Intestinal metastasis from carcinoma cervix: An (un) common occurrence in a common cancer. A series of five cases from a single institution

Carcinoma cervix usually spreads directly to contiguous structures, such as the vagina, urinary bladder, ureter, and rectum. Intestinal metastasis from cervical cancer is very uncommon and accounts for less than 4% of cases and to date, 24 cases have been reported in Medical literature. These may be asymptomatic or present with features of intestinal obstruction, bowel wall perforation, and mimic acute abdomen. Intestinal metastasis is a late occurrence and carries a poor prognosis, hence a high index of suspicion with prompt diagnosis and management is essential. We report a series of five patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix with intestinal metastasis diagnosed in our hospital.

The Essentials of Biochemistry of the Proteins as Related to Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review

Amyloid plaques and Tau tangles, constitute the pathological hallmarks of the brains of the patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They are identified as far back as 1996 by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, but till this date, how they produce neuronal death remained an enigma. The amyloid cascade theory held its sway until recent times until the emphasis is shifted to the metabolites of amyloid Beta precursor protein (APP). Several metabolites of APP are formed depending on by which pathway, the APP is metabolized, either by the non - amyloidogenic pathway (forming ? - C terminal fragment - CTF? / C83 and the N - terminal fragment sAPP? / P3 and the APP intracellular domain AICD). Or amyloidogenic pathways. ( Forming extracellular A? and APP intracellular domain - AICD). The hyperphosphorylation is held responsible for the tau protein tangles. The over activity of the tau kinases or the failure of inhibition by the tau phosphatases i s implicated, in tau tangle deposits. These biochemical aspects of AD assumed importance in connection with the interventional therapeutic strategies that are developed in the years bygone, as well as those still are in the developing stage. In keeping with this fact, it is attempted to review the essentials of the biochemical aspects of the involved proteins, as related to AD, in this article

Studies on Alzheimer Disease - Metformin Connection - A Brief Review

Metformin is the widely prescribed first line oral antidiabetic drug used in diabetes mellatus, type 2 . The global sales turnover of metformin runs into millions of dollars. The Increased risk of metformin (Met) users for developing Alzheimer disease (AD)is reported first in a study conducted in 2011. Since then, the subject has attracted the attention of the researchers as well as the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in a number of studies, both clinical as well as experiments on animals. Confusing results poured in , ranging from confirmation of the risk of AD to protection against developing AD , making the scenario, all the more intriguing . Added to the confusion, is the diversity of various studies as well as the parameters interpreting their results. Of the many clinical trials, some are retrospective cohort studies(Tseng Chin-Hsiao 2019) , case controlstudies (Imfeld P, et al.) Randomised studies (Hsu CC, et al.),double blind , cross over pilot studies. (Aaron Koenig et al.)and some longitudinal studies (Ng TP, et al.) , besides studies doing meta analysis .Of these studies most of the trials estimate the risk of development of dementia withmetformin alone (Tseng Chin-Hsiao 2019) or in comparison with other OHAs (Hsu et al,Chenget al.) .The other studies studied the effect of metformin on the cognition. (Moore EM, et al.).These trials have different out come measures, (like Hazard ratio, (HR) Odds(OR) ratio, relative risk (RR) etc.)which don’t mean one and the same. So the multiplicity of the types of studies and different out-comes with different conclusions will be surely baffling to an average reader who tries to take cognisance of the involved issues. The article attempts to take stock of the overall developments in this regard. The author adopted a reader friendly approach which is discussed in the article, at the outset. Finally, it is reiterated that future prospective studies only can resolve the conflict of opinion on the nexus between metformin and Alzheimer’s disease

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Mechanisms of Action of Fibrates – An Overview

Fibrates are a class ofmedication that mainly lowers theblood triglyceride levels. Theyreduce the LDL andincrease the levels of HDL C, in the blood.Clofibrate,the first member to bediscovered in 1962, and introduced in USA in 1967, is withdrawnin 2002, due to unexplained hepatomegaly,hepato-toxicity and possible risk of hepatic cancer. Other fibrates are introduced in the late 1970s and early1980s, such as gemfibrozil in the United States and bezafibrate and ciprofibrate in Europe. Their lipid lowering effects are found to decrease CVS risk , progression of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome, macrovascular and microvascular diabetic complications like stroke, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular diseaseand diabeticretinopathy .Various clinical trials like VA-HIT trial (Veterans Affairs High-Density LipoproteinCholesterol Intervention Trial) , FIELD trail. (the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) Helsinki Heart Study,ACCORD -Lipid trial (The lipid component of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes trial ) and BIP (Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention Study) trial andangiography trials, like LOCAT(LopidCoronary Angiography Trial) and BECLAIT(Bezafibrate Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial)demonstrated thebeneficial effects of gemfibrozil and fenofibrate.Their mechanism of action remained obscure for three decades,ie till 1990s, when theirmode of actionwas found. The Mechanism of action of fibrates include limitation of substrate availability for triglyceride synthesis in the liver, promotion of the action of lipoprotein lipase, (LPL)modulation of low density lipoprotein receptor/ligand interaction and stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport The biochemical and molecular mechanisms involvingthevariousenzymes like LCAT (Lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase)andCYP7A1 etc. (cholesterol 7-alpha-monooxygenase or cytochromeP450 7A1 (CYP7A1)) , transporters like ABC , CETP (ATP-binding cassette transporter, Cholesterol ester binding protein) and NTCP,OATP (Na+-dependent taurocholate transporter/ organic anion transporters) . These are the.) andnuclear factors like LXR, PPAR alfa etc. (liver orphan receptorα , and peroxisome proliferative nuclear factor) , in relation to the mechanismsof action of fibrates are discussed . Areas of current interests in literature are briefed.

Molecular Basis of Pathogenesis of Ectopic Fat Deposition in DM2 – An Overview

The presence of fat, beyond physiological limits, in organs, other than the adipose tissue, like the liver, the skeletal muscle, the heart and the pancreas etc is called ectopic fat. It causes specific organ dysfunction in the tissues concerned. The importance of the ectopic fat is that it is connected to peripheral tissue insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome etc. Though the molecular mechanisms underlying the specific organ dysfunctions are understood, still grey areas exists as to the source ofthe ectopic fat and how it finds it’s way to the specific sites of the target organs (intra-myocellular in skeletal muscle, hepatocyte cytoplasm of liver,epicardial surface andcoronary arteries of heart etc.).The molecular mechanisms involving the actualectopic deposition fat, are not clear. This article focuses on some of the grey areas in the pathogenesis of the ectopic fat deposition, besides reviewing brieflythe factsalready known in the literature about ectopic fat deposition.

M-mode Echocardiographic Studies in Indigenous Dog Breeds of Tamil Nadu

M-mode echocardiography is a non- invasive tool for the quantitative study of heart. Rajapalayam is a guard dog and Chippiparai is a sight hound breed which both originated from the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Diagnosis of cardiac diseases in our indigenous breeds has been challenging due to less or no work done regarding cardiac anatomy and physiology in native breeds. Hence, this study was undertaken to establish basic reference data in these indigenous dog breeds which will help in diagnosing cardiac diseases. Various normal cardiac parameters were documented between young and adult age groups. The results indicated that a high significant difference (P<0.01) was observed in LVDd and LVDs and only a significant difference (P<0.05) in AO and RVD values between the age groups in Rajapalayam dogs,whereas, in Chippparai dogs, a significant difference was observed in CO (P<0.05) and in LVPWs, IVSd, IVSd (P<0.0) between the young and adult age groups

Molecular confirmation of the circulating Bacillus anthracis during outbreak of anthrax in different villages of Simdega District, Jharkhand

Aims and Objectives: Molecular confirmation of the circulating Bacillus anthracis during outbreak of anthrax in different villages of Simdega district, Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods: Blood samples with swabs from skin lesions (eschar) were collected from the suspected cases of Anthrax from October 2014 to June 2016 from Simdega district, Jharkhand. All the swabs were inoculated on polymyxin lysozyme EDTA thallous acetate media, nutrient agar media as well as 5% sheep blood agar media. Gamma-phage lysis was done. DNA extraction was done using a QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA, USA) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using anthrax-specific primers. Results: On Gram and acid fast staining, purple rods and pink-coloured anthrax spores were detected. Capsular and M'Fadyean staining was done. Gamma-phage lysed B. anthracis culture. Of 39 suspected cases, 8 were culture and PCR positive and showed gamma-phage lysis. 3 deaths were reported. Discussion and Conclusion: The conventional and real-time PCR methods are suitable for both the clinical and the epidemiological practice.

Molecular Basis of Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2- a New Perspective

Decreased insulin secretion due to beta cell dysfunction of the pancreas and defective utilization of insulin due to insulin resistance / Hyperinsulinemia are two important issues in the pathogenesis of DM2. There are many explanations in the literature to account for these two observed phenomena and their interrelationship. DM2 is believed to occur due to a complex interplay of environmental andBehavioural factors in genetically predisposed persons. Among the prominent theories explaining the pathogenesis of DM2, the viscera- Portal hypothesis, the Ectopic fat hypothesis and the adipose tissue as an endocrinal gland are prominent. Besides, the role played by oxidative stress, metabolic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, etc. are also advanced. It is felt that basic to and at the core of all the observed facts, is the shift of energy metabolism from normal glycolysis to B- oxidation of fats. Hence, how B - oxidation prevails over glycolysis is the fundamental issue to be addressed together with its interrelationships with insulin resistance, as to which is the cause and which is the effect. At the molecular level, an attempt to find answers to the above questions is made in this paper.To this extent, the Randle fatty acid cycle (Substrate competition theory of Randle) is suitably modified and applied to explain the switch of Energy metabolisms in DM2 .Defective disulfide bond formation of the insulin receptor which makes it physiologically ineffective, is suggested as the cause of the insulin resistance where as the prevailing molecular mechanisms stress on post-receptor signaling defect. The cause and effect of both are discussed. This line is considered to be a departure from traditional approaches broached above and briefly outlined in this article.

Drop Out Of Women Doctors From Academic Progression: An Observation From Admission Data Of Kerala Medical Colleges In 2011.

Kerala shows women favourable demographic data. Rising feminisation among Kerala medicos was reported recently. Scientific studies on sex representation at various levels of medical education are scanty. This study is first of its kind from Kerala. Registration details of admitted students to various medical courses conducted by all colleges affiliated to KUHS in 2011 were examined for sex distribution. The sex ratio– number of females per 1000 males–for UG, PG Diploma, Degree and Super–specialities were calculated. The PG students were further grouped as preclinical and clinical; and medical, surgical, Paediatrics or Gynaecology. The data is presented in the table and sex ratio is presented in graphs. The sex ratio was 2099 for MBBS, 1847 for PG Diploma, 1107 for PG Degree and 139 for PG Super–specialities. Progressive fall in women favourable sex ratio from UG to super–speciality levels observed. It dropped from PG non–clinical to PG clinical subjects, but increased from surgical specialities to Medical specialities; in Paediatrics and sharply in Gynaecology. Female doctors suffer more gender discrimination than male doctors. They integrate family responsibilities with career, necessitating flexibility of work. Today’s medical profession may be a male–favoured one. Perhaps empowerment of women starts from the lower strata of society and progress up. Drop out of women lead to lose of potential talent. Alternative work schedules, optimization of maternity leave and child care opportunities are required to support women in medicine. Changes in health care policies are needed to balance between work and home. This study was based on already available data. More focussed studies with robust methodologies are suggested.

Ameliorative effects of type-A procyanidins polyphenols from cinnamon bark in compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation / 대한해부학회지

Allergic diseases are a significant health concern in developing countries. Type-A procyanidin polyphenols from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) bark (TAPP-CZ) possesses antiasthmatic and antiallergic potential. The present study was aimed at the possible anti-allergic mechanism of TAPP-CZ against the compound 48/80 (C48/80)–induced mast cell degranulation in isolated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). TAPP-CZ (1, 3, 10, and 30 µg/ml) was incubated for 3 hours with isolated, purified RPMCs. The C48/80 (1 µg/ml) was used to induce mast cell degranulation. The mast cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay whereas histamine, β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were determined in RPMCs. TAPP-CZ (3, 10, and 30 µg/ml) showed significant and dose-dependent decrease in a number of degranulated cells and levels of markers (histamine, β-HEX, and IL-4) as compared with C48/80 control. In conclusion, TAPP-CZ stabilizes mast cell and cause inhibition of the allergic markers such as histamine, IL-4, and β-HEX in IgE-mediated manner. The present study supports mast cell stabilization as a possible mechanism of action of TAPP-CZ against immune respiratory disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Evaluation of Crataeva nurvala extracts as antioxidant, antiproteolytic and cytotoxic against hepato-carcinoma and mouse melanoma cell lines.

The crude extracts from stem bark of Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham containing naturally occurring antioxidants were screened for their most abundant phytosecondary metabolite, antiproteolytic and cytotoxic properties. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing power and β Carotene linoleic acid assay. The antiproteolytic activity of crude extracts was determined by inhibition of trypsin-induced hydrolysis of BSA. The IC50 of cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and B16F0 cell line was investigated using MTT assay. Preliminary phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of terpenoids as a major phytochemical reflecting higher antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The PEECN extract showed good antiproteolytic activity with 26.04% inhibition on BSA. The IC50 values of PEECN against HepG2 and B16F0 cells using MTT assay were determined to be 34.67 ± 1.10 μg/ml and 49.43 ± 4.778 μg/ml after 48 h, respectively. These results demonstrate that the petroleum ether extract containing most terpenoid fraction exhibited potential antiproteolytic and cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and mouse melanoma in vitro through inhibition of proliferating cancerous cells.

Prophylactic efficacy and possible mechanisms of oligosaccharides based standardized fenugreek seed extract on high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice.

The present work was aimed to study the efficacy and possible mechanism of oligosaccharides based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-OS) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in male C57BL/6 mice. The effects of 12 weeks of oral administration of SFSE-OS (30, 60 and 100 mg/kg, twice daily) were evaluated on HFD fed mice for anthropomorphic, glycemic, gene expression related and histopathological parameters. Separate groups of mice with vehicle co-administered with HFD and low-fat diet (LFD) were maintained as HFD control and LFD control respectively. Twelve weeks of SFSE-OS (60 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) administration showed significant prophylactic effects on HFD induced insulin resistance in terms of body weight, plasma glucose and insulin levels, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance (IR), area under the curve (AUC) of plasma glucose during oral glucose tolerance and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance. Furthermore, HFDinduced mRNA expression changes in adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscle were prevented by SFSE-OS coadministration. Histology of sections of the pancreas showed the normal architecture in all groups of mice. SFSE-OS showed promising efficacy in prevention of HFD-induced insulin resistance through modulation of Glut-2, Glut-4, IRS-2 and SREBP-1c expression.

Hyperphosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor induced Osteomalacia– A Case Report.

Hyperphosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor (HMT) is a very rare benign tumor of the soft tissue or bone which produces tumor induced osteomalacia, also called as oncogenic osteomalacia. This activity can only be stopped by the surgical removal of the tumor. We present a 23 years old man who presented with long standing bony pains without any relief by a variety of medications. The clue to the diagnosis was taken from pelvis skiagram, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the body, PET scan and the blood chemistry.

Modulatory activity of a polyphenolic fraction of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. bark on multiple arms of immunity in normal and immunocompromised mice.

To evaluate immunomodulatory activity of polyphenolic fraction of Cinnamomum zeylanicumbark (PP-CZ) against infection-related conditions using normal and immune-compromised mice. The normal and cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immune-compromised mice were sensitized with SRBCs and PP-CZ (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered orally for 7 days. The haemagglutinin (HA) antibody titres (primary and secondary) and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was measured at 7- and 14-days postimmunization, respectively. In separate experiments, effects of PP-CZ on numbers of resident peritoneal macrophages in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), against host resistance (E coli-induced abdominal sepsis) and phagocytic activity against Candida albicans were evaluated in mice. PP-CZ had shown a have beneficial effects on multiple arms of theimmune system in animal models and improves humoral (antibody production), cellular (DTH) and innate (PMN phagocytosis) responses of the immune system, as well as numbers of resident peritoneal macrophages. PP-CZ also showed protection to mice against lethal E. coli abdominal sepsis. PP-CZ demonstrated significant immunomodulatory activity through multiple arms of immunity in normal and infection-related immuno-compromised conditions.

Therapeutic effects of standardized fenugreek seed extract on experimental urolithiasis in rats.

The objective of the present study was to investigate therapeutic efficacy of standardized fenugreek seed extract with trigonelline as marker (SFSE-T) in experimental urolithiasis in rats. Effects of subacute oral treatments of SFSE-T (30 and 60 mg/kg) and reference anti-urolithiasis drug, Cystone (750 mg/kg) were evaluated against 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1 % w/v ammonium chloride (AC) induced urolithiasis in rats. The biochemical (urinary and serum) and histopathological parameters were investigated. Subacute oral treatment of SFSE-T (60 mg/kg) showed reversal of EG+AC induced changes in urine (decreased 24-h urine output, pH, excretion of creatinine, citrate, and chloride and increased uric acid and oxalate excretion) and serum (increased creatine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen) parameters and decreased creatine clearance. Histopathology examination of the kidneys sections from SFSE-T (60 mg/kg) treated rats showed lowered number of crystals, cell damage and tubulointerstitial damage index as compared with EG+AC control rats. Standardized fenugreek seed extracts showed promising therapeutic effect against experimental urolithiasis in rats.

Plants used by the tribes for the treatment of digestive system disorders in Wayanad district, Kerala.

The tribes of Wayanad depend basically on different plants for their treatment. The field work documented about thirty two plant species used against digestive disorders. The plants used for the treatment with their botanical names, local name, mode of administration, status of plants and the tribes associated are listed in the form of table. Five different tribes, the kurichia, kuruma, kattunaika, paniya and adiya of Wayand district of Kerala state, India were interviewed. The interviewed tribal groups use plant parts either single or in combined form to treat digestive disorders like piles, ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, pinworm, vomiting, acidity, chest burning, jaundice and stomach pain. The tribal groups do not want to share their ancient traditional knowledge with other people. Moreover, the existing knowledge on traditional uses of medicinal plants are declining fast because of the lack of interest of young people to learn the traditional knowledge from the old tribal medical practitioner. So the documentation and conservation of the knowledge is essential.

Biosorption of Lead by Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride.

Aims: The objective of the work is to remove Pb2+ by Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride in batch studies and to study the kinetics and adsorption isotherm of Pb2+ adsorption by fungal species and to determine the desorption performance by suitable desorbing agents. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and duration of the study: This work was carried out at Department of Biotechnology, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and India for a period of five months. Methodology: The polluted sample was collected from Valankulam lake, Coimbatore. The biomass of Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride were used as adsorbents. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to quantify Pb2+ concentration. The optimum conditions of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time for biosorption were determined. Results: Maximum adsorption of Pb2+ for Trichoderma viride and Pleurotus florida were observed at a pH of 6 and 7 respectively. The optimum quantities of adsorbent required for the removal of Pb2+ were 0.2g for both the organisms. Adsorption of Pb2+ was found to reach equilibrium in 1 h and 1.5 h for Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride respectively. Conclusion: Hence, Pleurotus florida and Tricoderma viride are suitable adsorbents for the removal of Pb2+ from effluents. This methodology can be used for the removal of lead from waste water before its disposal.

Floristic diversity of regenerated tree species in Dipterocarp forests in Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.

The research was focused on exploring the structure, diversity and form of regeneration process of the Dipterocarp forests in Western Ghats in relation to environmental factors. Eight populations in the distribution range of Dipterocarp forests were selected. In each population 32 plots of 2m?m were laid down randomly. A total of 1243 seedlings < 10 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) belonging to 99 species and 48 families were recorded. The number of regenerated tree species was found to be high in the populations of Mudigere (40), Sakleshpura (40) and Makuta (39), which are characterized by favorable locality factors and lower disturbances. The highest similarity index in species composition was recorded between the populations of Sampaje in Kodagu district and Gundya in Dakshina Kannada (60%) whereas the lowest similarity index was observed between the population of Sringeri in Chikmagalore and Sampaje (53%) and Gundya and Makuta (35%) in Kodagu district. Dipterocarpus indicus was found to be dominant among the regenerated tree species in all the sites studied except Gundy and Sampaje. The frequencies of regeneration classes (seedlings, saplings, poles and adult trees) were shaped as inverse J curve indicating the normal regeneration pattern under the present disturbance. The average disturbance of litter collection, grazing, fire, weeds and canopy opening were significant among different populations (p<0.05). Negative correlation was observed between disturbance and species richness, number of individuals and density.

Variation in wood fibre traits among eight populations of Dipterocarpus indicus in Western Ghats, India.

Wood elements and anatomical ratio of Dipterocarpus indicus were studied to evaluate variation among populations and to recommend for end selection. The variation of wood element [fibre length (FL), fibre diameter (FD), lumen diameter (LD), cell wall thickness (CWT), double wall thickness (DWT), and lumen volume (LV)] and anatomical ratio [fibre lumen area (FLA), slenderness ratio (SR) and runkel ratio (RR)] were investigated in a girth class of 100 - 120 cm among eight populations of Dipterocarpus indicus in Western Ghats, India. The study revealed a significant variations in FL (0.2426), FD (4.7019), LD (3.1689), CWT (2.7104), DWT and (5.4298) among populations. The variations in anatomical ratios were significant among populations except in case of LV. The causes of variations among populations in their wood traits were attributed to the site factors. The interaction between genetic makeup of wood traits combined with effects of edaphic, local and regional climatic conditions reflect the amount of variation among populations. The highest coefficient of variation (CV %) for FL, FD, CWT and DWT was recorded in population of Gundya whereas low coefficient of variation were recorded in the population of Makuta (FL), Devimane (FD, CWT and DWT), and Sampaje (LD). The wood of Dipterocarpus indicus was found undesirable for pulp wood but can be utilized for plywood timbers.