A hemagglutinin from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre seed

Lectins are diverse proteins that bind to carbohydrates and are involved in many important physiological processes. They are highly specific to the sugar molecules they bind and therefore, have many therapeutic and diagnostic applications. There are several lectins that display antiviral, antibacterial antifungal and antitumour activities. Characterization of new lectins paves way for comprehension of their diverse biological roles and mechanism of action, thus aiding in further exploration of lectins in various domains of biology. Here, we endeavoured to purify and characterize lectin from the seed of the legume,Pongamia. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (syn. Millettia pinnata), seed lectin (PPSL) was purified conventionally by ammonium-sulfate precipitation followed by size exclusion chromatography. The further lectin was physicochemically characterized by CD, fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and isothermal calorimetry. Hemagglutination studies with various mono and disaccharides showed specificity towards galactose. This specificity was reaffirmed by isothermal studies with appreciable thermodynamic parameters. Lectins have tremendous diagnostic applications. They are used as second-generation drug delivery systems.

Morphological Analysis of Length of Human Humerus.

Estimating the height plays an important role in identifying unknown bodies. For that, the length of long bones is taken into consideration. This kind of study helps forensic, anatomical, and archaeological cases. It is also useful to orthopaedic surgeons for treatment of proximal and distal humeral fractures, and also for their reconstruction. It is also important in identification of missing persons in medicolegal investigations to define identity of skeleton. Estimation of length of long bones enables quantification of bones, and internal mechanical properties as a possible way to improve the assessment of asymmetry in the humerus. Humerus is a long bone in the upper limb that articulates with scapula at glenohumeral joint and radius and ulna at elbow joint. We wanted to determine the length of humerus and establish a relation between right and left humeri.METHODSThe current study is conducted to determine the length of humerus in a total of 40 humeri (20 right and 20 left) collected from the Department of Anatomy, Guntur Medical College, Guntur. Each humerus is measured using an osteometric board.RESULTSResults are tabulated as mean and standard deviation, and statistically compared between right and left humeri. The right humeri are comparatively bigger than the left humeri. Further results correlated with previous studies. The mean length of the right humerus was 30.05 with the standard deviation 2.339.CONCLUSIONSHumeral length shows a great variation. Asymmetry between right and left humerus should be considered to be hereditary. In many situations the full length of long bones may not be available. In such cases it was confirmed by classical osteometric techniques in which humerus even in fragmented state can be recorded in a forensic case.

Functional Outcome of Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fractures Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Isolated Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures are uncommon, but are complicated intra-articular fractures.1 In India due to high prevalence of motorcycle transportation, the cause of PCL avulsion fractures was predominantly motorcycle accidents, though sports accidents still remain the most common cause in world over. These injuries are quite often missed in the emergency department and are often neglected. In the long run they cause severe functional disability of the knee joint. There is no consensus concerning the optimal surgical treatment approach for these injuries. Hence, we aimed to study the functional and clinical outcome of isolated PCL avulsion fractures with open reduction and internal fixation.METHODSThis is a prospective study of 28 cases of isolated PCL tibial avulsion fractures, in patients aged between 22-38 years during the period 2014 - 2018 in our hospital. All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw and washer. Postoperatively, patient leg was immobilized in posterior POP slab for 2 weeks, allowing toe touch weight bearing. All patients were regularly followed-up at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks. The functional outcome is assessed by Lyndholm scoring at the end of 12 weeks.RESULTS98% of the cases have shown excellent results with good range of movement in the knee without pain and without knee instability. The other 2% of cases had mild knee arthrofibrosis and pain.CONCLUSIONSPCL Avulsion fractures are rarity but yet need to be managed surgically. Open reduction and internal fixation by Burks and Schaffer approach has resulted in excellent results and good functional outcome.

Intra thyroid thyroglossal cyst: a rare presentation

Thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital malformation occurring due to incomplete closure of the thyroglossal duct. The infrequency with which it is encountered in thyroid makes it a formidable diagnostic challenge. Authors report this case because of the rarity of intrathyroid location of thyroglossal cyst.

A Study Of Nutrient Foramina Of Dry Humerus In South Indian Population

Background: Nutrient foramen is an opening in the bone shaft which allows passage to the blood vessels of themedullary cavity of a bone for its nourishment and growth. Knowledge about precise location and direction ofthe nutrient artery of long bones is important during any surgical or orthopaedic procedures of limbs, such asbone grafts and microsurgical vascular bone transplantations. This study was carried to record the number,situation and position of nutrient foramina in humerus of adults in south Indian population.Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 85(Right-38, Left-47) humerii collected from AnatomyDepartment of Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore. Length of each humerus bone was measured with thehelp of osteometric board. With the help of hand lens bones were observed for the number, direction andlocation of nutrient foramen with respect to the surface and borders.Results: In the present study majority of humerus bones have single nutrient foramen(64.7%) and mainly locatedon the anteromedial surface(51.7%) followed by medial border (36.5%) especially in the middle one third (87.1%)of the humerus.Conclusion: This study may give precise knowledge about location and number of nutrient foramina which isimportant for orthopaedic surgeons during surgical procedures such as fracture repair, bone grafts andmicrosurgeries.

Comparative study of adverse effect profile of first line drugs Zidovudine (ZDV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Nevirapine (NVP) Vs Tenofovir (TDF) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Atazanavir (ATV) + Ritonovir (RTV) in HIV/AIDS patients

Background: The biggest threat to mankind from the health perspective is probably the virus Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) responsible for a serious disease known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). To compare the adverse effect profile of two antiretroviral regimens i.e, Zidovudine (ZDV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Nevirapine (NVP) [regimen A] Vs Tenofovir (TDF) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Atazanavir(ATV) + Ritonavir (RTV) [regimen B] by clinical and biochemical methods.Methods: This prospective, observational study was carried out in 200 HIV positive patients receiving first line and second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) at ART centre, GGH, Vijayawada. Out of 200 patients, 100 patients received regimen A [(ZDV) + (3TC) + (NVP)] and 100 patients were treated with regimen B [(TDF) + (3TC) + (ATV) + (RTV)]. The collected data has been analysed and presented.Results: Out of 200 patients, 110 patients developed ADRs. In this 110, 38 patients received regimen A and 18 patients received regimen B and had CD4 + count <250 cells/mm3. In the remaining 54 patients, 20 patients received regimen A and 34 patients received regimen B who had CD4+ count >250 cells/ mm3.Conclusions: The ADRs were most common in those patients whose CD4+ count is less than 250cells/cu mm. Though the patients on second line showed significant increase in CD4+count, number of patients with ADRs were also more with regimen B. Though atazanavir containing regimen is more efficacious than zidovudine containing regimen, but regimen B produces more serious adverse effects. So, second line drugs are reserved for treatment failures to first line, drug resistance and for those not tolerating first line drugs.

Oral dirofilariasis.

Filariasis affecting animals can rarely cause infections in human beings through the accidental bite of potential vectors. The resulting infection in man, known as zoonotic filariasis occur worldwide. Human dirofilariasis, the most common zoonotic filariasis, is caused by the filarial worm belonging to the genus Dirofilaria. Dirofilarial worms, which are recognized as pathogenic in man can cause nodular lesions in the lung, subcutaneous tissue, peritoneal cavity or eyes. Oral dirofilariasis is extremely rare and only a few cases have been documented. We report an interesting case of dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens involving buccal mucosa in a patient who presented with a facial swelling. The clinical features, diagnostic issues and treatment aspects are discussed. This paper stresses the importance of considering dirofilariasis as differential diagnosis for subcutaneous swelling of the face, especially in areas where it is endemic.

Amino acid Profiles in the Haemolymph of Silkworm Bombyx Mori L. Infected with Fungal Pathogen Beauveria Bassiana (Bals.) Vuill.

Examined the day to day changes of amino acid profiles in the haemolymph of 5th instar silkworm Bombyx mori L. during the development of fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. For the qualitative determination of amino acids Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed. The qualitative changes were observed in amino acid at different lengths on 1st and 6th day after inoculation of Beauveria bassiana. More number of amino acid spots were noticed on 1st and 6th day of inoculated larvae compared to control.

Challenges and strategies for building and maintaining effective preceptor- preceptee relationships among nurses

This study aimed to determine the challenges encountered and strategies used by nurse preceptors to build effective professional relationships during the preceptorship of final year nursing students. Methods: This study was conducted in November 2012 at the College of Nursing in Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. A qualitative research design consisting of focus group discussions was used to investigate the challenges that preceptors encounter and the strategies that they use to build effective relationships with preceptees. A total of 21 preceptors from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital participated in the study as part of a training workshop for nurse preceptors. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. The main challenges faced by preceptors included discrepancies in applying theory to practice; lack of trust; lack of time, and perceived lack of knowledge. The effective strategies identified by the preceptors to be used in building a healthy preceptor-preceptee relationship were proper orientation; effective communication; preparation for complex situations; appreciation and acknowledgment; positive feedback; assurance of support; spending time together; knowing preceptors personally; giving breaks, and encouraging self-commitment. Preceptors should be encouraged to identify challenges that hinder the building of effective relationships with preceptees early during their preceptorship. The incorporation of appropriate and evidenced-based strategies, such as those identified in this study, can transform the preceptorship experience into one that is fulfilling for both preceptors and preceptees. This may lead to greater job satisfaction, personal and professional growth as well as higher self-esteem levels for preceptors and the realisation of clinical objectives for preceptees

Fabrication and in- vitro permeation studies of indomethacin-ficus carica fruit mucilage patches.

The main objective of the present study was to develop matrix-moderated transdermal systems of Indomethacin using various proportions of Ficus carica fruit mucilage. Physical evaluation was performed such as moisture content, moisture uptake, tensile strength, flatness and folding endurance. In-vitro permeation studies were performed in a Keshary-Chien diffusion cell. The matrix-type transdermal systems were prepared using Indomethacin with Ficus carica fruit mucilage by the solvent evaporation technique. The interactions between Indomethacin and Ficus carica fruit mucilage were performed. The transdermal patches were subjected to various physicochemical parameters viz., mechanical properties, permeation studies and skin irritation studies. The prepared patches possessed satisfactory pre-formulary and formulary characteristics. In vitro permeation studies were performed using a Keshary-Chien diffusion cell across hairless Albino rat skin. The non-ionic surfactants Span 80, Glycerin, Propylene glycol in the formulation played a role as permeability enhancer. The patches were seemingly free of potentially hazardous skin irritation. The experimental results shows that the release of drug from the patch delayed in controlled manner as the proportion of Ficus carica increased. It was concluded that Indomethacin can be developed as a transdermal patches with Ficus carica fruit mucilage.

Dual acting oral floating matrix tablets of ranitidine hydrochloride.

The main purpose of this work was to prepare floating matrix drug delivery system of Ranitidine. Floating matrix tablets of Ranitidine were developed to prolong gastric residence time and increase its bioavailability. Rapid gastrointestinal transit could result in incomplete drug release from the drug delivery system above the absorption zone leading to diminished efficacy of the administered dose. Floating matrix tablets containing 100 mg Ranitidine were developed using different effervescent salts and polymer combinations. The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique, using polymers such as hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M), Carbopol 934 in combination. Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, calcium carbonate was incorporated as a gas-generating agent. The effects of sodium bicarbonate on drug release profile and floating properties were investigated. The formulation was optimized on the basis of acceptable tablet properties, floating lag time, total duration of floating and in vitro drug release. The formulated tablets with optimum hardness, uniform thickness, consistent weight uniformity and low friability. The results of dissolution studies, floating lag time indicated that formulations F4 exhibited good and controlled drug release. Applying the linear regression analysis and model fitting showed the selected formulation F4 showed diffusion coupled with erosion drug release mechanism, followed first order kinetics. Optimized floating matrix tablets F4 showed no change in physical appearance, drug content, or in dissolution pattern after storage at 250C/ relative humidity 65% and 40°C / relative humidity 75% for a period of 3 months.

Biochemical and histopathological changes in liver due to chlorpyrifos toxicity in albino rats.

The present study was conducted to examine the biochemical and histopathological changes in liver of albino rats with oral sub-lethal (20 mg/kg) administration of chlorpyrifos as single, double and multiple doses with 48 hr intervals. Protease and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme activities increased in a dose and time dependent manner. Chlorpyrifos-induced histopathological changes included central venous congestion, sinusoidal haemorrhages, and focal necrotic areas in liver. Diffuse haemorrhagic areas were observed in the heart. Degenerative changes in the muscle layer, hypertrophy of goblet cells, and infiltration and hyperaemic changes in blood vessels were observed in the intestine. These results suggest that structural integrity of certain organ systems can be disrupted to a great extent from chlorpyrifos exposure.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms & colorectal cancer in India.

Background & objectives: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in folate metabolism and involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair and DNA methylation. The two common functional polymorphisms of MTHFR, 677 C→T and 1298 A→C have shown to impact several diseases including cancer. This case-control study was undertaken to analyse the association of the MTHFR gene polymorphisms 677 C→T and 1298 A→C and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: One hundred patients with a confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of CRC and 86 age and gender matched controls with no history of cancer were taken for this study. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and the genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. The risk association was estimated by compounding odds ratio (OR) with 95 per cent confidence interval (CI). Results: Genotype frequency of MTHFR 677 CC, CT and TT were 76.7, 22.1 and 1.16 per cent in controls, and 74, 25 and 1.0 per cent among patients. The ‘T’ allele frequency was 12.21 and 13.5 per cent in controls and patients respectively. The genotype frequency of MTHFR 1298 AA, AC, and CC were 25.6, 58.1 and 16.3 per cent for controls and 22, 70 and 8 per cent for patents respectively. The ‘C’ allele frequency for 1298 A→C was 43.0 and 45.3 per cent respectively for controls and patients. The OR for 677 CT was 1.18 (95% CI 0.59-2.32, P = 0.642), OR for 1298 AC was 1.68 (95% CI 0.92-3.08, P = 0.092) and OR for1298 CC was 0.45 (95% CI 0.18-1.12, P = 0.081). The OR for the combined heterozygous state (677 CT and 1298 AC) was 1.18 (95% CI 0.52-2.64, P =0.697). Interpretation & conclusion: The frequency of the MTHFR 677 TT genotype is rare as compared to 1298 CC genotype in the population studied. There was no association between 677 C→T and 1298 A→C polymorphisms and risk of CRC either individually or in combination. The homozygous state for 1298 A→C polymorphism appears to slightly lower risk of CRC. This needs to be confirmed with a larger sample size.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

Introduction: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in folate metabolism and is involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair and DNA methylation. Genetic polymorphisms of this enzyme have been shown to impact several diseases, including cancer. Leukemias are malignancies arising from rapidly proliferating hematopoietic cells having great requirement of DNA synthesis. This case-control study was undertaken to analyze the association of the MTHFR gene polymorphisms 677 C"T and 1298 A"C and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients aged below 15 years with a confirmed diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 99 matched controls were taken for this study. Analysis of the polymorphisms was done using the polymerase chain reaction -restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: Frequency of MTHFR 677 CC and CT were 85.9% and 14.1% in the controls, and 84.9% and 15.1% in the cases. The 'T' allele frequency was 7% and 7.5% in cases and controls respectively. The frequency of MTHFR 1298 AA, AC, and CC were 28.3%, 55.6% and 16.1% for controls and 23.3%, 59.3% and 17.4% for cases respectively. The 'C' allele frequency for 1298 A→C was 43.9% and 47% respectively for controls and cases. The odds ratio (OR) for C677T was 1.08 (95% CI 0.48- 2.45, p = 0.851) and OR for A1298C was 1.29(95% CI 0.65-2.29, p = 0.46) and OR for 1298 CC was 1.31 (95% CI 0.53-3.26, p =0.56). The OR for the combined heterozygous status (677 CT and 1298 AC) was 1.94 (95% CI 0.58 -6.52, p = 0.286). Conclusion: The prevalence of 'T' allele for 677 MTHFR polymorphism was low in the population studied. There was no association between MTHFR 677 C→T and 1298 A→C gene polymorphisms and risk of ALL, which may be due to the small sample size.

Effect of cypermethrin on selected dehydrogenase enzymes in muscle and heart tissues of albino rats.

This study reveals significant variations in dehydrogenase enzymes on administration of oral, sublethal (41mg/kg) doses of cypermethrin as single, double and multiple doses with 48hr intervals. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were increased, whereas succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities were significantly decreased in muscle and heart tissues of albino rats, in a dose and time dependent manner. G-6-PDH is a key enzyme of HMP pathway. This pathway serves to generate glycolytic intermediates for the production of energy to tolerate toxic stress. SDH is a vital enzyme of citric acid cycle, and catalyses the reversible oxidation of succinate to fumarate. LDH activity shows an increase during anaerobic conditions to meet the energy demands. MDH activity depends on fluctuations of oxidative metabolism, and also reflects the turnover of carbohydrates and energy output.

Assembly of recombinant coat protein of sugarcane streak mosaic virus into potyvirus-like particles.

Coat protein (CP) gene of sugarcane streak mosaic virus-AP isolate (SCSMV-AP) was expressed in E. coli and recombinant CP (SCSMV-AP rCP) was purified by linear sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Observation of purified SCSMV-AP rCP under electron microscope revealed the presence of potyvirus-like particles (PVLPs). The assembled particles were shown to encapsidate CP gene transcripts by slot-blot hybridization.

Structure and function of enzymes involved in the anaerobic degradation of L-threonine to propionate.

In Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, L-threonine is cleaved non-oxidatively to propionate via 2-ketobutyrate by biodegradative threonine deaminase, 2-ketobutyrate formate-lyase (or pyruvate formate-lyase), phosphotransacetylase and propionate kinase. In the anaerobic condition, L-threonine is converted to the energy-rich keto acid and this is subsequently catabolised to produce ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation, providing a source of energy to the cells. Most of the enzymes involved in the degradation of L-threonine to propionate are encoded by the anaerobically regulated tdc operon. In the recent past, extensive structural and biochemical studies have been carried out on these enzymes by various groups. Besides detailed structural and functional insights, these studies have also shown the similarities and differences between the other related enzymes present in the metabolic network. In this paper, we review the structural and biochemical studies carried out on these enzymes.

Dynamics of lead (Pb) in different soil conditions.

Four soil samples were collected from various locations having wider range of pH and EC for incubation experiment. These soil samples were added with Pb (NO3)2 salts, and samples were taken on 1st, 35th, 45thand 60th day. Soils samples were fractioned by sequential extraction to estimate the concentration of lead in different fractions viz, water soluble, exchangeable +adsorbed, organic, carbonate and residual fraction. The result reveals that concentration of organic and carbonate bound-Pb was high in waterlogged condition and soil pH has been comprehensively identified as the single most important soil factor controlling the availability of lead (Pb) in soil. Low content of Pb in exchangeable + adsorbed (KNO3) and water soluble (H2O) fraction in all soils (except in S1) could signify low availability of Pb to plants. Bioavailable fractions, viz. water soluble and exchangeable + adsorbed, were low in all soils (except S1) well below critical limits, which may not pose any toxicity in the food chain.