Infratentorial atypical choroid plexus papilloma in an adult: A case report and literature review

Atypical choroid plexus papilloma is classified as WHO (World Health Organization) Grade II subtype of choroid plexus tumor, and it has intermediate pathological features, prognosis, and clinical outcome rates between choroid plexus papilloma and choroid plexus carcinoma. These tumors are more common in children compared with adults and are usually located in the lateral ventricles. We present a case of an adult with atypical choroid plexus papilloma located in the infratentorial region. A 41?year?old woman underwent evaluation for headache and dull aching neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a well?defined intraventricular mass lesion in the fourth ventricle and foramen of Luschka. She underwent craniotomy and gross total excision of the lesion. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of atypical choroid plexus papilloma (WHO Grade II). We discuss the various treatment options for this condition and review the relevant literature.

A Study on the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Severity of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) seems the most common predisposing factor for rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). This study aimed to study the impact of DM on the severity of COVID-19-associated ROCM (CAM). Methods:?This was a retrospective analytical study performed over a period of 3 months to assess the impact of DM on the severity of CAM in 100 patients and association of clinical correlates of DM with severity of CAM. Statistical analysis:?The data collected using the study tools were converted into a computer-based spreadsheet and analyzed. The statistical analysis comprised a descriptive analysis that involved calculating means, standard deviations, and proportions. For calculating the significance of the difference of mean between two groups, Student's t-test was applied. In addition, chi-square test (or Fisher's t-test if applicable) was applied to study the significance of association of clinical correlates of DM with severity of CAM for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Results:?The prevalence of DM was 67%. The average presenting blood sugar level was 245.9?±?99.86?mg%. Glycated hemoglobin level between 4.5 and 6.5% was observed in 57 patients and over 6.5% in 43 subjects. A high body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above was noted in 52 patients. A significantly higher level of presenting blood sugar and a longer duration of hospital stay was noted in patients having stage 3b or higher (p?<?0.05) when compared with those having stage 3a or below. No significant correlation was observed in patients in stage 3a or below and those presenting with stage 3b or higher in terms of BMI, waist to hip ratio, or total cholesterol levels. There was a strong correlation between blood sugar level at presentation, severity of DM with the severity of ROCM, and a strong inverse correlation noted between HDL level and severity of ROCM. Conclusion:?A poor metabolic control is associated with a higher risk of a severe disease with intracranial involvement.

Antioxidative potential of propolis on Staphylococcus aureus infected BALB/c mice: A biochemical study

Drug resistance, according to World Health Organization, is one of the most serious threats to public health. This makes antibiotics ineffective and reduces their therapeutic potential. One of the most prevalent multidrug-resistant bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus which is considered to be the most common pathogen and mortality factor in both hospital and non-hospital environments worldwide. Due to an unprecedented increase in reports of drug resistance in pathogens, and also due to adverse and severe side effects of drugs, there is an urgent need to redirect scientific efforts towards search for anti-oxidative natural substances and other alternative sources having therapeutic potential against microbes. Natural products such as propolis seem to exhibit most promising therapeutic potential against microorganisms. Thus, present study is focused on antioxidative potential of propolis in combination with standard antibiotics ampicillin and amoxicillin against S. aureus infected BALB/c mice. For this, mice were divided into seven groups, they were decapitated after suitable experimental periods, then their liver, kidney and spleen were excised from control and experimental groups, which were homogenized and then used for different biochemical estimations following the standard protocols. Results showed that S. aureus caused severe biochemical alterations by 5th day of infection that is, lipid peroxidation increased significantly (P <0.05), reduced glutathione level and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST) decreased significantly (P <0.05) in liver, kidney and spleen of S. aureus infected mice. Ethanolic extract of propolis at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight of mice when used alone to treat S. aureus infection gave significantly good results by 15th day of treatment. Better results were observed when propolis was used along with antibiotics. The levels of antioxidant molecules and enzymes along with liver and kidney function enzymes were restored to near normal after 15 days of treatment. So it can be concluded that propolis along with antibiotics acts as a potent free radical scavenger and can be used as a potential therapeutic agent against staphylococcal infection.

Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with COVID-19-Associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis at a Tertiary Care Center

Objectives?Individuals affected with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased enormously in northern India during the second wave of the novel coronavirus disease. This study determined the demographic and clinical profile including the risk factors in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Materials and Methods?This is a descriptive study involving patients admitted with COVID-19-associated ROCM and were managed from May 2021 to 20th July 2021. Statistical Analysis?The data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States) software and Microsoft Excel (Version 16.49). The chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare various outcomes. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results?One hundred and seventeen (117) patients (males: 70 [59.8%], females:47 [40.2%]) with the average age of 51.85?±?12.80 years presented with orbital involvement. Diabetes mellitus was noted in 100 (86.2%) patients. Of the available data from the records, oxygen supplementation for the management of COVID-19 was received by 37/108 (34.3%) patients for a median average duration of 11 days. Forty-eight patients of one-hundred-seventeen (60%) patients were treated with corticosteroids with a median duration of steroid administration being 10 days. The duration between onset of symptoms related to mucormycosis and diagnosis of COVID-19 was 0 to 75 days for 48 patients. Intravenous amphotericin B was administered in all cases. External sinonasal debridement was performed in 90 of 114 (78.9%) patients, retrobulbar amphotericin B injection was administered in 56 of 117 (47.9%), and orbital exenteration was performed in 17 of 117 (14.5%) of cases. Conclusion?Administration of corticosteroids and diabetes mellitus seem to be the major underlying causes for the development of COVID-19-associated ROCM. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management approach are essential for a reduction in mortality.

A prospective, randomized, parallel group, double blind, multicenter study to compare the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of Lupin’s Ranibizumab with Lucentis® in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: The present study compares the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab with that of Lucentis® in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, multi-centric phase-III study was conducted across 19 centers in India. A total of 202 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were randomized (1:1) to receive either Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab or Lucentis®, 0.5 mg, as an intravitreous injection once every month for 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who lost fewer than 15 letters from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity. The safety profile included assessment of adverse events, ophthalmic examination, physical and systemic examination, and vital parameters. The immunogenicity assessment was based on evaluation of anti-drug antibodies. Results: Overall, 174 patients (87 [86.14%] in each group) completed the study. The demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable between the treatment groups. The proportion of patients losing fewer than 15 letters from baseline best corrected visual acuity score in the study eye was comparable between two groups. The difference between Lupin’s ranibizumab and Lucentis® for the proportion of patients who lost fewer than 15 letters was within the predefined equivalence margin (intention-to-treat population: 1.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], ?3.3% to 5.4% and per protocol population: 1.2%; 95% CI, ?3.2% to 6.4%). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable, and 11 (10.89%) patients in Lupin’s ranibizumab and 19 (18.81%) patients in Lucentis® group had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event. The immunogenicity incidence as assessed by proportion of patients with positive anti-drug antibodies was numerically lower in Lupin’s ranibizumab (4.95%) than Lucentis® (12.87%). Conclusion: Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab demonstrated therapeutic equivalence, desirable safety, and favorable immunogenicity profile compared to Lucentis

Therapeutic effect of propolis on Staphylococcus aureus induced oxidative stress in kidney of BALB/c mice. A biochemical and histopathological study

Due to emerging drug resistance in pathogenic organisms, most of the second generation antibiotics are not effective in controlling the disease. As a consequence, the dosage and duration of drug intake has increased leading to drug induced toxicity and various side effects. A large number of natural products are being reported to ameliorate the toxicity and oxidative stress caused by antibiotics. Here, we explored the antioxidative potential of honey bee product propolis alone as well as in combination with antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus infected BALB/c mice. For experimental design, mice were divided in to seven groups and decapitated after experimental period. Kidney was excised, homogenized and then used for different biochemical and histopathological estimations. Results observed after treatment with propolis and antibiotics were compared with those of S. aureus infected group. Results showed increase in lipid peroxidation, decrease in reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzymes such as; catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. On the contrary, treatment with propolis, led to reduction in levels of LPO and increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes. Also, histopathology of kidney and all kidney function enzymes were restored to near normal.

In Silico Modeling and Docking Analysis of CTX-M-5, Cefotaxime-Hydrolyzing ?-Lactamase from Human-Associated Salmonella Typhimurium

Objective: To computationally model the CTX-M-5 ?-lactamase and establish its structure, which is exclusively present in human-associated Salmonella. Methods: The CTX-M-5 aminoacid sequence (Uniprot ID:O65975) of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium was retrieved from UniProt database and subjected to homology modeling using MODELLER 9v7. The homology models were duly validated using RAMPAGE tool by generating Ramachandran plots, ERRAT graphs, and ProSA score. DoGSiteScorer server and ConSurf server were used to detect the cavities, pockets, and clefts to identify conserved amino acid sites in the predicted model. Subsequently, the modeled structure was docked using CLC Drug Discovery Workbench against proven drugs and known inhibitors. Results: Obtained high-quality homology model with 91.7% of the residues in favorable regions in Ramachandran plot and qualified in other quality parameters. Docking studies resulted in a higher dock score for PNK (D-benzylpenicilloic acid) molecule when compared to other reported inhibitors. Conclusion: This in silico study suggests that the compound PNK could be an efficient ligand for CTX-M-5 ?-lactamase and serve as a potent inhibitor of CTX-M-5.

Feasibility study for measuring patients’ visual acuity at home by their caregivers

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of measuring patients’ visual acuity (VA) in their homes by their caregivers. Methods: Patients consulting in a tertiary eye care institute were prospectively enrolled with informed consent. All underwent standard COMPlog distance VA testing. Patients and caregivers were oriented to test distance VA using the Peek Acuity app. The app was installed on the caregiver’s or patient’s smartphone. The patient’s VA was measured by the caregiver in the clinic (baseline value) under supervision. After 1 week, the caregivers recorded the patient’s VA with the Peek Acuity app at their home and reported the value in a telephone consultation. A questionnaire to assess the ease of using the app was administered at both the baseline visit and 1 week later. Results: A total of 100 patients (age group: 13 to 76 years) and 100 caregivers (age group: 17 to 65 years) participated. VA measurements with the Peek Acuity app were comparable with COMPlog (P > 0.1) both during the baseline and after 1?week measurement, regardless of the underlying ocular condition or educational level of the caregivers/patients. Most caregivers (95%) felt the app was easy to use. Conclusion: Though the Peek Acuity app was originally developed for health care workers to be used in field visits, we found that with proper orientation, the layperson can also use it. Such orientation can enable caregivers to effectively measure VA at home. Such a tool would enhance teleophthalmology consultations and can minimize the need for short follow?up visits

Antioxidant potential and protective effects of bee pollen extract against Salmonella induced hepatic and renal toxicity in BALB/c mice

Apicultural products comprise honey, bee pollen, propolis, bee wax and royal jelly which are known for their medicinal and health promoting properties. Among these, bee collected pollen allure much attention for its high nutritional properties. Here, we have investigated the protective role of bee pollen against Salmonella typhimurium induced biochemical alteration in BALB/c mice. Experimental animals (BALB/c mice) were divided equally into 10 different groups including normal and treated. Oxidative stress was induced by injecting Salmonella typhimurium (0.2 mL of 2×104 CFU/mL) intraperitoneally in mice. Bacteria induced sufficient alterations in serum enzymes within 5 days. Aqueous extracts of bee pollen of different crops (250 mg/kg) were administrated orally to control and experimental mice for 21 days. Then, hepatic and renal enzymes were measured with the help of standardized kits. Results of this study have revealed that bacterial infection increases the levels of the hepatic and renal enzymes levels (P <0.001) but after treatment with bee pollen extracts, altered levels of enzymes were normalized up to the normal levels. This normalization was highest with bee pollen of Helianthus annus. Administration of bee pollen alone did not produce any negative effects in mice.

Role of Ki-67 and Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organiser Region (AgNoR) Counts in Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is the most common subtype of cervical cancer and it usually accounts for 80-90% of the cases. These carcinomas mostly grow at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). The tumour tends to grow outward showing an exophytic growth especially at the squamocolumnar junction outside the external uterine wall whereas cancer tends to grow along the cervical canal showing an endophytic growth pattern where the SCJ is located within the cervical canal. This study has experimentally shown the role of AgNOR and Ki-67 scores in tumour proliferation. Methods: Cervical specimens were obtained and prepared in a specified fashion as described. The samples were de-waxed and staining was done with AgNOR. Then, the AgNOR was counted and scoring was done. Again, the samples were also stained with Ki-67. Results: This study has included 235 cases from the Department of Pathology of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur, India. The mean value of AgNOR count in the Control group came to be 10.62�45 while the mean AgNOR count was found to be 10.62�45, 15.10�79, 18.39�67, 19.75�74 and 19.59�59 for in-Situ SCC, well-differentiated SCC, moderately differentiated SCC, poorly differentiated SCC, SCC with basaloid differentiation, respectively. Conclusion: The study confirmed that AgNOR count increases with a higher grade of malignancy. It was concluded that AgNOR and Ki-67 scores can be used as an efficient predictor of tumour proliferation.

Haematological Changes in Tuberculosis with Special Reference to Iron Metabolism

Tuberculosis is an ancient human disease that has long been a major public health challenge in the world and remains a major health problem in most developing countries. Tuberculosis is uncommon in most parts of the western world, except for the geriatric population and in patients with AIDS, where it is assuming increasing importance. In the third world, however, it remains a major problem. In South Africa it is still very common and is a major cause of death. METHODSFor the present case control study, 45 cases were selected from patients attending the OPD and admitted in the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Disease, S.N. Medical College, Agra, during 2000 - 2003. 23 were male and 22 were female. RESULTSIn the current study a total of 45 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (sputum positive) were studied. 23 were males and 22 were females. The age ranged from 18 years to 65 years. 27 cases were evaluated prior to initiation of therapy whereas the remainder were evaluated 3 months after initiation of therapy of which 3 were evaluated after 4 months of therapy. CONCLUSIONSThe short period of therapy did not result in a decline in the frequency of iron deficiency anaemia or anaemia of chronic disorders. Megaloblastosis was not encountered in any of the patients after therapy.

Effects of antenatal corticosteroids administration on fetoplacental circulation in preterm pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction and its correlation with perinatal outcome

Background: Antenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm pregnancies is recommended to promote fetal lung maturation. Studies have reported temporary reduction in fetal heart rate, breathing and movements following maternal corticosteroid administration. Authors studied effect of maternal corticosteroid administration on fetoplacental circulation in preterm pregnancies with IUGR and its correlation with perinatal outcome.Methods: Observational study included 77 preterm singleton pregnant women with IUGR. Color doppler day 0 (before betamethasone) of umbilical artery of 77 cases done. All received two doses of 12 mg of betamethasone intramuscularly 24 hours apart. Umbilical artery doppler on day 2 (24 to 48 hours of 1st dose of betamethasone) and day 4 (72 to 96 hours of 1st dose of betamethasone) done. Pulsatility index (PI) of umbilical artery on doppler and Neonatal details of all women noted.Results: On day 2 doppler, 56 (73%) women (Group A) showed decrease in umbilical artery PI while 21 (27%) women (Group B) did not show decrease in umbilical artery PI. Mean umbilical artery PI of 77 cases on day 0 and day 2 were 1.73±0.73 and 1.54±0.76 respectively (p<0.001). Mean Umbilical artery PI values of undelivered 60 cases on day 0, day 2 and day 4 were 1.55±0.61, 1.33±0.55 and 1.47±0.63 respectively (p<0.001). Group B neonates had poorer Apgar scores, higher neonatal complication, longer hospital stay, lesser umbilical pH at birth and higher perinatal mortality rate than Group A neonates.Conclusions: Significant reduction in mean umbilical artery PI observed on day 2 following betamethasone administration (p<0.001), which was maintained till 4th day after 1st dose of betamethasone (p<0.05). Women who showed improvement in umbilical artery pulsatility index following betamethasone administration had a better perinatal outcome as compared to women who did not.

The role of behavior change communication on knowledge and uptake of postpartum contraception among antenatal mothers in Puducherry: a randomized controlled trial

Background: India accounts for world's 17.5 percent population and is the second most populous country in the world next only to China (19.4%). Birth control pills, condoms, sterilization, IUD (intrauterine device) etc. are most commonly practiced family planning methods in India. The latest NFHS shows that 77% of sterilized women did not use a family planning method. Despite of family welfare program having a target free approach, the program has not been successful in educating people about the concept and advantages of contraceptive methods for spacing births.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Puducherry. All antenatal mothers >28 weeks of gestational age were enrolled and given a semi-structured questionnaire. After randomization intervention was done in the form of counselling and distribution of pamphlets for future use. The women were followed in the postnatal period and 6 weeks later.Results: A total of 280 subjects were enrolled in this study. Socio-demographic characteristics were similar in both the study groups. Majority of women in both the comparison and intervention group were in the age group 20-25 years (43.6%). Very few participants (20.0%) had used some form of contraception to delay pregnancy. However, the postpartum follow-up of the study participants revealed significant increase in the knowledge on the various contraceptive methods in the intervention group compared with the comparison group.Conclusions: The implementation of behaviour change communication strategy to communicate the benefits of uptake of postpartum contraception to antenatal mothers, is vital in improving the acceptability of family planning programs in India.

Giant complicated glosso-cervical arterio venous malformation managed with external carotid artery ligation and serial injection sclerotherapy: a case report and review of literature

Giant arterio venous malformation (AVM) of the tongue and floor of mouth are rare. They become life threatening when ignored by the patients. Treatment protocols are not well established. This report describes the treatment of a 35 years old female who presented to us with complains of swelling of tongue, floor of mouth and left sub mandibular region since 15 years causing dysphagia, and oral bleed since one day. Magnetic resonance Angiography revealed a giant AVM at the above site with dilated left external carotid artery (ECA) and left lingual artery. Patient underwent ECA ligation under general anaesthesia and serial injection sclerotherapy at the local site. After 3 months and 6 cycles of sclerotherapy, the patient had a satisfactory outcome. A detailed report with review of literature is presented.

Study of patient outcome in endoscopic dacrocystorhinosomy using a microdebrider in chronic dacryocystitis patients

Background: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has become accepted as a suitable treatment for patients with chronic dacryocystitis. In this study authors did endoscopic dacrocystorhinosomy using a microdebrider, which is a recent advancement tool being used successfully in other endoscopic sinus surgeries also. Limited studies are available as of now on this topic.Methods: A total number of 33 patients (with 40 affected eyes) presenting with complains of epiphora having nasolacrimal duct obstruction were selected. They underwent an endoscopic DCR in which dissection of some nasal mucosa and widening of bony ostium was done using a microdebrider. Silicone stent was passed into the nasolacrimal duct through both punctum. Patient outcome was assessed by using both objective (endoscopy and dye test) and subjective (improved symptoms) criteria. Standard follow up time for clinical course was kept 3 months with weekly visits.Results: Patients which got relief from epiphora in 37 eyes (92.5% cases) had no obstruction on endoscopy and positive dye test. Rest (7.5 % cases) had presence of granulation tissue at rhinostoma site and negative dye test, which was cited as the cause of failure.Conclusions: The use of microdebrider is potentially beneficial in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. By using such an instrument, the minimal amount of tissue damage occurs, a large fistula is formed, and the recurrence due to the formation of adhesions/synechiae/granulations is prevented/reduced thus reducing the time of surgery, complications and failure rate.

Study of perinatal outcomes in normal and borderline oligamnios

Background: Oligamnios is a common cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, but the outcome of borderline oligamnios, defined as Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) between 5 and 8, is less clear. This study aims to find out the effect of borderline oligamnios on perinatal outcomes in pregnancies beyond 37 weeks.Methods: An observational prospective study of 131 antenatal mothers with AFI between 5 and 8, after 37 weeks of gestation was conducted in Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation from October 2017 to September 2019. These observations were compared with that of 131 antenatal mothers with normal AFI beyond 37 weeks of gestation. The observations according to fetal heart rate abnormalities, meconium staining of amniotic fluid, mode of delivery, low birth weight babies, APGAR score, the need of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions due to neonatal complications were statistically analysed.Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age, parity and gestational age. In those with borderline oligamnios, fetal heart rate abnormality was seen in 21% (28), meconium stained amniotic fluid in 18% (23), 70% (91) delivered vaginally and 30% (40) underwent caesarean section, 31% (41) babies weighed below 2.5 kg and 21% (27) neonates needed NICU admissions. In those with normal AFI, none showed fetal heart rate abnormality, 2% (3) showed meconium staining, 93% (122) delivered vaginally and 7% (9) underwent caesarean section, 11% (14) babies weighed below 2.5 kg and 3% (4) neonates needed NICU admissions.Conclusions: Borderline oligamnios is associated with poor perinatal outcome. AFI can be used as an adjunct to other fetal surveillance methods. It helps to identify those infants at risk of poor perinatal outcome.

Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview

Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.(AU)

Immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Bombax ceiba Linn leaf extract

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity. The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance, sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line (HL-60) by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity, and cell cycle study. Results: The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance from blood, DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line. A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G1 population in the presence of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was observed. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of leaves of Bombax ceiba L possesses anticancer activity, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant properties, proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of immuno-compromised diseases and cancers.

Immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Bombax ceiba Linn leaf extract

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity. The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance, sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line (HL-60) by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity, and cell cycle study. Results: The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance from blood, DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line. A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G

UTI in Pregnancy: Incidence and Antimicrobial Profile

Introduction: Urinary tract infection in pregnancy isassociated with significant morbidity for both the motherand the baby. The aim of this study was to determine thebacterial profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of the urinarypathogens isolated from pregnant women at Mata GujriMemorial Medical College and Hospital, Kishanganj.Material and methods: A total of 267 pregnant womenwith and without symptoms of urinary tract infection wereenrolled as a study subject from October 2016to october2017.Organisms were identified from mid-stream clean catch urinesamples and antibiotic susceptibility was performed usingbacteriological standard tests. Data were collected usingstructured questionnaires and were processed and analyzedusing SPSS for Windows version 16.Results: Out of 267 pregnant women, 37 were symptomaticand the rest 230 asymptomatic. Bacteriological screening ofurine samples revealed growth of bacteria in 8.5% (7/37) and18.9% (28/230) for symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnantwomen respectively with overall prevalence of 9.5%.The most common isolates detected were E.coli (45.7%)followed by coagulase negative Staphylococcus (17.1%).Gram-negative bacteria showed resistance rates in the rangeof 56.5%-82.6% against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole,amoxicillin and ampicillin. Gram positive isolates showedresistant rate ranging from 50-100% against trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole, amoxicillin and ampicillin. Both Grampositive and gram negative bacteria showed high sensitivityagainst Nitrofurantoin with a rate of 82.3% and 87%,respectively. All isolated Gram positive bacterial uropathogenswere sensitive for Amoxicillin-clauvlanic acid.Conclusion: The isolation of bacterial pathogens both fromsymptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women that areresistance to the commonly prescribed drug calls for an earlyscreening of all pregnant women to urinary tract infection.