Cytotoxic and genotoxic affects of acid mine drainage on fish Channa punctata (Bloch).

The investigation deals with the effects of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) of coal mine on fish Channa punctata (Bloch) by examining the incidence of haematological, morphological, histological changes and DNA fragmentation in tissues of C. punctata in laboratory condition. For this study fishes were exposed to 10% of AMD for a period of 30 days. The fusion of the primary and secondary gill lamellae, distortion, loss of alignment, deposition of worn out tissues and mucous on the surface of the lamella in the gills; degeneration of morphological architecture, loss of alignment of tubules, mucous deposition in the kidney; cellular damage, cellular necrosis, extraneous deposition on the surface, pore formation in the liver are some important changes detected by scanning electron microscopy. Fishes of AMD treated group showed gradual significant decrease in TEC, Hb and, increase in TLC and DLC as compared to that of the control. DNA fragmentation observed in kidney of fishes from treated group indicates an intricate pollutant present in the AMD. The high incidence of morphological and histological alterations, haematological changes along with DNA breakage in C. punctata is an evidence of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of AMD of coal mines.

Evaluation of genetic toxicity caused by acid mine drainage of coal mines on fish fauna of Simsang River, Garohills, Meghalaya, India.

Fishery ecology of the Simsang River, Meghalaya is being threatened by large scale environmental degradation due to acid mine drainage (AMD) of coal mines. In the present paper, effort has been made to evaluate the genotoxicity caused due to AMD of coal mines on Channa punctata under laboratory condition through comet assay, micronucleus and chromosome aberration tests. Water samples were collected seasonally from affected and unaffected sites of the River and physico-chemical quality of water indicated low pH (4.6), high concentration of sulphates (270mgL(-1)) and iron (7.2mgL(-1)) beyond permissible limits. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) showed highest concentration of 4-ring PAH and Benzo[a]anthracene was the most important pollutant in the water collected from affected sites. The highest and the lowest mean concentrations of PAHs were estimated in monsoon and winter season, respectively. The index of DNA damage assessed by comet assay, micronucleus and chromosome aberration tests demonstrated significant differences season wise in different sampling sites. Frequency of DNA-damaged cells was found highest in the water samples collected from affected site in monsoon season.

Cushing syndrome in an infant due to cortisol secreting adrenal pheochromocytoma: a rare association.

Adrenocortical tumors are the most common cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome in infancy and early childhood. Cushing syndrome resulting from ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) producing tumor has been infrequently reported in adults. Cortisol secreting pheochromocytoma is rarely reported in literature. We report an eleven month old child presenting to us as Cushing syndrome with hypertension due to left adrenal tumor. He was treated with antihypertensives and left adrenalectomy was done under perioperative glucocorticoid coverage. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made only after histopathology. Despite the rare association of Cushing syndrome and pheochromocytoma, preoperative diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is required for appropriate perioperative medical and anaesthetic management to prevent life threatening complications.

Newer methods over the conventional diagnostic tests for tuberculous meningitis: do they really help?

Rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is crucial as the disease outcome depends on the stage at which the treatment is initiated. The reliability of the available tests has not been established; thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the conventional diagnostic tests as compared to the newer methods. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 100 children, and analyzed for various biochemical and cytological tests. The samples were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining, Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) culture, BACTEC culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-two patients could be identified as definitive TBM based on the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by BACTEC culture and PCR. Of these 22 cases, Z-N staining was positive in only two and L-J culture in six cases. Both the BACTEC culture and PCR had 100% agreement in the diagnosis of TBM. However, BACTEC culture could be a better diagnostic test as drug sensitivity can also be performed by this method.

A study of response pattern of non-insulin dependent diabetics to yoga therapy.

Changes in blood glucose and glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after 40 days of yoga therapy in 149 non-insulin-dependent diabetics (NIDDM) were investigated. The response to yoga in these subjects was categorized according to a severity scale index (SSI) based on area index total (AIT) under OGTT curve. One hundred and four patients showed a fair to good response to the yoga therapy. There was a significant reduction in hyperglycemia and AIT with decrease in oral hypoglycemia and AIT with decrease in oral hypoglycemic drugs required for maintenance of normoglycemia. It is concluded that yoga, a simple and economical therapy, may be considered a beneficial adjuvant for NIDDM patients.

Inheritance of Complete Resistance to Pearl Millet Downy Mildew.

Inheritance of downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) resistance in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) was studied in a cross involving DMRP (downy mildew resistant Pennisetum) 292 and DMSP (downy mildew susceptible Pennisetum) 23. DMRP 292, derived from IP 18292, and DMSP 23, derived from Tift 23DB, were made homozygous for downy mildew resistance-susceptibility by three generations of single plant selection followinginoculations with homogenized sporangial population of S. graminicola from the ICRISAT Asia Center. Potted seedlings of parental lines, F1, F2, and BC progenies were evaluated for their reactions to downy mildew following inoculation. The results show that complete resistance to downy mildew in DMRP 292 is controlled by a single dominant gene. Because of the simple mode of inheritance, resistance utilization from DMRP 292 is simple and straightforward. We designate this gene as Rsg1.

Evaluation of yoga therapy programme for patients of bronchial asthma.

A study of the effect of yoga therapy programme on 46 indoor patients of chronic bronchial asthma on exercise capacity, pulmonary functions and blood gases was conducted. Exercise capacity was measured by 3 tests: (i) 12 min walk test (12-md); (ii) physical fitness index (PFI) by modified Harvard step test; and (iii) Exercise-Liability index (ELI). Yoga therapy programme resulted in a significant increase in the pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance. A one-year follow-up study showed a good to fair response with reduced symptoms score and drug requirements in these subjects. It is concluded that yoga therapy is beneficial for bronchial asthma.

Antipyretic effects of nimesulide, paracetamol and ibuprofen-paracetamol.

The antipyretic effect of nimesulide has not been adequately compared with paracetamol and ibuprofen-paracetamol combination in children. Hence, a randomized, double blind, and parallel groups' design and multicenter study was conducted on children with respiratory tract infections. Eighty-nine patients with temperatures above 38.5 degrees C were randomly administered nimesulide (1.5 mg/kg/dose), paracetamol (10.0 mg/kg/dose), or ibuprofen-patients combination (10.0 mg/kg/dose), thrice daily for five days. The axillary temperature was recorded at the baseline and at different time intervals post administration of drugs. The hematological and biochemical investigations were performed at the basal level and at the end of the treatment period. The adverse drug reactions were monitored during the trial. All the drugs produced a significant fall in temperature as compared to their respective basal values (p < 0.001). However, on looking at the change in temperatures at different time intervals from the respective basal levels, no significant difference was found among all the drugs. Surprisingly, nimesulide had a tendency to raise serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase levels as compared to its baseline values. There was no marked adverse effect of the drugs on other hematological and biochemical parameters investigated. No other serious adverse reaction occurred in the study. Ibuprofen-paracetamol combination, nimesulide, and paracetamol had almost similar antipyretic effects in children.

Serum enzyme abnormalities in protein energy malnutrition.

Six serum enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, cholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were studied in 30 cases of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). The mean serum values of alkaline phosphatase, cholinesterase and lactate dehydrogenase in cases of PEM were significantly lower than the controls, lowering being maximum in PEM Grade IV. The mean serum values of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in patients with PEM were significantly higher than the controls. The mean serum values of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase showed similar significant rise in all but PEM Grade IV. The degree of increase in the serum values of these three enzymes were maximum in cases with PEM Grade I. These findings suggest that abnormalities in blood levels of these enzymes occur in any form of PEM and these are related to the severity of the disease.

Urinary calcium creatinine ratio and hypercalciuria.

Random urine samples of 352 children in the age group of 5-12 yrs were studied for urinary calcium-creatinine ratio (Uca/Ucr mg/mg). None had any predisposing factor for secondary hypercalciuria. Calcium and creatinine both were estimated by colorimetric method. We observed that Uca/Ucr in the general pediatric population was skewed, the pattern was similar to that described in western children and it was independent of age and sex. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of Uca/Ucr was 0.10 +/- 0.094. Considering mean +2SD as the upper limit of normal, which was 0.29 in this series, the prevalence of hypercalciuria was 6.5%.

Urodynamic study of children with voiding problems.

Twenty high risk children aged 5-12 years with various voiding problems were studied prospectively by urodynamics to evaluate the function of their urinary bladder and its continence mechanism. None of them had neuropathic bladder or any obstruction distal to bladder neck. Fourteen out of twenty (70%) had abnormal findings on urodynamics evaluation; 8 (40%) had non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder (NNNB); 3 (15%) had small capacity hypertonic bladder (SCHB); 2 (10%) had atonic bladder (AB) and 1 (5%) had hyperreflexic bladder (HB). We conclude that urodynamic abnormalities are as frequent in high risk Indian children as they are in developed countries. The high risk children should be subjected to urodynamic studies more frequently than being done hitherto and be directed to proper therapeutic modality.

Desferrioxamine induced urinary iron excretion in thalassemia.

Twenty one children of beta thalassemia major aged between 2 and 14 years of age on regular blood transfusion were given subcutaneous desferrioxamine. Their serum ferritin, 24 hours baseline urinary iron excretion and subcutaneous desferrioxamine induced urinary iron excretion were measured. The result showed a close correlation between serum ferritin and amount of blood transfusions received by the patient. There was good correlation between serum ferritin and desferrioxamine induced urinary iron excretion. A negative iron balance could be achieved in 15 out of 21 children with one dose of desferrioxamine therapy.

Diagnostic utility of ELISA test using antigen A60 in suspected cases of tuberculous meningitis in paediatric age group.

The aim of the study was evaluation of the utility of ELISA test using antigen A60 for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous menigitis (TBM) in paediatric age group. ELISA test based on mycrobacterial antigen A60 (Anda biological, France) was used to estimate specific IgM and IgG antibodies in the sera and CSF of 20 suspected cases of TBM which were selected on the basis of numerous parameters and were smear negative on concentrated smear of CSF. Sera of 20 Montoux negative healthy children was taken as control by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies to A60 antigen. Response to anti-tubercular treatment was observed in all the suspected cases of TBM. This study showed that specificity for diagnosis of TBM by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in sera was 90% and 80% respectively. Sensitivity of the test by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in sera was 85% and 80% respectively with positive predictive value of 89.47% for IgM antibody and 80% for IgG antibody. In CSF IgM and IgG antibodies were found in 75% and 60% cases respectively. Both were positive only in 60% of cases. It is concluded from this study that 80-85% cases of TBM in paediatric age group have eigher IgM or IgG antibodies in sera whereas 60-75% have antibodies in CSF.

Effect of corticosteroids on elevated intracellular sodium, plasma lipid peroxide levels and reduced Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in patients of bronchial asthma.

In view of several reports that there is a lack of balance in free radicals in case of bronchial asthma (1) the effect of free radicals on cell membrane was studied by estimating the membrane bound protein Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity and the intracellular sodium level in patients of bronchial asthma before and after a short course (one week) of oral corticosteroid (prednisolone 0.75-1mg/kg body weight) therapy. Results showed that there is a definite statistically significant rise in free radical level and intracellular sodium level and a significant lowering of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in case of untreated bronchial asthma. After short course of therapy with oral corticosteroids, the free radical level and intracellular sodium level decreased significantly, together with a significant rise of the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. Also, a significant negative correlation (r=-0.74) between the lipid peroxide level and the Na(+),-K(+)-ATPase activity was found in these cases.

Dynamical systems theory for the Gardner equation.

The Gardner equation u(t) + auu(x) + bu(2)u(x)+µu(xxx) = 0 is a generic mathematical model for weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive wave propagation when the effects of higher-order nonlinearity become significant. Using the so-called traveling wave ansatz u(x,t) = φ(ξ), ξ = x-vt (where v is the velocity of the wave) we convert the (1+1)-dimensional partial differential equation to a second-order ordinary differential equation in ϕ with an arbitrary constant and treat the latter equation by the methods of the dynamical systems theory. With some special attention on the equilibrium points of the equation, we derive an analytical constraint for admissible values of the parameters a, b, and µ. From the Hamiltonian form of the system we confirm that, in addition to the usual bright soliton solution, the equation can be used to generate three different varieties of internal waves of which one is a dark soliton recently observed in water [A. Chabchoub et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 124101 (2013)].

Meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in India.

Invasive meningococcal disease has a fulminant course and high mortality. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A is predominantly responsible for meningococcal disease in India and the developing countries. Group B meningococcus, which is prevalent in the developing world is uncommon in India. We herein report the second case of group B meningococcal infection from the country, two decades after the reporting of the first case. Ineffective vaccines against serogroup B warrant the need for close surveillance of this disease.

Dynamical systems theory for nonlinear evolution equations.

We observe that the fully nonlinear evolution equations of Rosenau and Hymann, often abbreviated as K(n,m) equations, can be reduced to Hamiltonian form only on a zero-energy hypersurface belonging to some potential function associated with the equations. We treat the resulting Hamiltonian equations by the dynamical systems theory and present a phase-space analysis of their stable points. The results of our study demonstrate that the equations can, in general, support both compacton and soliton solutions. For the K(2,2) and K(3,3) cases one type of solutions can be obtained from the other by continuously varying a parameter of the equations. This is not true for the K(3,2) equation for which the parameter can take only negative values. The K(2,3) equation does not have any stable point and, in the language of mechanics, represents a particle moving with constant acceleration.

Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome in post streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is characterized by an acute, usually reversible encephalopathy, with radiological findings that mainly involve the white or grey matter of the parieto-occipital lobes. We report a case of post streptococcal glomerulonephritis presenting as reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Immediate control of hypertension resulted in rapid and complete neurological recovery.