Seed size dimorphism in Hyptis suaveolens aids in differentiation of the germination niche.

Seed germination characteristics help predict the degree of invasive success of a species based on capacity of the seeds to germinate and recruit into novel habitats. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Bush mint, Pignut; Lamiaceae) is an invasive plant that is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We conducted a study to understand the role of seed size dimorphism in differentiation of germination niche in H. suaveolens. We subjected small and large seeds to varying environmental conditions of temperature (°C), photoperiod (light/dark), salt (NaCl; mM), pH, osmotic potential (MPa), different soil types and ratios (clay:sand) and burial depth (cm). Different germination indices were calculated and their interaction with seed dimorphism studied. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between germination indices and seed dimorphism throughout the treatments. Large seeds had higher germination percentage and rate, indicating higher germination capacity. In addition, these displayed more asynchronous germination under various environments. Small seeds, on the other hand, required a longer germination time as compared to large seeds, indicating slower germination. Differential responses of the two seed morphs to varying environmental conditions, therefore, help H. suaveolens to differentiate its germination niche and establish in heterogeneous environments. These findings will help in devising appropriate management and eradication strategies based on germination ecology of seeds.

Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal herb belonging to family Solanaceae. It is widely used in folkloric and Ayurvedic medicines since antiquity. Traditionally, the plant is highly practiced throughout the globe as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-parkinson, anti-alzheimer, cardio protective, neural and physical health enhancer, neurodefensive, anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, memory boosting etc. The plant is also effective in combating various types of cancer and other related problems of colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: The present review represents the critical assessment of the literature available on the anticancerous role of W. somnifera. The present study throws light on its diverse chemical compounds and the possible mechanisms of action involved. This review also suggests further research strategies to harness the therapeutic potential of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present review is the outcome of a systematic search of scientific literature about 'Withania somnifera and its role in cancer prevention'. The scientific databases viz. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched from 2001 to 2019. Textbooks, magazines and newspapers were also consulted. This review summarizes all the published literature about its therapeutic potential for the treatment of different types of cancers. RESULTS: W. somnifera has been widely used in traditional and ayurvedic medicines for treatment of numerous problems related to health and vitality. The plant is a reservoir of diverse phytoconstituents like alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, nitrogen containing compounds and trace elements. Withanolides are the major alkaloids which renders its anticancer potential due to its highly oxygenated nature. The plant is highly effective in combating various types of cancers viz. colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. Previous studies depict that this plant is more effective against breast cancer followed by colon, lung, prostate and blood cancer. Furthermore, from different clinical studies it has been observed that the active constituents of the plant like withaferin-A, withanolide-D have least toxic effects. CONCLUSION: The present review confirms the various medicinal values of W. somnifera without any significant side effects. Withaferin-A (WA) and Withanolides are its most promising anticancer compounds that play a major role in apoptosis induction. Keeping in mind the anticancerous potential of this plant, it is suggested that this plant may further be investigated and more clinical studies can be performed.

A comprehensive review on ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers.

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is a well-known plant in Ayurveda and named "Sarwa wranvishapaka" for its property to heal wounds. Traditionally, it is practiced for impotency, asthma, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, syphilis gonorrhea, rheumatism, enlargement of kidney and spleen. It is an important component of herbal preparations like Tephroli and Yakrifti used to cure liver disorders. Various phytocompounds including pongamol, purpurin, purpurenone, tephrosin, bulnesol, tephrostachin, ß-sitosterol, and so on have been reported. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the plant have wound healing, antileishmanial, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antispermatogenic, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action reported from this plant aids its utilization for the development of drugs for Alzheimer's and dementia neurological disorders. Among the known active compounds of T. purpurea, tephrostachin is responsible for antiplasmodial activity, tephrosin, pongaglabol, and semiglabrin exerts antiulcer activity while quercetin, rutin, ß-sitosterol, and lupeol are mainly responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. From different toxicological studies, concentrations up to 2,000 mg/kg were considered safe. The present review comprehensively summarizes the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of T. purpurea. Further research on elucidation of the structure-function relationship among active compounds, understanding of multi-target network pharmacology and clinical applications will intensify its therapeutic potential.

Linguistic and cultural validation of Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire in Hindi.

INTRODUCTION: In the year 2003, Joshi et al. developed a validated outcome assessment tool to measure the ureteral stent-related symptoms. The original English language Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) has been validated in various languages worldwide. Our objective was to develop the USSQ in Hindi, a commonlyused language in India, by validating it in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A final Hindi version of the USSQ was derived from the original English version to apply to the study population by translation, back translation, and face-to-face interviews. The Hindi and English versions were completed by 70 patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy with stent in situ, on postoperative days 7 and 8, and 4 weeks after stent removal. Similarly, discriminant validity was checked among 50 healthy individuals. A detailed statistical analysis was used to correlate results (Cronbach's α coefficient, Spearman's correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-test). RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study and 61 completed the final assessment. The median age was 35 years (range: 18-60 years). The USSQ domain scores with the stent in situ were higher than poststent status. The test-retest reliability checked by Cronbach's α coefficient (>0.44) and Spearman's correlation coefficient (>0.44) were acceptable to good. We found high discriminant validity of the questionnaire between patients with stent and the healthy controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate satisfactory validity for the Hindi version of the USSQ for the assessment of quality of life in patients with stent. This is ready for application in the clinical studies and the future stent-related research in Hindi language.

Primary Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma of Kidney-an Extremely Rare Entity.

Renal LGFMS is an extremely rare tumor. So far, only four cases have been reported in literature. LGFMS are indolent tumor with distinctive histopathological features with potential for late recurrences and metastasis. The diagnosis is made on histopathological examination and supported by immunohistochemical analysis. A 35-year-old young male was presented with flank pain and lump and diagnosed as low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma after surgery on immunohistochemical analysis. This is the fifth case of renal LGFMS and we presented the review of literature. Radical surgery remains the primary treatment modality. Long follow-up is mandatory.

Activation of Toll-like receptors in meconium aspiration syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of MAS has hindered the development of specific therapies. We hypothesized that activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) might play a role in the pathogenesis of MAS. The present study evaluated the expression of TLR 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 in neonates with MAS. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 39 neonates with MAS and 17 healthy gestational age-matched neonates as controls. Neonates with maternal chorioamnionitis, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis and congenital malformations were excluded. Good-quality total RNA from umbilical cord blood was reverse transcribed to prepare cDNA using Bio-Rad reverse transcription kit. This cDNA was used to study the expression status of TLR 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with controls, TLR1 and TLR4 were highly expressed, TLR9 was moderately expressed, TLR7 was weakly expressed and TLR8 expression was neutral in neonates with MAS. Within the MAS group, no difference in TLR expression was observed with respect to consistency of meconium, severity of the disease, oxygenation index and outcome. CONCLUSION: There is activation of TLRs in neonates with MAS. We speculate that these TLRs probably act as endogenous ligands for various components of meconium that initiate the inflammatory cascade of MAS and contribute to its pathogenesis.

A Comparative Study of Antegrade Air Pyelogram and Retrograde Air Pyelogram for Initial Puncture Access during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Access into the collecting system is considered to be the most critical step for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). AIM: The present study provides a comparative view into antegrade air pyelography and retrograde air pyelography procedures for percutaneous renal access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with radiopaque renal calculi indicated for PCNL procedure. These patients were randomly assigned to two groups namely antegrade air pyelogram group (Group I) and retrograde air pyelogram group (Group II). In antegrade air pyelogram group, the collecting system was delineated by targeting the renal stone using a 22 gauge spinal needle where the patients were in the prone position. In another group, the collecting system was delineated by retrograde air pyelogram under fluoroscopy guidance. The method of tract dilatation and stone extraction were the same in both groups for comparison of outcome and complication. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 41.7±13 and 41.4±13.6 years in Group-I and Group-II respectively. The male to female ratio in Groups I and II was 35/15 (70.00%) and 38/12 (76.00%) respectively. In Group-I the average duration of access was 2.66±1.0 minutes after prone positioning whereas it was recorded to be 19.48±5.0 minutes in Group-II, after lithotomy followed by prone positioning of the patient. Duration of radiation exposure was almost similar in both groups. Additional procedural cost was significantly higher in Group II. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that access for PCNL using antegrade air pyelogram can be a cost-effective and acceptable alternative to retrograde air pyelogram with decreased access time.

Cumulative Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Correlated with the Coexistence of (-1306C/T) and Altered Circulating MMP2 level.

BACKGROUND: Interindividual genetic variations and environmental factors both play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The rationale of this study conducted was to analyze the association of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) gene variants, MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) and MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) with susceptibility to MetS and its effect on serum MMP level. METHODS: Study involved 370 subjects with 1:1 distribution of cases and controls. Patients were recruited according to modified NCEP-ATP III criteria for MetS. Clinical, biochemical analysis, PCR-RFLP and ELISA methods were employed for genotyping and estimation of serum MMP level. RESULTS: Significantly (p<0.001) higher Serum MMP-2 (39.13±19.96 ng/ml) was detected in cases as compared to controls. The MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) was significantly associated with the risk of MetS. The variant genotype TT was significantly associated with increased risk of MetS. (p=0.032; OR=2.31; 95%CI=1.07-4.97). No significant association of MMP-1(-1607 1G/2G) was found with risk of MetS. CONCLUSION: Our study concluded that presence of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) might be associated the risk of MetS. Serum MMP2 level was significantly higher in patients and correlated with clinical parameters of MetS. Clinical implication of the work may help to identify the individuals with high risk of MetS and further complications.

Retro-renal colon: role in percutaneous access.

INTRODUCTION: Upper urinary tract is accessed for various procedures. The maximum numbers of procedures are carried out in prone position. Perforation of the colon is a well-known complication. The incidence of retrorenal colon varies from 10-20% in prone position, but the chances of injury is around <1%. These facts lead us to review the occurrence of retrorenal colon. The CT scan is imaging test of choice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out the occurrence of retrorenal colon at our centre and potential risk of injury to colon when kidney is punctured at various levels by percutaneous route. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a hospital-based descriptive type of observational study. We reviewed CT abdomen in supine and prone position in patients with different problems from January 2013 to December 2013. Inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. Colon posterior to the line as described by Prassopoulos and coworkers is regarded as retrorenal colon and being at risk. RESULTS: A total number of 700 patients were included, 350 each in supine and prone position. Patients had CT scan as a part of workup for pain abdomen in 27% cases, calculus disease in 25% cases, carcinoma bladder in 16% cases and rest were of different diagnoses. Retrorenal colon was found in 2% patients in supine and 6.8% patients in prone position. CONCLUSION: Considering the low incidence, the sample size in our study is small. We recommend multicentric large population-based study to establish the true incidence of retrorenal colon and chances of injury to colon.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin in Relieving Double J Stent Related Symptoms.

Objectives. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin in treating Double J stent related symptoms. Methods. In a prospective study, 161 patients with DJ related symptoms were randomized into 3 groups: Group A patients (54), Group B patients (53), and Group C patients (54). They were given Tadalafil, Tamsulosin, and placebo, respectively, at 1st week till removal of DJ stent at 3rd week. All patients completed Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1st week and at 3rd week. The statistical significant difference among groups was determined by the t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate analysis were used to assess association of the variables within the three groups, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results. Tadalafil and Tamsulosin were comparable in relieving urinary symptoms, general health, and work performance (OR = 0.65, 1.8, and 0.92). But Tadalafil was more effective in relieving body pain, sexual problems, and additional problems than Tamsulosin (OR = 5.95, 19.25, and 2.69) and was statistically significant as P < 0.05. Conclusion. Tadalafil was as effective as Tamsulosin in relieving urinary symptom but more effective in relieving sexual symptoms and body pain.

Bilateral single system ectopic ureters opening into vestibule with bladder agenesis.

Almost 80% of ectopic ureters are associated with duplicated system, and 5-17% of ectopic ureters are bilateral. Ectopic ureters usually open into urethra, vestibule and vagina in females and into posterior urethra and seminal vesicles in males. Bilateral single-system ectopic ureter (BSSEU) is a rare entity in urology. BSSEU opening into a vestibule with the absence of urinary bladder is an extremely rare occurrence. We report such a case and briefly discuss its management.

Purification and characterization of laccase secreted by Phellinus linteus MTCC-1175 and its role in the selective oxidation of aromatic methyl group.

A laccase from the culture filtrate of Phellinus linteus MTCC-1175 has been purified to homogeneity. The method involved concentration of the culture filtrate by ammonium sulphate precipitation and an anion exchange chro- matography on DEAE-cellulose. The SDS-PAGE and native-PAGE gave single protein band indicating that the enzyme preparation was pure. The molecular mass of the enzyme determined from SDS-PAGE analysis was 70 kDa. Using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 2,2'[azino-bis-(3-ethylbonzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt] (ABTS) and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde azine as the substrates, the Kin, kcat and kt/Km values of the laccase were found to be 160 microM, 6.85 s(-1), 4.28 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1), 42 microM, 6.85 s(-1), 16.3 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and 92 microM, 6.85 s(-1), 7.44 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The pH and the temperature optima of the P. linteus MTCC-1175 laccase were 5.0 and 45 degrees C, respectively. The activation energy for thermal denaturation of the enzyme was 38.20 kJ/mole/K. The enzyme was the most stable at pH 5.0 after 1 h reaction. In the presence ofABTS as the mediator, the enzyme transformed toluene, 3-nitrotoluene and 4-chlorotoluene to benzaldehyde, 3-nitroben-zaldehyde and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, respectively.

Primary hypoparathyroidism: psychosis in postpartum period.

We report a 30-yr-old lady who was being treated as postpartum psychosis. Patient had generalized tonic clonic convulsions and was found to have bilateral cataract. Her serum calcium, serum magnesium and serum parathyroid were low. On correction of serum magnesium her PTH did not increase. She was hence diagnosed as primary hypoparathyroidism. On correction of her serum calcium her psychosis improved.

Cytomegalovirus infection in six neonates.

Neonatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common, has myriad presentations and severe sequelae. Six neonates clinically suspected of CMV infection were confirmed by qualitative PCR (Digene) and evaluated. Those with persistent viremia were treated with Ganciclovir intravenously for 4-6 weeks, and continued orally, if required, with close monitoring. All had prolonged jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and hematological manifestations in the acute stage. Complications included developmental delay (66%), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (33%), chorioretinitis and obstructive jaundice (18% each). Three cleared viremia spontaneously. The remaining were offered Ganciclovir. One declined, and two completed therapy with clinical resolution and no adverse events. Accurate diagnosis of neonatal CMV enables appropriate treatment with Ganciclovir, which can reverse end-organ damage and limit sequelae.

Sulphur mustard vapor breakthrough behaviour on reactive carbon systems.

Breakthrough behaviour of sulphur mustard, the deadliest of persistent chemical warfare agents, on carbon systems such as NaOH/CrO(3)/C, NaOH/CrO(3)/EDA/C and RuCl(3)/C has been studied and the data were compared with that of active carbon. Effects of bed lengths of carbons on breakthrough time have also been correlated. Thereafter, the effects of flow rate of air-sulphur mustard mixture, concentration and temperature on the kinetic parameters such as rate constant (k(v)) and kinetic saturation capacity (W(e)) were analyzed and interpreted by means of modified Wheeler equation. Rate constant was found to be increasing while W(e) was found to be invariable with the increase in air flow rate. Both k(v) and W(e) decreased with the increase of temperature, however, no significant effect on W(e) and k(v) was observed due to concentration change (0.3-0.6 mg/l). The values of kinetic saturation capacity were used to predict the service lives/breakthrough times of carbon beds (when used in filtration systems).

Pterocarpus marsupium extract (Vijayasar) prevented the alteration in metabolic patterns induced in the normal rat by feeding an adequate diet containing fructose as sole carbohydrate.

Insulin resistance (hyperinsulinaemia) is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. Sedentary lifestyle, consumption of energy-rich diet, obesity, longer lifespan, etc., are important reasons for this rise (J. R. Turtle, Int J Clin Prac 2000; 113: 23). Aqueous extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium Linn bark (PM), Ocimum sanctum Linn leaves (OS) and Trigonella foenumgraecum Linn seeds (FG) have been shown to exert hypoglycaemic/antihyperglycaemic effect in experimental as well as clinical setting. As no work has been carried out so far to assess the effect of PM, OS and FG on fructose-induced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, we undertook this study to assess whether these extracts attenuate the metabolic alteration induced by fructose-rich diet in rats. Five groups of rats (eight each) were fed chow diet, 66% fructose diet, 66% fructose diet + PM leaves extract (1 g/kg/day), 66% fructose diet + OS leaves extract (200 mg/kg/day) and 66% fructose diet + FG seeds extract (2 g/kg/day) for 30 days. Fructose feeding to normal rats for 30 days significantly increased serum glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels in comparison with control. Treatment with all the three plants extract for 30 days significantly lowered the serum glucose levels in comparison with control group. However, only PM extract substantially prevented hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, while OS and FG had no significant effect on these parameters. Results of this study, in addition to previous clinical benefits of PM seen in NIDDM subjects, are suggestive of usefulness of PM bark (Vijayasar) in insulin resistance, the associated disorder of type 2 diabetes; however, OS and FG may not be useful. Though several antidiabetic principles (-epicatechin, pterosupin, marsupin and pterostilbene) have been identified in the PM, yet future studies are required to certify their efficacy and safety before clinical scenario.

Complete ureteral avulsion.

Complete avulsion of the ureter is one of the most serious complications of ureteroscopy. It requires open or laparoscopic intervention for repair. This case report emphasizes its management and presents recommendations for prevention in current urological practice.

Protrusion of bladder mucosa in exstrophy mimicking cloacal exstrophy.

An interesting case of bladder exstrophy with protrusion of bladder mucosa mimicking cloacal exstrophy is reported. The child presented with continuous leakage of urine and swelling in the lower abdomen since birth. Before the operation, this was considered to be a variant of cloacal exstrophy.

Current status of carotid bifurcation angioplasty and stenting based on a consensus of opinion leaders.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid bifurcation angioplasty and stenting (CBAS) has generated controversy and widely divergent opinions about its current therapeutic role. To resolve differences and establish a unified view of CBAS' present role, a consensus conference of 17 experts, world opinion leaders from five countries, was held on November 21, 1999. METHODS: These 17 participants had previously answered 18 key questions on current CBAS issues. At the conference these 18 questions and participants' answers were discussed and in some cases modified to determine points of agreement (consensus), near consensus, (prevailing opinion), or divided opinion (disagreement). RESULTS: Conference discussion added two modified questions, placing a total of 20 key questions before the participants, representing four specialties (interventional radiology, seven; vascular surgery, six; interventional cardiology, three; neurosurgery, one). It is interesting that consensus was reached on the answers to 11 (55%) of 20 of the questions, and near consensus was reached on answers to 6 (30%) of 20 of the questions. Only with the answers to three (15%) of the questions was there persisting controversy. Moreover, both these differences and areas of agreement crossed specialty lines. Consensus Conclusions: CBAS should not currently undergo widespread practice, which should await results of randomized trials. CBAS is currently appropriate treatment for patients at high risk in experienced centers. CBAS is not generally appropriate for patients at low risk. Neurorescue skills should be available if CBAS is performed. When cerebral protection devices are available, they should be used for CBAS. Adequate stents and technology for performing CBAS currently exist. There were divergent opinions regarding the proportions of patients presently acceptable for CBAS treatment (<5% to 100%, mean 44%) and best treated by CBAS (<3% to 100%, mean 34%). These and other consensus conclusions will help physicians in all specialties deal with CBAS in a rational way rather than by being guided by unsubstantiated claims.