Role of PGrs and inhibitors in induction and control of somatic embryogenesis in Themeda quadrivalvis.

Somatic embryogenesis could be achieved in Themeda quadrivalvis (Linn.) O. Ktze -fodder grass species on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Incorporation of putrescine in the medium stimulated embryogenesis, however its lower concentration stimulated production of non-regenerative callus. Other polyamines such as spermine and spermidine could not evoke similar response. Ascorbic acid used as antioxidant could not prevent browning in embryogenic cultures, however it stimulated embryogenesis. Inhibition of auxin polar transport by use of TIBA and HFCA reduced the embryogenic response significantly and produced distorted or abnormal embryos. Antiethylene substances such as AgNO3 and CoCl2 added in the medium adversely affected the process of embryogenesis and counteracting the stimulatory role of ethylene.

In vitro growth and shoot multiplication in Terminalia bellerica roxB. under controlled carbon dioxide environment.

The shoot cultures of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. were grown on Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 1.5 mg 1(-1) BAP (6- benzyl aminopurine), and supplemented with or without sucrose (3%). A range of CO2 concentrations (0.0, 0.6, 10, 40 g(-3)) was provided in small acrylic chambers by using different concentrations and combinations of NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate), Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate), KHCO3 (potassium bicarbonate) and K2CO3 (potassium carbonate). To obtain a CO2-free environment, a saturated solution of 10% of KOH (potassium hydroxide) was kept in the chamber. Complete absence of carbon source caused death of shoots within 20 days. Under controlled and enriched CO2, the shoots grew fully photoautotropically on sucrose-free medium. The growth of cultures was better with carbon dioxide (40 g(-3)) than sucrose (3%) in the medium. Maximum number of shoots, number of leaves per cluster, fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll contents were recorded when both sucrose and CO2 (40 g(-3)) were provided to the culture.

Sclerosing hemangioma of the lung.

An extremely rare case of sclerosing hemangioma lung is described in a patient who presented as right sided pleural effusion with recurrence.

Development of pleural effusion in patients during anti-tuberculous chemotherapy: analysis of twenty-nine cases with review of literature.

Twenty-nine cases of tuberculosis developing pleural effusion (PE) during antituberculous chemotherapy (ATT) were analysed for clinical presentation and management outcome. Sixteen (55%) patients had pulmonary tuberculosis alone while rest had associated or isolated extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Thirteen (44.8%) patients developed PE during the 5th-8th week of chemotherapy and nine (31%) during 9th-12th week. Eighteen (62%) patients were on either HRZE or HRE while five (17.2%) were on SHRZ regimen before developing PE. All cases had exudative PE. Pleural fluid centrifuge was smear positive for AFB in two (6.8%) cases and culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in four (13.7%) cases. Pleural biopsy sections were negative for either AFB or tuberculous histology in 15 out of the 24 biopsies done. Twenty-four (82.7%) patients showed good response on the same ATT without modification. Development of PE during successful ATT seems to be an extension of paradoxical events having an immunological basis, which does not necessarily require any modification in chemotherapy.

Postbronchoscopy expectoration of tumour tissue in lung cancer.

A case of undifferentiated giant cell type bronchogenic carcinoma in an old man is reported. Following bronchoscopy, the patient expectorated tumour mass tissue in his sputum and was relieved of breathlessness to a great extent.

Experimental pulmonary fluorosis.

An experimental study was undertaken to observe effects of fluoride ingestion on lung tissue. The study was conducted on 15 albino rabbits of either sex and experimental fluorosis was induced by daily oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) solution. Rabbits were divided into three groups according to the quantity of fluoride ingestion: Group A: rabbits fed with 10 mg/kg/day NaF, Group B: 20 mg/kg/day NaF; and Group C: controls. After six months, the rabbits were sacrificed and their lung tissue was submitted for histopathological examination and fluoride content estimation. On gross examination, pale areas on the surface and dark brown congested areas on cut-section of lungs were seen in rabbits of groups A and B. Histopathological changes of alveolar haemorrhage, congestion, edema fluid, necrosis of alveolar epithelium, distortion of alveolar architecture and desquamation of epithelium of respiratory tract with damage to tracheal cartilage were observed in these groups. These changes were more marked in group B rabbits. Fluoride content of lung tissue homogenate was significantly higher in groups A and B (mean 1.206 ppm and 1.978 ppm respectively) as compared to control (0.1585 ppm). It was concluded that prolonged fluoride ingestion damages pulmonary tissues of rabbits. To the best of our knowledge, effect of chronic fluoride ingestion on lungs has not been reported in the literature, therefore, we had undertaken this study to analyse the effect of chronic fluoride ingestion on lungs.

Primary bronchogenic carcinoma: clinical profile of 279 cases from mid-west Rajasthan.

The present retrospective study was undertaken to study the clinical profile of primary bronchogenic carcinoma seen during last eight years in a teaching hospital. Out of a total of 279 diagnosed cases, 86% were males with an average age of 57 years, smoking was the risk factor in 81.6%. Forty percent of female patients were smoker with a significant overlap in use of smoking objects. Twenty four (8.8%) patients were less than 40 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Average duration of illness was 4.5 months. Weight loss (77%) and fever (34%) were the commonest general symptoms. Other chest symptoms include cough (68%), dyspnoea (59%), chest pain (22%), hemoptysis (20%) and dysphagia (6%). Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) (75%) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (74.8%) were found to be the most efficient diagnostic procedures. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma were seen in 42%, 20%, 18% and 14% cases, respectively. Six percent patients showed malignant cells only and marked as unclassified. Radiologically, obstructive pneumonitis was the commonest presentation (59.5%) followed by mass lesion (31.8%) and rib destruction (5.1%). Inspite of its limitation, this study for the first time reports lung cancer pattern from mid-west Rajasthan.

Primary tuberculosis of nose.

An extremely rare case of primary tuberculosis of nose is being reported. Possible modes of infection are also discussed.

A new medium for rapid slide culture of tubercle bacilli.

Human blood medium (HBM) and egg enriched sheep blood medium (SBM) were evaluated to see their efficacy for primary culture of tubercle bacilli. SBM is found to be equally effective compared to HBM. Both types of media were associated with a low rate of contamination (2.75%). Availability of culture results after 7 days compared to 6 weeks on Lowenstein-Jensen media is a distinct advantage of slide culture method with a possible use in primary isolation and in evaluation of drug sensitivity pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Ranitidine--rifampicin interaction.

Newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 112) were put on a rifampicin-containing drug regimen. Fifty six patients were also given a placebo tablet twice daily while the other fifty-six were given ranitidine 150 mg twice daily. Gastric pH, gastric emptying time, serum rifampicin levels, urinary total and unchanged rifampicin, serum bilirubin and ALT levels were measured serially. Clinical record of adverse symptoms was maintained. Ranitidine increased the basal as well as post-drug gastric pH without altering the gastric emptying time. Concomitant administration of ranitidine and rifampicin did not alter the absorption, metabolism or excretion of the latter but reduced the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Influence of prior information of drug toxicity on patient compliance.

Sixty patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, who had not received any chemotherapy in the past, were divided into two groups. All the patients were put on isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide for 8 weeks followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for another 18 weeks. Group A patients were informed of the likely occurrence of anorexia and/or vomiting but Group B patients were not. Routine and default retrieval home visits were given to ensure maximal drug compliance. Drug toxicity related early defaults were significantly less common in Group A patients (1 of 30) as compared to Group B (6 of 30).