Response of tuberose genotypes to root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita: Biochemical, histological and nutritional characterization of host-pathogen interaction

Aim: The study was conducted to screen the tuberose genotypes for nematode resistance and to establish histopathological, biochemical and nutritional changes in resistant/tolerant genotype against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Methodology: Twenty seven tuberose genotypes comprising of two types viz., single (18 genotypes) and double (9 genotypes) were evaluated for root knot nematode resistance. Tuberose bulbs of uniform size were surface sterilized and planted in 9 inch plastic pots and inoculated with nematode juveniles (J2) 15 days after planting. Gall Index was recorded on a 0-5 scale after 120 days of inoculation. Histopathological, biochemical (total phenols, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase) and nutrient estimation studies were conducted on the roots of resistant/tolerant genotypes against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Results: Among the twenty seven tuberose genotypes screened for nematode resistance, Suarna Rekha was categorized as resistant genotype and Arka Shirngar, IIHR-2, IIHR-4, Variegated, IIHR-12, GK-T-C4, Calcutta Double, Bidhan Rajani-2 and Bidhan Rajani-3 were categorized as tolerant genotypes. Histological characterization of resistant/tolerant genotypes revealed that giant cell formation was disrupted with higher number of phenolic cells and cells with lignified cell wall that prevented the successful establishment of nematode feeding site. The resistant and tolerant genotypes significantly recorded higher accumulation of phenols and defence enzymes viz., polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PO) and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and macro and micro nutrients as compared to susceptible genotypes. Interpretation: Screening of tuberose genotypes for root knot nematode resistance in this study has led to the identification of several nematode resistant/ tolerant genotypes. This would serve as a valuable information for the breeders to utilize resistant/ tolerant genotypes as parents in their breeding programmes.

Clinical Profile of Childhood Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Rural Hospital

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem, despite noteworthy socioeconomic development and advances in medical science. It is a curable disease but still millions of people suffer every year and a number of them die from this infectious disease, resulting in devastating social and economic impact. TB treatment requires several months of swallowing a combination of 3 to 4 drugs every day. Patients often forget to take their medicines or stop taking them when they start to feel better. The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), based on the internationally recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy was launched. Studies of paediatric TB are scantily available both in global and national context. Reliable data on the treatment of paediatric TB and its follow up are not available. Hence, a study of paediatric TB is designed to evaluate the clinical profile of childhood tuberculosis and following up the treatment outcome upto 6 months Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics at Dhiraj Hospital, Piparia. Recruitment took place from February 2014 to February 2015. The clinical profile of 71 patients was studied. Results: There was preponderance of males (60.56%, n=43) in study population as compared to females (39.44%, n=28). Most of the patients were belonging to age group of <6 years (32.4%, n=23) and >10 years (38.0%, n=27). Among 6 to 10 years, 21 (29.6%) patients were included in study. Most common form of TB was extra-pulmonary TB (60.56%, n=43) followed by pulmonary TB (39.43%, n=28). Non-specific symptoms like fever (82.5%, n=66) was the commonest presenting symptoms. Other symptoms included cough (33.8%, n=24), altered sensorium (19.71%, n=14), swelling (15.5%, Muley P, Odedara T, Memon R, Sethi A, Gandhi D. Clinical Profile of Childhood Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Rural Hospital. IAIM, 2017; 4(6): 109-124. Page 110 n=11). From all, the patient with follow up (n=50), 44 (88.0%) were cured, 3 (6.0%) patients expired during the course of treatment, 3(6.0%) patient showed no improvement. Conclusion: Diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis still continues to be a challenge. In the study TB was more common in extra-pulmonary than pulmonary forms in our setting. Diagnosis was based on a combination of epidemiological and clinical suspicion supported by results of various investigations. Presence of paediatric TB is an indication of prevalence of TB in that community. As the source of transmission of TB to children is usually an adult, control of tuberculosis in adult is necessary to decrease the prevalence of TB in children. DOTS is an effective strategy for treatment of TB.

Study of nutritional assessment of children between 6 months to 5 years

Background: Nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are attributable to under nutrition. Under nutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections, increases the frequency and severity of such infections, and contributes to delayed recovery. The WHO recommends the use of Z scores or standard deviation score (SDS) for evaluating anthropometry, so as to accurately classify individuals with indices below the extreme percentile. In India most paediatricians use IAP classification to classify malnutrition. The aim of the study is to assess the nutritional status of children between 6 months to 5 years of age attending tertiary rural hospital according to WHO criteria and to compare the result of this study with IAP classification for grading malnutrition. The objectives of the study is to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding feeding practices among these children particularly below 2 years of age and to observe associated clinical problems and state of other nutrient deficiencies. Materials and methods: A cross sectional and observational study of 200 children admitted in pediatric ward and NRC (nutritional rehabilitation centre) of Dhiraj Hospital were taken for the study, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara. Study was carried for a period of 18 months from April 2015 to September 2016 to assess the nutritional status of children according to WHO criteria and to compare it with IAP classification. Assessment of the nutritional status was done by clinical examination and anthropometry. Interrogation was done with children’s mothers in the language they understood regarding young children feeding practices and accordingly their knowledge was assessed. Data was compiled, categorized and analyzed by appropriate statistical method in consultation with a statistician. Pathak S, Yadav T, Joshi C, Sharma N, Gulabani S, Gandhi D. Study of nutritional assessment of children between 6 months to 5 years. IAIM, 2017; 4(2): 42-52. Page 43 Results: Total 200 patients were taken in the study. Result shows that out of 200 patients 108(54%) were males and 92(46%) were females. The distribution of patients was more in age group between 13 and 36 months with 86(43%), of which distribution of males more than females were. Distribution of patients according to SAM and MAM (WHO classification) shows 127(63.5 %) fall under SAM and73 (36.5%) fall under MAM. Distribution of patients according to SAM and MAM (WHO classification) was studied. Result shows that out of 200 children taken in the study 127(63.5 %) fall under SAM and73 (36.5%) fall under MAM according to WHO classification. Distribution of children according to IAP classification in the present study interprets that 103 (51.5%) of the total children came under grade II of IAP classification. WHO classification detected more children with malnutrition than IAP classification, which was true for both boys and girls. Comparison of MUAC (WHO) with WHO (SAM and MAM) of children taken in the present study interprets that 67 (33.5%) had SAM and 95 (47.5%) had MAM according to MUAC criteria, remaining 19% did not fall under SAM and MAM. Comparison of MUAC (SAM) with WHO (SAM) of children in present study interprets that only 67 (52.75%) children came under SAM according to MUAC criteria out of the 127 children of SAM according to WHO classification. Comparison of MUAC (WHO) and IAP classification of children in the present shows that 67 children had MUAC <11.5 cm, out of 67 children (with SAM according to MUAC criteria) 28 (41.79%) came under grade II and 21 (31.3 %) came under grade III of IAP classification. Out of 95 children (MUAC between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm) 18 (18.94%) came under grade I and 58 (61.05%) came under grade II of IAP classification. Associated co morbidities among children in the present study shows that among 200 patient 152 (76%) had anaemia, 44 (22%) had diarrhoea, 14 (7%) had pedal oedema, 12 (6%) had vitamin A deficiency, 44 (22%) had URTI and 24 (12%) had LRTI. Knowledge Aptitude and Practice study was done among 50 mothers and the result shows that mothers had less knowledge regarding what to be given in complementary feed, importance of immunization, birth spacing interval, and danger signs indicating illness. Conclusion: The present study shows that WHO classification detected more children with malnutrition than IAP classification, which was true for both boys and girls. There was also disparity among results of WHO criteria IAP classification and MUAC classification. Single criteria can’t be justified in assessing malnutrition. KAP study reveals that mother’s knowledge is important in combating malnutrition

An unusual presentation of lupus vulgaris in pediatric patient: A clinico-histopathological diagnosis.

Lupus vulgaris (LV) is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis which usually occurs in patients previously sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We present a case of a 12 years old boy who was diagnosed as lupus vulgaris clinically as well as histopathologically simultaneously. He had well demarcated, irregularly bordered, pink, infiltrated plaques on the nose showing apple-jelly appearance on diascopy with multiple lymphadenopathy on bilateral submandibular and cervical group of lymph nodes. The histopathological examination showed tuberculoid granulomas with Langhans type giant cells. The Mantoux test showed positive reaction (20 mm) and no acid-fast bacilli was found in the lesion, either by direct stained smears or by culture. The lesions showed significant improvement on anti-tuberculosis treatment. The main purpose of this case report was to emphasize that histopathological examination has diagnostic value in clinical suspicion of LV on face, when direct analysis or culture is negative.

Developmental and neurobehavioural toxicity study of arsenic on rats following gestational exposure.

To characterize developmental and behavioral alterations induced by arsenic exposure, Albino rats were exposed to arsenic (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mg/kg/day/po) from gestation day 8 to till parturition and the offspring were observed over the first 3 postnatal weeks, until they were weaned on post-natal day (PND) 21. Once the pups were delivered (PND0), the treatment was discontinued. All pups were assessed for physical development, reflex development, strength and motor coordination from standard neurobehavioural developmental test batteries beginning on PND1. Gestational administration of arsenic at tested dose levels, showed no significant changes in the day of appearance of eye opening, startle reflex, negative geotaxis and spontaneous alteration performance in comparison to the control group. The number of live fetuses, mean fetal body weight and percentages of resorptions or malformations per litter were not affected by arsenic exposure. No treatment-related malformations or developmental variations were noted at any exposure level, suggesting that arsenic exposure at this dose level did not adversely affect behavioural endpoints of developmental toxicity.

Effect of freeze drying process on some properties of Streptococcus thermophilus isolated from dairy products

The present investigation represents the effect of freeze drying on some properties as acid and bile tolerance of Streptococcus thermophilus MTCC 1938 culture isolated from dairy products. The cell paste obtained from milk based medium was freeze dried with a pressure of 50-100 mtorr for 24h at -40ºC. Acid and bile tolerance test exhibited 3.8-4.9 and 3.2-3.8 log counts reduction after freeze drying respectively.

Pharmacognostical Potential of Capparis deciduas Edgew.

Capparis decidua (Family, Capparidaceae) is commonly known as ‘Kair’. It is distributed throughout the arid regions of India and other countries. Kair is a caducous plant, so in the foliage condition mainly stem and fruits are common. It is also known as Capparis aphylla. Since the plant is xerophytic, it is generally found in dessert area and is highly draught resistant plant which can survive for long. Tribal people prepare pickle from the fruits of Kair. Some of the communities use Kair fruits as vegetables and food additives. The plant is used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, astringent, digestive, diaphoretic and anodyne. It is reported to possess beneficial effects in various ailments, like rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, liver disorders, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and microbial infections. Studies have revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents especially spermidine alkaloids, glucosinolates and other glycosides, β-sitosterol, rutin, l-stachydrine, hydrocarbons and terpenolides. The present review is an attempt to highlight the traditional uses, pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological reports on Capparis decidua.

Is locally advanced breast cancer a neglected disease.

Background and Aims: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in India, and majority of patients present as a locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC). Evaluating the prevalence of LABC and assessing the causes of local advancement and delayed presentation is the aim of the present study. Settings and Design: This was a rural hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one cytologically/histopathologically confirmed cases of breast carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Breast sarcomas and lymphoma were excluded and, of them, prevalence of LABC and causes of delay and local advancement, i.e. patient factors, system factors and biological factors, were evaluated. Results: LABC accounted for 50.7% of these patients. On assessing the cause of advancement of LABC, patient factor (69.8%) was the major cause for delayed presentation, followed by system delay (23.6%). Patient factors were lack of awareness of breast cancer (75%) and financial constraints (52.8%). The system factor was nonreferral by general practitioners to specialty centers or trying to treat these patients with other allied modalities of treatment. Conclusions: LABC in the Indian scenario is an outcome of neglect due to patient and system factors. These factors offer an excellent opportunity to plan a community-oriented preventive strategy for the general population and practitioners to decrease the incidence of LABC.

Safety and reactogenicity of a low dose diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine (Boostrix) in pre-school Indian children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of a reduced-antigen-content combined Diphtheria Tetanus Acellular Pertussis (dTpa) vaccine in Indian preschool children. METHODS: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals combination dTpa vaccine was administered as a single booster dose to 347 children aged 46 years in seven centers across India. All children were subsequently followed up for two weeks for safety and reactogenicity assessment. RESULTS: A total of 345 subjects completed the study and two subjects were lost to follow-up. One serious adverse event (head injury) unrelated to vaccination was reported. Otherwise, all subjects were in good health throughout the study period. Three subjects (0.9%) reported transient general symptoms (such as irritability and drowsiness), which prevented normal activity. Pain at injection site, swelling and redness was reported in 31.1%, 18.2% and 8.9% subjects respectively. Five subjects (1.4%) reported severe pain preventing normal movement. This resolved within 48 hours in all cases. There were no other severe local reactions including large injection site reactions. CONCLUSION: The reduced antigen content combined dTpa vaccine is safe and well tolerated in Indian pre-school children.

An experimental and clinical evaluation of anti-asthmatic potentialities of Devadaru compound (DC).

Devadaru compound was shown to be beneficial in Tamak Swasa (bronchial asthma). Clinical findings revealed higher percentage of relief in cardinal and general symptoms with decrement in the pulse rate and in the respiration rate. A significant linear increase in PEFR value was observed before and after treatment and an increase in FEV1 values measured in Group I subjects. There was relief of all symptoms in a significant number of patients. Occurrence of relief was observed only among patients who suffer less than 10 years duration with Tamak Swasa and among those the frequency of attacks of Tamak Swasa was at fortnightly or monthly intervals. Antispasmodic activity of Devadaru Compound (DC) on acetylcholine (Ach) induced contractions using rat ileum preparation was studied. The results demonstrated that DC inhibits Ach-induced contractions significantly and bears a dose-response relationship. This suggests that DC has got anti-spasmodic activity and corroborates the clinical findings. The clinical findings and experimental studies show that DC is of significant use in the treatment of Tamak Swasa (Bronchial Asthma) and superior to the standard and placebo therapy.

Landau Kleffner syndrome.

An eight-year-old male child presenting with history of generalized convulsions, gradual loss of speech and generalized EEG (electroencephalography) abnormalities was diagnosed as Landau Kleffner Syndrome. He initially developed generalized convulsions which later changed to partial seizures during the course of illness. He was started on sodium valproate and continued with the drug (30 mg/kg/day) on which, he showed improvement in speech, behavior, hyperkinesis and frequency of convulsions during the follow-up.

Magnesium and reserpine influence norepinephrine sensitivity of vas deferens in rats.

Reserpine induced supersensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) in rat vas deferens was sought by alteration of Mg++ and Ca++ concentration in incubation medium in the absence and presence of EDTA. Vas deferens incubated in Mg++ free and Mg++ excess media showed supersensitivity and subsensivity to NE respectively. Alterations in the sensitivity to NE produced by varying the concentrations of Mg++ were comparatively less. In the presence of EDTA, vas deferens obtained from reserpinized animals showed subsensitivity in normal and Mg++ excess media and supersensitivity in Mg++ free medium. In the presence of EDTA, reserpinized preparations showed slight supersensitivity in normal Mg++ medium, marked supersensitivity in Mg++ free and lesser subsensitivity in Mg++ excess medium. Probably EDTA by more effectively removing Mg++ from the membrane binding sites by chelation makes the membrane permeable to Ca++ leading to supersensitivity to NE (observed only in the presence of EDTA). These results suggest that the failure of reserpine to induce supersensitivity to NE in rat vas deferens may be due to an enhanced antagonism of Mg++ on Ca++ movements in this preparations due to the poor capacity of rat tissue to retain Ca++.