Self Injurious Behavior in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) or self-mutilating behavior (SMB) is rare but can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Such a behavior during seizures is not usually recalled by patient. Here is a case with self mutilating behavior in left temporal lobe epilepsy, presented because of its rare manifestation and diagnostic dilemma. A 19 year old unmarried Muslim student presented to emergency with SMB, guilty rumination and a persecutory delusion. The patient was intermittently confused about place and time. In subsequent assessments, he was found harboring death wishes and suicidal ideation. He transiently had auditory hallucination and thought broadcasting. He episodically tried to harm himself by severely biting only his left ring finger. It was difficult to influence him during such episodes. EEG revealed left temporal lobe seizure. Diagnosis of 'Epilepsy and Organic Psychosis' was made. The patient responded well to Antiepileptic and Antipsychotic medications. Keywords: seizure, self injurious behavior, suicide, temporal epilepsy.

Protective potential of 17β-estradiol against co-exposure of 4-hydroxynonenal and 6-hydroxydopamine in PC12 cells

4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-mediated damage in dopaminergic neurons is well documented. Protective potential of steroidal hormone (17β-estradiol) has also been suggested. However, therapeutic potential of such promising hormone is hampered due to complex brain anatomy and physiology. Thus, the present investigations were studied to suggest the applicability of dopamine expressing PC12 cells as in vitro tool to screen the pharmacological potential of 17β-estradiol against 4-HNE and 6-OHDA. MTT assay was conducted for cytotoxicity assessment of both 4-HNE (1 μM to 50 μM) and 6-OHDA (10-4 to 10-7 M). Non-cytotoxic concentrations, that is, 4-HNE (1 μM) and 6-OHDA (10-6 M) were selected to study the synergetic/additive responses. PC12 cells were found to be more vulnerable towards co-exposure of individual exposure of 4-HNE and 6-OHDA, even at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Then, cells were subjected to pre-treatment (24 hours) of 17β-estradiol (1 μM), followed by a permutation of combinations of both 4-HNE and 6-OHDA. Pretreatment of 17β-estradiol was found to be significantly effective against the cytotoxic responses of 4-HNE and 6-OHDA, when the damage was at lower level. However, 17β-estradiol was found to be ineffective against higher concentrations. Physiological-specific responses of PC12 cells against 4-HNE/6-OHDA and 17β-estradiol suggest its applicability as first tier of screening tool.

Trace metal concentration in different Indian tobacco products and related health implications

Concentrations of seven heavy metals, viz. Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn were determined in 30 samples of various brands of five different tobacco product types easily available in Indian markets. Three product types cigarettes, cigars and biri (tobacco rolled in dry leaf and smoked without filter) are consumed by smoking while chewing tobacco and snuff are consumed by chewing and sniffing, respectively. The metal content showed smoking and non-smoking type, brand and element specific variations. In the non-smoking type, chewing tobacco samples contained more heavy metals compared to snuff samples. Biri showed minimum metal content compared to cigarettes and cigars among the smoking types. This could be due to the metal enrichment during both chemical and physical processing in finished product; biri being the most raw and cheap product. The intra brand variations also indicate the same as the processing technologies are exclusive and different for each brand. The results are nearly comparable to the existing data with limited exceptions. We suggest that the smoke and ash produced could be significant contributor to metal load in the soil, air and water systems in addition to the adverse human health effects via direct tobacco consumption.

Association of dopamine DA-D2 receptor in rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

The investigations were aimed to study the possible association of dopamine DA-D2 receptor in rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells, one among the most studied cell line in neurotoxicity studies. PC12 cells were subjected to receive an exposure of rotenone (10-6 to 10-4 M) for 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out using standard end points including, (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and neutral red uptake (NRU). Cells were found to be vulnerable to rotenone in dose-dependent manner. In general, 10-4 and 10-5 M concentrations were found to be cytotoxic, whereas 10-6 M and lower concentrations used have shown nonsignificant effect on cell viability. Further, studies were extended to study the rotenone-induced alterations in cellular glutathione (GSH) level and dopamine DA-D2 receptor expression. Significant (p < 0.001) chronological depletion in GSH levels were recorded following rotenone exposure. Expression of dopamine DA-D2 receptor was also found to be effected significantly (p < 0.001) at 24 hours of rotenone exposure (10-4 and 10-5). However, no further depletion in the expression of dopamine DA-D2 receptor could be recorded with extended exposure period, that is, 48 hours. Rotenone at 10-6 M and lower concentrations was found to be ineffective in PC12 cells. Data suggest the vulnerability of PC12 cells against experimental exposure of rotenone, which possibly routed through dopamine DA-D2 receptor and oxidative stress machinery.

Self injurious behavior in temporal lobe epilepsy

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) or self-mutilating behavior (SMB) is rare but can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Such a behavior during seizures is not usually recalled by patient. Here is a case with self mutilating behavior in left temporal lobe epilepsy, presented because of its rare manifestation and diagnostic dilemma. A 19 year old unmarried Muslim student presented to emergency with SMB, guilty rumination and a persecutory delusion. The patient was intermittently confused about place and time. In subsequent assessments, he was found harboring death wishes and suicidal ideation. He transiently had auditory hallucination and thought broadcasting. He episodically tried to harm himself by severely biting only his left ring finger. It was difficult to influence him during such episodes. EEG revealed left temporal lobe seizure. Diagnosis of 'Epilepsy and Organic Psychosis' was made. The patient responded well to Antiepileptic and Antipsychotic medications.

NGF induced differentiated PC12 cells as in vitro tool to study 4-hydroxynonenal induced cellular damage

Investigations were carried out to examine the suitability of PC12 cells as an in vitro tool to examine 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-induced toxicity in nervous tissue. On day 8 of differentiation, markers of neural effects and oxidative stress were measured following exposure of PC12 cells to 1-50 microM 4-HNE for 1-8h. Endpoints included dopamine DA-D(2) receptor and glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1-1) protein levels, 4-HNE-protein binding, glutathione (GSH) concentrations and intracellular calcium levels. GSH levels were maximally depleted after 4h. 4-HNE also induced depletion of GSTP1-1 and increased intracellular Ca(++), with the latter seen as early as 1h after exposure. Responses at 8h were not greater than responses at earlier times. The experiments suggest that PC12 cells could be an in vitro tool for understanding toxicant-cell interactions, especially those that result in oxidative stress.

Differential protection of pre-, co- and post-treatment of curcumin against hydrogen peroxide in PC12 cells

Pharmacological potential of curcumin was assessed in PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2)) exposure. In MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, 24-hour exposure of H(2)O(2) (0.5 mM and above) was found to be cytotoxic. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in percentage cell viability was recorded in PC12 cells pretreated with curcumin (25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) for 24 hours prior to H(2)O(2) (0.5 and 1 mM) exposure for 24 hours. Co-exposure to H(2)O(2) and curcumin was also found effective. However, a therapeutic treatment of curcumin for 24 hours after H(2)O(2) exposure to the cells was found ineffective. Differential response of PC12-H(2)O(2) model to curcumin in MTT and LDH assays suggests the utility of these endpoints to sort the drug candidates to study their antioxidant potential.

Improvised external fixator device to restore motion in a neglected elbow dislocation

Neglected posterior dislocation of the elbow is a common problem in developing countries. One acceptable form of treatment is open reduction and transarticular Steinmann pin fixation. However, this leads to a stable but stiff elbow. We used an improvised external fixator after open reduction in two cases, which allowed for early mobilisation with adequate stability. This option can be considered when modern implants are not available.

Oxygen glucose deprivation model of cerebral stroke in PC-12 cells: glucose as a limiting factor

Optimum time points for oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and re-oxygenation have been identified to suggest the suitability of PC-12 cells as rapid and sensitive in vitro model of cerebral stroke. Further, the precise role of glucose as one of the limiting factors was ascertained. PC-12 cells were subjected to receive OGD of 1-8 h followed by re-oxygenation for 6 to 96 h in medium having glucose 0-10 mg/ml. Loss of cell viability was assessed using trypan blue dye exclusion and MTT assays. The significant (p < 0.05) reduction in percent viable cell count was started at 2 h of OGD (80.7 +/- 2.0) and continued in further OGD periods (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h), i.e. 65.7 +/- 3.5, 59.7 +/- 4.6, 54.3 +/- 3.2, 44.7 +/- 2.9, 20.3 +/- 4.3, 5.7 +/- 2.0 of counted cells, respectively. Cells growing in glucose-free medium have shown a gradual (p < 0.001) decrease in cell viability throughout the re-oxygenation. Re-oxygenation of 24 h was found to be first statistically significant time point for all the glucose concentrations. Glucose concentration during re-oxygenation was found to be one of the key factors involved in the growth and proliferation in PC-12 cells. The OGD of 6 h followed by a re-oxygenation period of 24 h with 4-6 mg/ml glucose concentration could be recorded as optimum conditions under our experimental conditions.

Proteomics-based approach for identification and purification of human phosphate binding apolipoprotein from amniotic fluid

Human amniotic fluid is of both maternal and fetal origin; it protects the fetus and provides the environment for growth and development of the fetus. We used a proteomics-based approach for targeting and purifying human phosphate binding protein, a member of the DING family of proteins from amniotic fluid, using Blue Sepharose CL-6B, DEAE-Sephacel and gel filtration chromatography. The protein had earlier been reported to be serendipitously purified along with PON1 (paraoxonase 1). It was identified using electro-spray-ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and was found to be human phosphate binding protein. Human phosphate binding proteins have been reported to play a role as phosphate scavengers and may have a protective function against phosphate-related disorders, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and kidney stones.

The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Micro-shear Bond Strength of a Resin Luting Agent and Four All-ceramic Systems

The bond strength between ceramics and a resin luting agent is affected by the ceramic surface treatment, which is dependent on the ceramic composition.

Renal amyloidosis secondary to childhood tuberculosis: a report of two cases

Childhood renal amyloidosis is a rare entity and is mostly secondary in nature. We describe two cases of renal amyloidosis in association with childhood tuberculosis. The first case was a 10-year-old girl who presented with abdominal tuberculosis and nephrotic syndrome, while the second case was a 5-year-old boy who presented with disseminated tuberculosis and nephrotic syndrome. They were found to have amyloidosis on renal biopsy. The former was treated with anti-tubercular drugs, while the latter required anti-tubercular drugs and steroids. Both the cases showed clinical improvement with remission of nephrotic syndrome. Successful treatment of tuberculosis can result in remission of nephrotic syndrome due to secondary renal amyloidosis. It is important, especially in developing countries, to be aware that tuberculosis continues to be part of the differential diagnosis of amyloidosis in children.

Accumulation and distribution of toxic metals in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Indian mustard (Brassica campestris L.) irrigated with distillery and tannery effluents

In the present study, accumulation and distribution of toxic metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Pb) and their biochemical effect on wheat and mustard plants irrigated with mixed distillery and tannery effluents are reported. Analyses of effluents and soil samples have shown high metal content than the permissible limit except Pb. Further, analyses of plant samples have indicated the maximum accumulation of Fe (340 mg kg(-1) in wheat root and 560 mg kg(-1) in mustard leaves) followed by Mn and Zn in root>shoot>leaves>seeds. Maximum increase in photosynthetic pigment was observed between 30 and 60 days while protein content was found maximum between 60 and 90 days of growth period in both plants. An increase in malondialdehyde, cysteine and ascorbic acid antioxidants content was also observed in root and leaves of treated plants upto 60 and 90 days of growth. Hence, wheat and mustard plants irrigated with effluents without adequate treatment are health hazards for environment, humans and animals.

Effect of synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the toxicity of some essential oils against mosquito larvae

Effect of a known synergist piperonyl butoxide on the toxicity of steam distillate essential oils of Jamarosa (Cymbopogan nardus), Pacholli (Pogostemon pacholli), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), and Peppermint (Mentha pipreta) plant species against Anopheles stephensi larvae were evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to identify the insecticidal potential of these oils against mosquito larvae. The Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) was used to enhance the activity of these oils with the aim of developing essential oil based formulations. The bioassays of these oils with and without PBO were performed against late 3rd instar larvae of An. stephensi. The LC50 values against An. stephensi were 44.19 ppm for Ocimum basilicum oil, followed by, Mentha pipreta, Cymbopogan nardus, and Pogostemon pacholli oil which gave LC50 values above 250 ppm. Thus in the present study the Ocimum basilicum oil was found to be most effective, whereas Pogostemon pacholli oil was found to least effective against mosquitoes for larvicidal action. The effect of synergist PBO led to the enhancement of toxicity of oils, the LC50 value for Ocimum basilicum were reduced from 44.19 ppm to 23.87 ppm. Similarly the oil of Pogostemon pacholli showed most significant results where the LC50 value was > 250 ppm it was reduced to 50 ppm with PBO.

Prolactin inducible protein in cancer, fertility and immunoregulation: structure, function and its clinical implications

Prolactin inducible protein (PIP) is a 17- kDa single polypeptide chain, known by various names due to its versatile nature and function in human reproductive and immunological systems. It is expressed in several exocrine tissues such as the lacrimal, salivary, and sweat glands. Its expression is up regulated by prolactin and androgens, and estrogens down regulate it. Due to its over-expression in metastatic breast and prostate cancer, presently PIP is considered as a prognostic biomarker. Moreover, its aspartyl-proteinase nature suggests its role in tumor progression. PIP has unique features because it is small in size and plays multiple important functions. Its ability to bind potentially with CD4-T cell receptor, immunoglobulin G (IgG), actin, zinc alpha2-glycoprotein (ZAG), fibronectin and enamel pellicle, reveals its important biological functions. This is the first comprehensive review on the structure and functional analysis of PIP and its clinical applications.

Effect of synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the toxicity of some essential oils against mosquito larvae

Effect of a known synergist piperonyl butoxide on the toxicity of steam distillate essential oils of Jamarosa (Cymbopogan nardus), Pacholli (Pogostemon pacholli), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), and Peppermint (Mentha pipreta) plant species against Anopheles stephensi larvae were evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to identify the insecticidal potential of these oils against mosquito larvae. The Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) was used to enhance the activity of these oils with the aim of developing essential oil based formulations. The bioassays of these oils with and without PBO were performed against late 3rd instar larvae of An. stephensi. The LC50 values against An. stephensi were 44.19 ppm for Ocimum basilicum oil, followed by, Mentha pipreta, Cymbopogan nardus, and Pogostemon pacholli oil which gave LC50 values above 250 ppm. Thus in the present study the Ocimum basilicum oil was found to be most effective, whereas Pogostemon pacholli oil was found to least effective against mosquitoes for larvicidal action. The effect of synergist PBO led to the enhancement of toxicity of oils, the LC50 value for Ocimum basilicum were reduced from 44.19 ppm to 23.87 ppm. Similarly the oil of Pogostemon pacholli showed most significant results where the LC50 value was >250 ppm it was reduced to 50 ppm with PBO.

Prevalence & risk factors of pre-hypertension & hypertension in an affluent north Indian population

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Urban Indians have a high prevalence of insulin resistance, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We studied the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension, as well their association with cardiovascular risk factors, in a north Indian upper socio-economic population.

METHODS

A total of 1746 adults (age >or=30 yr) residing in an urban colony of high-income group residents in the city of Lucknow, north India, were invited to be enrolled for the study. The response rate was 64 per cent (n=1112). Blood pressure, anthropometry, plasma glucose in response to oral glucose tolerance test and lipids were measured. The variables contributing significantly to pre-hypertension and hypertension were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The age and sex adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 32.2 per cent and pre-hypertension was 32.3 per cent. In contrast to hypertension, which was highest in the age group 60-69 yr (64%), prehypertension was highest (36%) in the group 30-39 yr. There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the general population [central obesity (86.7%), elevated LDL cholesterol (22.8%), abnormal glucose tolerance (41.6%) and smoking (20.3% of males)]. Two or more of the cardiovascular risk factors were present in a higher proportion of hypertensive [66%, odds ratio (OR) 3.0, P<0.0001] and pre-hypertensive, (56%, OR 2.0, P<0.0001) compared to normotensive subjects (39%). Subjects with pre-hypertension had body mass index, waist-hip ratio and frequency of glucose intolerance, which was intermediate between normotensive and hypertensive subjects. In multiple logistic regression analysis, increasing age, body mass index, waist hip ratio and impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes were independent risk factors for both hypertension and pre-hypertension.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension were noted in affluent urban north Indians. Increasing age, body mass index, central obesity and impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes were significantly associated with both hypertension and pre-hypertension. Pre-hypertension was associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.