Polysaccharide-Protein Complex Isolated from Fruiting Bodies and Cultured Mycelia of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Injury in Rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the polysaccharide-protein complex isolated from the fruiting bodies (GLFPPC) and cultured mycelia (GLMPPC) of a highly valued medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, to alleviate doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. GLFPPC and GLMPPC were isolated from aqueous-alcoholic extracts of fruiting bodies and cultured mycelia of G. lucidum by repeated ethanol precipitation, dialysis, treatment with Sevag reagent, and freeze drying. The polysaccharide component was confirmed by assays with anthrone and phenol-sulphuric acid regents and protein moiety with Bradford reagent. The amino acid profile of protein moiety was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was determined using Swiss albino mice. DOX administration caused a marked increase of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities, indicating injury to the myocardium. The polysaccharide-protein complex downregulated cardiac injury marker enzymes, enhanced activities of endogenous antioxidants (namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione levels), and significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation. The results indicated that GLFPPC and GLMPPC imparted protection against DOX-induced oxidative stress. Biochemical assays coupled with histopathological observations supported this conclusion. These experimental findings suggest that the polysaccharide-protein complex isolated from G. lucidum might be a useful therapeutic agent to ameliorate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Endothelialization following Flow Diversion for Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanism of action of flow diverters is believed to be the induction of aneurysm thrombosis and simultaneous endothelial cell growth along the device struts, thereby facilitating aneurysm exclusion from the circulation. Although extensive attention has been paid to the role of altered cerebrovascular hemodynamics using computational fluid dynamics analyses, relatively less emphasis has been placed on the role of the vascular endothelium in promoting aneurysm healing. PURPOSE: Our aim was to systematically review all available literature investigating the mechanism of action of flow diverters in both human patients and preclinical models. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Web of Science electronic data bases was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. STUDY SELECTION: We selected articles assessing the role of endothelialization in flow-diverter treatment of cerebral aneurysms, including both preclinical and clinical studies. DATA ANALYSIS: Ten articles were eligible for inclusion in this review. Two assessed endothelialization in human patients, while the other 8 used preclinical models (either rabbits or pigs). DATA SYNTHESIS: Methods used to assess endothelialization included optical coherence tomography and scanning electron microscopy. LIMITATIONS: A limitation was the heterogeneity of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Current data regarding the temporal relationship to flow-diverter placement has largely been derived from work in preclinical animal models. Whether these cells along the device struts originate from adjacent endothelial cells or are the result of homing of circulating endothelial progenitor cells is equivocal.

Poly-MVA attenuates 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene initiated and croton oil promoted skin papilloma formation on mice skin.

OBJECTIVE: Chemopreventive agents which exhibit activities such as anti-inflammation, inhibition of carcinogen induced mutagenesis and scavenging of free radical might play a decisive role in the inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis either at the initiation or promotion stage. Many synthesized palladium (Pd) complexes tested experimentally for antitumor activity are found effective. Poly-MVA is a liquid blend preparation containing B complex vitamins, ruthenium with Pd complexed with alpha lipoic acid as the major ingredients. The antitumor effect of Poly-MVA was evaluated against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene-initiated croton oil-promoted papilloma formation on mice skin. Skin tumor was initiated with a single application of 390 nmol of DMBA in 20 µl acetone. The effect of Poly-MVA against croton oil- induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation on the mice skin was also evaluated. Topical application of Poly-MVA (100 µl, twice weekly for 18 weeks) 30 minutes prior to each croton oil application, significantly decreased the tumor incidence (11%) and the average number of tumor per animals. Application of Poly-MVA (100 µl) before croton oil significantly (p < 0.05) protected the mouse skin from inflammation (36%) and lipid peroxidation (14%) when compared to the croton oil alone treated group. Experimental results indicate that Poly-MVA attenuate the tumor promoting effects of croton oil and the effect may probably be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Racial diversity in mortality and morbidity in urban patients with hepatitis C.

Defining mortality for Caucasians and African American patients with chronic hepatitis C with respect to racial diversity is critical for counselling patients on therapy options. The objective of this study was to define racial diversity influence on mortality and morbidity of 3724 consecutive hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients seen in an urban clinic between 1995 and 2008. Mortality, as of 2011, was defined using the SSA National Death Index and correlated with early visit medical information. The HCV chronically infected patient population consisted of 2879 African Americans (AA), 758 Caucasians and 87 other, and the majority were not treated for their infection prior to 2011. The average time to death from first visit was 5 years, the average age at death was 55 years, and despite racial diversity, AA were just as likely to be reported dead as Caucasians (23% AA vs 22% Caucasians). Cirrhosis and fibrosis (liver biopsy, AST Platelet Ratio Index or Fibrosis-4) at first visit as well as low albumin, diabetes, renal impairment and cardiac symptoms were associated with increased mortality. Treated patients who cleared the virus (sustained viral response (SVR); AA = 59; Caucasians = 40) had lower mortality than patients who were not treated (AA: 5% vs 27%; Caucasians 5% vs 26%). Hence, we find that race is not a factor in the early mortality of patients with chronic HCV infection and achieving a SVR reduced mortality. Unexpectedly, nonresponding AA also benefited by a lower mortality. African American patients with kidney disease and low albumin were at highest risk and should be treated as soon as identified.

Control of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the vectors of dengue and chikungunya, by using pheromone C21 with an insect growth regulator: Results of multicentric trials from 2007-12 in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Aedes mosquito control has gained much importance nowadays in view of rise in number of reported cases of dengue and chikungunya in India and other countries. In the present study, C21 attracticide (containing a pheromone and an insect growth regulator­IGR, developed by Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, India was tested for its feasibility for surveillance and control of Aedes mosquito in a multicentric mode from October 2007 to June 2012 in urban (Delhi, and Bengaluru district, Karnataka) and suburban (Alappuzha district, Kerala) settings of the country in three phases. METHODS: Across the randomly selected households in each study area, two to four containers treated with attracticide (experimental) and untreated (control) were placed and monitored by trained surveillance workers on weekly/ fortnightly basis for determining the presence of eggs, larvae and pupae. Container positivity, percent larvae, egg and pupae collected were determined during different phases and analyzed statistically using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: Container positivity was found statistically significant at Bengaluru and Alappuzha, Kerala while in Delhi, it was found non-significant. Eggs collected from experimental containers were significantly higher in comparison to control at all the locations except Delhi. Also larvae collected from control containers were significantly higher at all the locations except Bengaluru. Pupae collected from control containers remained significantly higher at all the locations as no pupal formation was recorded from experimental containers. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The use of C21 attracticide hampered pupal formation, thus inhibiting adult population in the study areas. The study established that C21 attracticide was efficacious in the field conditions and has potential for use in surveillance and management of dengue and chikungunya mosquitoes.

A novel technique for modified onlay incisional hernia repair with mesh incorporation into the fascial defect: a method for addressing suture line failure.

PURPOSE: Biological mechanisms such as abnormal wound healing and impaired scar formation are important aetiological factors in the development of abdominal wall hernias. Standard onlay repair often involves suture closure of the fascial defect with placement of the mesh over this closed defect. This has the disadvantage that suture line failure may occur early in the healing process and predispose to recurrence. Our technique aims to overcome this by incorporating the mesh into the fascial closure. The aim of this retrospective study was to audit recurrence rate and surgical complications relating to this modified repair. METHODS: This study included all patients undergoing incisional hernia repair over a 5-year period under a single consultant. An initial stitch was taken through the Ultrapro(TM) mesh and fascia on one side of the defect followed by the fascia and mesh on the other side. By repeating this process with a continuous suture, the mesh was incorporated into the fascial defect closure. Telephone survey was performed, and where there was suspicion of a recurrence patients were brought back to the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The study included 72 patients with a median follow-up of 29 months. There was a 7 % recurrence rate and a 10 % minor complication rate, with no patient requiring readmission or mesh removal. In 70 % of patients the procedure was performed as a day case and 90 % were satisfied with the repair. CONCLUSIONS: This is a promising new technique that aims to address suture line failure and the significant recurrence rate that occurs with incisional hernia repair.

Chloroquine efficacy studies confirm drug susceptibility of Plasmodium vivax in Chennai, India.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the Plasmodium vivax burden in India is complicated by the potential threat of an emerging chloroquine (CQ) resistant parasite population from neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and an urban setting for P. vivax in southern India, was selected as a sentinel site for investigating CQ efficacy and sensitivity in vivax malaria. METHODS: CQ efficacy was evaluated with a 28-day in vivo therapeutic study, while CQ sensitivity was measured with an in vitro drug susceptibility assay. In both studies, isolates also underwent molecular genotyping to investigate correlations between parasite diversity and drug susceptibility to CQ. Molecular genotyping included sequencing a 604 base pair (bp) fragment of the P. vivax multidrug resistant gene-1 (Pvmdr1) for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and also the amplification of eight microsatellite (MS) loci located across the genome on eight different chromosomes. RESULTS: In the 28-day in vivo study (N=125), all subjects were aparasitaemic by Day 14. Passive case surveillance continuing beyond Day 28 in 22 subjects exposed 17 recurrent infections, which ranged from 44 to 148 days post-enrollment. Pvmdr1 sequencing of these recurrent infections revealed that 93.3% had identical mutant haplotypes (958M/Y976/1076L) to their baseline Day 0 infection. MS genotyping further revealed that nine infection pairs were related with ≥ 75% haplotype similarity (same allele at six or more loci). To test the impact of this mutation on CQ efficacy, an in vitro drug assay (N=68) was performed. No correlation between IC50 values and the percentage of ring-stage parasites prior to culture was observed (r(sadj): -0.00063, p = 0.3307) and the distribution of alleles among the Pvmdr1 SNPs and MS haplotypes showed no significant associations with IC50 values. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmodium vivax was found to be susceptible to CQ drug treatment in both the in vivo therapeutic drug study and the in vitro drug assay. Though the mutant 1076 L of Pvmdr1 was found in a majority of isolates tested, this single mutation did not associate with CQ resistance. MS haplotypes revealed strong heterogeneity in this population, indicating a low probability of reinfection with highly related haplotypes.

Neuronavigation with the universal probe to access intracranial targets.

INTRODUCTION: The universal probe is a tool devised to allow navigation-directed biopsies and drainage procedures to be performed in a simple manner using a single hardware and software. AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of the universal probe. RESULTS: We used the universal probe in a total of 17 patients for 10 biopsies and 8 drainage procedures. We were able to achieve our set objectives in all 18 procedures. We did not encounter any complications using this device. CONCLUSION: The universal probe enabled a variety of navigation-based procedures to be carried out using only a single software and hardware.

Effect of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Asteraceae) leaf extracts on the oviposition activity of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Plant extracts have been studied extensively for their insecticidal activity against immature stages and adult mosquitoes. They have also been reported to influence the habitat preference of ovipositing mosquitoes. Ageratum houstonianum, a medicinal plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, has been reported to possess insecticidal activity, and in the present study, the ovipositional attractant/deterrent activity was studied. The effect of Ageratum houstonianum crude leaf extracts on the oviposition of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus was studied at 0.1 % concentration in laboratory. Among hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol crude leaf extracts, methanol showed an effective deterrent activity against all the three vector species with an oviposition active index of -0.8, -0.8 and -0.9, respectively. Field trials carried out to study the effect of 0.1 % methanol extract on oviposition of Aedes species indicated effective deterrence ranging from 79.0 to 100.0 % in indoor and 74.6 to 100.0 % in outdoor ovitraps. The potential oviposition deterrent property of Ageratum houstonianum crude leaf extracts observed in both laboratory and field studies indicates the presence of phytocompounds that act as effective contact deterrent. Further, isolation, identification and preparation of suitable formulation of the effective phytocompounds of Ageratum houstonianum that act as a contact deterrent are required.

Effect of halophytic compost along with farmyard manure and phosphobacteria on growth characteristics of Arachis hypogaea Linn.

Organic compost has been identified as an alternative to chemical fertilizer to increasing soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of halophytic compost which are normally available in coastal areas on growth parameters in Arachis hypogaea. Halophytic compost along with farmyard manure (FYM) and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) resulted in production of highest biomass such as plant height, number of compound leaves, total number of root nodules, fresh and dry weight of root nodules and fresh and dry weight of plant. Various combination of halophytic composts used in the present study, Suaeda compost+farmyard manure+phosphate solubilising bacteria treatment showed an enhanced biomass when compared to other halophytic compost and control.

Detection of in-vivo chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum from Rameswaram Island, a pilgrim centre in southern India.

Resistance to chloroquine (CQ) in Plasmodium falciparum is one of the main causes of the wide-spread resurgence of malaria in India and a challenge to the effective control of the disease. In the pilgrim centre of Rameswaram Island, malaria has persisted despite the various control measures undertaken over the years. When CQ resistance in Rameswaram was investigated in vivo, recrudescent parasitaemias were observed in 25 (58%) of the 43 study subjects who were given CQ and completed follow-up, all occurring between days 10 and 28 (late treatment failures). The results of the msp(1), msp(2) and glurp genotyping of paired samples of P. falciparum, collected on day 0 and the day of recrudescence from 23 of the apparent treatment failures, indicated that 21 (91%) of the 23 were probably true treatment failures. All of the paired samples harboured parasites with the K76T mutation in their pfcrt genes, and subsequent sequencing of nine day-0 samples revealed the SVMNT haplotype in all nine. This is the first report of in-vivo drug resistance in P. falciparum from Rameswaram Island. Such resistance, which is probably the result of the indiscriminate use of CQ and/or the import of malaria from mainland India, warrants a change in the drug regimen used locally for the first-line treatment of uncomplicated, P. falciparum malaria, to make treatment more effective and slow the development and spread of more foci of CQ resistance.

GIS based malaria information management system for urban malaria scheme in India.

A GIS based information management system has been developed to help Urban Malaria Control in India. The basic objective is to develop a model to assist planning and implementation of a suitable control measure. The system can help in: (i) identifying high receptive areas in time and space domain; (ii) identifying risk factors for high receptivity; (iii) monitoring and evaluating control measures. To demonstrate this system, information on 33 parameters and malaria cases has been attached to a digitised map of Dindigul, an urban town in Tamil Nadu. Functionalities of the system and its utility are described in this paper. A GIS based information management system ensures that if a localised spurt of the disease occurs, it can be associated rapidly with a likely cause, a specific vector, and a probable human source, so that appropriate preventive action can be taken to arrest any rising trend.

Hangman's fracture caused by suspected child abuse. A case report.

This report highlights the difficulties associated with diagnosing cervical spine injuries in children especially as the history and mechanism of injury may often be unclear and the normal variations in roentgenographic appearance may be confusing. As far as we are aware this is only the second case of traumatic Hangman's fracture in a child under the age of 3 years and the only case where there is a strong probability of child abuse. A female child aged 23 months was admitted with a 5-day history of irritability and general malaise. Her father reported noticing that she was reluctant to move her neck. He denied any possibility of trauma. On admission she had neck stiffness with a temperature of 37 degrees C and supported her neck with her hands. There was evidence of otitis media of her right ear. Her physical examination was otherwise normal. A full blood count and lumbar puncture were within normal limits. Cervical spine x rays suggested a Hangman's fracture of C2 with slight anterior subluxation of C2 on C3 and a kyphus at that level. Computerized Tomography demonstrated no significant canal encroachment. An isotope bone scan was non-diagnostic. She was treated in a moulded cervical collar with neck held in slight extension. Her symptoms resolved and further radiographs showed improved alignment. Repeat CT scans seven weeks post admission showed callus formation. At follow-up at one year she remains asymptomatic. Hangman's fracture is very rare in children under 3 years and the considerable normal variations further complicate diagnosis. Swischuk described the posterior cervical line connecting the spinous process of C1-C3 vertebrae on the lateral projection to differentiate a true fracture dislocation from physiological anterior displacement. A detailed history, roentgenograms, bone scans, CT scans and MRI scans are often required for accurate diagnosis.

Skeletal muscle fatigue and physical endurance of young and old mice.

In order to evaluate the role played by muscular and extramuscular factors in the development of fatigue in old age, the time course of fatigue in isolated skeletal muscles and spontaneous motor activity and endurance of whole animals were monitored using young (3-6 months) and old (34-36 months) CF57BL/6J mice. The isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles from old mice had smaller (P < 0.05) mass and developed lower (P < 0.02) maximal tetanic tension at 100-Hz stimulation than the muscles of young mice. During stimulation at 30 Hz every 2.5 s, a 50% decline in original tetanic tension occurred by 109 s in young EDL and 129 s in old EDL, but by 482 s in young soleus and 1134 s (projected) in old soleus, indicating more (P < 0.05) resistance to fatigue in old than young soleus. However, the old mice showed significantly fewer (P < 0.002) spontaneous ambulatory movements than the young mice. On a treadmill with a belt speed of 10 m/min at an inclination of 0 degrees, the old mice could only run for 22 min compared to 39 min ran by young mice (P < 0.02). They took more rest periods (P< 0.02) than the young mice. In a quantitative swimming monitor, the old mice swam for a shorter (P < 0.05) time than young mice (20.4 min compared to 28.6 min). Integrated swimming activity at 20 min was smaller (P < 0.05) in old mice than in young mice (413 g/s compared to 628 g/s). Hence increased fatigue in old age is not caused by impairment of processes within the muscles, but by impairment of central or extramuscular processes.

Field evaluation of Bacillus sphaericus, H5a5b and B. thuringiensis var. israelensis, H-14 against the Bancroftian filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus, Say in Chennai, India.

Fortnightly application of Bacillus sphaericus (strain B101, serotype H5a5b) and B. thuringiensis var. israelensis (strain 164, serotype H-14) in two different waterways of Chennai @ 1 g/sq m surface area has resulted in significant reduction in both immature and adult densities of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. The use of these biolarvicides as biocontrol agents is suggested in the urban areas to control mosquitoes in general.

Domestic breeding sources and their contribution in Anopheles stephensi breeding in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.

Longitudinal study taken up for one year in 10 different types of breeding habitats in Dindigul town, Tamil Nadu, revealed that out of 51,785 habitats 225 (0.43%) were found positive for Anopheles stephensi immatures. The overall positivity varied between 0.03 to 1.31% with peak density during July. The observed habitat-wise positivity was overhead tanks 0-7.07%; wells 0-1.69%; under ground tanks 0-2.26%; tappits 0-2.36%; outside tanks (permanent) 0-2.42%; outside tanks (temporary) 0-0.39%; inside tanks (permanent) 0-2.0%; inside tanks (temporary) 0-3.6%; barrels 0-1.32% and others 0-25.0%. In 16.0% habitats An. stephensi was found breeding with An. subpictus, Aedes aegypti, Ae. vittatus and Culex quinquefasciatus in different combinations. Overhead tanks were found to contribute maximum An. Stephensi breeding in this area.

Relationship among homocyst(e)ine, vitamin B-12 and cardiac disease in the elderly: association between vitamin B-12 deficiency and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction.

We evaluated the association of moderate hyperhomocyst(e)inemia and vitamin B-12 status with coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction in 367 elderly patients undergoing coronary angiography. The extent of CAD was scored, left ventricular ejection fraction was assessed and vitamins B-12 and folate and the metabolites homocyst(e)ine, methylmalonic acid and 2-methylcitric acid were measured. There was no significant trend in change in homocyst(e)ine as the extent of CAD increased. There was an association between vitamin B-12 deficiency, i.e., vitamin B-12 < 221 pmol/l and homocyst(e)ine > 16 nmol/ml and low left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.014). Of 105 samples, selected for vitamin B-12 < 221 pmol/l or high normal vitamin B-12 and folate levels, metabolites including methylmalonic acid revealed a specific diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency in 18 patients. The trend among these vitamin B-12-deficient patients and low left ventricular ejection fraction was significant (P = 0.028). In vitro studies on rat heart revealed that nitrous oxide in the presence of 200 microM/l methionine reduced contractility of the heart. In conclusion, vitamin B-12-deficient patients had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fractions than nonvitamin B-12-deficient patients. Whether low left ventricular ejection fraction results in malabsorption of vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-12 deficiency, or conversely, whether vitamin B-12 and its marker, elevated homocyst(e)ine, depress left ventricular function warrants further evaluation.