Body mass index of tannery workers in Kanpur, India

During two cross sectional surveys in 1988 and 1994 the body mass index among tannery workers in Kanpur, India and its association with exposure to chemicals, dust and awkward ergonomic conditions, socio-economic and health status were studied. Fifty six per cent of the workers had in 1988 a BMI of less than 18.50, the cut-off value for malnutrition. In 1994 the proportion of malnourished workers had decreased to 41 per cent, being statistically significant lower than in 1988. Workers with a high exposure to lifting weights of more than 20 kg had significantly lower BMI than workers without this exposure. No other differences in mean BMI were found between workers without exposure to chemicals, dust and other awkward ergonomic conditions and workers with high or very high exposures, nor did the mean BMI of workers with occupational related conditions such as dermatitis, work related respiratory symptoms and low back pain differ from those without these conditions. There was no association between mean BMI and industrial modifications. In the 1994 survey workers who took sick leave in the year prior to the survey, workers of small/medium sized tanneries and workers without an ESI card had significantly lower BMI than workers without sick leave, workers of large tanneries and workers with an ESI card. Mean BMI of labourers with a monthly income of less than Rs 550 was significantly lower than that of tannery staff not engaged in leather work in this income group. No association was found between mean BMI and smoking, use of alcohol, educational level and income. The nutritional status of labourers in developing countries deserves more attention within the field of occupational health and safety.

Cytogenetic studies in ataxia telangiectasia & their use in prenatal diagnosis

Cytogenetic studies were carried out in obligate ataxia telangiectasia (AT) heterozygotes, AT homozygotes and control subjects. Rate of chromosomal aberrations and the frequency of micronuclei were examined before and after radiation (100 rads). Significant differences in the rate of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei were observed among heterozygotes, homozygotes and controls. The same methods were then applied for prenatal diagnosis of AT using amniotic cell culture in two families.

Nitric oxide-dependent blood-brain barrier permeability alteration in the rat brain

The role of nitric oxide (NO), a well known vasodilator, in the regulation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability is not clear. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess the role of NO-releasing compounds like sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the active metabolite of molsidomine, SIN-1, as well as a precursor on NO, L-arginine, on this physiological barrier. The permeability was assessed by using several tracers. All three agents increased the permeability of BBB to the tracer. The increase in permeability caused by L-arginine was not blocked by N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). L-Arginine-treated brains did not show an elevation of nitrite content, thus ruling out the possibility of NO generation and its involvement in BBB permeability alteration. It is concluded that NO itself causes an increase in the permeability of BBB. However, arginine-induced opening is not NO mediated.

Nitric oxide modulates blood-brain barrier permeability during infections with an inactivated bacterium

The objective of the present investigation was to study the involvement of NO in regulating the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during infections, since NOS is known to be induced following infections. The administration of inactivated Escherichia coli (a source of lipopolysaccharide) or poly (I:C), an interferon inducer, to rats increased the permeability of BBB significantly. This increase was found to be potentiated in the presence of L-arginine, a substrate for NOS, while D-arginine had no such effect. N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NOS, and dexamethasone, an inhibitor of NOS induction, blocked the E. coli-induced effects. These results suggest that during infections, NOS inductions causes the release of large quantities of NO, resulting in increased BBB permeability.

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Canadian multicenter trial of two doses of synthetic surfactant or air placebo in 224 infants weighing 500 to 749 grams with respiratory distress syndrome. Canadian Exosurf Neonatal Study Group

In a multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled rescue trial conducted at 12 Canadian hospitals, two 5 ml/kg doses of a synthetic surfactant or air placebo were administered to 224 infants with birth weights of 500 to 749 gm who had established respiratory distress syndrome and an arterial/alveolar oxygen tension ratio of less than 0.22. The first dose was given between 2 and 24 hours of age; the second dose was given 12 hours later to the infants continuing to receive mechanical ventilation. Infants were stratified at study entry by birth weight and gender. Infants receiving synthetic surfactant showed significant improvements in alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient, arterial/alveolar oxygen tension ratio, and oxygen and ventilator requirements through day 7. In the group randomized to synthetic surfactant, significant improvements were seen in oxygen requirements at the first time point measured (2 hours; p = 0.02), in the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient by the second time point measured (6 hours; p = 0.03), and in mean airway pressure after 6 hours. Overall mortality at 28 days was not significantly different in the two groups (50% vs 46%, air placebo group vs synthetic surfactant group; p = 0.586). Similarly, neither the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (37% vs 30%, air placebo group vs synthetic surfactant group; p = 0.089) nor the incidence of survival without BPD through 28 days (17% vs 26%, respectively; p = 0.070) was significantly different in the two groups. No significant differences in the incidence of safety-related outcomes or in adverse effects such as apnea or pulmonary hemorrhage were noted. These findings indicate that rescue therapy with synthetic surfactant results in physiologic improvements in very tiny premature infants, but improvements in overall mortality or other complications of respiratory distress syndrome were not documented in the sample evaluated.

A clinical and cytogenetic study of Turner syndrome

Forty five case of Turner syndrome diagnosed in the Genetics Clinic, between January 1986 and December 1993, were analyzed. The most commonly observed karyotype was 45, X (44.4%), followed by 45, X/46, XX mosaicism (24.4%). Less frequently demonstrated karyotypes were 45, X/46, X, i (Xq) mosaicism and 46, X, i (Xq) (13.3%). Mosaicism for chromosome was seen in 6.7% of patients. Patients with 45, X karyotype had short stature (85%), dysmorphic facies (60%), delayed appearance of secondary sexual characters (100%) and primary amennorhea (100%). Those with 45, X/46, XX mosaicism were less often dysmorphic and presented with either primary or secondary amenorrhea. Patients with 45, X karyotype were younger at diagnosis and had a significantly shorter mean adult height than those with 45, X/46, XX mosaicism. The phenotype in patients with other karyotypic abnormalities was similar to the 45, X group. Short stature and primary or secondary amenorrhea occurring together in a female strongly suggests the possibility of Turner syndrome, which should be confirmed by chromosomal analysis.

Status of antioxidants in brain microvessels of monkey and rat

Levels of certain antioxidants namely reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Vit C), alpha-tocopherol (Vit E) and antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were compared in monkey and rat brain microvessels which constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB of both the species contains appreciable amounts of the antioxidants to protect against oxidative damage. The level of protection in rat seems to be more efficient than monkey since rat microvessels contain higher concentrations of some of the bio-antioxidants. The comparative status of enzymatic and non-enzymatic protective system against oxidation in the brain microvessels has been discussed.

Allergic fungal sinusitis: incidence and clinical and pathological features of seven cases

Allergic fungal sinusitis, like allergic bronchopulmonary fungal disease, is a noninvasive inflammatory process. It manifests as recurrent nasal polyposis. Histologically the characteristic feature is the presence of thick mucin with dense collections of degenerating eosinophils and Charcot-Leyden crystals (allergic mucin). Demonstration of fungal hyphae in allergic mucin is diagnostic of the disease. We reviewed 85 cases of nasal polyposis operated upon during a period of four years. Allergic fungal sinusitis was diagnosed in seven (8.2%) cases on the basis of presence of allergic mucin and fungal hyphae. History of previous nasal polypectomy was present in four of the seven cases, and in six of the remaining 78. There were no clinical or radiological features that could distinguish the cases of allergic fungal sinusitis from the rest. Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor and Cladosporium were cultured from one case each.

Evaluation of vanillic acid analogues as a new class of antifilarial agents

A number of vanillic acid analogues (1-14) have been synthesised and evaluated against experimental filarial infections using cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) infected with Litomosoides carinii, a primary screening model, at a dose of 30 mg/kg, ip for 5 days. Of the 8 compounds tested, 4 (5,7, 11 and 12) exhibited high micro- and macro-filaricidal activity with sterilization of surviving female worms. Compounds 5, 7, 12 showed remarkable adulticidal action (> 80%). Sterilization of the female worms by compounds 11 and 12 was highly significant (80-100%).

Alterations in free radical scavenging mechanisms following blood-brain barrier disruption

It has been reported earlier that rat microvessels which constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are rich in free radical scavenging enzymes. In the present investigation, BBB of rat was disrupted by intravenous infusion of the hypertonic saline and changes in enzymes--namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR)--were evaluated in the brain microvessels at 30 min after the intravenous administration of hypertonic saline, being the time of peak effect. There was a significant increase in the activities of CAT (40%), GPx (26%), and SOD (16%) over the control values. In addition, within 90 min BBB was found to be reestablished and the levels of enzymes reverted to normal. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) remained unaltered during and following disruption, suggesting that there was no change in the membrane lipid environment. Similarly, there was no cell lysis. The results suggest that the disruption of BBB following hypertonic saline administration might be due to an increase in the generation of free radicals in the brain microvessels.

Phenotype of 49,XXYYY

A 7-year-old boy with 49,XXYYY karyotype is reported. Physical examination revealed facial dysmorphism, mild microcephaly, limitation of supination at the elbows, delayed bone age and moderate mental retardation.

Electrophysiologic basis of dynamic extensor splinting

The use of dynamic extension splinting in the rehabilitation of extensor tendon injuries is gaining interest because of its apparent ability to improve clinical results. With such splinting, the extensor musculature is theoretically quiescent during both active flexion and rubber band-mediated extension; the gliding produced thereby decreases adhesion formation. Our initial intent was to perform electromyographic studies on volunteers in dynamic extension splinting to test this electrophysiologic principle. It was found, however, that only 16% of normal volunteers have quiescent extensor digitorum communis muscle activity within the dynamic extension splint typically used in this type of rehabilitation. A second splint was developed with a dorsal hood to keep the metacarpophalangeal joints in approximately 15 degrees of flexion. In this splint, 18 of 19 volunteers (95%) showed no extensor activity. The explanation for this phenomenon is not yet clear, but it shows that splint design plays a more significant role than previously expected. The expected electrophysiologic principle of dynamic extension splinting for extensor tendon injuries has been validated, but only in a splint design that is not commonly used.

Control of kidney size by sex hormones: possible involvement of glucosylceramide

Because androgenic hormones produce an increase in kidney size and the production of kidney glycosphingolipids and because the level of tissue glucosylceramide (GlcCer) has been implicated as a modulator of organ size, we measured the activities of two enzymes in mouse kidney that (in part) determine the level of this glycolipid. GlcCer synthase was found to rise in specific activity with age and increased kidney size, whereas GlcCer glucosidase was found to decrease with age; both enzyme changes act to elevate the level of kidney GlcCer and point to the level of this lipid as a determinant of kidney size. The increase in synthase was especially rapid in male kidney, consistent with the more rapid growth of male kidney. Testosterone injection into both males and females produced elevated levels of GlcCer synthase, decreased levels of the hydrolase, and more rapid growth. Injection of 17 beta-estradiol, which produced slow or negative kidney growth, caused the synthase activity to decrease in female mouse kidney and the glucosidase activity to rise in both sexes. Thus the changes in kidney size produced by the two hormones paralleled the changes in GlcCer level predicted by the hormone effects on the two enzymes. In liver, estradiol produced increases in both enzymes but only the male liver increased in size. Testosterone did not affect the liver. The testes grew with age but the activities of both enzymes decreased.