Selection and validation of differentially expressed metabolic and immune genes in weaned Ghurrah versus crossbred piglets.

In the present investigation, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were studied using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of weaned Ghurrah and crossbred piglets at 3-month age. Transcriptomic analysis was done using three different packages, namely, EBSeq, DESeq2, and edgeR, to identify the DEGs between Ghurrah and crossbred piglets. Total 7717 DEGs were commonly identified by all three packages, out of which 4151 genes found to be up-regulated, and 3566 genes were down-regulated. Functional annotation of these DEGs indicated metabolism as the most commonly enriched category followed by the immune response. Genes related to metabolism and growth were up-regulated in crossbred piglets as compared with Ghurrah piglets, whereas immunity-related genes were up-regulated in Ghurrah piglets elucidating the disease resistance nature of this indigenous breed over crossbred counterparts. Further, eight DEGs, namely, LRP-1, ADCY4, ERRFI1, LDHD, ARG1, OASL, MGARP, and S100A8, were validated by qRT-PCR in a separate set of biological samples and found to be in concordance with RNA-seq results. Finding in the present study provides insight into genes and their molecular mechanisms governing difference in growth performance between Ghurrah and crossbred pigs.

A Novel Technique of Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles from Broth Constituent and In-vivo Bioimaging of C. elegans.

Here we have demonstrated a novel single step technique of synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) from broth constituent and in vivo bioimaging of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) with the synthesized CNPs has been presented. The synthesized CNPs has been characterized by the UV-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman studies. The sp (2) cluster size of the synthesized samples has been determined from the measured Raman spectra by fitting it with the theoretical skew Lorentzian (Breit-Wigner- Fano (BWF)) line shape. The synthesised materials are showing excitation wavelength dependent tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission characteristics with a high quantum yield (QY) of 3 % at a very low concentration of CNPs. A remarkable increase in the intensity of PL emission from 16 % to 39 % in C. elegans has also been observed when the feeding concentration of CNPs to C. elegans is increased from 0.025 % to 0.1 % (w/v). The non-toxicity and water solubility of the synthesized material makes it ideal candidate for bioimaging.

Anterior Knee Pain after Tibial Intra-medullary Nailing: Is it Predictable?

Introduction: Intramedullary nailing has been used frequently for the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures. Chronic anterior knee pain has been considered the most frequent post-operative complication of this technique. We investigated the relationship between anterior knee pain and position of nail tip in proximal tibia. Methods: 103 patients were selected among patients who underwent interlocking nailing in our institution. Patients with other factors that might cause anterior knee pain were excluded. In all patients intramedullary nailing was done using transpatellar approach. The patients were evaluated in two groups, 42 patients had anterior knee pain (Grup A), whereas 61 patients did not have pain (Group B). The distance from nail tip from tibial plateau was measured on lateral radiographs. Nail prominence from anterior tibial cortex was also measured. Results: The two groups were similar with respect to gender and follow up period. Out of 42 patients who had knee pain 21 (50%) had nail tip within proximal third distance from plateau to tibial tuberosity. Twenty-four patients (42%) among knee pain group had nail prominence of more than 5mm from anterior tibial cortex followed by 12 patients (29%) within 5mm and 12 patients (29%) nail tip buried within the anterior cortex. Conclusion: A greater incidence of knee pain was found when nail was prominent more than 5mm and when it is in the proximal third distance from tibial plateau to tuberosity. Patients should be aware of high incidence of knee pain when the nail tip is placed in proximal third and prominence of more than 5mm.

Evaluation of protective effect of myricetin, a bioflavonoid in dimethyl benzanthracene-induced breast cancer in female Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Alarmingly, the incidence of breast cancer is rising rapidly in India. AIM: The present research was focused to assess the role of myricetin; a bioflavonoid in 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in female Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 female Wistar rats (total 6 groups, n = 6 per group) 6 - 8 weeks old, weighing 150 gm were used in the study. DMBA was given at the dose of 7.5 mg/kg subcutaneously in the mammary region once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in group 2. Vincristine was given in the dose of 500 µg/kg intraperitonially every week for 4 consecutive weeks in group 3. Myricetin was given orally in a dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg in group 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The statistical significance of the data was determined using one way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test. RESULTS: The result showed that myricetin increased the antioxidant levels in plasma, erythrocyte lysate, and breast tissue and was effective in preventing the oxidative damage induced by the carcinogen DMBA. Myricetin 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/oral for 120 days treated animal resulted comparable results to that of standard vincristine and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Myricetin was found to be either equieffective or more effective than vincristine in all the parameters studied. Myricetin proved the capacity of flavonols to act as antioxidant in cells represents a potential treatment in the field of oncology.

Bacillus sphaericus in the adults of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes emerged from treated larvae and its effect on development of the filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti.

Bacillus sphaericus is a bio-control agent effective against Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of bancroftian filariasis. Apart from its larvicidal effect, there are reports of reduced infection of filarial parasites in mosquitoes exposed to it. In the present study, adults of Cx. quinquefasciatus emerged from B. sphaericus treated larvae were fed on blood samples positive for microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti and examined at various time intervals to assess the infection level. The rate of infection was reduced from 95% on day 1 post-feeding to 75% on day 13, when fed with blood sample containing 41 mf/20 µl. The mean parasite burden was also reduced from 4.9 per mosquito on day 1 to 2.15 on day 13. When fed with another sample (30 mf/20 µl), the infection was reduced from 100% on day 1 to 80% on day 13. Reduction in parasite burden was 4.0 to 1.75. Abnormally developed second-stage larvae of the parasite were seen in treated mosquitoes. Thus, the results indicated adverse effect of B. sphaericus treatment on infection and development of the filarial parasite in mosquitoes. The possible reason for the parasite regulation was studied through the assessment of the carryover of the bacterium as well as its toxins to the surviving mosquitoes. The presence of B. sphaericus was determined through plating of homogenate of survived mosquitoes on NYSM agar. Toxic protein was detected through immunoblotting. The bacterium as well as its 41.9-kDa toxic protein was found to be transmitted from larvae to adults and affected the parasite development, directly by the toxin or indirectly by eliciting humoral immune response of the mosquito.

Up-regulation of lipophorin (Lp) and lipophorin receptor (LpR) gene in the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae), infected with the filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti (Spirurida: Onchocercidae).

In mosquitoes, including Culex quinquefasciatus, immune molecules are known to be upregulated or produced de novo upon exposure to parasites or pathogens. These molecules are regulatory in nature acting against parasite or pathogen infection and development. Similarly, there are molecules that are upregulated to facilitate parasite development in the vector mosquitoes. Lipophorin, a major lipid transporting lipoprotein in the hemolymph of insects, is implicated as a helper molecule in the clotting mechanism and facilitator of parasite and pathogen development in mosquitoes. In the present study, upregulation of a 240 kDa protein was detected in C. quinquefasciatus infected with the human lymphatic filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti. It was identified as a lipophorin through nano-Lc-MS/MS analysis. Transcription of the lipophorin receptor gene also was identified through RACE-PCR. C. quinquefasciatus is the vector of W. bancrofti, and it allows successful development of the parasite. The role of upregulated lipophorin and transcription of its receptor gene in this mosquito could be implicated as a facilitator for the parasite development.

Identification of immune-responsive genes in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus infected with the filarial parasite Wuchereria bancrofti.

Several antimicrobial/parasitic peptides are known to be upregulated in mosquitoes upon infection with parasites. The aim of this study was to identify immune-responsive genes in the vector mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) against the human lymphatic filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti (Cobbold) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae). Suppression subtractive hybridization was performed using RNA from filarial infected and non-infected mosquitoes to obtain differentially expressed transcripts, and their identities were confirmed through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Out of 23 clones selected from the suppression subtractive library, three corresponded to antimicrobial peptide genes, defensins, and four corresponded to regulatory serpin peptide genes. RT-PCR using defensin-specific primers and sequencing of the product showed a 284-bp defensin cDNA. Sequence alignment with defensins of the mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles and Aedes aegypti (L.) showed maximum homology with the former. Similarly, that of serpin-specific primers showed a 406-bp cDNA encoding serpins. Sequence alignment showed maximum homology with that of An. gambiae, as in the case of defensins. Hence, this investigation revealed upregulation of defensins and serpins in Cx quinquefasciatus infected with W. bancrofti. Antimicrobial peptide genes such as defensins may have limited or no specific role in regulating parasite development. Serpins may prove to be facilitating molecules, by regulating melanization of the parasite. However, the exact functions of these molecules in the immune system of the vector mosquito are yet to be investigated.

Superior dislocation of the patella; a case report and review of the literature.

Superior dislocation of the patella is a rare diagnosis. A 72 year old woman attended the accident and emergency department of the hospital with a painful right knee after a knock to the knee. Clinical examination and radiographs confirmed a superior dislocation of the patella, which was reduced and closed with the aid of simple analgesia. The authors present the case report and discuss the relevant literature.

Bilateral renal papillary necrosis due to Candida infection in a diabetic patient presenting as anuria.

A 38 years insulin-dependent diabetic male, with nephropathy on antituberculous treatment presented with painless frank hematuria followed by anuria for a day which was associated with fever. Ultrasonogram of the abdomen showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. Necrotic papillae were retrieved after ureteroscopy which on histopathological examination and culture showed Candida albicans. This was successfully treated with fluconazole and ureteroscopic removal of necrotic papillae.

Efficacy of aprotinin, epsilon aminocaproic acid, or combination in cyanotic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Aprotinin and epsilon aminocaproic acid are antifibrinolytic agents used to reduce postoperative blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass. We compared low dose aprotinin with epsilon aminocaproic acid and a combination of the two agents to reduce postoperative blood loss in infants with congenital cyanotic heart disease undergoing corrective surgical procedures. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted randomly on 300 children. Group I (n = 80) acted as the control and did not receive either of the study drugs. Group II (n = 100) received low dose aprotinin, group III (n = 60) received epsilon aminocaproic acid, and group IV (n = 60) received a combination of the two antifibrinolytic agents. RESULTS: The control group had the longest time for sternal closure, maximum blood loss at 24 hours, and greatest requirements for packed red blood cells and platelets. Fibrinogen levels were significantly lower, and levels of fibrin breakdown products were significantly higher compared with the groups given either or both of the antifibrinolytics. CONCLUSIONS: Epsilon aminocaproic acid is as efficacious as low dose aprotinin in reducing postoperative blood loss and packed red blood cell and platelet requirements in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease. The combination of the two was slightly more effective.

Are hip protectors cost effective?

The purpose of this study is to assess the cost effectiveness of hip protectors in preventing proximal femoral or 'hip' fractures in the elderly. The incidence of 'hip' fractures within the different age groups and the number of patients admitted from institutional care was determined from a prospective audit of all 'hip' fractures over a four year period at our hospital. Compliance and estimation of the effectiveness of hip protectors was taken from data from the five randomised trials of hip protectors. The cost of using hip protectors was obtained from the manufacturers. There was long term compliance in 36% of population. There was a reduction of 'hip' fractures from 6.5 to 2.3%. The cost of using hip protectors was pound113/person/year. For those aged over 80 years and for institutional care patients the wearing of hip protectors appears to be cost effective.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in late presentation of isolated injuries of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon in the finger.

Four patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a clinical diagnosis of a flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture of the hand. The delay before presentation ranged from 1 to 5 weeks. Three patients had closed ruptures and one had a minor laceration which had healed. MRI showed proximal retraction of the profundus tendon to the palm in two patients and limited retraction in the other two. MRI provides important preoperative information for surgical decision-making and planning in patients who present late with closed flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

Onychomycosis caused by trichosporon beigelii.

Onychomycosis is caused primarily by dermatophytes, candida sp and nondermatophytic moulds. Trichosporon beigelii is an inhabitant of soil and occasionally is part of the normal flora of human skin. A 38- year- old male presented with brown discolouration of both big toes since one year. Repeated KOH preparation and culture of nail scrapings and clippings yielded Trichosporon beigelii, which was identified by standard techniques.

Inhibition of in vitro calcium phosphate precipitation in presence of polyurethane via surface modification and drug delivery.

Biomaterial associated calcification is the principal cause of the clinical failure of bioprosthetic implants. The present investigation describes the mineralization of polymeric substrate in an extracirculatory environment and the possible methods of prevention. Calcification was examined on various polyurethane films (and bioprosthetic tissue) incubated in metastable solutions of calcium phosphate and the role of polymer casting and precipitation was evaluated. The formulation and the in vitro efficacy of prolonged controlled-release chitosan matrices, containing the novel anticalcification agents, such as Fe +++ or protamine sulfate (PS), were also attempted. The in vitro release profiles of PS from chitosan beads was performed in a rotating shaker (100 rpm) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and was monitored spectrophotometrically. The amount and percentage of drug release were much higher initially, which was controlled with the incorporation of egg phosphatidyl choline (EPC). The PS loaded chitosan beads (coincubated in calcium phosphate solution with the calcifiable polyurethane films) significantly inhibited biomaterial calcification (about 40-50% inhibition). Surface modification of polyurethanes with Fe +++ or PS also inhibited the calcification profile of the material. These findings suggest the possibility of a combination therapy for prevention of biomaterial associated calcification via surface modifications in conjunction with long-term controlled release of the anticalcifying drugs.

Effect of calcium and calmodulin antagonists on metamorphosis in the anuran tadpole, Rana tigerina.

The fact that calcium ions regulate the secretion of thyroid hormones could be extended to explore how the mechanisms of anuran metamorphosis is controlled by thyroid hormones. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the effects of both calcium channel blocker, Diltiazem (DT) and calmodulin inhibitor, Trifluoperazine (TFP) on metamorphosis and various developmental stages of the anuran tadpole, Rana tigerina. Both DT (25 microM) and TFP (2 microM) treatments caused total inhibition of the development and metamorphosis of the tadpole at premetamorphic stages. The metamorphosis was delayed by DT and totally inhibited by TFP when tadpoles were exposed at prometamorphic stages. Both drugs could not affect the tadpoles at climax stage. The findings suggest an active involvement of thyroid hormone in premetamorphic tadpoles. Calcium channel blockage with DT could not prevent the progression of tadpoles through prometamorphic stages which suggest that the change in calcium pool is not a determining factor mediating thyroid hormone release mechanism. The study suggests that in tadpole growth thyroid hormone secretion is modulated by calmodulin bound intracellular calcium.

[Bilateral traumatic subdural hematomas]. / Dvustoronnie travmaticheskie subdural'nye gematomy.

The authors studied 57 verified cases of bilateral traumatic subdural hematomas (BTSH) 36 of which were acute, 4 subacute, and 17 chronic. The patient's ages ranged from 15 to 84 years. The clinical picture of BTSH is made up of general cerebral, primary-focal, and dislocation symptoms. Computerized tomography, serial cerebral angiography, and trephinations formed on both sides help in detection of BTSH. Simultaneous opening of the dura mater on both sides with slow evacuation of the contents of the hematomas is an important stage of surgical intervention in BTSH.

CGS 8216, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, enhances learning and memory in mice.

Mice pretreated with the benzodiazepine antagonist, CGS 8216 (2.5, 10, or 40 mg/kg, i.p.) learned a T-maze discrimination to a fixed performance criterion more rapidly than vehicle-treated mice. In retention tests conducted one week later, the drug-treated groups had better first-trial recall and greater difficulty reversing the previously trained maze habit when compared with controls, suggesting improved memory for the previously trained maze habit. The enhanced acquisition and retention following CGS 8216 was similar to that observed previously with another benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil (Ro 15-1788). It is postulated that CGS 8216 and flumazenil could act at benzodiazepine receptors to antagonize a tonic inhibitory influence of endogenous, diazepam-like, benzodiazepine receptor ligands on memory processes.