A Single-Neuron: Current Trends and Future Prospects

The brain is an intricate network with complex organizational principles facilitating a concerted communication between single-neurons, distinct neuron populations, and remote brain areas. The communication, technically referred to as connectivity, between single-neurons, is the center of many investigations aimed at elucidating pathophysiology, anatomical differences, and structural and functional features. In comparison with bulk analysis, single-neuron analysis can provide precise information about neurons or even sub-neuron level electrophysiology, anatomical differences, pathophysiology, structural and functional features, in addition to their communications with other neurons, and can promote essential information to understand the brain and its activity. This review highlights various single-neuron models and their behaviors, followed by different analysis methods. Again, to elucidate cellular dynamics in terms of electrophysiology at the single-neuron level, we emphasize in detail the role of single-neuron mapping and electrophysiological recording. We also elaborate on the recent development of single-neuron isolation, manipulation, and therapeutic progress using advanced micro/nanofluidic devices, as well as microinjection, electroporation, microelectrode array, optical transfection, optogenetic techniques. Further, the development in the field of artificial intelligence in relation to single-neurons is highlighted. The review concludes with between limitations and future prospects of single-neuron analyses.

Ozonation of tannery effluent for removal of cod and color

Ozonation of leather dye effluent for removal of color and COD reduction covering wide range in operating parameters forms the scope of the present work. The influence of parameters such as influent pH, ozone flow rate and initial effluent concentration on ozonation efficiency has been critically examined. It has been observed from the present investigation that a maximum of COD removal efficiency of 92% has been achieved under optimum operating conditions. Further the biodegradability index of the tannery effluent has increased from an initial value of 0.18 to 0.49 during ozonation indicating favorable adaptation of ozonation as a primer to the biochemical technique to enhance the efficiency of biochemical treatment.

Isolation and characterization of adenovirus 5 from the brain of an infant with fatal cerebral edema

This report describes a fatal case of cerebral edema caused by adenovirus in a previously healthy 18-month-old infant who developed skin rash, pulmonary congestion, and fever and who died 6 days later. Adenovirus hexon gene sequences were detected in brain tissue and brain tissue cultures. The virus was typed as adenovirus 5.

Beta haemolytic group A streptococci causing urinary tract infection

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with Group A streptococci (GAS) bacteriuria.

PATIENTS

Patients with GAS bacteriuria seen in a tertiary care hospital in southern India between 1988 and 1993 were identified. Data were collected from the hospital records.

RESULT

GAS were isolated from 15 women and 11 men. Clinical data were available for 24 of these. The condition presented as asymptomatic bacteriuria (nine patients), dysuria or frequency (12), and fever without localizing signs (three). All infections occurred in individuals with systemic or local conditions predisposing to urinary tract infection. All patients responded well to antimicrobial therapy.

CONCLUSION

GAS bacteriuria is rare and occurs only in individuals with other predisposing conditions. Patients with this infection respond well to therapy.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in the prediction of preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase was estimated in 109 primigravidas and the level correlated with the subsequent development of preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension in these women. The enzyme value was significantly higher in those who developed preeclampsia. Its sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of the disorder were 80% and 78% respectively. The positive predictive value was 21% while the negative predictive value was 98%.

A randomized controlled trial of extra-amniotic ethinyloestradiol for cervical ripening in multiparas

A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out to determine if ethinyloestradiol applied extra-amniotically would ripen the unfavourable cervix at term. Twenty five multiparas were given 150 mg ethinyloestradiol gel while 25 multiparas were given gel alone. There was no difference between the ethinyloestradiol and control groups in either mean change of Bishop score or the induction-to-delivery interval.

A randomized controlled trial of extra-amniotic ethinyloestradiol in ripening the cervix at term

A double-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the use of extra-amniotic ethinyloestradiol for ripening the unfavourable cervix at term. Twenty-five primigravidae were treated with 150 mg ethinyloestradiol gel while 24 primigravidae were treated with gel alone. There was no statistical difference between the ethinyloestradiol and control groups in either mean change in Bishop score or the induction-to-delivery interval.

Suppression of puerperal lactation using jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac)

The efficacy of jasmine flowers (Jasminum Sambac) applied to the breasts to suppress puerperal lactation was compared that of Bromocriptine. Effectiveness of both regimens was monitored by serum prolactin levels, clinical evaluation of the degree of breast engorgement and milk production and the analgesic intake. While both bromocriptine and jasmine flowers brought about a significant reduction in serum prolactin, the decrease was significantly greater with bromocriptine. However, clinical parameters such as breast engorgement, milk production and analgesic intake showed the 2 modes of therapy to be equally effective. The failure rates of the 2 regimens to suppress lactation were similar; however, rebound lactation occurred in a small proportion of women treated with bromocriptine. Jasmine flowers seem to be an effective and inexpensive method of suppressing puerperal lactation and can be used as an alternative in situations where cost and nonavailability restrict the use of bromocriptine.

Selective screening for cancer of the cervix uteri in South Indian women

In India, the need exists for a scheme of selective screening for women at high risk of developing cervical carcinoma. In this study, the incidence of abnormal cervical cytology amongst 500 pregnant south Indian women (gravida 3, para 2 or more) who were booked under the Post Partum Programme of the Government of India was compared to that of 200 primi and second gravidas from the same out patient clinic population. Abnormal cytology was detected in 3.6% of the women in the study group which was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than that in the control (0.5%), indicating that the former are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Within the study group, abnormal cytology was not found to correlate with increasing age and gravidity or with any clinical parameter. The study and follow up could be carried out using existing facilities and manpower. Using existing personnel involved in the Post Partum Programme, a follow up rate of 67% could be achieved from among women with abnormal cervical cytology. The cost-effectiveness of this scheme of selective screening is borne out by the extremely modest additional cost incurred.

Fractionation of cystine aminopeptidases ('oxytocinase') from term human placenta and maternal serum

Cystine aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.3) enzymes, present in term human placenta and maternal serum, were compared with respect to their behaviour on ion-exchange columns, Km and pH optima, chelator, metal ion and L-methionine effects, Sepharose 6B elution profiles and molecular weights. From placental extracts two activity peaks (CAS I and II) hydrolysing S-benzyl L-cysteine paranitroanilide were separated on DEAE Sephacel. Differences in properties between the two forms were evident. Maternal serum enzyme eluted from the DEAE Sephacel column in a position similar to that of placental CAS I. In addition, the maternal serum enzyme was similar in properties to placental CAS I. It is possible that of all the different cystyl aminopeptidase enzyme systems present in placental tissue, only one appears in maternal blood.

Antimicrobial activity of amniotic fluid in South Indian women

Samples of amniotic fluid obtained from 48 South Indian women in the third trimester of pregnancy were studied for antimicrobial activity. The growth of Staphylococcus albus, Candida albicans and Clostridium perfringens was inhibited by nearly all samples studied while the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis was inhibited by 50%, 42% and 18% of samples respectively. The growth of Streptococcus faecalis was not inhibited. Using radial immunodiffusion, IgG was measurable in all 10 samples studied (mean 23 mg/dl), whereas IgA was measurable in only three of these samples (mean 1.32 mg/dl). However, while specific IgA against C. albicans was detected by indirect immunofluorescence in 93% of samples, specific IgG against C. albicans was detected in only 26% of samples (P less than 0.001). Amniotic fluid obtained from parous women had greater inhibitory activity against E. coli (P less than 0.05) than did the amniotic fluid obtained from nulliparae.

Cystyl aminopeptidase in maternal serum for the antenatal recognition of fetal growth retardation

An appraisal has been made of the usefulness of cystyl aminopeptidase (CAS, E.C. 3.4.11.3) activity patterns in the in utero detection of fetal growth retardation; 196 pregnancies at risk from placental insufficiency, classified into 9 aetiologic groups were considered. Absolute levels and trend of enzyme activity were studied in all cases and compared with the reference range of CAS activity established in 267 healthy pregnant subjects. Excluding multiple pregnancies, overall predictive value of CAS in defining fetal outcome in 186 'at risk' pregnancies was 72%, overall sensitivity and specificity being 82% and 71% respectively; 48% of the 'at risk' population delivered growth retarded infants, whereas the prevalence of growth retardation as diagnosed by CAS was 54%. Out of the 89 patients who delivered growth retarded infants, 73 exhibited abnormal CAS activity patterns. In twin pregnancies, values of CAS in 73% of the total number of assays were above mean plus 2 standard deviations for the respective gestational period. CAS in maternal serum is advocated as a simple and reliable antepartum indicator of fetal growth retardation and is suitable for the detection of twin pregnancy as early as the second trimester.