Seabuckthron (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract ameliorates the gamma radiation mediated DNA damage and hepatic alterations.

In vitro assessment showed that H. rhamnoides (HrLE) extract possessed free radical scavenging activities and can protect gamma (γ) radiation induced supercoiled DNA damage. For in vivo study, Swiss albino mice were administered with HrLE (30 mg/kg body weight) for 15 consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 5 Gy of γ radiation. HrLE significantly prevented the radiation induced genomic DNA damage indicated as a significant reduction in the comet parameters. The lipid peroxidation, liver function enzymes, expression of phosphorylated NFκB (p65) and IκBα increased whereas the endogenous antioxidants diminished upon radiation exposure compared to control. Pretreatment of HrLE extract ameliorated these changes. Based on the present results it can be concluded that H. rhamnoides possess a potential preventive element in planned and accidental nuclear exposures.

Physical state & copy number of high risk human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in progression of cervical cancer.

Background & objectives: High-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection and its integration in host genome is a key event in malignant transformation of cervical cells. HPV16 being a dominant HR-HPV type, we undertook this study to analyze if viral load and physical state of the virus correlated with each other in the absence of other confounding variables and examined their potential as predictors of progressive cervical lesions. Methods: Both, viral load and integration status of HPV16 were determined by real time URR PCR and estimation of E2:E6 ratio in a total of 130 PGMY-RLB -confirmed, monotypic HPV16-infected cervical DNA samples from biopsies of cytology-confirmed low grade (LSIL, 30) and high grade (HSIL, 30), and invasive carcinoma, (squamous cell carcinoma SCC, 70) cases. Results: Investigation of DNA samples revealed a gradual increase in HPV16 viral load over several magnitudes and increased frequency of integration from LSIL to HSIL and HSIL to invasive cancer in relation to the severity of lesions in monotypic HPV16-infected cervical tissues. In a substantial number of precancer (11/60) and cancer cases (29/70), HPV16 was detected in concomitant mixed form. The concomitant form of HPV16 genome carried significantly higher viral load. Interpretation & conclusions: Overall, viral load and integration increased with disease severity and could be useful biomarkers in disease progression, at least, in HPV16-infected cervical pre-cancer and cancer lesions.

Evaluation of Mifepristone and Misoprostol for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Between 13-20 Weeks of Gestation.

Aim: To assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of mifepristone followed by vaginal misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) between 13-20 weeks of gestation. Material and methods: Forty women who fulfilled the criteria of MTP Act of India, were given 200 mg oral mifepristone, followed after 36-48 hours by 800 μg vaginal misoprostol and subsequently 400 μg vaginal misoprostol 3-hourly (maximum 2,400 μg). Success was taken as complete expulsion of fetus and placenta within 15 hours of first dose of misoprostol. Results: Success rate of complete abortion was 92.5%, which increased to 95% at 24 hours and successful expulsion of fetus was seen in 100% cases within 24 hours of first dose of misoprostol. Median induction-abortion interval was 6 hours. There were no major side effects. Nulliparous women took significantly longer time to abortion and required more analgesia than multiparous women. Conclusion: Mifepristone followed by vaginal misoprostol is a safe, effective and acceptable method for second trimester termination of pregnancy.

Quercetin and β-sitosterol prevent high fat diet induced dyslipidemia and hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

High fat diet group showed a significant rise in serum and hepatic total cholesterol, triglyceride and atherogenic index which are major biomarkers of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk. The liver function markers, lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory cytokine levels were elevated in high fat diet group whereas antioxidant levels significantly reduced. These findings manifest hepatic damage which was further confirmed by histological findings. Quercetin and β-sitosterol though structurally different yet both ameliorate the sickening changes in different mechanism. The current investigation is perhaps the first report of the mechanistic role of two polyphenols over dyslipidemia and subsequent hepatotoxicity.

Animal study of silicosis in respect of morbidity and mortality.

Silica activates release of biochemical substances in lungs. To evaluate duration dependent toxic effects of silica by biochemical changes in Broncho Alveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) and by post-mortem findings we developed a series of rat silicosis. Based on duration of exposures, single intratracheal injection of quartz dust in saline to acute models (n=3) and inhalation of quartz dust with air to chronic models (n=3) were administered. Control rats received vehicle only. Group wise BALF was collected on completion of exposure periods. Post-mortem examination was performed. Protein, hydroxyproline, elastase and Elastase Inhibitory Capacity (EIC) in BALF were measured. Post-mortem examination revealed progressive fibro-nodular changes in lungs. Biochemical parameters excepting EIC in both models showed significant (p< 0.001) gradual rise. Duration dependent biochemical changes in BALF due to silica were found responsible for progressive morbidity and may be considered as early markers for diagnosis, thereby, preventing increasing morbidity and death.

Role of hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB, buscopan (R)) as labor analgesic.

Background: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB) acts by inhibiting cholinergic transmission in the abdomino-pelvic parasympathetic ganglia, thus relieving spasm in the smooth muscles of gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary tract and female genital organs, especially the cervico-uterine plexus and aiding cervical dilatation. AIM: The study was undertaken to observe the effects of 40 mg intravenous HBB as a labor analgesic and labor accelerant. Settings and Design: This prospective randomized control trial was carried out on 104 primigravidae with single live fetus in cephalic presentation, with spontaneous onset of labor, between 37-40 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: Women were consecutively randomized into study (group I) and control (group II) groups, each with 52 patients after excluding high risk factors like preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, previous uterine scar, and any contraindications to vaginal delivery. Group I received 40 mg HBB as a slow intravenous injection in the active phase of labor while Group II received 2mL normal saline. Pain scores were assessed at baseline and two hours later. Secondary outcome measures compared were progress of labor based on injection delivery interval, mode of delivery and neonatal condition at birth. Statistical Analysis: Statistical significance was assessed by using Student's t-test and Chi-square test. P-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Pain relief of 35.6% was noted on visual analog score with the use of HBB. Mean duration of labor was 3 hours 46 minutes in Group I compared to 8 hours 16 minutes in Group II (P value: < 0.001). Mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were comparable. No adverse maternal effects were noted. Conclusions: Intravenous Hyoscine N-Butyl Bromide causes pain relief of up to 36% and shortens the duration of active phase without any untoward short term fetal or maternal effects.

Recovery of a bundle of bones leading to unveiling of a murder mystery.

A bundle of bones, packed in a gunny bag, was detected by the villagers in a jungle situated in Bankura, West Bengal. After thorough autopsy, it revealed that the bones belonged to a male person aged 25 +/- 2 years of stature 167.5 +/- 5 cm. It also revealed that the person was a chronic smoker and his cause of death was head injury, probably homicidal in nature. Subsequent investigation by police unveiled a gruesome incidence of killing a man by his wife and her paramour.

R study of suicide with special reference to endometrial study in female individuals.

A study was conducted at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, on suicide victims whose postmortem examination was performed between 1st January, 2003 and 31st December, 2003. Various epidemiological, aetiological and other related factors were studied. There were 42 males (36.21%) and 74 females (63.79%) among the total victims (n=116). Torture by in-laws for dowry was found to be the commonest predisposing factor for suicide (n=34; 29.31%). Consumption of poison was the commonest method (n=48; 41.38%). Incidence of suicide was at its peak during the month of May (n=18; 15.52%). Endometriums of female subjects of child-bearing age (n=60) were studied under microscope and most of them (n=47) were seen to be in secretory phase at the time of commitment of suicide.

DNA test--a forensic boon.

DNA fingerprinting (DNAFP) profiles can be applied to identify an individual in criminal as well as in civil cases. The main advantage of the technique is its ability to analyse small and environmentally challenged samples and to accurately establish their origins with a high degree of certainty: DNAFP can identify an individual in criminal and civil cases eg, rape, kidnapping, assassination and so on. The forensic DNA analysis can be stored in a data bank. It can help in crime prevention by giving the information of potential criminals. Reliability of DNA technique is very important. In paternity and maternity identification, when called for, DNA testing plays very much positive role.

Heterotransplantation of kidney: medical and legal issues.

Since 1905, various attempts were made to transplant kidney from rabbit, pig or goat. But the attempts failed due to strong immune reaction-response. Heterotransplantation or xenotransplantation is a process to transplant kidney between various species. Allotransplantation is costly and needs lifelong immunosuppression associated with high risk rate of infection and other complications. Moreover legal and social issues involved in the process should be taken into account. So xenotransplantation is definitely an improved process.

Atypical hepatic pathology associated with diabetes mellitus--report of two cases.

Generalised oedema of short onset without evidences of cardiac or renal failure in two diabetic patients, irrespective of diabetes type with common features of non-hepatomegaly, without altered liver enzymes, absence of viral markers, absence of diabetic angiopathy, poor glycaemic control and improvement with glycaemic care are reported.Both the patients had certain biochemical and hepatic histologic features in common.

Effect of salt stress on nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes.

It is now well established that almost all phases of root nodule development in legumes are adversely affected by saline conditions in the rooting medium. There is also a general agreement that the rhizobia are more tolerant to salt stress than the host plant, but they show considerable strain variability in growth and survival under saline conditions. Inhibitory effect of salinity on nodulation has been attributed to decrease in rhizobial colonisation and shrinkage and lack of root hair formation. Salt stress also induces premature senescence of already formed nodules. Both N2-fixation activity and nodule respiration are inhibited sharply on exposure of plants to saline conditions. The decrease in N2-fixation has been ascribed to direct effect on nitrogenase activity or an indirect effect through decrease in leghemoglobin content, respiratory rate, malate concentrations in nodules and photosynthate availability. Salinity increases oxygen diffusion resistance in the nodules and alters their ultrastructure. Decrease in N2-fixation in nodules under salinity is also accompanied by parallel decrease in the activity of H2O2-scavenging enzymes like catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and the level of antioxidants like ascorbic acid. Nodules appear to undergo osmoregulation under saline conditions by accumulating physiologically compatible solutes like proline, sugars (pinnitol) and lactic acid. The intensity of the adverse effects of salinity on nodule functioning depends on plant species, rhizobial strain, duration of exposure to saline conditions, nature, concentration and mode of salt application.