Role of Gene Polymorphism in TNF Alpha Expression and Outcome in Surgical Patients

Introduction:An acute phase response to tissue injury leads to release of pro inflammatory and anti inflammatory cytokines. TNF alpha isan early pro inflammatory cytokine that released in SIRS and largely responsible for clinical manifestation of sepsis. The release of TNF alpha is influenced by messenger RNA transcription of TNF alpha gene. In patients with severe sepsis genomic polymorphism with in the TNF locus found to be associated with TNF alpha production and outcome.Objectives:To evaluate genetic polymorphism of TNF alpha gene at c 850 t locus, influence on TNF alpha expression and on outcome. Materials and Methods:A prospective cohort study conducted at our institute between June 2007 to 2009 in 100 cases. Serum TNF alpha levels measured by using ELISA .TNF alpha polymorphism done at c850t locus in 100 patients and were compared with 70 controls who were normal subjects. By using MEDCALC software mean and standard deviations were calculated, continuous variables were compared using t-test. ROC curves were used to determine the predictive capability of the variables.Results:The most common polymorphism observed was CT in 51 patients. The significant different TNF alpha level expression between the three groups were observed. Significant Tallele was observed in cases (100) when compared with controls (70), p= 0.0002. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism of TNF alpha gene may play critical role in stress response and outcome of the patient but it needs to be validated in large number of population

Comparison of plasma adipocytokines & C-reactive protein levels in healthy schoolgoing adolescents from private & government-funded schools of Delhi, India

Background & objectives: Obesity-mediated chronic inflammatory state is primarily governed by lifestyle and food habits in adolescents and marked by alterations in the level of various inflammatory markers. This cross-sectional study was aimed to compare the inflammatory status of healthy Indian adolescents vis-�-vis their obesity profile. The inflammatory state of urban adolescents attending private and government-funded schools, and the relationship between inflammatory marker levels and anthropometric indices in the study participants from both groups were examined. Methods: A total of 4438 study participants (10-17 yr) were chosen from various schools of Delhi, India, and their anthropometric parameters were measured. Plasma adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin and resistin) of the study participants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assayed by a biochemical analyzer. Metabolic syndrome-related risk factors such as waist circumference, hip circumference (HC), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides of normal-weight adolescents were also evaluated. Results: The level of leptin and CRP increased with increasing adiposity, whereas adiponectin levels were found to be negatively related to obesity. All plasma cytokine levels (adiponectin, leptin and resistin) were significantly elevated in female than male adolescents. Age-based classification revealed a distinct trend of variability in the levels of all the inflammatory markers among adolescents of varying age groups. Significant differences were observed between private and government schoolgoing adolescents in terms of anthropometric and inflammatory parameters, with higher adiposity indices in the former group. The relationship of plasma adipokine and CRP levels with various adiposity indices was found to be distinctly different between private and government schoolgoing students. Interpretation & conclusions: Inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in overweight/obese adolescents. The socio-economic condition of urban Indian schoolgoing adolescents reflecting lifestyle transition has profound effects on their adiposity indices and inflammatory states. Longitudinal studies in different regions of the country need to be done to further confirm the findings.

Umbilical Cord Length With Relation To Birth Weight

Background: The Umbilical cord is the fetal lifeline and it is a structure that connects the foetus to the placenta.Placenta and umbilical cord acts as a mirror which reflects intrauterine status of foetus. The length of theumbilical cord varies from achordia to 300 cm. This study aims to identify the relationship between the umbilicalcord length and birth weight and other parameter such as maternal age, gestational age and gender. More recentresearch suggests that the length of the cord at birth is influenced by intrauterine fetal activity & thereforecorrelate with fetal well being.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Anatomy department in collaboration withgynecology department of our hospital on 100 freshly delivered samples of placenta with cord which are obtainedfrom labour room of our Government Hospital.Conclusion: The range of cord length was 28- 106 cm .However maximum were between 40cm to 60 cm in length.The mean length was 53.18 cm. Cord length varies with birth weight and conclude that as cord length showspositive correlation with birth weight (r=0.40).

Evaluation of validity of cone beam CT (CBCT) measurements compared to direct method on human dry mandibles

Introduction: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has its wide range of uses in dentistry most commonly as an aid in preoperative planning of dental implant treatment. However, in order to determine the best application of CBCT in dentistry, it is necessary to analyze the accuracy of data obtained related to distance measurements. The present in-vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of radiographic linear measurements on CBCT images by comparing them to direct measurements in human dry mandibles. Materials and methods: Ten human dentulous dry mandibles were selected for the study. Four anatomical sites (Site A, B, C, and D) with two anatomical reference points for each site were selected on dry mandibles for measurement. The reference points were made as 3 mm depressions on the mandible with Marathon micromotor hand piece and diamond bur. These depressions were filled by guttapercha. All the selected mandibles were scanned using Sorodex Cranex 3Dx CBCT Machine. After the CBCT scan was obtained, the direct measurements at each site were recorded using digital vernier calipers with an accuracy of 0.01mm. Results: Comparison of CBCT measurements with direct measurements at 4 anatomical sites revealed no statistical difference (p value >0.05). Correlation of CBCT measurements with direct measurements revealed strong correlation at site site A (0.965), site B (r=0.899), D (r=0.975) and moderate correlation at site C (r=0.571). Conclusion: According to present study, CBCT technique can be recommended for linear measurements in the mandible.

In silico PASS analysis and determination of antimycobacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant efficacies of maslinic acid in an extract rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids

Objective/background: Microbial infections such as tuberculosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Plant-derived phytochemicals have a long history of providing much-needed novel therapeutics. Triterpenoids are among the prominent phytochemicals that possess numerous biological activities. Among them is maslinic acid [MA], a biologically active olean-type pentacyclic triterpenoid. In search of a novel antimicrobial agent, we aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of MA

Methods: Antibacterial and antifungal activity was evaluated through the agar well diffusion method. Antitubercular activity was analysed through the agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was determined through assays for total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging, and Fe[3+] reducing power. The program Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances was used to calculate the possible biological activity of MA

Results: MA showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity similar to that of ascorbic acid. It had no inhibitory effect on bacterial strains, but it had moderate activity against the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Ustilago maydis, with Aspergillus niger being the most sensitive to MA. MA also exhibited strong antimycobacterial activity. Probable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity of MA based on software calculations are 0.479, 0.363 and 0.589 respectively

Conclusion: This work provides scientific evidence of the antioxidant, antifungal, and antimycobacterial activities of MA, showing its potential application in the development of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents for the agro-food and pharmaceutical industries

Herbal Hepatotoxicity: A Review on Phytochemical Induced Liver Injury.

Liver plays a key role in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics which makes it highly susceptible to their adverse and toxic effects. Drugs of synthetic origin are found to be major reason of liver toxicity but some herbs also contributes in same fashion. Various herbal medicines with a history of efficacy are effectively used by humans. However, owing to the presence of different phytoconstituents, which are found to be hepatotoxic, it is needed to focus on such phytochemicals. This review emphasizes some crucial aspects of phytoconstituents that produces hepatotoxicity and possible mechanism responsible for it.

"Change In Smiles- Role of Prosthodontist And Implantologist".

According to a very popular belief ‘the loss of teeth is always traumatic’. The latest improved techniques of dental surgery, pain related problems are reduced, other important problems of the loss of teeth are generally related to the inability to chew desired foods and esthetics to move socially. This is where the replacement specialist i.e. prosthodontist and implantologist comes in the picture. This presentation showcases a case series of 10 patients who required the prosthodontist and implantologist intervention to provide a much desired change of smile.

Temperomandibular Disorders - Orthodontics- Cause Or Cure - A Review.

There is a long time debate whether orthodontic treatment is the cause of Temperomandibular joint disorders ( TMD) or it is used to alleviate the symptoms associated with these disorders such as clicking joints, Muscular pains etc. This paper reviews different aspects of Temperomandibular disorders in relation to orthodontic treatment.

A Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Different Kinds of Sterilizations On Modulus of Modulus of Elasticity And Surface Topography of Copper Niti Wires - An Invitro Study.

Copper NiTi wires were This latest innovation in the evolutionary scale gives us the opportunity of choosing the force level by choosing the temperature at which the wires will deliver its optimum force level. With so many advantages and their ability to return to their original form coupled with the high cost of copper NiTi many clinicians started reusing the wire. This raises concern about disinfecting/sterilizing the wire before using in another patient for prevention of cross infection. Hence, various sterilization procedures like cold sterilization using 2% acidic Glutaraldehyde, dry heat sterilization and autoclaving were used to prevent this cross infection . Aim: The main aim of this study is used to evaluate the effects of different kinds of sterilization on Modulus of elasticity and surface topography of the 0.016 copper NiTi wires before and after sterilization procedure Materials and Methods: In the present study, Three point bending test along with tensile test was performed to evaluate the modulus of elasticity. Scanning electron microscope pictures were used to evaluate surface topography changes. Results: Pretreatment and post treatment values were statistically analyzed by one way ANOVA test. No detrimental changes were detected in tensile properties of copper NiTi were after single cycle of sterilization with any of the stated sterilants. Very minimal non significant changes occurred during the second cycle of sterilization procedure. There was no changes in surface topography of the wire either with dry heat or autoclaving. However, on second treatment cycle with 2% glutaraldehyde, some amount of surface pitting was seen. Conclusion: Dry heat sterilization and autoclaving have been found to have very minimal changes on the tensile properties of these wires after one or two cycles of sterilization procedures, but not statistically significant. No detrimental effect was found on surface topography with dry heat or autoclaving. Results support the use of these sterilization procedures as part of infection control process, if the clinician select to reuse these wires for one time only. However, of late, since there is easy availability and modest cost of these wires it is recommended to use new wires which are supplied sealed sterilized packs for each patient to comply with present admissible standard of hygiene and sterilization.

Alleviation of metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats by Spirulina maxima.

Background & objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. Several natural products have been isolated and identified to restore the complications of diabetes. Spirulina maxima is naturally occurring fresh water cyanobacterium, enriched with proteins and essential nutrients. The aim of the study was to determine whether S. maxima could serve as a therapeutic agent to correct metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats. Methods: Oral administration of 10 per cent fructose solution to Wistar rats (n=5 in each group) for 30 days resulted in hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Aqueous suspension of S. maxima (5 or 10%) was also administered orally once daily for 30 days. The therapeutic potential of the preparation with reference to metformin (500 mg/kg) was assessed by monitoring various biochemical parameters at 10 day intervals during the course of therapy and at the end of 30 days S. maxima administration. Results: Significant (P<0.001) reductions in blood glucose, lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL, VLDL) and liver function markers (SGPT and SGOT) were recorded along with elevated level of HDL-C at the end of 30 days therapy of 5 or 10 per cent S. maxima aquous extract. Co-administration of S. maxima extract (5 or 10% aqueous) with 10 per cent fructose solution offered a significant protection against fructose induced metabolic abnormalities in Wistar rats. Interpretation & Conclusions: The present findings showed that S. maxima exhibited anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidaemic and hepatoprotective activity in rats fed with fructose. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms.

Investigation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of compound isolated from murraya koenigii.

In the present investigation, the compound responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in methanolic extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii L. was determined by Perkin- Elmer GC Claurus 500 system and Gas Chromatograph interfaced to a Mass Spectrometer GC/MS technique. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of the leaves of the plant revealed the existence of 1- Methyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (69.00%), Ethyl α-d glucopyranoside (13.36%), Isolongifolene, Isolongifolene (3.68%), c-Himachalene (2.88%), 1,2-Ethanediol, monoacetate (2.79%), 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-isooctyl ester (2.55%). The pure compounds were separated using a Shimadzo LC 2010 HPLC system (Kyoto, Japan), equipped with a Shimadzo LC 2010 UV-VIS detector with a thermostated flow cell and a selectable two wavelengths of 190 - 370 nm or 371–600nm. These were further screened for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All the compounds possessed some or the other activity. It was found that the compound 9, 12 octadecadienoic acid having the retention time 18.81 and the peak area 0.60 % had potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The compound showed potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E.coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum at MIC value from 0.05-0.56 μg/ml. The compound showed less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in comparison to other pathogens. The compound possessed to have strong antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 45.65 μg/ml as measured by DPPH assay. The compound possessed 85 % reduction in paw edema at a dose of 150 μg/ml in reference to standard anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin which showed 68.62 % reduction. The compound was further assayed for cellular toxicity to fresh sheep erythrocytes and found to have no cellular toxicity.

Effect of maternal fluoride exposure on developing CNS of rats: Protective role of Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum.

Fluoride is toxic to neuronal development and its excessive intake during pregnancy cause adverse effects on neonatal development. The present study examined the presence of oxidative stress during maternal exposure of fluoride and the therapeutic strategy of Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum extracts in functional prevention of fluoride led oxidative stress. The pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100 ppm fluoride in drinking water and pups born to them were supplemented with phytoextracts daily. On 21st postpartum day, the pups were sacrificed to analyse fluoride and oxidative stress markers. Fluoride exposure significantly increased its accumulation, lipid peroxidation and decreased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione levels in discrete regions of the central nervous system (CNS) of pups indicating oxidative stress and inhibited antioxidant defense. The results implied the vulnerability of developing CNS to fluoride toxicity. On phytoextract supplementation, the oxidant devastation was suppressed by regaining antioxidant homeostasis near normal level proving efficacy and therapeutic strategy. Among the phytoextracts supplemented the Ocimum sanctum is found to be more effective.

Assessment of perineural infiltration and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A clinicohistopathologic study.

Background : As the tumor spreads through the pathway of least resistance, the present study was carried out to evaluate the presence of perineural infiltration and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) along the perineural spaces in gingivobuccal sulcus tumors infiltrating into the mandible. AIMS and objectives : (1) To investigate the incidence of perineural invasion of OSCC along the inferior alveolar nerve and (2) to investigate the neurovascular bundle as a potential route of spread of OSCC. Materials and Methods : Twenty-six patients with histopathologically proven OSCC of the gingivobuccal sulcus with radiographic infiltration of the mandible were included. The surgical specimens were decalcified and serially sectioned. Each section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and was screened for the presence of perineural invasion and spread. Results : Twenty-five specimens showed perineural infiltration but none of the cases showed perineural spread along the inferior alveolar canal. Also, not all cases showed any neurologic deficit. Follow-up of these cases showed early recurrence (6-8 months) in the study group. Conclusion : Perineural infiltration is present in OSCC but perineural spread along the inferior alveolar canal is absent. It is a bad prognostic indicator.

Microbial transformation of albendazole.

Screening scale studies were performed to biotransform anthelmintic drug albendazole by using twelve bacterial strains representing six genera and five actinomycetes cultures. Among the cultures studied, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 619, Escherichia coli MTCC 118 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109 could transform albendazole to one metabolite whereas, Enterobacter aerogenes NCIM 2695, Klebsiella aerogenes NCIM 2258, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 2074 and Streptomyces griseus NCIM 2622 could transform albendazole into two metabolites in significant quantities. The transformation of albendazole was identified by HPLC. Based on LC-MS-MS data, the two metabolites were predicted to be albendazole sulfoxide (M1) and albendazole sulfone (M2), the major mammalian metabolites reported previously. Since M1 is active metabolite, the results prove the versatility of microorganisms to perform industrially attractive chemical reactions.

Divergence time estimates of mammals from molecular clocks and fossils: Relevance of new fossil finds from India.

This paper presents a brief review of recent advances in the classifi cation of mammals at higher levels using fossils and molecular clocks. It also discusses latest fossil discoveries from the Cretaceous – Eocene (66–55 m.y.) rocks of India and their relevance to our current understanding of placental mammal origins and diversifi cations.

Impact of season on filarial vector density and infection in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh, India.

Background & objectives: Bionomics and transmission dynamics of vector population are profoundly influenced by local climatic conditions. The study monitored variations in density, infection and infectivity rates of Culex quinquefasciatus with respect to season in randomly selected localities of Raipur City of Chhattisgarh state. Methods: The indoor resting density of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Wuchereria bancrofti infection and infectivity rates were monitored in Raipur City at regular monthly intervals for over a period of 12 months and the impact of meteorological conditions on transmission indices were assessed. The frequency distribution of different stages of filarial larvae in naturally infected vector population, host efficiency and transmission intensity index of the vector population was also worked out. Results: The mean vector density of Cx. quinquefasciatus during the study period was 55.22 while the mean vector infection and infectivity rates recorded in Raipur were 4.05 and 0.25% respectively. A gradual increase in Culex infection rate was recorded from June onwards with a maximum (22.14%) in August and minimum (2.38%) in February. No vector with filarial infection was detected during December when the vector density was high. Analysis of frequency distribution of different stages of larvae revealed dominance of microfilarial stage with a mean larval intensity of 5.37. The highest infectivity rate was observed during June (1.15%) and the lowest was in March (0.41%). Both the infection and infectivity rates were at their low during winter season although the density of Cx. quinquefasciatus was at its maximum. Highest mean host efficiency of 0.44 was recorded in February. The annual transmission intensity index (TII) was 32.72. The highest TII was recorded during January and February months. Interpretation & conclusion: The climate appeared to have profound impact on vector density, infection and infectivity rates. The vector infection and infectivity rates were high in rainy season followed by summer and winter seasons. The highest host efficiency was observed in winter followed by summer and rainy seasons. An apparent negative correlation was observed between vector infection rate and vector density. Lower temperatures (23–25oC) with low rainfall favoured progression of mf to L3 in Cx. quinquefasciatus in the study region.

Interruption of Annual Single Dose DEC Regimen Administration : Impact on Wuchereria Bancrofti Microfilaraemia, Vector Infection and Infectivity Rates.

The effect of single dose diethylcarbamazine regimen (6mg/ kg body wt.) in comparison to standard DEC regimen i.e; 72mg/kg body wt (administered in 12 consecutive days) in clearing Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae from low density micro filariae carriers (1- 8 mf per 20 μl) and its impact on vector infection rate were studied in an urban region endemic for bancroftian filariasis. The efficacy of DEC regimens were determined by assessing the rate of successful treatment, percentage cure rate and percentage decrease in microfilariae count in treated subjects. The 12 days regimen was found very effective with 100% cure rate even after 4 years of drug therapy. In subjects, who received single dose DEC regimen, the rate of successful treatment, cure rate and percent decrease in micro filariae count was significantly low when assessed 24 hour after therapy. Reexamination of subjects in this group at 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after therapy showed a sharp decline in all therapeutic indices and the microfilariae count reached pretreatment levels by 4th year of drug therapy. The single dose regimen had a marginal impact on vector infection and infectivity rates in Culex quinquefasciatus. A marked increase of vector infection and infectivity rates in parallel to human microfilaraemia rate was recorded from the same households when examined after 4th yr after therapy. Thus the single dose 6mg/kg body wt. DEC regimen (administered only once) failed to clear microfilariae even in a situation of filarial low endemicity and did not influence the transmission potential of C. quinquefasciatus.

Natural rubber latex allergy.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a ubiquitous allergen as it is a component of > 40,000 products in everyday life. Latex allergy might be attributed to skin contact or inhalation of latex particles. Latex allergy is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to NRL, presenting a wide range of clinical symptoms such as angioedema, swelling, cough, asthma, and anaphylactic reactions. Until 1979, latex allergy appeared only as type IV delayed hypersensitivity; subsequently, the proportion of different allergy types drifted towards type IV contact allergy reactions. Several risk factors for sensitization to NRL are already known and well documented. Some authors have established a positive correlation between a history of multiple surgical interventions, atopy, spina bifida malformation, and latex allergy incidence. We suspect an increase in latex allergy incidence in association with increased atopy and sensitivity to environmental allergens in the industrial population. It is often postulated in literature that the groups of workers at risk for this allergy are essentially workers in the latex industry and healthcare professionals. In this population, direct internal and mucosal contact with NRL medical devices may be the route of sensitization as factors such as the number of procedures and use of NRL materials (catheters and tubes) were associated with increased risk of latex sensitization and allergy.

Prevalence of mosquito species in Chhura block of Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state.

Mosquitoes act as vectors for several diseases including malaria and filaria. In Indian scenario, Chhattisgarh is endemic for both the diseases. The present study on prevalence of mosquito population in block Chhura of Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state was undertaken between August 2002 and March 2004 to asses the distribution pattern of various species of mosquitoes and their seasonal variations. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected from five villages by aspirator tube in the morning (06:00-08:00 hr) using torchlight. Adult mosquitoes were identified using standard morphological and pictorial keys. Altogether 11 species belonging to three genera viz., Anopheles (7 species), Armigeres (1 species) and Culex (3 species) were recorded during study period. Average man-hour mosquito density was high in February 2003 (62.15) & March 2003 (69.35) and declined gradually till June 2003. From July 2003, it started rising again and reached a peak in August (94.10)-September (91.60) 2003. The vector species i.e. Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles annularis were recorded high in rainy and winter seasons.

Thyroid status alters gill ionic metabolism and chloride cell morphology as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy in a teleost Anabas testudineus (Bloch): short and long term in vivo study.

Gill is the main organ of osmotic regulation in teleosts and chloride cells are the sites of ion transport across gill epithelium. Thyroid hormones are implicated in the regulation of osmotic balance in teleosts also. Treatment with 6-propyl thiouracil (6-PTU) inhibited the membrane bound enzyme Na+K+ ATPase in the gill while triiodothyronine (T3) injection stimulated it in a short-term in vivo study in the teleost Anabas testudineus. Na+, K+ and Ca2+ ions were also decreased in the 6-PTU treated fish and the T3 treatment increased their concentrations in the gill lamellae. The gill morphology also changed according to the thyroid status in the long term study. 6-PTU treatment altered the typical serrated morphology of the gill lamellae, while the T3 treatment reversed it. T3 injection increased the density of pavement and chloride cells as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that physiological status of the thyroid influences gill Na+ pump activity and chloride cell morphological changes. Further, the study suggests a regulatory role of T3 on gill ions (Na+, K+ and Ca2+), Na+K+ and Ca2+ ATPase activity and the different gill cell types in A. testudineus.