The inheritance of juvenile onset primary open angle glaucoma.

Juvenile onset open angle glaucoma (JOAG) affects patients before 40 years of age, who present with high intraocular pressure and deep steep cupping of the optic nerve head. While it was considered to be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, recent studies have shown an autosomal recessive pattern as well as sporadic occurrence of the disease in several families. In this review, we analyze the genetic basis of the disease along with common mutations and their association with JOAG. We also analyzed the inheritance patterns in a large group of unrelated JOAG patients (n = 336) from Northern India wherein the prevalence of familial occurrence was assessed and segregation analysis performed, to determine the mode of inheritance.

Synthesis, characterization and biocompatibility of chitosan functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles for heat activated curing of cancer cells.

Surface functionalization, colloidal stability and biocompatibility of magnetic nanoparticles are crucial for their biological applications. Here, we report a synthetic approach for the direct preparation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles consisting of a perovskite LSMO core modified with a covalently linked chitosan shell that provides colloidal stability in aqueous solutions for cancer hyperthermia therapy. The characterization of the core-shell nanostructure using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; thermo-gravimetric analysis to assess the chemical bonding of chitosan to nanoparticles; field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for its size and coating efficiency estimation; and magnetic measurement for their magnetization properties was performed. Zeta potential and light scattering studies of the core shell revealed it to possess good colloidal stability. Confocal microscopy and MTT assay are performed for qualitative and quantitative measurement of cell viability and biocompatibility. In depth cell morphology and biocompatibility is evaluated by using multiple-staining of different dyes. The magnetic@chitosan nanostructure system is found to be biocompatible up to 48 h with 80% cell viability. Finally, an in vitro cancer hyperthermia study is done on the MCF7 cell line. During in vitro hyperthermia treatment of cancer cells, cell viability is reduced upto 40% within 120 min with chitosan coated nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that this simplified and facile synthesis strategy shows potential for designing a colloidal stable state and biocompatible core shell nanostructures for cancer hyperthermia therapy.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed/linseed) fixed oil.

The fixed oil of L. usitatissimum (flaxseed/linseed) inhibited PGE2-, leukotriene-, histamine- and bradykinin-induced inflammation. The oil also inhibited arachidonic acid-induced inflammation, suggesting its capacity to inhibit both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism. In tail immersion model, the oil raised the pain threshold to a lesser extent than morphine but showed excellent peripherally acting, analgesic activity comparable to aspirin, against acetic acid-induced writhing in mouse. In typhoid paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia, the oil showed antipyretic activity comparable to aspirin. The oil contains 57.38% alpha-linolenic acid. Dual inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, antihistaminic and antibradykinin activities of the oil could account for the biological activity and the active principle could be alpha-linolenic acid an omega-3 (18:3, n-3) fatty acid.

Central neurocytoma in the vermis of the cerebellum.

In neuropathology, anatomic landmarks and topographic relationships bear particularly on issues of differential diagnosis. A case of central neurocytoma of the vermis of the cerebellum is being reported in this article. A 45-year-old male with features of hydrocephalous and a posterior fossa space-occupying lesion was diagnosed as having central neurocytoma upon a microscopy of Hematoxylene and Eosin stained sections. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive immunohistochemical reaction for Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) and Synaptophysin. This case report is being made to emphasize that a high index of suspicion is required even for reporting neuropathology where the site does not match the conventional location of the lesion seen and also to emphasize the importance of immunohistochemistry in proving such unusually located lesions.

RAPD based genetic variability among cultivated varieties of Aonla (Indian Gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica L.).

Aonla, the Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) is widely grown in India due to its neutraceutical properties. Investigations on the use of RAPD markers enabled us to estimate genetic variability among commercially cultivated varieties. This study also enabled us to distinguish these varieties using a set of four decamer primers, which was otherwise difficult by using morphological markers. Cluster analysis revealed three different groups of varieties directly associated to their place of origin. RAPD markers were also able to differentiate varieties of same origin or even selection from same parents. This information can be used for identification of varieties and further crop improvement programme.

Integration of leprosy control into basic health services; an example from Nepal.

The need for integration of vertical projects into the Basic Health Services (BHS) has been felt in Nepal since 1968. In 1987 it was decided to provide integrated BHS all over the country. The Nepal Leprosy Control Project (NLCP) was one of the vertical projects which had to be integrated from that year. In order to prepare the BHS staff for this new task the NLCP developed a Comprehensive Leprosy Training course. Besides adequate training, three other prerequisites for successful integration are: a) adequate supply of drugs and equipment; b) regular supervision and specialist referral facilities; and c) a well functioning BHS system in which to integrate. This article tries to assess to what extent these prerequisites have been met for leprosy control in Nepal. To do this, some results of an evaluation of the training are used as well as existing literature on the functioning of the BHS system. The first three prerequisites are not fully met, but problems and obstacles related to these are mainly due to problems in the last prerequisite: a not so well functioning BHS system. It was, therefore, recommended to continue a (semi)vertical support system of leprosy control in those districts where the BHS is not so well developed.