1041 A Systematic Review of the Reporting Quality of Surgical Randomised Controlled Trials in Head and Neck Cancer using the CONSORT Statement

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of an intervention. However, previous research has shown that surgical specialities poorly report RCTs, making it difficult to ascertain if various biases have been appropriately minimised. This systematic review assesses the reporting quality of surgical head and neck cancer RCTs.

Method

A literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed. Papers were included if they reported RCTs which assessed a surgical technique used to treat or diagnose head and neck cancer published during or after 2011. Therefore, the CONSORT 2010 checklist was used to evaluate the reporting quality of these trials.

Results

41 papers were included. The mean CONSORT score was 16.5/25 (66% adherence) and the scores ranged from 7.5 (30%) to 25. The most common omissions were full trial protocol (found in 14.6%), participant recruitment method (22%) and effect size with precision estimate for all outcome measures (29.3%). The full design and implementation of the randomisation method was reported in 6 (14.6%). Papers published in journals which endorsed CONSORT had significantly higher scores (p = 0.02) and journal impact factor was significantly correlated with CONSORT score (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

We have identified several pieces of information that are underreported in surgical head and neck cancer RCTs. These omissions make understanding and comparing the methodologies and conclusions of RCTs more difficult. The endorsement of CONSORT by journals improved adherence, suggesting that wider adoption of the checklist may improve reporting.

Tight sorption of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead by edible activated carbon and acid-processed montmorillonite clay

Heavy metal exposure in humans and animals commonly occurs through the consumption of metal-contaminated drinking water and food. Although many studies have focused on the remediation of metals by purification of water using sorbents, limited therapeutic sorbent strategies have been developed to minimize human and animal exposures to contaminated water and food. To address this need, a medical grade activated carbon (MAC) and an acid processed montmorillonite clay (APM) were characterized for their ability to bind heavy metals and mixtures. Results of screening and adsorption/desorption isotherms showed that binding plots for arsenic, cadmium, and mercury sorption on surfaces of MAC (and lead on APM) fit the Langmuir model. The highest binding percentage, capacity, and affinity were shown in a simulated stomach model, and the lowest percentage desorption (< 18%) was shown in a simulated intestine model. The safety and protective ability of MAC and APM were confirmed in a living organism (Hydra vulgaris) where 0.1% MAC significantly protected the hydra against As, Cd, Hg, and a mixture of metals by 30-70%. In other studies, APM showed significant reduction (75%) of Pd toxicity, compared with MAC and heat-collapsed APM, suggesting that the interlayer of APM was important for Pb sorption. This is the first report showing that edible sorbents can bind mixtures of heavy metals in a simulated gastrointestinal tract and prevent their toxicity in a living organism. Graphical abstract.

Mito-SinCe2 Approach to Analyze Mitochondrial Structure-Function Relationship in Single Cells

The cross talk between mitochondrial dynamic structure, determined primarily by mitochondrial fission and fusion events, and mitochondrial function of energetics, primarily ATP and ROS production, is widely appreciated. Understanding the mechanistic details of such cross talk between mitochondrial structure and function needs integrated quantitative analyses between mitochondrial dynamics and energetics. Here we describe our recently designed approach of mito-SinCe² that involves high resolution confocal microscopy of genetically expressed ratiometric fluorescent probes targeted to mitochondria, and its quantitative analyses. Mito-SinCe² analyses allows for quantitative analyses of mitochondrial structure-function relationship in single cells toward understanding the role of mitochondria and their heterogeneity in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Interplay of mitochondrial fission-fusion with cell cycle regulation: Possible impacts on stem cell and organismal aging

Declining mitochondrial function and homeostasis is a hallmark of aging. It is appreciated that the role of mitochondria is much more complex than generating reactive oxygen species to cause aging-related tissue damage. More recent literature describes that the ability of mitochondria to undergo fission or fusion events with each other impacts aging processes. A dynamic balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion events is required to sustain critical cellular functions including cell cycle. Specifically, cell cycle regulators modulate molecular activities of the mitochondrial fission (and fusion) machinery towards regulating cell cycle progression. In this review, we discus literature leading to our understanding on how shifts in the dynamic balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion can modulate progression through, exit from, and re-entry to the cell cycle or in undergoing senescence. Importantly, core regulators of mitochondrial fission or fusion are emerging as crucial stem cell regulators. We discuss the implication of such regulation in stem cells in the context of aging, given that aberrations in adult stem cells promote aging. We also propose a few hypotheses that may provide direction for further understanding about the roles of mitochondrial fission-fusion dynamics in aging biology.

Predicting tubular reabsorption with a human kidney proximal tubule tissue-on-a-chip and physiologically-based modeling

Kidney is a major route of xenobiotic excretion, but the accuracy of preclinical data for predicting in vivo clearance is limited by species differences and non-physiologic 2D culture conditions. Microphysiological systems can potentially increase predictive accuracy due to their more realistic 3D environment and incorporation of dynamic flow. We used a renal proximal tubule microphysiological device to predict renal reabsorption of five compounds: creatinine (negative control), perfluorooctanoic acid (positive control), cisplatin, gentamicin, and cadmium. We perfused compound-containing media to determine renal uptake/reabsorption, adjusted for non-specific binding. A physiologically-based parallel tube model was used to model reabsorption kinetics and make predictions of overall in vivo renal clearance. For all compounds tested, the kidney tubule chip combined with physiologically-based modeling reproduces qualitatively and quantitatively in vivo tubular reabsorption and clearance. However, because the in vitro device lacks filtration and tubular secretion components, additional information on protein binding and the importance of secretory transport is needed in order to make accurate predictions. These and other limitations, such as the presence of non-physiological compounds such as antibiotics and bovine serum albumin in media and the need to better characterize degree of expression of important transporters, highlight some of the challenges with using microphysiological devices to predict in vivo pharmacokinetics.

Finite element modeling, validation, and parametric investigations of a retinal reattachment stent

A new retinal reattachment surgical procedure is based on a stent that is deployed to press the retina back in place. An eye-stent finite element model studied the strain induced by the stent on retina. Finite element model simulations were performed for several stent geometric configurations (number of loops, wire diameter, and intraocular pressure). The finite element model was validated against experiment. Parametric studies demonstrated that stents could be successfully designed so that the maximum strain would be below permanent damage strain threshold of 2%.

α-Solanine induces ROS-mediated autophagy through activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway

α-Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in species of the nightshade family including potato. It was primarily reported to have toxic effects in humans. However, there is a growing body of literature demonstrating in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of α-solanine. Most of these studies have shown activation of apoptosis as the underlying mechanism in antitumor activity of α-solanine. In this study, we report α-solanine as a potential inducer of autophagy, which may act synergistically or in parallel with apoptosis to exert its cytotoxic effect. Induction of autophagy was demonstrated by several assays including electron microscopy, immunoblotting of autophagy markers and immunofluorescence for LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP1) light chain-3) puncta. α-Solanine-induced autophagic flux was demonstrated by additionally enhanced – turnover of LC3-II and – accumulation of LC3-specific puncta after co-incubation of cells with either of the autophagolysosome inhibitors – chloroquine and – bafilomycin A1. We also demonstrated α-solanine-induced oxidative damage in regulating autophagy where pre-incubation of cells with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger resulted in suppression of CM-H₂DCFDA (5 (and 6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester) fluorescence as well as decrease in LC3-II turnover. α-Solanine treatment caused an increase in the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins (BiP, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), X-box-binding protein 1, PERK, inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease 1, ATF4 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein) suggesting activation of unfolded protein response pathway. Moreover, we found downregulation of phosphorylated Akt (Thr³⁰⁸ and Ser⁴⁷³), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR; Ser²⁴⁴⁸ and Ser²⁴⁸¹) and 4E-BP1 (Thr^37/46) by α-solanine implying suppression of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Collectively, our results signify that α-solanine induces autophagy to exert anti-proliferative activity by triggering ER stress and inhibiting Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Short-Pulse Laser-Based System for Detection of Tumors: Administration of Gold Nanoparticles Enhances Contrast

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of gold nanoparticles, which accumulate in tumors due to the leakiness of tumor vasculature, as contrast agents for enhanced imaging in a time-resolved optical tomography system using short-pulse lasers for skin cancer detection in mouse model. It is found that intravenously administrated spherical gold nanoparticles broadened the temporal profile of reflected optical signals and enhanced the contrast between surrounding normal tissue and tumors. These results show that gold nanoparticles tuned to the wavelength of the laser can enhance the resolution and precision of laser-based cancer detection system.

Mucoadhesive nanoparticles for prolonged ocular delivery of natamycin: In vitro and pharmacokinetics studies

The aim of this study was to prepare natamycin encapsulated lecithin/chitosan mucoadhesive nanoparticles (NPs) for prolonged ocular application. These NPs were characterized by their mean particle size 213nm, encapsulation efficiency 73.57%, with a theoretical drug loading 5.09% and zeta potential +43. In vitro release exhibited a biphasic drug release profile with initial burst followed by a very slow drug release. The MIC(90) and zone of inhibition of NPs showed similar antifungal activity as compared to marketed suspension and free natamycin against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates. The ocular pharmacokinetics of NPs and marketed formulation were evaluated in NZ rabbits. The NPs exhibit significant mucin adhesion. The AUC((0-∞)) was increased up to 1.47 fold and clearance was decreased up to 7.4-fold as compared to marketed suspension. The PK-PD and pharmacokinetic simulation was carried out to estimate optimum dosing regimen for good efficacy. Thus, lecithin/chitosan NPs could be considered useful approach aiming to prolong ocular residence and reduce dosing frequency.

Protective potential of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) extract on aluminum induced cerebellar toxicity and associated neuromuscular status in aged rats

The present study attempts to assess the comparative effects of Bacopa monniera, (40 mg/kg body weight) and donepezil (2.5 mg/kg b. wt) on aluminum (100 mg / kg b. wt. of AlCl3) mediated oxidative damage in the cerebellum of aged rats (24 months) along with the associated dysfunctioning of neuromuscular coordination and motor activity. A significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased total reacting oxygen species, lipid and protein peroxidation products observed in aluminum exposed rats. We observed that treatment with B. monniera extract restored the altered antioxidant enzyme activities more, when compared with donepezil. However, acetylcholinesterase showed similar effect both in donepezil and B. monniera treated groups. The content of aluminum was increased in all experimental groups, however, iron content was found increased in all groups except the B. monniera treated groups. Moreover, aluminum treated groups of rats exhibited significant changes in behavioral profiles but these changes were in both B. monniera and donepezil treated groups. The light microscopic and ultrastructural studies revealed damaged Purkinje's neurons and altered granular cell layer along with the increased accumulation of lipofuscin granules in aluminum treated animals. These changes were quite less pronounced in B. monniera group than that of donepezil and this may be due to the reduction of excess iron content by B. monniera. On the basis of our results it may be concluded that Al may be linked with cerebellar degeneration and neuromuscular disorders while Bacopa monniera extract helps in reversing these changes.

Effect of cooking method and rice type on arsenic concentration in cooked rice and the estimation of arsenic dietary intake in a rural village in West Bengal, India

Arsenic (As) contamination of rice plants can result in high total As concentrations (t-As) in cooked rice, especially if As-contaminated water is used for cooking. This study examines two variables: (1) the cooking method (water volume and inclusion of a washing step); and (2) the rice type (atab and boiled). Cooking water and raw atab and boiled rice contained 40 microg As l(-1) and 185 and 315 microg As kg(-1), respectively. In general, all cooking methods increased t-As from the levels in raw rice; however, raw boiled rice decreased its t-As by 12.7% when cooked by the traditional method, but increased by 15.9% or 23.5% when cooked by the intermediate or contemporary methods, respectively. Based on the best possible scenario (the traditional cooking method leading to the lowest level of contamination, and the atab rice type with the lowest As content), t-As daily intake was estimated to be 328 microg, which was twice the tolerable daily intake of 150 microg.

Arsenic speciation in food and estimation of the dietary intake of inorganic arsenic in a rural village of West Bengal, India

Arsenic (As) species were quantified by HPLC-HG-AFS in water and vegetables from a rural area of West Bengal (India). Inorganic species predominated in vegetables (including rice) and drinking water; in fact, inorganic arsenic (i-As) represented more than 80% of the total arsenic (t-As) content. To evaluate i-As intake in an arsenic affected rural village, a food survey was carried out on 129 people (69 men and 60 women). The data from the survey showed that the basic diet, of this rural population, was mainly rice and vegetables, representing more than 50% of their total daily food intake. During the periods when nonvegetarian foods (fish and meat) were scarce, the importance of rice increased, and rice alone represented more than 70% of the total daily food intake. The food analysis and the food questionnaires administrated led us to establish a daily intake of i-As of about 170 microg i-As day (-1), which was above the tolerable daily intake of 150 microg i-As day (-1), generally admitted. Our results clearly demonstrated that food is a very important source of i-As and that this source should never be forgotten in populations depending heavily on vegetables (mainly rice) for their diet.

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.

Contribution of water and cooked rice to an estimation of the dietary intake of inorganic arsenic in a rural village of West Bengal, India

Arsenic contamination of rice plants by arsenic-polluted irrigation groundwater could result in high arsenic concentrations in cooked rice. The main objective of the study was to estimate the total and inorganic arsenic intakes in a rural population of West Bengal, India, through both drinking water and cooked rice. Simulated cooking of rice with different levels of arsenic species in the cooking water was carried out. The presence of arsenic in the cooking water was provided by four arsenic species (arsenite, arsenate, methylarsonate or dimethylarsinate) and at three total arsenic concentrations (50, 250 or 500 microg l(-1)). The results show that the arsenic concentration in cooked rice is always higher than that in raw rice and range from 227 to 1642 microg kg(-1). The cooking process did not change the arsenic speciation in rice. Cooked rice contributed a mean of 41% to the daily intake of inorganic arsenic. The daily inorganic arsenic intakes for water plus rice were 229, 1024 and 2000 microg day(-1) for initial arsenic concentrations in the cooking water of 50, 250 and 500 microg arsenic l(-1), respectively, compared with the tolerable daily intake which is 150 microg day(-1).

Characterization of Vibrio cholerae O1 ElTor typing phage S5

S5 (ATCC No. 51352-B2), a Vibrio cholerae O1 ElTor typing phage was characterized. The growth characteristics and inactivation kinetics (thermal, UV and pH) of this lytic phage were investigated. Phage morphology was examined by electron microscopy and was classified as belonging to the family Podoviridae. The S5 phage genome is shown to be a linear double-stranded 39-kb-long DNA as determined by electron microscopy and restriction digestion. Partial denaturation maps were constructed and were used to show that the DNA is non-permuted and terminally redundant. The replication origin of this T7-like phage was visualized by electron microscopy. The polarity of packaging of S5 DNA in the phage head was determined. SDS-PAGE of phage S5 shows two major structural polypeptides of 50 and 42 kDa. A 3D structure of the phage head was reconstructed at a resolution of 37 A using Cryo-EM and a single-particle reconstruction technique.

Multiorgan involvement due to cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a relatively late complication of AIDS. Like other viruses contributing to co-morbidity of HIV infection, cytomegalovirus has the propensity to cause multiorgan involvement. We report the case of a 34-year-old seropositive man who presented with bilateral lower limb weakness and symptomatic pallor. He was already on antiretroviral drugs for a month prior to presentation. Detailed clinical examination and laboratory investigations revealed cytomegalovirus polyradiculoneuropathy associated with bone marrow dysplasia. Dysplasia of haematopoeitic cell lines occurs in 30% to 70% of HIV infected patients, and is often indistinguishable from myelodysplastic syndrome. However, in our case, the bone marrow picture reverted back to normal with treatment of the CMV infection, pointing to a possible role of CMV as the causative agent of bone marrow dysplasia. Moreover, CMV has been incriminated as a pathogen producing the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The onset of the disease in our case one month after initiation of HAART strongly raises the possibility of this being a case of CMV related IRIS. This is the first reported case where IRIS has presented with CMV polyradiculoneuropathy and bone marrow dysplasia. We would like to highlight that in today's era of HIV care, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of multiorgan involvement by CMV, for appropriate management of this disease in the background of AIDS.

Novel disulphide esters of carbothioic acid as potent, non-detergent spermicides with low toxicity to Lactobacillus and HeLa cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

The design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of a novel series of non-detergent spermicides has led to the discovery of two unique molecules (DSE-36 and DSE-37) that were approximately 25 times more potent spermicides than nonoxynol-9 (N-9).

METHODS

Normal human spermatozoa were used to assess the spermicidal activity (Sander-Cramer Assay), the effect on sperm-membrane integrity [hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST)], supravital staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the induction of apoptosis [fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) Annexin-V and JC-1 labelling using flow cytometry] by the new class of compounds. HeLa and Lactobacillus cultures were used to assess the cytotoxicity of compounds and their compatibility to normal vaginal flora, respectively.

RESULTS

Compounds DSE-36 and DSE-37 exhibited a strong spermicidal activity [minimum effective concentration (MEC) = 0.002%], which was approximately 25 times more potent than that of N-9 and Sapindus saponins (MEC = 0.05%). As compared with surfactants, DSE-36 and DSE-37 were found to be safer at MEC towards the growth and survival of Lactobacilli and HeLa cells in vitro and to have a milder effect on sperm plasma membrane. At EC(50) both induced apoptosis in sperm cells as characterized by increased labelling with Annexin-V and decreased polarization of sperm mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary studies have revealed that in sharp contrast to the non-specific surfactant action of N-9, DSE-36 and DSE-37 have a highly potent, mechanism-based, detrimental action on human sperm. The unique ability of these non-detergent molecules to selectively kill sperm and spare Lactobacilli and HeLa cells at MEC values much lower than that required for N-9 indicates their potential as superior ingredients for formulation into microbicidal contraceptives.

Heavy metals in water of the rivers Hooghly and Haldi at Haldia and their impact on fish

The paper deals with the measurement of five heavy metals viz., Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in water of the rivers Hooghly and Haldi at Haldia during June 1999 to October 2002. The industrial effluent out fall (OF) at Patikhali, Haldia was also taken as sampling site along with above out fall (AOF) and below out fall (BOF) sites. Most of the metals exhibited their least concentration at the sampling site above the Haldia industrial area of river Hooghly. The average concentrations of the studied metals were Cd 2-14, Cu 5-19, Mn 8-88, Pb 17-41 and Zn 22-37 microg l(-1). Comparison of the data with the Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) of USA revealed that Cd, Cu and Pb were the pollutants present at alarming level to disturb the aquatic life process in the zone. The effect was found to reflect on the tissue level aberrations in the residential fishes. The other two metals viz., Mn and Zn were probably less harmful to the aquatic ecosystem. In India, necessity is felt to develop the CCC values, which will be more appropriate for protection of aquatic environment than comparing with drinking water standards.

Utilisation pattern of blood in a teaching hospital of Kolkata

An annual utilisation of blood transfusion services at several depts. of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata were assessed among a sample of 3122 patients selected by Systematic Random Sampling Technique from the register made available in the blood bank there. Record analysis revealed that overall 79.4% of supplied blood units were actually transfused, wastage of 21.6%. Wastage was maximum in the Department of Gynae & Obstetrics (33.11%) and Surgery (32.87%). Only single unit of blood was requisitioned and transfused for 5.44% & 30.90% of the patients respectively. Most common indications of blood transfusion were for surgical cases (37.92%), followed by anaemia (34.80%) and haemorrhage (26.92%). The use of blood and blood products merit attention, appraisal and instructional guiding accordingly.

Stent graft in managing juxta-renal aortoiliac occlusion

Endovascular procedures are frequently used as an alternative to surgical bypass in aortic and iliac occlusion. Stents have revolutionized the scope of such endovascular procedures, but there are few reports of stents or stent grafts in occlusive juxta-renal aortic occlusion. We present a case where such occlusion was managed by use of a stent graft with successful outcome.

Parkinsonism plus syndrome--a review

Parkinsonism plus syndrome is a group of heterogeneous degenerative neurological disorders, which differ from the classical idiopathic Parkinson's disease in certain associated clinical features, poor response to levodopa, distinctive pathological characteristics and poor prognosis. Associated clinical features include symmetrical onset, infrequent or atypical tremor, prominent rigidity in axial musculature, bradykinesia, early postural instability, supranuclear gaze palsy, early autonomic failure, pyramidal affection, cerebellar involvement, alien limb phenomenon, apraxia and significant early cognitive dysfunction in some cases. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and dementia with Lewy body disease (DLB) are commoner disorders. Less frequent disorders are cortico-basal ganglionic degeneration (CBGD), frontotemporal dementia with chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), Pick's disease, parkinsonian-dementia complex of Guam, Pallidonigral degeneration, Wilson's disease and a rigid variant of Huntington's disease. During the last 3 decades, major progress has been made in understanding PSP, CBGD and FTDP-17, which are tau disorders. MSA and DLB together with idiopathic Parkinson's disease are called alpha-synucleinopathies. Recent studies show that the diagnosis of these Parkinsonism plus syndromes improves when strict diagnostic criteria are used. However, unusual presentations may pose a diagnostic challenge. The shortcomings of the current studies demand the need for further research to identify biologic markers that may allow earlier diagnosis, and understanding of the factors leading to alpha-synuclein or tau aggregation. Identification of therapeutic strategies that may prevent the aggregation of these proteins and rescue dysfunctional cells has been stressed. This review focuses on the advances in the clinical, neuroimaging, pathologic, genetic and management aspects of these disorders.

Alopecia universalis in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with alopecia universalis. MR, a 23 years female patient was admitted with alopecia universalis and other features of SLE like peripheral arthritis, fever, nephritis, butterfly rash over the malar regions, positive ANA and anti-ds DNA antibodies. There was a gap of four years between the onset of alopecia universalis and other clinical features of SLE. The alopecia was of non-scarry variety and responded to systemic and topical steroids.

People living with HIV infection / AIDS - a study on lymph node FNAC and CD4 count

Between July 1997 and December 2000, 1616 HIV seropositive persons were identified by Western Blot test at the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata. Four hundred seventy two (29.2%) of them had generalized lymphadenopathy. CD4 count could be done in only 54 of these 472 subjects (11.4%). These 54 patients, consisting of 40 males (74%) and 14 females (26%) were the subjects of the study. Their mean age was 29.5 years. In all these subjects, FNAC was done from the enlarged lymph nodes (non-inguinal). Reactive hyperplasia was seen in 30 cases (55.5%) whose absolute CD4 count varied between 411-945 cells/microL (median value 670 cells/microL). Evidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis was detected in 22 (41%) with CD4 counts varying between 113 and 422 cells/microL (median value 212 cells/microL). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed in 2 cases (3.7%) with CD4 count 79-113 cells/microL. All patients had evidence of HIV-1 infection, excepting one case of dual infection (HIV-1 and 2).

DNA alkylation by leinamycin can be triggered by cyanide and phosphines

Previous work has shown that alkylation of DNA by the antitumor agent leinamycin (1) is potentiated by reaction of the antibiotic with thiols. Here, it is shown that other soft nucleophiles such as cyanide and phosphines can also trigger DNA alkylation by leinamycin. Overall, the results suggest that reactions of cyanide and phosphines with leinamycin produce the oxathiolanone intermediate (2), which is known to undergo rearrangement to the DNA-alkylating episulfonium ion 4.

Biophysical characterization of SipA, an actin-binding protein from Salmonella enterica

An essential step in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica infections is bacterial entry into non-phagocytic cells of the intestinal epithelium. Proteins injected by Salmonella into host cells stimulate cellular responses that lead to extensive actin cytoskeleton reorganization and subsequent bacterial uptake. One of these proteins, SipA, modulates actin dynamics by directly binding to F-actin. We have biophysically characterized a C-terminal fragment, SipA(446-684), which has previously been shown to retain activity. Our results show that SipA(446-684) exhibits an elongated shape with a predominantly helical conformation and predict the existence of a coiled-coil domain. We suggest that the protein is able to span two adjacent actin monomers in a filament and propose a model that is consistent with the observed effects of SipA(446-684) on actin dynamics and F-actin stability and morphology.

Efficacy of a potentized homeopathic drug (Arsenicum-Aalbum-30) in reducing cytotoxic effects produced by arsenic trioxide in mice: IV. Pathological changes, protein profiles, and content of DNA and RNA

OBJECTIVE

To examine if the potentized homeopathic drug Arsenicum Album-30 can help restore the damage produced in protein profiles, DNA and RNA contents in liver and testis as a result of arsenic treatment in mice.

DESIGN

Sets of mice were injected with arsenic trioxide, one set was fed with Ars. Alb-30, another with Alcohol-30 and the final set was fed neither. The gel electrophoretic protein profiles and DNA and RNA contents in these three sets were studied.

METHODS

Protein profiles were studied by SDS-PAGE method; the DNA and RNA contents were assayed by the standard methods through diphenylamine and orcinol reactions respectively.

RESULTS

arsenic trioxide injection produced some pathological conditions, drastic changes (mainly reduction of protein bands) in protein sub-fractions, reduced DNA and RNA contents in both liver and testis; Ars. Alb-30-fed arsenic-intoxicated mice showed revival and restoration in both liver and testis as revealed by gel patterns and quantitative assay of DNA and RNA.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy of the homeopathic drug Ars. Alb-30 in reducing arsenic-induced damage to protein and nucleic acids is substantiated and the mechanism of action of the homeopathic drug through expression of regulatory genes inferred.

Efficacy of a potentized homoeopathic drug (Arsenicum-album-30) in reducing cytotoxic effects produced by arsenic trioxide in mice: III. Enzymatic changes and recovery of tissue damage in liver

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the potentized homoeopathic drug Arsenicum Album-30 can induce enzymatic and some other biochemical changes to repair tissue damage caused by the injection of arsenic trioxide in mice.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Mice injected with arsenic trioxide and then orally administered the homoeopathic drug were compared with control animals who either received saline only, or injections of arsenic trioxide, or injections of arsenic trioxide followed by orally administered dilute alcohol. Activities of the enzymes acid and alkaline phosphatases, lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione, which are used as 'marker' enzymes for cytotoxicity levels, were assessed by standard methods. Histopathological slide preparations of liver were made by routine microtechnique method of tissue sectioning and staining with haematoxylin- eosin for histological examination.

RESULTS

The mice fed homoeopathic drug showed positive results of tissue recovery both in terms of enzymatic and histological changes, compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The homoeopathic drug is capable of preventing or repairing liver damage induced by arsenic trioxide and the positive changes were also confirmed by the activities of the enzymatic markers.

Efficacy of a potentized homoeopathic drug (Arsenicum Album-30) in reducing toxic effects produced by arsenic trioxide in mice: II. On alterations in body weight, tissue weight and total protein

OBJECTIVE

To study the alterations in body weight, tissue weight and total protein in mice, caused by a single sublethal injection of arsenic trioxide and to investigate whether treatment by microdoses of arsenic has any antidotal effect.

METHODS

For each fixation interval, altogether 36 individuals of Swiss albino mice, Mus musculus, were used, 27 were injected with As2O3 in a single sub-lethal dose (@1.0 mg/kg body weight) and were divided into three batches. One batch was fed with diluted potentized alcohol (Alcohol control), one batch was fed with potentized homoeopathic drug Ars.Alb-30 (Active treatment), while the remaining one neither fed with potenized alcohol nor with the potentized homoeopathic drug (As-intoxicated control). The remaining batch of nine mice were injected with normal saline which served as negative control (Saline control). The mean body weights before and after injections and weights of different tissues like liver, kidney, spleen and testis were recorded at seven fixation intervals, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 21 days, 30 days, and 90 days.

RESULTS

In arsenic treated mice orally administered with the homoeopathic drug statistically significant increases were noted in the weights of individual tissue weight, protein content as well as the mean body weight as compared to their respective controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Arsenicum album can be considered as an antidote to arsenic poisoning.

Transient radiative transfer equation applied to oceanographic lidar

We estimate the optical signal for an oceanographic lidar from the one-dimensional transient (time-dependent) radiative transfer equation using the discrete ordinates method. An oceanographic lidar directs a pulsed blue or green laser into the ocean and measures the time-dependent backscattered light. A large number of parameters affect the performance of such a system. Here the optical signal that is available to the receiver is calculated, rather than the receiver output, to reduce the number of parameters. The effects of albedo of a uniform water column are investigated. The effects of a school of fish in the water are also investigated for various school depths, thicknesses, and densities. The attenuation of a lidar signal is found to be greater than the diffuse attenuation coefficient at low albedo and close to it at higher albedo. The presence of fish in the water is found to have a significant effect on the signal at low to moderate albedo, but not at high albedo.

Development and comparison of models for light-pulse transport through scattering-absorbing media

We examine the transport of short light pulses through scattering-absorbing media through different approximate mathematical models. It is demonstrated that the predicted optical signal characteristics are significantly influenced by the various models considered, such as P(N) expansion, two-flux, and discrete ordinates. The effective propagation speed of the scattered radiation, the predicted magnitudes of the transmitted and backscattered fluxes, and the temporal shape and spread of the optical signals are functions of the models used to represent the intensity distributions. A computationally intensive direct numerical integration scheme that does not utilize approximations is also implemented for comparison. Results of some of the models asymptotically approach those of direct numerical simulation if the order of approximation is increased. In this study therefore we identify the importance of model selection in analyzing short-pulse laser applications such as optical tomography and remote sensing and highlight the parameters, such as wave speed, that must be examined before a model is adopted for analysis.

Follow-up results of balloon angioplasty for native coarctation of aorta

Balloon angioplasty of native discrete (< 1 cm) coarctation of thoracic aorta was performed in 29 patients [aged 13 to 31 years (mean 21.5 +/- 5.8 years), 22 males and 7 females], from March 1993 to December 1995. The patients were followed up for two years. After angioplasty, peak systolic arterial pressure (PSAP) decreased from 173.5 +/- 18.1 mm Hg to 122.5 +/- 9.9 mm Hg (p < 0.001), peak systolic pressure gradient (PSG) decreased by 90.9 percent from 86.2 +/- 15.77 to 7.77 +/- 3.8 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and the coarcted segment diameter increased about three times from 3.7 +/- 1.6 to 10.9 +/- 3.3 mm (p < 0.001). PSG decreased to < 10 mm Hg in 27 patients (93%) whereas in the other two patients PSG was 17 and 13 mm Hg. Restenosis appeared in 2 patients (6.8%); aneurysm in one patient (3.4%) which remained static even after 1.3 years of follow-up; mild dissection in 3 patients (10.3%); temporary femoral artery occlusion in 2 (6.8%) patients who recovered with heparin injection. Though hypertension disappeared after balloon dilatation in all patients, it reappeared in 3 patients (10.3%) within 7 days and in 10 patients (34.5%) within 6 months. In conclusion, balloon angioplasty of CoA is a good alternative to surgical correction.

Hyperbolic damped-wave models for transient light-pulse propagation in scattering media

Transient optical transport in highly scattering media such as tissues is usually modeled as a diffusion process in which the energy flux is assumed proportional to the fluence (intensity averaged over all solid angles) gradients. Such models exhibit an infinite speed of propagation of the optical signal, and finite transmission values are predicted even at times smaller than those associated with the propagation of light. If the hyperbolic, or wave, nature of the complete transient radiative transfer equation is retained, the resulting models do not exhibit such drawbacks. Additionally, the hyperbolic equations converge to the solution at a faster rate, which makes them very attractive for numerical applications in time-resolved optical tomography.

Serosurvey of chikungunya antibody in Calcutta metropolis

Since its first isolation in Calcutta, in 1963, there have been many reports about epidemis of chikungunya virus infection in different parts of India. Calcutta experienced a concurrent epidemic of dengue and chikungunya between 1963 and 1965. But after that there is no report about any chikungunya infection in Calcutta. During routine investigations it is found that chikungunya antibody is on the wane. The present survey for chikungunya antibody showed only 4.37% (n = 17) seropositivity out of 389 sera tested. The highest (12.5%) seropositivity was observed in the age group of 51-55 years and no chikungunya antibody was detected in young and young adults. The findings suggest that chikungunya virus is disappearing from the Calcutta population.

PCR detection and typing of genital papillomavirus in a New Brunswick population

We have used a broad range of primers for HPV detection, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) so as to compare PCR typing of HPV with the results of cytological diagnosis in a New Brunswick population referred to the out-patient clinic of the Saint John Regional Hospital. The primers selected were found to be capable of amplification with high efficiency, therefore we did not perform further hybridization analysis for specific identification of HPV types. Amplification of selected fragments for detection of HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 was obtained from cervical swabs collected from 154 patients. Microscopic examination was performed in duplicate samples and the results compared with the DNA-typing analysis. HPV of any of the above types was detected in 43 out of 154 patients. Among these, 32 patients showed single or multiple infections with "high-risk" HPV strains 16, 18, 31 or 33. Cytologically normal or atypical samples with any of the HPV types tested amounted to 17%, but increased to 56% in patients with CIN I, and to 100% in patients with CIN II or III. Prevalence of "high-risk" types alone increased from 15% and 10%, for normal and atypical cases respectively, to 48% for CIN I, 75% for CIN II and 100% for CIN III. Our results indicate that HPV detection and typing by this simple procedure can be a valuable indicator of cancer progression and thus can help to identify individuals at high risk in pre-malignant stages of the disease.

Demonstration of two forms of vitellogenin in serum of estradiol-17 beta-treated Indian major carp, Labeo rohita

Vitellogenin (Vg) synthesis was induced in the male and non-vitellogenic female Rohu, the Indian major carp, by estradiol-17 beta(E2) where effect was more in female. A crude preparation of Vg was isolated in the second peak after gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA 34 from the sera of vitellogenic female Rohu and E2-treated male and female Rohu. Estimation of alkali-labile phosphorus was shown to be used as an index of Vg. Native-PAGE analysis has revealed the presence of two forms of Vg (Vg1: 430,000 dalton and Vg2:240,000 dalton) in Vg fraction obtained after gel filtration as well as in the sera of E2-treated male and female Rohu. Immunological cross-reaction studies between antiserum to yolk protein and Vg fractions as well as the sera from E2-treated male and female Rohu further indicates the presence of two precipitin lines (not clearly visible as the two lines fused to form a thick line) suggesting the occurrence of two forms of Vg in the Rohu.