially with the availability of emerging new therapies. The aim of this study is to determine the self-reported screening and treatment practices for SSc-PAH amongst rheumatologists in New Zealand (NZ).

METHODS

An anonymous online questionnaire survey was emailed to all rheumatologists in New Zealand.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 65% (39/60) of rheumatologists. The majority of patients had limited SSc (lcSSc) (57%) versus diffuse SSc (dcSSc) (34%). Twelve percent of patients had PAH. Eighty-two percent of rheumatologists screened for PAH in all SSc patients regardless of symptoms. The most commonly used screening modalities were pulmonary function tests (PFT) (97%) followed by clinical examination (95%) and echocardiogram (TTE) (92%). The majority of rheumatologists performed screening tests on a yearly basis (80% used PFT and 64% used TTE). A right heart catheter was used to confirm PAH in 70% of patients. Sixty-four percent of rheumatologists extend screening interval time if their patients were clinically stable. The most common PAH-specific therapy used was sildenafil (57%) followed by bosentan (19%). Sixty-four percent of rheumatologists supported a national PAH-SSc screening guideline.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown a wide variability of how NZ rheumatologists screen for PAH in scleroderma patients. The development of a PAH-SSc guideline for screening and diagnosis may help standardise treatment practices in NZ.

Critical limits of zinc in soil and rice plant grown in alluvial soils of West Bengal, India

A study was conducted in 22 alluvial soils of West Bengal, India to estimate the critical limit of Zn in soil and rice plant for predicting the response of rice (Oryza sativa) to zinc application. The DTPA-extractable Zn was positively and significantly correlated with CEC, organic carbon and clay contents and negatively correlated with pH, silt and sand contents of soil. The DTPA-extractable Zn also showed a positive correlation with dry matter yield and plant Zn content. The critical concentration of Zn in these soils was established at 0.75 mg kg-1 for rice and that of 28.0 mg kg-1 in the plant tissue. Soil containing Zn below the critical limit responded appreciably to Zn fertilization. A negative response to Zn application was also observed at its higher level. The average dry matter yield increases with increasing level of Zn application up to 2.5 mg kg-1 in Zn deficient soils. The average response to Zn application in rice in Zn deficient soils was found to be 68.5% and 19.9% in Zn adequate soils. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18334 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 137-146 (2012)

Safety, efficacy and population pharmacokinetics of fixed-dose combination of artesunate-mefloquine in the treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

India has switched over to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and the ACT used in the national programme is artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. Since the efficacy of ACT is dependent also on the partner drug, there is a need to evaluate and deploy multiple ACTs.

METHODS

This multicentre, single-arm, open-label clinical trial was carried out to assess the efficacy, safety and population pharmacokinetics of a fixed dose combination (FDC) artesunate mefloquine (ASMQ) in P. falciparum infected, Indian adults at Panjim, Goa, and Mangalore, Karnataka between December 2007 and November 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients (males 74) were screened and enrolled: 42 at Goa and 35 at Mangalore with a median age of 25 yr (range 18-55 yr). One patient failed in treatment on D53, a PCR proven new infection, seven developed recurrent vivax parasitaemia and 11 did not have a parasitological endpoint. By per protocol analysis, the D63 cure rate was 58/59 (98.3; 95% C.I. 90.9-99.9%), and 58/58, with PCR correction. ASMQ was well-tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The study showed that the ASMQ FDC was efficacious and well-tolerated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in highly endemic, chloroquine resistant areas of Goa and Mangalore. It is a viable option for India.

Topological organization and functional aspects of the olfactory epithelium of whipfin silver biddy Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier 1829)

The structural organization of different cells lining the olfactory epithelium of Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier 1829) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy respectively to correlate their role in olfaction. The fan shaped olfactory rosette of G. filamentosus was more or less oval in outline and composed of 13 lamellae of different sizes in both sides. The olfactory epithelium was partitioned into sensory and non-sensory regions. The sensory epithelium was restricted on the flat apical end of the lamellae and embossed with two types of receptor cells bearing either cilia or microvilli. The non-sensory epithelium, covering the middle and basal region of lamellae was comprised of stratified epithelial cells and mucous cells. The orientation of various cells in the surface contour of olfactory epithelium was discussed in light of their functional significance.

A comparative assessment of waste incinerators in the UK

The uptake in Europe of Energy from Waste (EfW) incinerator plants has increased rapidly in recent years. In the UK, 25 municipal waste incinerators with energy recovery are now in operation; however, their waste supply chains and business practices vary significantly. With over a hundred more plant developments being considered it is important to establish best business practices for ensuring efficient environmental and operational performance. By reviewing the 25 plants we identify four suitable case study plants to compare technologies (moving grate, fluidised bed and rotary kiln), plant economics and operations. Using data collected from annual reports and through interviews and site visits we provide recommendations for improving the supply chain for waste incinerators and highlight the current issues and challenges faced by the industry. We find that plants using moving grate have a high availability of 87-92%. However, compared to the fluidised bed and rotary kiln, quantities of bottom ash and emissions of hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide are high. The uptake of integrated recycling practices, combined heat and power, and post incineration non-ferrous metal collections needs to be increased among EfW incinerators in the UK. We conclude that one of the major difficulties encountered by waste facilities is the appropriate selection of technology, capacity, site, waste suppliers and heat consumers. This study will be of particular value to EfW plant developers, government authorities and researchers working within the sector of waste management.

synthesis of novel four armed PE-PCL grafted superparamagnetic and biocompatible nanoparticles

Novel biocompatible polymer immobilized superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNP) are prepared by grafting four armed pentaerythritol poly(ε-polycaprolactone) (PE-PCL) onto silane modified MNP. The MNPs are synthesized by hydrothermal process and its modification using (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (TMAS) coating is done by the sol-gel technique. The pentaerythritol (PE) initiated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is carried out to prepare four armed PE-PCL. The reaction is shown to follow first order kinetics. The structure of PE-PCL is confirmed by NMR spectrum and MALDI-TOF analysis. The in situ grafting of PE-PCL onto modified MNP has been carried out by using 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as an intermediate linker. The grafting density as determined by TGA analysis has been found to be significantly higher than previously reported linear PCL grafted MNPs in the literature. This leads to uniform dispersion of grafted MNPs which still is a challenging task in contemporary research. The effective dispersion of MNP into PE-PCL matrix is analyzed by HRTEM. The saturation magnetization of the PE-PCL grafted MNPs is significantly high and this can be tailored further by varying the grafting density. The biocompatibility of polymer grafted nanoparticles is confirmed by MTT assay using HeLa cell line. The superparamagnetic and biocompatible novel PE-PCL grafted MNP so prepared would have manifold potential applications including in therapy and targeted drug delivery.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of chemical volatiles in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) urine

Isolation of active fraction and characterization of chemosignals from urine have been attempted in several mammalian species in the recent years. The objective of this study was to identify the urinary volatiles across various reproductive stages of buffalo cow, namely, estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy, and in bull, by chemical extraction followed by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Urine samples were collected from six buffalo cows at two different phases of estrous cycle, namely, estrus and diestrus. Besides, urinary samples were collected from five pregnant buffalo cows (60-75 days after artificial insemination (AI)) and six adult bulls. Thin-layer chromatography was performed as a preliminary test for qualitative comparison of different compounds extracted by organic solvents. Identification of the urinary compounds was carried out in a gas chromatograph (Perkin Elmer, Autosystem XL) linked to a mass spectrometer (Turbomass). The results of GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 21 compounds with varying molecular weights and retention time, which were further categorized as diestrus-specific, pregnancy-specific, and bull-specific urinary compounds. No compound, however, could be identified as estrus-specific. We concluded that qualitative differences do exist in estrus, diestrus, and pregnant buffalo cow urine and in bull urine, as evidenced by GC-MS.

Correlation of structural order, anomalous density, and hydrogen bonding network of liquid water

We use extensive molecular dynamics simulations employing different state-of-the-art force fields to find a common framework for comparing structural orders and density anomalies as obtained from different water models. It is found that the average number of hydrogen bonds correlates well with various order parameters as well as the temperature of maximum densities across the different models, unifying apparently disparate results from different models and emphasizing the importance of hydrogen bonding in determining anomalous properties and the structure of water. A deeper insight into the hydrogen bond network of water reveals that the solvation shell of a water molecule can be defined by considering only those neighbors that are hydrogen-bonded to it. On the basis of this view, the origin of the appearance of a non-tetrahedral peak at a higher temperature in the distribution of tetrahedral order parameters has been explained. It is found that a neighbor that is hydrogen-bonded to the central molecule is tetrahedrally coordinated even at higher temperatures. The non-tetrahedral peak at a higher temperature arises due to the strained orientation of the neighbors that are non-hydrogen-bonded to the central molecule. With the new definition of the solvation shell, liquid water can be viewed as an instantaneously changing random hydrogen-bonded network consisting of differently coordinated hydrogen-bonded molecules with their distinct solvation shells. The variation of the composition of these hydrogen-bonded molecules against temperature accounts for the density anomaly without introducing the concept of large-scale structural polyamorphism in water.

Long-term venous access device use in treatment of malignancies: experience from a government hospital in Eastern India

Long-term venous access catheters are very useful for administration of chemotherapy and other drug infusions in patients with haematological malignancies. But their use in government hospitals is still restricted. This study aimed to audit the surgical and infective complications of the vascular access devices which we have used for last three years in patients of haematological malignancies. We also tried to identify risk factors associated with higher infective and other complications.

Staphylococcus aureus spa type t267, clonal ancestor of bovine subclinical mastitis in India

AIM

To evaluate the virulence determinants and genetic diversity of Staphylococcus aureus from bovine subclinical mastitis milk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PCR detection of virulence genes was performed for 173 Staph. aureus from bovine subclinical mastitis milk. Further, genetic diversity was analysed by agr and spa typing followed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of selected isolates. Screening of virulence genes (n = 19) showed the adherence genes viz. fnbA, clfA, fnbB and cna in 98·8, 97·1, 68·8 and 28·3 percentage of isolates, respectively, and 80 strains (46·24%) positive for enterotoxin genes were distributed as 23 toxinotypes, of which, 5 genotypes contained a single gene and the rest comprised of multiple toxin genes. Out of agr type-1 (87·3%), 74·2 per cent belonged to the three predominant spa types. Of 27 spa types, 11 were identified for the first time. The predominant spa types were t267 (N =44), t359 (N = 42) and t6877 (N =29), which together accounts to 66·5 per cent of isolates. PFGE analysis of isolates (N = 45) covering all the spa types revealed mostly similar or closely related pulsotypes. Local emergence of spa type t6877 in herd-dependant manner was observed. spa sequence-based phylogenetic analysis suggested t267 as the ancestral clone of t359, t6877 and other spa types except two.

CONCLUSION

Heterogenous virulence profile of the isolates had no significant association with the genotype. High prevalence of agr group I reaffirms their association with persistent subclinical mastitis. The spa type t267 appears to be the ancestral clone endemic in the region causing subclinical mastitis. In addition, few new spa types have emerged in the geographic region.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Gives an insight into the genetic and evolutionary behaviour of Staph. aureus associated with bovine subclinical mastitis in India. The study would pave the way for devising effective control strategy for bovine mastitis in Indian context.

Structure and Volta potential of lipid multilayers: effect of X-ray irradiation

The effect of hard X-ray radiation on the structure and electrostatics of solid-supported lipid multilayer membranes is investigated using a scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) integrated with a high-energy synchrotron beamline to enable in situ measurements of the membranes' local Volta potential (V(p)) during X-ray structural characterization. The undulator radiation employed does not induce any detectable structural damage, but the V(p) of both bare and lipid-modified substrates is found to undergo strong radiation-induced shifts, almost immediately after X-ray exposure. Sample regions that are macroscopically distant (~cm) from the irradiated region experience an exponential V(p) growth with a characteristic time constant of several minutes. The V(p) variations occurring upon periodic on/off X-ray beam switching are fully or partially reversible depending on the location and time-scale of the SKP measurement. The general relevance of these findings for synchrotron-based characterization of biomolecular thin films is critically reviewed.

Effect of exposure to radio frequency radiation emitted by cell phone on the developing dorsal root ganglion of chick embryo: a light microscopic study

With an ever increasing number of cell phone users since late twentieth [corrected] century, magnitude of the problem of exposure to radiation emitted by cell phone is self evident. Extensive research had been devoted to incriminate or absolve it as a health hazard. Radiofrequency radiation emitted by cell phone had been stated to be a potent carcinogen, cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic and neurobehavioral teratogen. Its effect on the brain had been a subject of extensive research evidently due to its proximity to the user's brain. While considering the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation, its intensity, frequency and the duration of exposure are important determinants. Nevertheless the results of these different studies have not been unequivocal. Considering the contradictory reports, the present work was undertaken to study the effect of such an exposure on the developing neural tissue of chick embryo. The processes of cell division and differentiation are fundamental to the development of any living being and are a sensitive index of any insult sustained at this stage. Neurons of dorsal root ganglion were selected for the present study as these ganglia were fully differentiated as early as fourth day of embryonic life. By varying duration of exposure, the embryos were exposed to different doses of radiation, sacrificed at different periods of incubation and subjected to histological processing. On light microscopic study it was observed that developing neurons of dorsal root ganglion suffered a damage which was dose dependent and persisted in spite of giving the exposure-free period between two exposures.

Microlaryngoscopic study of 100 cases of Hoarseness of voice

100 patients with hoarseness of voice were studied with the help of microlaryngoscopy along with other conventional methods. The peak incidence of the laryngeal diseases was in the age group between 21 to 30 years (28%). The incidence in males (56%), was more than females (44%). Maximum incidence was found among house-wives (29%). 72% patients had a history of vocal abuse. Commonest disease was vocal nodule (30%). The ratio of unilateral and bilateral affection was near about 5 : 4. Hoarseness of voice due to vocal nodules, Reinke's oedema, vocal polyps or fibroangioma was cured in 88%-100% of the cases by microlaryngeal surgery.

Assessing the genetic diversity of the vir genes in Indian Plasmodium vivax population

Variant surface antigens (VSAs) present on the surface of parasitized erythrocytes facilitate many Plasmodium spp. to escape the host immune system during infection. Multigene families coding for VSAs exist in several Plasmodium spp. and are located on telomeric and subtelomeric regions of the chromosomes. P. vivax genome also contains a multigene superfamily vir (variant interspersed repeats), present in the subtelomeric region with a possible role in immune evasion like the var gene in P. falciparum. Blood samples from 148 symptomatic malaria cases were collected from five different regions of India, viz. Mangalore, Rourkela, Goa, Delhi and Jabalpur. P. vivax isolates (74 single infections) were sequenced for four vir genes (viz. vir 27, vir 4, vir 12 and vir 21) and analyzed for the genetic variability existing in different populations of India. The results indicate that vir genes in different P. vivax populations in India are highly divergent both within and between the isolates. High levels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed attributing to the existing polymorphism for all the four vir genes studied across the population. Detailed knowledge of the genetic variation among the vir genes will help in understanding the evolutionary aspects of vir genes and may also provide basis for understanding the disease chronicity.

Monitoring antimalarial drug resistance in India via sentinel sites: outcomes and risk factors for treatment failure, 2009-2010

OBJECTIVE

To describe India's National Antimalarial Drug Resistance Monitoring System, measure the efficacy of first-line malaria treatments, and determine risk factors for treatment failure.

METHODS

In 2009-2010, prospective studies with 28 days of follow-up were conducted at 25 sentinel sites. Patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum were given artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS+SP); those infected with P. vivax were given chloroquine. Polymerase chain reaction was used to distinguish post-treatment reinfection from treatment failure. Isolates of P. falciparum were checked for dhfr and dhps mutations.

FINDINGS

Overall, 1664 patients were enrolled. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed an efficacy of 98.8% for AS+SP. Most patients with P. falciparum parasitaemia cleared their parasitaemias within 24 hours of treatment initiation, but six, including four with treatment failure, remained parasitaemic after 72 hours. Double mutants in dhfr were found in 68.4% of the genotyped isolates. Triple or quadruple mutants in dhfr and mutations in dhps were rare. A daily dose of artesunate of < 3 mg per kg of body weight, age of less than 5 years, and fever at enrolment were associated with an increased risk of treatment failure. Chloroquine remained 100% efficacious and generally cleared P. vivax parasitaemias within 48 hours. Vomiting (seen in 47 patients) was the most common adverse event.

CONCLUSION

India's National Antimalarial Drug Resistance Monitoring System provides wide coverage. The first-line antimalarials used in the country remain safe and efficacious. The treatment of malaria in young children and the relative benefits of age- and weight-based dosing need further exploration.

Context-dependent differences in miR-10b breast oncogenesis can be targeted for the prevention and arrest of lymph node metastasis

Metastases, and not the primary tumor from which they originate, are the main reason for mortality from carcinoma. Although the molecular mechanisms behind metastasis are poorly understood, it is clear that epigenetic dysregulation at the level of microRNA expression is a key characteristic of the metastatic process that can be exploited for therapy. Here, we describe an miRNA-targeted therapeutic approach for the prevention and arrest of lymph node metastasis. Therapy relies on the inhibition of the pro-metastatic microRNA-10b. It is delivered to primary and lymph node metastatic tumor cells using an imaging-capable nanodrug that is designed to specifically home to these tissues. Treatment of invasive human breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) with the nanodrug in vitro downregulates miR-10b and abolishes the invasion and migration of the tumor cells. After intravenous delivery to mice bearing orthotopic MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H2LN tumors, the nanodrug accumulates in the primary tumor and lymph nodes. When treatment is initiated before metastasis to lymph nodes, metastasis is prevented. Treatment after the formation of lymph node metastases arrests the metastatic process without a concomitant effect on primary tumor growth raising the possibility of a context-dependent variation in miR-10b breast oncogenesis.

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

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