Haematological presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Haematological manifestations are quite common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but bone marrow aplasia and secondary myelofibrosis are rare manifestations. We report a case of 45 years old male patient who presented with fever, malaena and anaemia without any clinical features of SLE. He had patches of vitiligo for 25 years for which he was applying psoralen with sunlight exposure. This probably precipitated SLE in this patient. The patient presented with pancytopenia which was due to a combination of Comb's positive haemolytic anaemia and myelofibrosis.

[Mathematical modeling of the spatial distribution of the pollen produced by genetically modified crops]

We represent and analyze the results of mathematical simulation of pollen dispersion from the origin, a field sowed by genetically modified plants. Factors responsible for the genetic isolation of such fields are discussed.

A Comparative Analysis of Immunorestoration and Recovery with Conventional and Immunotherapeutic Protocols in Canine Generalized Demodicosis: A Newer Insight of Immunotherapeutic Efficacy of T11TS

Demodex canis is a natural inhabiting mite of canine skin. Immunological disorder or genetic disorder induces the Demodex population to proliferate vigorously resulting in generalized demodicosis with consequent chronic immunosuppression. Signs of generalized demodicosis include alopecia, crysting, erythema, secondary pyoderma etc. Amitraz, an acaricide, is used conventionally for the treatment of generalized demodicosis. In many instances, the disease relapses due to the residual immunosuppression. The need of an immunorestorative therapy has been urged in generalized demodicosis. Two immunorestorative drugs, namely, Immuplus, a herbal drug, and T11TS, a sheep erythrocyte surface glycoprotein, has been used in two separate groups of dogs having generalized demodicosis and receiving Amitraz treatment. It was observed that though Amitraz treated group responded to the therapy showing increased E-rosettes and nonspecific cytotoxic efficacy of T-lymphocytes and decrease in phagocytic potential of macrophages, the groups treated with the immunotherapeutics like Immuplus and T11TS, responded better. However, the group treated with T11TS showed best recovery. These results emphasize the need for an immunorestorative therapy in generalized demodicosis and provide data in favor of T11TS as a better immunomodulator in comparison to Immuplus.

Picture Quiz: An Unusual cause of 'Troponinaemia'

A 58 year old policeman presented with a 4 week history of cough, haemoptysis, exertional dyspnoea, ear discomfort and sore throat. He was previously healthy and taking no regular medications. He was a non-smoker and had no risk factors for coronary artery disease. He had recently completed two courses of antibiotics for a presumed ear infection. He had also experienced occasional minor epistaxis with constitutional symptoms of weight loss and night sweats over recent months. Clinical examination was unremarkable.

Assessment of the impact of pesticide residues on microbiological and biochemical parameters of tea garden soils in India

The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of pesticidal residues on soil microbial and biochemical parameters of the tea garden soils. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC), basal (BSR) and substrate induced respirations (SIR), beta-glucosidase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity (FDHA) of six tea garden soils, along with two adjacent forest soils (control) in West Bengal, India were measured. The biomass and its activities and biochemical parameters were generally lower in the tea garden soils than the control soils. The MBC of the soils ranged from 295.5 to 767.5 micro g g(- 1). The BSR and SIR ranged from 1.65 to 3.08 mu g CO2-C g(- 1) soil h(- 1) and 3.08 to 10.76 micro g CO2-C g(- 1)h(- 1) respectively. The beta-glucosidase and FDHA of the soils varied from 33.3 and 76.3 micro g para-nitrophenol g(- 1) soil h(- 1) and 60.5 to 173.5 micro g fluorescein g(- 1)h(- 1)respectively. The tea garden soils contained variable residues of organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides, which negatively affected the MBC, BSR, SIR, FDHA and beta -glucosidase activity. Ethion and chlorpyriphos pesticide residues in all the tea garden soils varied from 5.00 to 527.8 ppb and 17.6 to 478.1 ppb respectively. The alpha endosulfan, beta endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate pesticide residues in the tea garden soils ranged from 7.40 to 81.40 ppb, 8.50 to 256.1 ppb and 55 to 95.9 ppb respectively. Canonical correlation analysis shows that 93% of the total variation was associated with the negative impact of chlorpyriphos, beta and alpha endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate on MBC, BSR and FDHA. At the same time ethion had negative impact on SIR and beta-glucosidase. Data demonstrated that the pesticide residues had a strong impact on the microbial and biochemical components of soil quality.

The use of complementary therapy by men with prostate cancer in the UK

The study aims were to determine the use of complementary therapies (CT) by men with prostate cancer, and to explore factors influencing CT use and attitudes toward CT use. A cross-sectional survey design was used in which a postal questionnaire was mailed to an eligible sample of 405 patients with prostate cancer receiving outpatient treatment in a London teaching hospital. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of CT use and the relationship between CT use and mental health status. Two hundred and ninety-four patients (73%) responded, of whom 25% were using CT. The most frequently used CTs were vitamins, low-fat diets, lycopene and green tea. Multivariate analyses revealed no differences in mental health scores between CT users and non-users. CT users were younger (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97) and were more likely to be receiving conservative management in the form of 'active surveillance' (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.78-15.41) compared with non-users. Over half of the participants (55%) wanted to learn more about CT. Forty-three per cent of CT users had not informed any doctor about their CT use. Clinicians need to be aware of the prevalence of CT use amongst patients with prostate cancer, considering the potential harm that could be caused by interactions with conventional treatments.

Elimination of iodine deficiency disorders--current status in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Towards sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the existing programme needs to be monitored through recommended methods and indicators. Thus, we conducted the study to assess the current status of IDD in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal.

METHODS

It was a community based cross-sectional study; undertaken from October 2006-April 2007. 2400 school children, aged 8-10 years were selected by '30 cluster' sampling technique. Indicators recommended by the WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD were used. Subjects were clinically examined by standard palpation technique for goitre, urinary iodine excretion was estimated by wet digestion method and salt samples were tested by spot iodine testing kit.

RESULTS

The total goitre rate (TGR) was 19.7% (95% CI = 18.1-21.3 %) with grade I and grade II (visible goitre) being 16.7% and 3% respectively. Goitre prevalence did not differ by age but significant difference was observed in respect of sex. Median urinary iodine excretion level was 11.5 mcg/dL and none had value less than 5 mcg/dL. Only 50.4% of the salt samples tested were adequately iodised (> or = 15 ppm).

CONCLUSION

The district is in a phase of transition from iodine deficiency to iodine sufficiency as evident from the high goitre prevalence (19.7%) and median urinary iodine excretion (11.5 mcg/dL) within optimum limit. But, salt iodisation level far below the recommended goal highlights the need for intensified efforts towards successful transition.

Thoracic epidural catheterization leading to delayed transient neurological symptoms with normal imaging findings

Paraparesis after epidural catheterization is rare but may be multifactorial. We report a case of temporary paraparesis in a 32-year-old female patient after thoracic epidural catheterization performed analgesia. A 16 G epidural needle was introduced at the T(7)-T(8) interspace but as frank blood came through, it was withdrawn and was reinserted at the T(8)-T(9) interspace. An 18 G epidural catheter was introduced and 10 ml of 0.125% bupivacaine with buprenorphine 150 mcg was given. Further top-ups were given for 48 h on complain of pain. There was an episode of hypotension after giving the epidural drug but later on the patient remained haemodynamically stable. On the fourth post-operative day, the patient reported paraparesis with heaviness and tingling sensation in both lower extremities. MRI was normal with no evidence of spinal cord compression, oedema, haematoma or abscess. The patient improved gradually within a period of 3 days. The possible causes of delayed onset of neurological symptoms are discussed.

Cobalt and nickel uptake by rice and accumulation in soil amended with municipal solid waste compost

Effect of addition of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) contents of submerged rice paddies were studied. A sequential extraction method was used to determine the metal (Co and Ni) fractions in MSWC and cow dung manure (CDM). Both metals were significantly bound to the organic matter and Fe and Mn oxides in MSWC and CDM. Metal content in rice straw was higher than in rice grain. Metal bound with Fe and Mn oxides in MSWC and CDM best correlated with straw and grain metal followed by water soluble and exchangeable fractions. Carbonate, organic matter bound and residual fractions in MSWC and CDM did not significantly correlate with rice straw and grain metal. MSWC would be a valuable resource for agriculture, but long-term field experiments with MSWC are needed to assess by regular monitoring of the metal loads and accumulation in soil and plants.

Effect of heavy metals on microbial biomass and activities in century old landfill soil

A study was conducted to determine the effect of metals on soil microbial biomass and activities in landfill soils as well as normal background soil. The microbial biomass and activities were consistently higher in the landfill soils than in the background soil. Significant positive correlations existed between the microbial parameters and soil organic carbon. The landfill soils contained higher concentrations of metals (iron, manganese, copper, cadmium, lead and zinc) than did the background soil. Microbial parameters were negatively correlated with the metals, with inhibition increasing with the bioavailability of the metals. It is suggested that the metals affected microbial biomass and activities by behaving synergistically or additively with each other. Although the landfill soils had higher microbial biomass and activities than the background soil, due to higher organic matter content, the ratios of microbial parameters/organic carbon indicated that inhibition of microbial growth and activities had occurred due to metal stress.

Role of virulence plasmid of Aeromonas hydrophila in the pathogenesis of ulcerative disease syndrome in Clarias batrachus

Pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila (strain VB21), a multiple-drug resistance strain contains a plasmid of about 21 kb. After curing of plasmid, the isolates became sensitive to antimicrobials, to which they were earlier resistant. The cured bacteria exhibited significant alterations in their surface structure, growth profile and virulence properties, and failed to cause ulcerative disease syndrome (UDS) when injected into the Indian catfish Clarias batrachus. Routine biochemical studies revealed that the plasmid curing did not alter the biochemical properties of the bacteria. After transformation of the plasmid into cured A. hydrophila the bacterium regained its virulence properties and induced all the characteristic symptoms of UDS when injected into fish. Thus, the plasmid plays a pivotal role in the phenotype, growth and virulence of A. hydrophila and pathogenesis of aeromonad UDS.

Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele with colpocephaly: case report and clinical review

Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele is a rare congenital disease in which an intracranial mass protrudes through a midline defect from the anterior cranial fossa into the facial skeleton. The condition affects patients in South East Asian countries, such as Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Indonesia, with frequency of 1 in 5000. The pathogenesis of encephalocoeles may be regarded as a 'late' neurulation defect during the fourth gestational week. We present a case of frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele with corpus callosal agenesis and colpocephaly; this may well be the first report of this combination. The patient had a bulging mass in the middle frontonasal area, with broadening of the nasal bridge and hypertelorism. Computed tomography scans delineated the skull defect and associated brain anomalies. A one-stage, combined transfacial-transcranial approach, correctional procedure was performed. We present here a discussion of the findings, with special reference to the condition's pathogenesis, morphological classification and evolving surgical treatments. Early diagnosis and referral, involving multidisciplinary teamwork, are of paramount importance because of the distorting influence of the extruding mass on facial growth.

Coffee consumption protects human lymphocytes against oxidative and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole acetate (Trp-P-2) induced DNA-damage: Results of an experimental study with human volunteers

Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of coffee on DNA-stability in humans. DNA-damage was monitored in lymphocytes of eight individuals with single cell gel electrophoresis assays before and after consumption of 600 ml coffee (400 ml paper filtered and 200 ml metal filtered/d) for five days. Under standard conditions, no alteration of DNA-migration was seen, but a strong reduction of DNA-migration attributable to endogenous formation of oxidised purines and pyrimidines was detected with restriction enzymes; furthermore DNA-damage caused by reactive oxygen radicals (H2O2 treatment) and by the heterocyclic aromatic amine 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-acetate was significantly reduced after coffee consumption by 17% and 35%, respectively. Also in in vitro experiments, inhibition of H2O2 induced DNA-damage was observed with coffee at low concentrations (<or= 25 microl/ml) whereas the diterpenoids cafestol and kahweol caused only marginal effects indicating that the effects of coffee are due to scavenging effects of other constituents. Enzyme measurements showed that additionally induction of antioxidant enzymes may play a role: while the activity of glutathione peroxidase was only marginally increased after coffee consumption, a significant (38%) increase of superoxide dismutase activity was detected. Comparisons with results of earlier studies suggest that coffee consumption may prevent oxidative DNA-damage to a higher extent as diets enriched in fruits and vegetables.

L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase activities in submerged rice soil amended with municipal solid waste compost and decomposed cow manure

The field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a soil amendment on L-asparaginase (LA) and L-glutaminase (LG) activities. Experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 1997, 1998 and 1999 on rice grown under a submerged condition, at the Agriculture Experimental Farm, Calcutta University at Baruipur, West Bengal, India. The treatments consisted of control, no input; MSWC, at 60 Kg N ha(- 1); well-decomposed cow manure (DCM), at 60 Kg N ha(- 1); MSWC (30 Kg N ha(- 1)) + Urea (U) (30 Kg N ha(- 1)); DCM (30 Kg N ha(- 1)) + U (30 Kg N ha(- 1)) and Fertilizer, (at 60:30:30 NPK kg ha(- 1)) through urea, single superphosphate and muriate of potash respectively). LA and LG activities alone and their ratio with organic-C (ratio index value, RIV), straw and grain yield were higher in DCM than MSWC-treated soils, due to higher amount of biogenic organic materials like water-soluble organic carbon, carbohydrate and mineralizable nitrogen in the former. The studied parameters were higher when urea was integrated with DCM or MSWC, compared to their single applications. The heavy metals in MSWC did not detrimentally influence the above-measured activities of soil. In the event of long term MSWC application, changes in soil quality parameters should be monitored regularly, since heavy metals once entering into soil persist over a long period.