Efficacy and safety of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) treatment in colorectal cancer: An observational study from a tertiary cancer center in South India

Background: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was the standard treatment care for colorectal cancer (CRC), however, its efficacy was limited due to safety concerns. Capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) treatment was found equivalent to 5-FU in efficacy and preferred now due to easy management and convenience in administration. Hence, the present study aims to determine the efficacy and safety associated with CAPOX treatment in a real world non clinical setting. Methods: 145 treatment-naive and newly diagnosed CRC patients were recruited in the study. Each patient received oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 infusion over 2 hours on day 1 and oral capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 in divided doses twice daily for the next 14 days of a 21-day cycle. Results: In the adjuvant setting, the observed disease-free survival rate was 62% (n=34) in the colon and 67% (n=15) in the rectum cancer patients at 2 years. The observed overall survival rate in the colon and rectal cancer was 80% (n=44) and 83% (n=18) respectively at 2 years. In the palliative setting the observed progression-free survival rate was 28% (n=13) in the colon and 33% (n=7) in rectal cancer patients at 2 years. The observed OSR at 2 years was 64% (n=30) in the colon and 67% (n=14) in the rectal cancer patients. Thrombocytopenia (17, 11.7%) and diarrhea (8, 5.5%) were the most commonly observed grade 3/4 hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities. Hand-foot syndrome and peripheral neuropathy were the major contributors for dose reduction (14, 9.6%), treatment delay (8, 5.4%), and drug discontinuation (9, 6.1%) in the study cohort. Conclusion: CAPOX treatment was found to be effective but associated with several dose-limiting toxicities.

Morphology of Proximal Femur in South-West Coast of India

@#Introduction: With a higher proportion of young individuals undergoing uncemented hip arthroplasty, a close match in the dimension of the proximal femur and the implanted prosthesis is paramount. This is a study to gain insight into geographical variation in proximal femur morphology to determine the reference values to design uncemented femoral stems for a south Indian population, and also the effect of ageing and gender on the proximal femur morphology. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of two groups. For the first group, 50 unpaired dry femur bones were obtained from adult human cadavers; and the second group was a clinical group of 50 adult patients. Standardised radiographic techniques were used to measure the extracortical and intra-cortical morphometric parameters. Based on these, dimensionless ratios were calculated to express the shape of the proximal femur. The data were expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation and a comparison made with other studies. Results: A significant difference was noted across various population subsets within the Indian subcontinent and also in comparison to the Western population, suggestive of regional variation. The measurements made in cadaveric bone differed significantly from those in live patients, especially the femoral head diameter and extra-cortical and intracortical width. Femoral offset, head height and diameter were significantly less in females. Conclusion: The south Indian population needs customised implants with an increase in neck shaft angle and a decrease in intra-cortical and extra-cortical width for press fit in hip arthroplasty. The variation between the two sexes must also be accounted for during prosthesis design.

Stature estimation from percutaneous length of ulna

Introduction: Height plays a vital role in establishing the identity of an individual. Anatomically, it is a linearcomposite of skull, vertebral column, pelvis and legs and is measured from vertex to foot. Many instances wheredirect measurement of height is impossible, necessitates an alternative methodology.Aim: As height is directly proportional to the length of long bones, my present study aims at deriving a regressionequation between height and percutaneous length of ulna in gender specific south Indian adolescent population.Materials and Methods: A total of 153 subjects (76 male and 77 female) with age span of 20 – 22 years wereincluded in this study. Length of ulna was measured using sliding Vernier caliper and height by standard heightmeasuring instrument for all subjects.Results:The findings of the study indicated significant differences of the ulna length between the genders. Apositive correlation between height and ulna length was observed in both sexes and it was statistically significant.Regression equations for stature estimation were formulated using the ulna lengths for both males and females.Conclusion: The ulna length provides an accurate and reliable means in estimating the height of an individual.The regression formulae proposed in this study will be useful for clinicians, anatomists, archeologists,anthropologists and forensic scientists when such evidence provides the investigator the only opportunity togauge that aspect of an individual’s physical description

Prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with other microvascular complications in South Indian population

Background: In individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the presence of Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia, cardiac arrhythmias, silent myocardial ischemia and stroke. It is also associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, even with minor surgeries in these patients. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of CAN in T2DM patients and to investigate any possible association between CAN and micro vascular complications.Methods: 102 T2DM patients between the age of 30 years and 70 years, who attended outpatient department of Institute of Diabetology, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu were included. All the selected patients underwent laboratory investigations, biothesiometry, fundus examination, and CAN assessment by CANS analyser.Results: A slight female preponderance was noted in the study, though it was statistically insignificant. Out of 102 patients, prevalence of CAN dysfunction was found in 82 (80.39%) of T2DM patients. No significant association of CAN was noted with duration of diabetes (p=0.772), HbA1c (p=0.827) and nephropathy (p=0.524). However, peripheral neuropathy (p=0.006) and retinopathy (p=0.03) were found to be significantly associated with CAN in T2DM patients.Conclusions: Prevalence of CAN in asymptomatic South Indian T2DM population was found to be 80.39%, with equal sex distribution and was most common in the 51- 60 years age group. Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy were the most significant microvascular complications predictive of the incidence of CAN in T2DM patients.

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.

Association of obesity and age-related macular degeneration in Indian population

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and association of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and obesity which was not studied extensively in Indian population over 60 years of age. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. A total of 4791 patients with gradable fundus photography were included. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and AMD was graded with retinal photographs. Grading of AMD was done according to the International ARM Epidemiological Study Group and staged based on grading in worse eye. The association of AMD severity and obesity (based on body mass index, waist–hip ratio, waist circumference, isolated abdominal obesity, isolated generalized obesity, and combined obesity) was assessed. The main outcome variable was an association between the presence and severity of AMD with different grades of obesity. Results: No direct significant association was noted between the presence and severity of AMD and any obesity indices. Subgroup analyses based on lifestyle patterns and common systemic pathologies in AMD population were done. Late AMD was significantly associated with tobacco consumption in population with combined obesity (P = 0.033 and odds ratio = 2.998). Conclusion: No direct association was noted between the presence or severity of AMD and obesity in South Indian population. However, indirect associations between the severity of AMD and combined obesity were found.

Evaluation of Bacillus spp. as dough starters for Adhirasam - A traditional rice based fermented food of Southern India

Abstract Adhirasam is a cereal based, doughnut shaped, deep fried dessert consumed in the southern regions of India. The dough used to prepare adhirasam is fermented and contains rice flour and jaggery. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cultivable bacteria associated with this fermented dough and to identify a suitable starter culture for the production of quality adhirasam. In total, one hundred and seventy bacterial isolates were recovered from de Man Rogosa Sharp (MRS) agar, nutrient agar, lysogeny agar and tryptic soy agar media. Out of the 170 bacterial isolates, sixteen isolates were selected based on their ability to tolerate glucose and sucrose. All the bacterial isolates tolerated 15% glucose and 30% sucrose. Analyses of 16S rDNA gene sequences of the bacterial isolates showed that the dominant cultivable bacteria were members of the genus Bacillus. These strains were further used as starters and tested for their ability to ferment rice flour with jaggery to produce adhirasam dough. Organoleptic evaluation was carried out to choose the best starter strain. Adhirasam prepared from Bacillus subtilis isolates S4-P11, S2-G2-A1 and S1-G15, Bacillus tequilensis isolates S2-H16, S3-P9, S3-G10 and Bacillus siamensis isolate S2-G13 were highly acceptable to consumers. Adhirasam prepared using these starter cultures had superior product characteristics such as softness in texture, flavor and enhanced aroma and sweet taste.

Cross-sectional study of glycosylated haemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of South Indian origin.

Background: Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Indian population is on rise and is leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The revised ADA guidelines since 2010 have suggested glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a diagnostic test for Type 2 diabetes. HbA1c level is having geographic and ethnic variability independent of glycaemic status and this has not been extensively studied in many regions. Objective: To study the characteristics of HbA1C in the South Indian population and to determine the cut off value for HbA1C in diagnosing Diabetes in them. Methods: This is a hospital based observational study conducted at a Tertiary care centre in North Kerala. Patients with age ≥30yrs with Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) ≥ 100 or Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) ≥ 200 with symptoms of hyperglycaemia with no previous history of anti diabetic treatment were selected for the study. A preset questionnaire was used to collect the data which was later analysed using relevant statistical techniques. Results: Out of the consecutive diabetic patients attending medicine OPD 99 newly detected diabetics/prediabetics who were not under any anti diabetic medications were studied. New onset diabetes/prediabetes patients showed a mean HbA1c of 8.26(SD=2.31). There was no significant correlation of HbA1c values with age, sex and duration of diabetes in the study population. The HbA1c values also had no significant correlation with systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol values or triglyceride levels. However it was significantly related to Fasting plasma glucose, Post prandial plasma glucose and serum LDL cholesterol values. In newly detected diabetic patients (with FPG≥126 taken as gold standard) ROC analysis determined a HbA1c cut off at 6.45% (AUC=0.76, sensitivity=79%, specificity=60%). Conclusion: The study provides a reliable cutoff of glycated haemoglobin (6.45%) among South Indian population which is in accordance with the ADA recommendations.

Vitamin D Receptor fok I Gene Polymorphism in Angiographically Proven Coronary Artery Disease Subjects: Case - Control Study.

Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifactorial disease resulting from modifiable and non modifiable risk factors. Gene polymorphism is one of the non modifiable risk factors, which may contribute to disease susceptibility. Identifying genetic polymorphisms is essential for better understanding of pathophysiology and treatment strategies for a particular disease. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) fok I polymorphism with CAD. . Place and Duration of the Study: The study samples were collected at Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore and genetic analysis done at Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India, from Nov 2013 to June 2014. Materials and Methodology: The study included 40 angiographically proven CAD subjects as cases and 40 normal healthy controls .VDR fok I polymorphism was analysed by PCR-RFLP method. Chi Square and odds ratio was used to find the association. Results: F allele frequency is 66.25% in CAD vs 52.5% in controls. There is no significant association of FF (p= 0.099), Ff (p= 0.851), ff (p= 0.138) with CAD. Conclusion: There is no significant association of VDR fok I polymorphism with CAD in south Indian population. According to our study F allele frequency is more in CAD than in controls.

Metabolic Syndrome and the Frequency of Occurrence of Its Components in Urban South Indian Population.

Aims: To study the frequency of occurrence of the components of Metabolic Syndrome [MetS] among MetS patients in urban south Indian population, with a view to suggest preventive measures. Study Design: Descriptive hospital based study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was done at a tertiary care teaching institution at Kozhikode, which is an urban area in south India, between September 2007 and February 2008. Methodology: Subjects aged 20 years and above attending the general health check-up clinic (953 people) were screened and people meeting National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP ATP III] criterion for MetS (257 people) were enrolled for the study. In addition to history taking and clinical examination, relevant laboratory investigations were done. Pearson chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of MetS in the screened population was 27%, more in females (28.1%) than in males (26.4%) and was found to increase with increasing age, in both genders. The most frequently occurring component of MetS in this study was increased abdominal girth [AG]. The other components in the decreasing order of frequency were low high density lipoproteins [HDL], elevated fasting blood glucose [FBG], raised blood pressure [BP] and raised triglycerides [TG]. In males the most frequently occurring component of MetS was reduced HDL, whereas in females it was increased abdominal girth. The other components in the decreasing order of frequency in males were raised TG, increased AG, elevated FBG and raised BP, whereas in females it was low HDL, elevated FBG, raised BP and raised TG. Presence of increased abdominal girth (P<.001) and low HDL (P=.030) was significantly more in females, whereas raised TG (P<.001) was more in males. Conclusions: Increased AG, which is the most frequently occurring component of MetS in this study, is an easily measurable parameter and may be taken as a proxy indicator for the prevalence of MetS in the population. Presence of increased AG is an indicator to check for the presence of other components of MetS and to advise necessary lifestyle changes to prevent the occurrence of MetS and to reduce the cardio vascular disease (CVD) burden in the population.

A genderwise study on the morphometry of infraorbital foramen and its laterally in dry adult skulls of South Indian population.

Background: The infraorbital foramen is situated in the maxilla and it conveys infraorbital nerve and vessel, the knowledge of its morphometry and variations is therefore mandatory to do therapeutic infraorbital nerve block or any clinical procedures. Aims & Objective: To study the gender wise morphometry of infraorbital foramen and its laterality in dry adult skulls of south Indian population. Materials and Methods: In the present study we examined 100 infraorbital foramina and measured its distance with bony features adjacent to it and the shape, presence of accessory foramina were analysed in relation to gender. The infraorbital foramen was the landmark from which the distance between the following bony structures were examined; Nasion (NAS), Zygomatico-maxillary suture (ZMS), Anterior nasal spine (ANS), and the distance between the inferior orbital rim(IOR) to optic canal (OC), infraorbital foramen IOF), inferior and superior orbital fissure (IF & SF). The average mean and standard deviation were calculated for every measurement. Paired t – test was used to compare the parameters between sides and gender for each measurement. Results: The most common shape of infraorbital foramen found in the present study is oval (39%) followed by semilunar (27%). Round shaped foramen was found in 22% of skulls, triangle shaped foramen was found in 12% and accessory foramina were present in 11% of the skulls. In the present study, we found triangle shaped foramen in 12% skulls and also the number of accessory foramina was found to be higher which emphasise the need to take ethnicity into account as triangle shaped foramen is unique in south Indian population as affirmed by previous authors. Conclusion: The results show significance with respect to gender and side which makes the knowledge of its morphometry obligatory for clinical procedures.

Effect of CYP2C9 AND VKORC1 genetic polymorphisms on warfarin dose requirement in south indian population.

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) genetic polymorphisms were strongly associated with warfarin dose requirement in Caucasians, African Americans and other populations. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic polymorphisms on warfarin dose requirement in south Indian population. A total of 150 patients on warfarin with stable INR (2- 3.5) for the past 3 months were recruited. The genotypes of CYP2C9*2 and *3 and VKORC1 -1639G>A were compared with mean daily warfarin dose (MDWD). The variant allele frequency of VKORC1 -1639G>A was found to be 10.4% and CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 were found to be 4.5% and 6.6%, respectively. Our study showed that the mean daily warfarin dose is higher in patients with wild type genotypes of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 compared to those with variant genotypes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index (BMI), duration of therapy and genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 together contribute to 36.1% variability in MDWD in south Indian population.

Metric assessment of femur using discriminant function analysis in South Indian population.

Introduction: Sex determination from unidentified human skeletal elements is a challenge for forensic investigators and anthropologists. This study aims to detect the best variable for sex determination from different parameters of femur. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted with 75 (40 males and 35 females) femora of known sex from the Department of Anatomy. Eight parameters were measured and subjected to univariate statistics, multivariate analysis such as discriminant analysis and logistic regression analysis employing SPSS 13.00 version program. Results: The epicondylar breadth, antero-posterior diameter of lateral condyle, proximal breadth, vertical diameter of head and neck are statistically significant for dimorphism (p<0.05). Discriminant analysis shows an overall accuracy of 62.7% and stepwise discriminant analysis shows an accuracy of 65.3%.Under stepwise analysis epicondylar breadth was selected as the best discriminant variable for sex prediction. Discussion: Results implies that epicondylar breadth of femur is the best parameter for sex determination which agrees with available literature in different population. It can be correlated to delayed ossification of growing lower end in males giving higher value. Due to early maturity dimorphism is less in the upper end of the bone. Conclusion: The results of present study confirm that epicondylar breadth is one of the good parameters in femur for sexing in unidentified skeleton.

Estimation of the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, total leukocyte count, and differential count in peripheral blood smear of patients with chronic periodontitis in a South Indian population / Estimado de los niveles de proteína C-reactiva, interleucina-6, Conteo total de leucocitos, y conteo diferencial en el frotis sanguíneo periférico de pacientes con periodontitis crónica en la población del sur de la India

AIMS: The aim of the present study is to investigate systemic levels of inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total leukocyte count and differential count in patients with chronic periodontitis, in comparison to healthy individuals without periodontal disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 42 individuals, both males and females, above the age of 30 years, were included. Healthy controls (Group I, n = 14), patients with chronic localized periodontitis (Group II, n = 14) and chronic generalized periodontitis (Group III, n = 14), all without any other medical disorder were recruited and peripheral blood samples were taken. Serum samples of CRP and IL-6 were estimated by using different techniques. Total leukocyte count and differential count were estimated by standard clinical laboratory method. RESULTS: Groups II and III had higher mean CRP levels than Group I (0.479, 0.544 versus 0.304 mg/dL). C-reactive protein level in Group III was statistically significant when compared to Group I (p = 0.04). Group III had higher median IL-6 level (6.35 pgm/ml) than Group II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) and Group I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Median values of IL-6 were not statistically significant in any group (p = 0.29). Total leukocyte count was also elevated in Group III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) compared to Group II and Group I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm and 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). This was statistically significant between different study groups (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil count in Group III was higher (68.0%) than Group II (62.4%) and Group I (57.4%). Neutrophil percentage was statistically significant in Group III, when compared to Group I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of CRP, IL-6, total leukocyte count and neutrophils. These elevated inflammatory factors may increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions, potentially increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar los niveles sistémicos de los marcadores inflamatorios de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como la proteína C-reactiva (PCR), la interleucina-6 (IL-6), el conteo total de leucocitos, y el conteo diferencial en los pacientes con periodontitis crónica, en comparación con individuos saludables sin la enfermedad periodontal. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: El estudio comprendió un total de 42 individuos - varones y hembras - mayores de 30 años de edad. Los controles saludables (Grupo I, un = 14), los individuos con periodontitis crónica localizada (Grupo II, n = 14), y aquellos con periodontitis crónica generalizada (Grupo III, n = 14), todos sin ningún otro problema médico, fueron reclutados y se tomaron muestras de sangre periférica. Las muestras de suero de PCR e IL-6 fueron estimadas usando técnicas diferentes. El conteo total de leucocitos y el conteo diferencial fueron calculados mediante el método estándar de laboratorio clínico. RESULTADOS: Los grupos II y III tuvieron niveles promedio más altos de PCR que el Grupo I (0.479, 0.544 frente a 0.304 mg/dL). El nivel de proteína C-reactiva en el Grupo III fue estadísticamente significativo, comparado con el Grupo I (p = 0.04). El Grupo III tuvo un nivel mediano más alto de IL-6 (6.35 pgm/ml) que el Grupo II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) y el Grupo I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Los valores medianos de IL-6 no fueron estadísticamente significativos en ningún grupo (p = 0.29). El conteo total de leucocitos también fue elevado en el Grupo III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) comparado con el Grupo II y el Grupo I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm y 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). Dicho conteo fue estadísticamente significativo entre diferentes grupos de estudio (p < 0.0001). El conteo de neutrófilos en el Grupo III fue más alto (68.0%) que en el Grupo II (62.4%) y el Grupo I (57.4%). El porcentaje de neutrófilos fue estadísticamente significativo en el Grupo III, en comparación con el Grupo I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIÓN: La periodontitis produce niveles sistémicos más altos de PCR, IL-6, conteo total de leucocitos y neutrófilos. Estos factores inflamatorios elevados pueden aumentar la actividad inflamatoria en las lesiones ateroscleróticas, aumentando potencialmente el riesgo de accidentes cardiovasculares.

Seroprevalence of Ig G and Ig M Antibodies in Individuals with Herpes Simplex Virus -1 &2 Infection in HIV Positive and Negative Individuals of South Indian Population.

The seroprevalence of HSV type 1 and 2 both in HIV positive and negative individuals of south India was studied. A comparative analysis was made to study the IgG and IgM antibodies to both types of HSV and the age and gender based distribution of HSV. IgG antibodies were more in HIV positive patients than the IgM antibodies. HSV-1 was more in HIV negative men and in HIV positive men, HSV was predominant than in women. Co infection with both HSV types was more in men. Either HSV-1 or 2 or both were predominant in HIV positive persons of 30 yrs or above than in those below 30 years. HIV negative patients showed high HSV-1 in the age group of 30 and above and high HSV-1 and 2 co infection was found in the age group below 30 yrs. HSV-2 was equally prevalent in both groups. This study helps in the earlier detection of HSV antibodies, which would be useful in immunoprophylaxis.

Genetic variation in genes involved in folate and drug metabolism in a south Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variations represented as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) vary across the world population. This genetic polymorphism (such as SNPs) plays an important role in pharmacogenomics. SNPs that affects cellular metabolism, by altering the enzyme activity, have an important role in therapeutic outcome. Allele frequencies in number of clinically relevant SNPs within south Indian populations are not yet known. Hence, we genotyped randomly selected unrelated south Indian subjects from different locations of south India representing the heterogeneous ethnic background of the population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Common variants of MTHFD1, TYMS, SHMT1, MTR, MTRR, CBS and SULT1A1 gene polymorphisms were screened from healthy unrelated south Indian volunteers. Genotypes were determined using RFLP analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified products and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Chi-square test was performed to test for deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each locus. RESULTS: Gene allele frequency for several polymorphisms in our study differed significantly between the populations of other nations reported for several of the SNPs. These results demonstrate that the populations in different geographic regions may have widely varying genetic allele frequencies for clinically relevant SNPs. CONCLUSION: The present study reports, for the first time, the frequency distribution of MTHFD1, TYMS, SHMT1, MTR, MTRR, CBS and SULTIA1 gene polymorphisms in a south Indian population. Population-specific genetic polymorphism studies will help in practicing pharmacogenomic principles in the clinics.

Inner canthal distance and golden proportion as predictors of maxillary central incisor width in south Indian population.

Objectives: Even though the constant relation of golden proportion and inner canthal distance (ICD) with the width of the maxillary central incisor (CIW) has been found in European population, it may not be applied to Indian population as we differ from Europeans racially and genetically. Hence, this study was carried out with the objectives of determining if these parameters are applicable to our population also. Materials and Methods: Three hundred south Indian subjects between 18 and 26 years of age, free from facial and dental deformities were examined. Inner canthus of each eye was used as soft tissue landmark. The maxillary central incisors were measured at the contact point area with the help of digital vernier caliper. The CIW was also calculated using golden proportion ratio to obtain the calculated central incisor width. A comparison was made with measured width. Statistical analyses were done to identify any significant difference using "Z" tests. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient test was used to evaluate the measured and the calculated width of the central incisor. Results: ICD and the width of two maxillary incisors were in golden proportion in south Indian population. Also, ICD when multiplied by a decreasing function value of the golden proportion and divided by 2 is a reliable predictor of determining CIW. Conclusion: As in the European population, the ICD and the golden proportion are reliable predictors for determining the width of the maxillary central incisors in the south Indian population also.

Lack of association of Endoglin insertion polymorphism in intracranial aneurysm in South Indian population.

Background : Endoglin , is a component of transforming growth factor-β complex. It is involved in vascular development and structural maintenance of the vessel wall. Conflicting reports on the association of a six base insertion polymorphism in intron 7 of the endoglin gene in intracranial aneurysms (IA) have been reported earlier. materials and Methods: A case-control study was designed to compare 102 South Indian patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms and 118 ethnically and geographically matched healthy controls. The frequency of the six base insertion polymorphism was assessed by heteroduplex analysis followed by direct sequencing. Results:Insertion allele count was 39 (19.1%) of 204 alleles in the patient group and 42 (17.8%) of 236 alleles in the control group. The INS allele frequency was similar to the frequency in Caucasian population, but it was significantly lower than the Japanese population ( P =0.01). There was also no relationship of this polymorphism in patients with single aneurysm (33/176 alleles) or those with multiple aneurysms (6/28 alleles). Conclusion:Six base insertion polymorphism in Endoglin gene was not found to be a risk factor for intracranial saccular aneurysms in the South Indian population. Ethnic-related differences were observed. This is the first report on any genetic mutation in intracranial aneurysms in Indian population.

Karyology of a few species of south Indian acridids. II Male germ line karyotypic instability in Gastrimargus.

Gastrimargus africanus orientalis, an acridid grasshopper has revealed the existence of karyotypic mosaicism in the male germ line cells of a few individuals with 2n = 23, 19, 21, 25 and 27 chromosomes. Details of this chromosomal instability are presented in this paper.