In vitro evaluation of free flavonoids in Cassia fistula Linn. calli of different ages under varying concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs)

Cassia fistula Linn, a paramount medicinal plant consumed by huge population all over the world. Its bioactive metabolites include flavonoids, phenolics, and polyphenols. Major objective of current study is to find right media combination and age of callus for maximum accumulation of free flavonoids in Cassia fistula cultures. In this study, the calli were induced in MS + 1.0mg/L 2,4-D + 0.05 mg/L BAP with 50 mg/L ascorbic acid. These calli were then transferred to basic MS medium with 1.0 mg/L2,4,5-T and varied BAP concentrations. Four and 8 weeks old calli were used to find out the right concentration of BAP and age for upscaling of free flavonoids. The samples were extracted and HPTLC analyzed for free flavonoids at 260 nm along with the leaf explants. The study revealed that the amount and number of free flavonoids in 4 weeks old calli increased as the amount of cytokinin (0.5 to 1.0 mg/L BAP) increased but decline with further addition of BAP (2.0 mg/L BAP). In aged calli number and amount of free flavonoids exhibit a tremendous increase when compared to the calli in the same medium at 4 weeks. This is inferred that accruing age of callus, reduced quantities of plantgrowth regulators (optimized for callus growth) accumulate free flavonoids. The best medium for free flavonoid production is MS+ 1.0 mg/L 2,4,5-T with 1.0 mg/L BAP may be recommended for producing a high amount of free flavonoids in C. fistula in vitro.The results were justified with the results of quantification.

Seropositivity For Viral Markers in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery Diagnosed Unexpectedly

Background: To find the prevalence of unexpected seropositive viral markers in the patients undergoing cataract surgery.Material & Methods:It was a longitudinal observational study. Total1180 cataract patients were studied. Patients were discovered unexpectedly positive for hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus during preoperative screening for cataract surgery. HBV and HCV patients were referred for medicine opinion and operated after treatment and clearance. HIV patients were referred to ART center for further management.Results:During the study period 1180 patients, 504 males and 676 females were studied. 34 patients work positive for HIV, twelve patients were positive for hepatitis B and 50 patients were found positive for HCV. The patients accidentally found positive were 18/34 for HIV, 6/12 for hepatitis B and 32/50 for hepatitis C.Conclusions:We concluded that preoperative screening should be done for viral markers before every cataract surgery to prevent spread of such infections. Mass immunization against hepatitis B should be done among health care workers.

Assessment of Effect and Safety of Ripasudil (0.4%) in patients of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension

Background: The aim is to evaluate the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and tolerability of Ripasudil (0.4%) ophthalmic solution in patients of primary open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension.Material & Methods:In this prospective, interventional, single-arm, open-label study, 50 patients of POAG/ocular hypertension attending the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Patiala were included.Results:Mean value of numerical change in IOP at four weeks, at eight weeks, at twelve weeks in IOP were 3.61 � 2.05, 3.98 � 1.47, 4.44 � 1.53 respectively. Among side effects, conjunctival hyperemia, blepharitis, and allergic conjunctivitis were reported among 62%, 10%, and 8% of the subjects at four weeks. Final results after 12 weeks showed that only conjunctival hyperemia was reported as a side effect among 16% of the subjects. Conclusions:Our present study showed significant IOP-lowering effects and safety of ripasudil (0.4%) over 12 weeks in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension. For the treatment of glaucoma and OHT, ripasudil is regarded as a possible second-line choice in spite of the high occurrence of conjunctival hyperemia.

Determinants of feto-placental ratio.

The dimension of delivered placentae mirrors the cumulative growth of the placenta from conception to parturition. Placental weight is the gross summary of fetal growth under the influence of many extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Hence, the present study evaluated the influence of gestation, sex of the newborn, and parity on feto-placental ratio. The study was conducted on 391 placentae of singleton newborn from a teaching hospital of North Karnataka, India. Data was collected from August 2012 to January 2013 by using standard operating procedures. The Mean and standard deviations of placental morphometry, weight and birth weight are 440 ± 100gm and 2700±500 gm respectively. In gestational age 28 to 32 weeks, the feto-placental ratio was 5.61:1; this increased consistently up to 6.19:1 with increasing gestation group 37 weeks and above. Feto-placental ratio increased with increasing groups of gestational age. Feto-placental ratio in <37 weeks of gestation was in favor of primipara (6.0:1) whereas, the similar figures in term babies was more in multipara (6.3:1). The paritywise feto-placental ratio direction changed from preterm to term babies, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, irrespective of gestation, multipara had higher feto-placental ratio (6.2:1) as compared to primipara (6.1:1). However, irrespective of gestation, males had higher feto-placental ratio (6.2:1) as compared to females (6.1:1). Feto-placental ratio is influenced by variates of pregnancy like gestation, sex of the newborn and parity. Hence, variations in any of these factors lead to adverse pregnancy outcome by deviation of feto-placental ratio.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (alhe): a rare entity for otolaryngologist.

A case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is reported. It is a rare and new disease for an otolaryngologist. The difference between the Kimura's disease and ALHE has been discussed. Though it is rare, ALHE should be kept in differential diagnosis for an auricular swelling.

Proptosis in a young child.

We encountered an extremely unusual presentation of proptosis in a 7-yr-old boy due to psammomatoid juvenile ossifying fibroma of frontoethmoidal region. The tumor also led to development of mucocele in the frontal sinus not yet fully developed as on opposite side.

Magnesium therapy in birth asphyxia.

OBJECTIVE: Glutamate plays a critical role in the hypoxic ischaemic neuronal death. Two mechanisms of glutamate- induced neuronal death have been identified. One is rapid cell death that occurs in minutes and the second is delayed cell death that occurs over hours and is initiated principally by the activation of the N-methyl D-Aspactate (NMDA) receptor. Magnesium (Mg) is an NMDA receptor blocker. Systemic administration of Mg after a simulated hypoxic ischaemic insult has been shown to limit neuronal injury in several animal models. However, before embarking on to the use of Mg for neuronal protection in the human neonate it is important to study the safety and side effects of Mg administration. METHODS: Forty terms, appropriate for gestational age babies with severe birth asphyxia (1 min Apgar score < 3 and 5 min Apgar score < 6), were randomly assigned to either the study group or the control group. Infants in both groups were treated as per unit protocol except that babies in the study group received intravenous injection of magnesium sulphate 250 mg/kg within half an hour of birth and subsequently 125 mg/kg at 24 and 48 hours of life. RESULTS: The mean cord blood serum Mg levels were 0.78 (+/- 0.047) mmol/L in the control group and 0.779(+/-0.045) mmol/L in the study group. The serum Mg levels at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of life were 1.87(+/-0.6), 1.65(+/-0.059), 1.468 (+/-0.91), 1.881 (+/- 0.053), 1.916 (+/- 0.053) and 1.493 (+/- 0.084) mmol/L respectively in the study group. All these values were significantly higher than those obtained in the control group (p< 0.001). No significant alterations in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure were seen, following magnesium infusion with either 250 mg/kg or 125 mg/kg dose. The serum Mg levels in the study group ranged between 1.493 (+/- 0.084) and 1.916(+/-0.053) mmol/L, which are considered to be in the neuroprotective range. CONCLUSION: Injection MgSO4 administered in a dose of 250 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion is safe and the Mg levels obtained are in the range considered to be neuroprotective.

Pneumatization of Mastoid Air Cells: Role of Acquired Factors / Neumatización de las Células Mastoideas: Rol de Factores Adquiridos

The exact mechanism of the pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system and the factors influencing the pneumatization are poorly understood. Both genetic as well as acquired factors have been implicated to influence this pneumatization process. Since pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system is considered an important prognostic factor in the outcome of reconstructive ear surgeries, a cohort study was carried out to assess the role of two important acquired factors i.e. duration of chronic otitis media and auditory tube functional status on the pneumatization of mastoid air cells. 50 individuals with unilateral chronic otitis media underwent assessment of their mastoid air cell system using planimetry and auditory tube functions using flourescein dye nasopharyngoscopy. The results were in accordance with the previous studies indicating a definite influence of chronic middle ear disease on the pneumatization process, although the duration of disease was not significant. In contrast to some of the previous studies, no influence of auditory tube functional status was found on the mastoid pneumatization.

El mecanismo exacto de la neumatización del sistema de células mastoideas y los factores que influencian este proceso es pobremente comprendido. Factores genéticos, como también adquiridos, han sido implicados en el proceso de neumatización del sistema de células mastoideas. Esta neumatización es considerada un factor de importante pronóstico en la conducción de las cirugías reconstructivas de oído. Hemos llevado a cabo un estudio para explicar el rol de dos importantes factores adquiridos en la duración de las otitis media crónica y el status funcional de la tuba auditiva en la neumatización de las células mastoideas. En 50 individuos, con otitis media crónica unilateral, se estudió su sistema de células aeríferas mastoideas usando la planimetría y las funciones de la tuba auditiva usando fluorescina, vía nasofaringoscopía. Los resultados concuerdan con estudios previos, indicando una influencia definida de enfermedades crónicas del oído medio en el proceso de neumatización, aunque la duración de la enfermedad no fue significativa. En contraste con los estudios previos, no se encontró influencia del status funcional de la tuba auditiva en la neumatización mastoidea.

Silent blast in oral cavity: is the car battery innocuous?

Low voltage energy source is not free from danger. An exceptionally rare and peculiar mode of facial blast injury is reported. The blast took place silently in the mouth of a 15-year-old boy, due to short-circuiting of wires connected to a12-volt car battery while peeling off insulation with the intent of running a musical instrument. Airway compromise due to soft tissue injury produced further problem during tracheostomy. Emergent airway management is discussed. Post-healing sequel resulted in loss of voice and prevented normal oral feeding. The case report emphasizes need for education to public in handling low voltage energy source.

Fatal pyothorax: a rare complication of retropharyngeal abscess.

Fatal pyothorax following a massive acute retropharyngeal abscess in an adult is reported. Acute non-tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess usually develops following a penetrating injury due to a foreign body or endoscopy. Microbial isolates are mixed and consists of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. It may lead on to mediastinitis since there is a potential communication between the two spaces. Immediate cervical, pleural and mediastinal surgical drainage along with appropriate antibiotics can be life saving.

Effect of 24-epibrassinolide on pollen viability during heat-stress in tomato.

Tomato pollen when treated with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), it was observed that in vitro pollen germination was more tolerant to high temperature. A significantly higher in vitro pollen germination, enhanced tube growth and low pollen bursting were observed in presence of EBR at 35 degrees C. Since a preconditioning treatment of tomato plant was not required for these effects, it is concluded that EBR treatment increased basic thermotolerance of germinating pollen. This study provided the first evidence for EBR induced thermotolerance in germinating pollen.