Serum copper in myocardial infarction--diagnostic and prognostic significance

Serum copper estimations were carried out in 44 cases of acute myocardial infarction, 23 cases of angina and 40 age and sex matched healthy controls. A highly significant degree of rise in serum copper levels was observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction as compared to cases of angina and controls. The levels showed a gradual rise with peak on 7th day followed by a gradual decline returning to normal on 28th day. The pattern was the same both in complicated and uncomplicated cases except that values were still higher on the 28th day in complicated cases of acute myocardial infarction. Mean peak serum copper levels were significantly higher (p less than .001) in complicated cases of acute myocardial infarction as compared to uncomplicated cases. Significant correlation was found between serial serum copper changes and creatinine phosphokinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels. The prognostic and diagnostic significance of serum copper has been discussed.

Effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on glycolysis, proliferation kinetics and radiation response of human cancer cells

The effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on energy metabolism, cell proliferation kinetics, radiation-induced DNA repair, and micronuclei formation in HeLa cells have been studied. Results show that the 2-DG induced modifications of the radiation effects are biphasic: at high 2-DG concentrations (greater than 2.5 mM), DNA repair is inhibited and manifestation of radiation damage is enhanced as observed by an increase in the radiation (X ray) induced micronuclei formation; lower concentrations of 2-DG (less than 2.5 mM) do not inhibit DNA repair and a decrease in the frequency of micronuclei formation is observed. These data, in correlation with the effects of 2-DG on glycolysis and cell proliferation kinetics, can be explained by the hypothesis that 2-DG induced modifications of radiation effects arise as a result of energy linked differential inhibitions of pathways of repair and fixation of DNA damage. Implications for cancer therapy are discussed.

Effect of metal chelators on excretion and tissue levels of essential trace elements

The influence of one, three, and six doses of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and triethylenetetramine (TETA) on the urinary excretion of Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn, and on their levels in liver, kidneys, heart, and serum in rats, was investigated to ascertain their suitability in amelioration of metal intoxication. While excretion of all the essential trace metals examined was enhanced significantly, the tissue and serum levels of some of them either increased or decreased after administration of the chelators. The results suggest depletion of some of the endogenous trace metals from the body and their intertissue redistribution following treatment with these chelating agents.

Unusual presentation of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia

Images

Prostaglandins E and F in the uterine tissue of cyclic rats

Prostaglandins E and F (PGE and PGF) levels and the biosynthetic ability of rat uterine tissue have been estimated in the various phases of oestrous cycle by radioimmunoassay technique. Significantly high PGF concentration was found during metaoestrous phase. In comparison, PGE levels did not show as high elevation. The metaoestrous phase also showed significantly higher biosynthesis of prostaglandins E and F. Our experimental findings support the role of prstaglandins in ovulation and luteolysis of the corpus luteum.

A study of serum fibrinolytic activity in erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL)

Fibrinolytic activity was studied in 31 patients of leprosy and 10 healthy controls. Fibrinolytic activity was found to be significantly decreased in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum, compared to those with uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy, who in turn showed lowered activity compared to patients with tuberculoid form of leprosy and controls. The severity of ENL correlated very well with decrease in fibrinolytic activity. Fibrinolytic activity was improved to levels obtained in uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy after the subsidence of reaction. So it would seem reasonable to suggest that estimation of fibrinolytic activity provides a reliable criteria to quantitate the severity of erythema nodosum leprosum.

DNA loss in the developing cerebellum of nervous mouse: a flow cytometric study

Flow-cytometry of cerebellar EGL cells of nervous (nr) mouse revealed a reduction in DNA quantity per cell accompanied by an increase in the DNA dispersion during 6-8 days of postnatal life. This loss of DNA is due to a partial degeneration of the cells of EGL during the first week of postnatal life. The surviving cells later on achieve a DNA content equivalent to their bone marrow cells. The flow-cytometric technique also facilitates an early detection of the homozygous nervous mutant, almost 2 weeks before the clinical manifestation of the disease, which to date was not possible.

Diazepam withdrawal syndrome: its prolonged and changing nature

The diazepam withdrawal syndrome was studied in 10 patients who had abused the drug for 3 to 14 years. In the previous 6 months their consumption of diazepam had ranged from 60 to 120 mg daily; none had used other drugs during this period. The withdrawal period lasted about 6 weeks. The intensity of the symptoms and signs was high initially, fell during the first 2 weeks, then rose again in the third week, before finally declining. Three groups of symptoms and signs were identified. Group A symptoms occurred throughout withdrawal and included tremor, anorexia, insomnia and myoclonus. Group B symptoms and signs were largely confined to the first 10 days and were those of a toxic psychosis. Group C symptoms reached a peak in the third and fourth weeks of withdrawal and were characterized by sense perceptions that were either heightened or lowered. The symptom groups, the presence of tremor and myoclonus, and the relief of symptoms by a test dose permit diazepam withdrawal to be distinguished from anxiety. The biphasic course of the symptoms is probably related to the pharmacokinetics of diazepam.

Protective role of trace metals in lead intoxication

Protective effect of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) or cobalt (Co) against lead (Pb) toxicity in rats was investigated. Trace metal administration together with Pb decreased the hepatic and renal uptake of lead and reduced the Pb-induced inhibition of blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALAD) activity. The hepatic uptake of Zn or Co was also increased in animals administered Pb and Zn or Pb and Co, respectively. However, no significant difference could be observed between the protective effects of three essential trace metals examined against lead toxicity.

A Clinico-Aetiological Study of Exfoliative Dermatitis

Twenty-five cases of exfoliative dermatitis (21 males and 4 females) were selected at random for study. in addition to routine history and clinical examination, investigations like histopathology of skin and lymphnodes, peripheral blood smear for abnormal cells and bone narrow examinations were done. Etiologically, the cases could be classified into three categories namely exfoliation in pre-existing dermatoses, drug incluced exfoliation and idiopathic exfoliation. One case showed abnormal monocytoid cells (Sezary cell) in peripheral blood smear.

Flow cytometric measurement of nuclear DNA content variations as a potential in vivo mutagenicity test

Mutagen-induced variations of the cellular DNA content have been studied in mouse bone marrow cells in vivo using high resolution flow cytometric techniques. During the first days after a single injection of the chemical mutagen cyclophosphamide an increased coefficient of variation in the G1 peak of the flow histograms was observed. The magnitude and duration of this effect were dose-dependent. The reproducibility of the measurements was high, indicating that individual variability between animals and instrumental dispersion is small. The results demonstrate that on the basis of the flow cytometric measurement of cellular DNA content, a short-term in vivo test for mutagenicity can be established which is much faster than conventional cytogenetic methods.

Applicability of Ridley-Jopling scale in clinical practice

27 cases (90%) out of 30 cases studied could be graded clinically exact points of the scale. Out of the rest of 3 cases (10%); 2 cases (6.6%) required in between points of the scale. 20 cases (66.66%) out of the 30 cases studied histologically could be graded at exact points of the scale. 3 cases (10%) required further histological subgrading. Final clinico-histopathological clubbing was possible in 66.66% of cases. Disparity was observed at BT and BL points and cent percent parity was obtained at polar ends. Patients presenting with macular or early infiltrative lesions at BT and BL points showed an indeterminate histology.

Dermatoglyphics in Vitiligo

A Total of 80 cases, comprising of 40 controls and 40 vitiligo cases, were studied for, dermatoglyphic pattern and ridge count. In males with vitiligo increased incidence of radial loops of 2nd fingers and increased incidence of arches were observed while in females, increased incidence of ulnar loops on 3rd digit was observed in the present study. Difference in patterns in cases of vitiligo as compared to normal, was statistically insignificant. No significant change was observed in total ridge count in vitiligo cases.

Septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Over a period of four years, seven of 110 maintenance hemodialysis patients developed olecranon bursitis. In all patients it appeared in the arm on which AV access was constructed but one patient also had bilateral bursitis. None of the patients gave a history of trauma or gout. Despite similar clinical presentation, culture of bursal aspirate demonstrated septic bursitis in two patients. (One diabetic, the other on steroids). Sustained pressure on the olecranon bursa during maintenance hemodialysis and/or milk trauma in the anticoagulated state may be responsible for the lesion. Infection can occur in susceptible individuals despite no visible skin infection. Local steroid instillation and patient education to avoid putting pressure on bursa during dialysis was effective therapy in the aseptic group. Multiple aspirations and antibiotics were necessary in the septic group.

Dermatoglyphics in Ichthyosis and Alopecia Areata

A total of 80 cases comprising of 40 controls and twenty each of ichthyosis and alopecia areata were studied for dermatoglyphic patterns and ridge count. Statistically significant increased incidence of whorl pattern was observed in female cases of autosomal dominant and sex linked ichthyosis. Significant change in the distribution of patterns was found in female cases of alopecia areata.

Triphenylantimony(V) complexes with Schiff bases

Twelve new octahedral complexes of the type Ph3Sb(Cl)(OC6H4CR=NR') (where R = H and R' = Me, Et, Pr, Bu, Ph and p-tolyl; R = Me and R' = Me, Bu and Bu') and Ph3Sb(OMe)-(OC6H4CR=NR')(R = H and R' = Me; R = R' = Me) have been synthesized and characterized after purification by recrystallization. The results of the i.r. and 1H n.m.r. spectra of these complexes suggest coordination of azomethine nitrogen to the antimony atom.

Dermatoglyphics in Psoriasis

Forty cases of psoriasis and same number of controls were subjected to dermatoglyphic studies. Control cases did not show any arch pattern on 4th and 5th fingers. Increased incinerate of whorl pattern was observed in psoriatic females and incidence was decreased in psoriatic males. Whorl pattern was more commonly seen on 4th finger, and more on right hand in psoriatic cases. Total ridge count was found to be decreased in psoriatic males.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Five of 62 maintenance hemodialysis patients were found to have carpal tunnel syndrome, and another five had prolonged distal motor latencies. Contrary to previous reports, there was no relation between carpal tunnel syndrome and the site of vascular access. Synovial biopsy specimens from flexor tendons demonstrated edema without inflammation, suggesting that extracellular fluid volume excess in the presence of flexion and immobility during dialysis may be pathogenetically important.

Psoriasis - a Clinical and Some Biochemical Investigative Study

One hundred thirty two cases of psoriasis were studied. They represented 0.8% of the patients seen in Medical College Hospital, Rohtak. One hundred twenty two cases were between the ages of II 40 years. Ratio of males to females was 4:1. Ten cases gave positive family history, 12 patients had psoriatic lesions over the face and one patient had lesion over the shaft of the penis. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 7 cases. Hypercalcaemia was seen in 10% of the cases, Ind hypocalcaemia in 15%. High serum magnesium levels were observed in 40% cases. High serum uric acid levels were seen in 26.6% and diabetes was detected in none.

Computer-assisted liver-mass estimation from gamma-camera images

We have devised a computer-assisted method for objective estimation of liver mass from the right lateral projection of radiocolloid images of the liver. Gamma-camera images were digitized, preprocessed, and stored in computer memory. The definition of liver for area measurement was adaptively determined by means of a Laplacian operator that measures change in radioactivity slope associated with the liver margin. Individual thresholds were calculated for each of 16 subregions. A liver-mass index was derived from a linear regression model correlating the area of the right lateral projection with liver weight at autopsy in 50 patients whose livers weighed between 0.8 to 3.0 Kg. The correlation coefficient found for this method was 0.83 using the equation: Liver Mass [kg] = Area [cm2]/275 [kg/cm2]--0.215 [kg]. Liver-mass estimates using an alternative computer-assisted method or representative manual methods adapted for gamma-camera images showed lower correlation with liver weight at autopsy.