Profiling of major biochemical compounds for identification of nutritionally rich genotypes in mango

Aim: Mango is a major fruit crop grown in India with wide variability for fruit colour, size, shape and fruit quality. The main objective of this study was profiling of mango genotypes and their genetic estimates for major biochemical compounds to identify superior genotypes as parents for developing nutritionally rich hybrids in future. Methodology: Fifty mango varieties were analysed for biochemical compounds such as total antioxidants, total phenols, total flavonoids and total carotenoids. The L*, a*, b* values were recorded for pulp colour, and genetic estimates were also worked for genetic parameters such as genotypic variance, phenotypic variance, GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance. Correlation matrix for major biochemical compounds and L*, a*, b* values were also calculated. Results: The present study revealed the presence of wide genetic variability in mango gene pool for biochemical compounds and pulp colour. The total phenolics ranged from 24.44 to 148.33 mg 100g-1 of pulp, total flavonoids 10.33-49 mg 100g-1, total carotenoids 0.48-7.50 mg 100g-1 and total antioxidants 0.14-1.59 µmol Trolox 100g-1 of pulp. The future genetic estimates showed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the presence of environmental influence to some degree in the phenotypic expression of characters. However, the difference between PCV and GCV for all the traits was narrow suggesting that the traits were less influenced by environment. The broad sense heritability (H2b) for all the compounds was high which indicates the phenotype of that trait strongly reflects its genotype. Interpretation: High values of PCV, GCV and heritability for total antioxidants, total phenols, total flavonoids and total carotenoids indicated high genetic variability and better scope for selection and improvement through hybridization.

Comparative study of common organism growth in urinary tract infection in type I and type II diabetes mellitus among womens in Salem District

Background: Specifically asymptomatic bacteriuria occurring in diabetes mellitus can cause serious complications like renal and perirenal abscess, gas forming infections such as emphysematous pyelonephritis and cystitis, fungal infections, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, and renal papillary necrosis. Though there is no consensus on the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in various population groups, it is reasonable to treat asymptomatic bacteriuria in diabetes mellitus patients because of its potential complications. The aim of the study: To compare the common organism growth in type I and type II diabetes mellitus among womens. Materials and methods: 150 Diabetes mellitus patients without any urinary complaints such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, strangury, tenesmus, nocturia, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence, urethral pain, bladder pain, renal colic, who attended diabetology department as outpatients and in patients in various wards of Govt. Government Mohan Kumuramanglam Medical College, between 2015- 2016 were enrolled for this study. Results: Of the total 150 patients in study group 44 patients had a positive urine culture in two consecutive urine samples. Most of the patients had blood sugar levels between 151 mg% to 250 mg%. 60% of patients had blood sugar in that range. Another 20% of patients had blood sugar valve between 251 mg% to 300 mg%. In the study group, 25 cases were Escherichia coli isolates. Next S. Palanivel Rajan, I.V. Priyamvadha. Comparative study of common organism growth in urinary tract infection in type I and type II diabetes mellitus among womens in Salem District. IAIM, 2019; 6(4): 9-13. Page 10 common pathogen was Klebsiella (15 cases). There was no significant correlation in renal profile in type 1 and type 11 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: High incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria has been observed in Diabetic woman. High incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria occur in both Type I Diabetes Mellitus and Type Diabetes Mellitus. Causative organisms in diabetic and non-diabetic asymptomatic bacteriuria are similar. E.coli is the commonest organism.

Comparative study of lateral approach and subclavian perivascular approach of supraclavicular brachial plexus block using the peripheral nerve stimulators

Introduction: Supraclavicular Brachial plexus block is commonly used for upper limb surgeries. Supraclavicular block described as spinal of the arm because of the dense motor and sensory blocked below mid humerus. Advantages of the supraclavicular block are potent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, reduction in stress response, reduction in opioid requirements and general anesthesia-related side effects. The Aim of the study: To evaluate the success rate as well as the quality of blockade and clinical efficacy of the Lateral approach compared with the Subclavian Perivascular approach of brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries and both approach guided by peripheral nerve stimulators. Materials and methods: Sixty patients of ASA grade I and II of either sex undergoing upper limb surgeries were randomly allocated into two groups I and II. Each group comprises of 30 patients. Surgery was done under the Lateral approach of Brachial plexus Block in group I and under the subclavian perivascular approach of Brachial plexus block in group II. Results: Time to perform the block was shorter, Number of attempts was less and complications were less by the Lateral approach when compared to subclavian Perivascular approach. Conclusion: Supraclavicular block of brachial plexus by Lateral approach provides an adequate sensory blockade and motor blockade, with less time to perform block and reduced number of S. Arul Rajan, M. Bhavani, T. Murugan. Comparative study of lateral approach and subclavian perivascular approach of supraclavicular brachial plexus block using the peripheral nerve stimulators. IAIM, 2018; 5(5): 57-62. Page 58 attempts and good tourniquet tolerance, and high success rate and fewer complications when compared to subclavian perivascular approach.

Incidence of Salmonella in Age and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of the Isolates.

Salmonella is responsible for the majority of invasive AGE. Antibiotic treatment is essential to reduce invasive infections. This study was undertaken to study the incidence of Salmonella among AGE and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the salmonella isolates. Standard methods were adopted to identify Salmonella sp,. Disc diffusion method was used to assay antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates. Results revealed that 15% of AGE is associated with Salmonella sp., and all the isolates were resistant to any one of the antibiotics tested & fall within 24 different antibiotics resistance pattern, morethan 80% of the strains were resistant to Ampicillin. Among antibiotics group amyloglycosides & cephalosporin group of antibiotics showed moderately less resistant to strains tested. We must develop a specific antibiotic usage policy for the reduction of antibiotic resistance.

Dental Undergraduatesâ’ Self-Assessed Confidence In Paediatric Dentistry

Aim: Self-assessment based on benchmarked professional standards is an excellent tool to assist inimproving the dental curriculum. Areas of strength and weaknesses can be identified. It can also actas a baseline standard when significant changes are introduced to the dental curriculum. The aimsof this prospective cross-sectional study was to investigate self-assessed confidence of final yeardental undergraduates in paediatric dentistry enrolled at University of Malaya in 2013. Methods: 65undergraduates completed anonymised questionnaires which were formulated based on expectedprofessional competencies in three domains namely clinical skills, patient management, and professionaldevelopment and clinical governance. Visual analogue score (VAS) represented by a 10cm line withscore ‘0’ no confidence at all and ‘10’ complete confidence was used to measure the level of confidence.Results: The overall analysis of self-assessed confidence was very positive with median VAS ≥ 5cmin; clinical skills, 7.66±1.31cm (range=2.41–9.97cm: n=62; 95.4%), patient management 7.73±1.27cm(range=5.09–9.95cm: n=64; 100.0%), and professional development and clinical governance,8.13±1.21cm (range=5.22–10.00cm: n=64; 100.0%). High confidence was reported for routine dental care(fillings and preventive care) while lower confidence reported for basic life support (median VAS=5.65cm)and pulp therapy for immature permanent teeth (median VAS=5.95cm). Conclusions: The final yeardental undergraduate students of the University of Malaya appear to have good overall self-assessedconfidence in core areas in paediatric dentistry.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Hypopigmented Macules.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a complex disease characterized by proliferation of the Langerhans cells. The clinical course is variable and ranges from a solitary lytic bone lesion or skin lesion with complete remission to a multisystem disorder with possible lethal outcome. The diagnosis is suspected by clinical signs and symptoms and radiological features commonly in craniofacial bones and skin lesions. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and immunohistochemical studies. We present case of a 8 year old child presenting with proptosis, diabetes insipidus and hypopigmented macules on chest and back showing bilateral distribution which is a rare presentation. Skin biopsy revealed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

In vitro antibacterial activity of Terminalia chebula leaf gall extracts against some human pathogenic strains.

The leaf galls of Terminalia chebula is used widely as Karkatasringi in south Indian markets. Karkatashringi is an important crude drug employed in various indigenous systems of medicine against several diseases and the drug has diverse medicinal properties. The present study was carried out to understand the antimicrobial activity of various extracts. The antibacterial activity of T. chebula (leaf gall) was evaluated against ten bacterial strains including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar-well diffusion method. Among the two extracts tested, the ethanol extract presented the best results against all the bacteria while aqueous extract showed moderate inhibition of the microbial growth. Each extract is unique against different microorganisms; Staphylococcus aureus was more susceptible to both extract among the tested organisms, whereas Serratia marcescens and Proteus mirabilis were less susceptible for ethanol and aqueous extract respectively. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was compared with standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin.

Emergence of multi drug resistant strains of E. Coli isolated from urinary tract infection in namakkal.

In this study we evaluated the multi drug resistant strains of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection in different age groups in Namakkal. Totally 153 isolates of E.coli were obtained from 700 urine samples. Present study indicates that there is a high prevalence of multidrug resistant E. coli in female 24.34% followed by male 18.14%. After confirmation, isolates were performed to resistance patterns of different antibiotics were determined by standard disk diffusion method. The antibiogram patterns of the isolates showed a high percentage of multidrug resistance to cephodoxime, Novobiocin and vancomycin which was repeated to most of the isolates. Fifty resistance patterns were recognized among the MDR strains. This study revealed that E. coli was the predominant bacterial pathogen of community acquired UTIs in Aligarh, India. It also demonstrated an increasing resistance to number of antibiotics. This study is useful for clinician in order to improve the empirical treatment.

Comparison of PCR based marker systems for genetic analysis in different cultivars of mango.

Native diversity is well represented in northern and eastern parts of India for mango. We evaluated three important polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based marker techniques viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and directed amplified mini satellite DNA (DAMD) and examined their suitability for depicting genetic relationships and discrimination among closely related group of 46 mango varieties grown in the different agro-ecological zones in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Nine RAPD, eleven ISSR and four DAMD primers generated 110, 160 and 43 discrete fragments, respectively, accounting for polymorphism of 87.3, 79.83 and 83.72%, respectively. Cumulative analysis of these markers resulted in comprehensive UPGMA based dendrogram where in native mangoes representing important breeding lines and varieties from Uttar Pradesh fall more or less in separate cluster, while Bihar and West Bengal cultivars represent genetically different lineage forming distinct separate cluster. The prime focus on the study was towards identification of genetic variability that warrants establishing origin and molecular evolution of mango cultivars of eastern and northern India because they are the rich gene pool for conservation. Highest diversity index (DI) and polymorphic information content (PIC) values were found in DAMD indicating it to be more informative than others. Similarly, high effective multiplex ratio (EMR) and marker index (MI) were recorded by ISSR reflecting ability to simultaneously detect a large number of bands. The study accomplished establishing genetic relationship and also DNA fingerprint development. The data is also useful for mapping studies for gene identification.

In vitro antibacterial activity of Terminalia chebula leaf gall extracts against some human pathogenic strains.

The leaf galls of Terminalia chebula is used widely as Karkatasringi in south Indian markets. Karkatashringi is an important crude drug employed in various indigenous systems of medicine against several diseases and the drug has diverse medicinal properties. The present study was carried out to understand the antimicrobial activity of various extracts. The antibacterial activity of T. chebula (leaf gall) was evaluated against ten bacterial strains including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar-well diffusion method. Among the two extracts tested, the ethanol extract presented the best results against all the bacteria while aqueous extract showed moderate inhibition of the microbial growth. Each extract is unique against different microorganisms; Staphylococcus aureus was more susceptible to both extract among the tested organisms, whereas Serratia marcescens and Proteus mirabilis were less susceptible for ethanol and aqueous extract respectively. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was compared with standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin.

Association of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2 C-344T) gene polymorphism & susceptibility to essential hypertension in a south Indian Tamil population.

Background & objective: Renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. Aldosterone, synthesized by aldosterone synthase in the adrenal cortex is encoded by the CYP11B2 gene. In this case-control study we examined the association between CYP11B2 C-344T polymorphism and essential hypertension in south Indian Tamil population. Methods: The study was conducted in 406 hypertensive cases and 424 healthy controls from Tamil population. Genotyping was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Statistical analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The 344TT homozygous variant genotype (OR-1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.8; P=0.02) and T allele (P=0.007) were found to be significantly associated with hypertension. In gender based analysis, the risk was significantly higher in male hypertensives (OR-1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.6, P=0.05) but not in female subjects. Interpretation & conclusion: A significant association between CYP11B2 gene polymorphism and essential hypertension was observed and the risk was confined to male subjects in south Indian Tamil population.

Age Estimation Based On Chronological Stages of Mandibular Third Molar Development.

Age estimation using forensic methodologies cover both living and dead people. In this regard, teeth are far more beneficial for being among the most indestructible tissues of the body, both in life and after death. Considering that maturity is function of age the objective of our study was to explore the utility of stages of tooth development in estimating the chronological age, which may be considered as a tool in forensic investigations. The inference drawn from the observations of the study results support the fact that the developmental stages of mandibular third molar yields acceptable estimates of chronological age of a suitable individual.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress & diabetes.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a central organelle entrusted with lipid synthesis, protein folding and protein maturation. It is endowed with a quality control system that facilitates the recognition and targeting of aberrant proteins for degradation. When the capacity of this quality control system is exceeded, a stress response (ER stress) is switched on. Prolonged stress leads to apoptosis and may thus be an important factor in the pathogenesis of many diseases. A complex homeostatic signaling pathway, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), has evolved to maintain a balance between the load of newly synthesized proteins and the capacity of the ER to aid in their maturation. Dysfunction of the UPR plays an important role in certain diseases, especially those involving tissues dedicated to extracellular protein synthesis. Diabetes is an example of such a disease, since pancreatic beta-cells depend on efficient UPR signaling to meet the demands for constantly varying levels of insulin synthesis. Recent studies have indicated that the importance of the UPR in diabetes is not restricted to the beta-cell but also to tissues of peripheral insulin resistance such as liver and adipose tissue. Better understanding of the basic mechanisms of ER stress and development of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes is pivotal for the identification of newer molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

CYP2D6 genotype and phenotype relationship in South Indians.

BACKGROUND: Genotypes of the drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6 influence plasma levels of 25% of commonly prescribed drugs. This is the first study in India to investigate the genotype-phenotype relationship of CYP2D6. AIM: To study the influence of some CYP2D6 genotypes on the metabolism of its substrate dextromethorphan in healthy South Indian volunteers and to assess the contribution of the CYP2D6*10 and CYP2D6*4 alleles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six subjects from a previous CYP2D6 genotyping study of healthy volunteers were included for phenotyping in this study. Selected volunteers belonged to any one of three genotype groups:Group I - two normal activity alleles, Group II - one reduced activity allele and one normal activity allele and Group III - one loss of function allele along with either a wild type or reduced activity allele. Volunteers were phenotyped for the CYP2D6 enzyme using dextromethorphan as probe drug. Concentrations of the parent drug and metabolite dextrorphan were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography. Metabolic ratios were calculated as the ratio of parent drug to metabolite in 0-8h urine samples. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Metabolic ratios from each genotype group were compared using the Mann-Whitney test at 5% significance, to observe their difference between genotype groups. RESULTS: The mean metabolic ratios+/-SD in Groups I, II and III were 0.0039+/-0.0031, 0.0032+/-0.0017 and 0.0391+/-0.0331 respectively. The mean metabolic ratio of Group III was significantly higher when compared with Groups I or II. In heterozygous individuals, the *1 or *2 alleles compensated for the reduced enzyme activity due to the *10 allele. However, if a heterozygous individual had a *4 allele, the reduced enzyme activity could not be compensated by the *1 or *2 alleles. CONCLUSIONS: The CYP2D6 enzyme activity was found to be decreased in individuals carrying *4 or *5 alleles.The *1 or *2 allele could compensate for the reduced function due to *10 allele, but not for the loss of function due to *4 allele.

Right atrial myxoma arising from the inferior vena cava.

A middle-aged man presented with recent-onset dyspnea and recurrent syncopal attacks at our institute. Echocardiography revealed a large mass arising from the inferior vena cava and prolapsing into the right atrium and ventricle. Histopathologic examination revealed the classic features of a myxoma. This report is of a rare case of a cardiac myxoma arising from the inferior vena cava.

Influence of the CYP2C9 AND CYP2C19 polymorphisms on phenytoin hydroxylation in healthy individuals from south India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Phenytoin, a widely used anti-epileptic drug, is metabolized mainly by CYP2C9 (90%) and partly by CYP2C19 (10%) to its major metabolite 5-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-5- phenylhydantoin (p-HPPH). The CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genes encoding these enzymes are polymorphically expressed and most of the variants result in decreased metabolism of the respective substrates. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of the CYP2C9*2 and *3 as well as CYP2C19*2 and *3 variant genotypes on phenytoin hydroxylation in healthy subjects from south India. METHODS: A total of 27 healthy, unrelated, subjects were administered a single oral dose of 300 mg phenytoin. Four hours later, 5 ml of blood was collected and genotyped for CYP2C9*1, *2, *3, CYP2C19*1, *2 and *3 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Phenytoin and the major metabolite p-HPPH were estimated by reverse phase HPLC. The metabolic ratio was calculated as concentration of phenytoin/p-HPPH. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between the CYP2C9 genotype and metabolic ratio of phenytoin/p-HPPH (r = 0.472, 95% CI 0.100 to 0.728; P = 0.01). While no association was found with CYP2C19 alone, a significant correlation was observed between the combined CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genotypes and phenytoin metabolic ratio (r = 0.507, 95% CI 0.146 to 0.749; P< 0.01). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: CYP2C9*2 and *3 mutant alleles caused decreased hydroxylation of phenytoin in vivo, whereas the mutant alleles of CYP2C19 played only a minor role in the metabolism of phenytoin in subjects of our study. The results of present preliminary study needs to be confirmed with a larger sample.

Heart-lung transplantation in India: initial experience.

Heart-lung transplantation is a well accepted and standard form of therapy for the surgical management of patients with end-stage cardiopulmonary disorders. The first heart-lung transplant in India was performed at our institution on May 3, 1999 and, subsequently, 2 more patients have undergone this procedure. The initial experience is encouraging and heralds a new era of thoracic organ transplantation in India.