Comparison of Serum Uric Acid Levels in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Patients with Acute Exacerbation.

Purine breakdown produces uric acid (UA) as a by-product. Serum UA levels have been reported to be higher in hypoxic people, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Serum UA has been suggested as a marker for impaired oxidative metabolism, and it is also thought to play a role in the prognosis and evaluation of respiratory disorders such as COPD. AIM: To compare serum uric acid levels in patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and in patients with acute exacerbation (AE). MATERIAL: Study Design: An observational cross sectional comparative study was conducted which included 25 stable COPD patients and 25 patients with AE of COPD, all of them aged more than 40 years. Serum UA levels were measured and compared between the two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study after taking informed written consent. Blood sample was taken in plain vial and sent to Biochemistry lab for serum UA analysis. The analysis of serum UA was done using system reagent on Beckman Coulter AU Analyser. Complete blood count, blood urea, serum creatinine, arterial blood gas and oxygen saturation were also measured. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: The mean serum UA in the Stable group was 6.19 mg/dL and in AE group was 7.45 mg/ dL. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of serum UA levels with a p value of 0.021 and the mean serum UA level being highest in the AE group. In this study, statistically significant difference was also found between Stable and AE group in terms of mMRC grading of dyspnea (p< 0.001), Pack years (p< 0.001), pH (p=0.009), pO2 (p< 0.001) and pCO2 (p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between Stable and AE group in terms of age, gender, total leucocyte count, blood urea, serum creatinine and HCO3 Conclusion: Serum UA may be a useful parameter in assessing disease severity and hypoxemia in known COPD patients and may be helpful in early intensive management. Increased serum UA levels denote poor state and bad prognosis. Since serum UA is a simple, inexpensive and readily available routine laboratory test, it can be used in risk stratification in patients with COPD and can help in early management of patients with COPD.

A novel simplistic fabrication technique for cranial epidural electrodes for chronic recording and stimulation in rats.

BACKGROUND: The demand for neuromodulatory and recording tools has resulted in a surge of publications describing techniques for fabricating devices and accessories in-house suitable for neurological recordings. However, many of these fabrication protocols use equipment which are not common to biological laboratories, thus limiting researchers to the use of commercial alternatives. New method:We have developed a simple yet robust implantable stimulating surface electrode which can be fabricated in all wet-bench laboratories. RESULTS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats received epidural implantation of the electrodes over the fore and hind limb areas of their motor cortex. Stimulation of the motor cortex successfully evoked fore- and hind limb motor outputs. The device was also able to record surface potentials of the motor cortex following epidural stimulation of the spinal cord. Comparisons with existing methods:For stimulation of the motor cortex, often stiff stainless or copper wires are roughly tucked underneath the skull, with little accuracy of localization. While, commercially available devices utilize burr holes and screw electrodes. Our new electrode design provides us stereotaxic accuracy that was not previously available. CONCLUSION: We developed a chronic implantable electrode capable of being fabricated in all wet-labs, are robust, versatile and electrically sensitive enough for long-term chronic use. The simple and versatile electrode design provides scientific, economical and ethical benefits.

Stigmatic receptivity determines the seed set in Indian mustard, rice and wheat crops.

Stigmatic receptivity restricts the successful pollination in cereal crops. The present study deals with the biochemical test for enzymes producing in stigma of field crops such as Indian mustard, rice and wheat. The alcohol dehydrogenase and hydrogen peroxide assays revealed stigmatic receptivity as a violet color and oxygen bubbles released by the chemical reaction. Therefore, the 2 quick tests are in conformity to each other and supported the seed set data, which was utmost at blooming stage of flower ranged between 2-4 d All the 3 crops showed variation in stigmatic receptivity with respect to different time periods of blooming stages and hence, it may affects simultaneous pollen germination and tube growth, fertilization and seed set. The present finding suggests that the growth of pollen tube and stigma receptivity could be influenced by specific enzymes on stigma surface after 2-4 d of blooming stage, which contributes to proper seed set.

Case report on carotid body tumor.

A 40 years old lady presented to us with the complaints of repeated attack of syncope with left sided neck swelling. Ultrasonography, Color Doppler study and arteriography were done which revealed a solid vascular mass in the carotid bifurcation. Mass was resected and histopathology was done. Histopathologic findings were typical of a carotid body tumour. As carotid body tumour is a rare disease. So, we are going to present this in this article.

Association of premature androgenetic alopecia and metabolic syndrome in a young Indian population.

CONTEXT: Although evidences for association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are accruing, inconclusiveness with respect to the gender specificity and differential association of MetS with increasing severity of AGA continues to persist. Furthermore, data specific to Indian settings are relatively sparse. AIMS: The present study aimed at assessing the frequency of MetS in individuals with early AGA in Indian settings. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted at a trichology clinic in Bengaluru between April 2012 and September 2012 with a total of 85 cases of AGA and 85 age-matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Norwood-Hamilton classification was used to assess the grade of AGA. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid parameters, and body mass index along with anthropometric measurements were assessed in all study participants. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was used to compare proportions between groups. Means were compared between groups using Student's t-test. RESULTS: MetS was seen in a higher proportion of patients with AGA (43.5%) as compared to the control group (2.4%) and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). As compared to controls, patients with AGA had higher triglycerides (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) along with significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.001). Severity of AGA was not associated with MetS. CONCLUSIONS: AGA is associated with MetS in male Indian patients aged <30 years. Studies with large sample sizes may be required to conclusively define any putative associations between AGA grades and MetS.

General route to synthesize of metal (Ni, Co, Mn, Fe) oxide nanostructure and their optical and magnetic behaviour.

Here we report a generalised way to prepare transitional metal (Ni, Co, Mn, Fe) oxide nanostructures via solvothermal route followed by controlled heat treatment. The method has been successfully involved to produce structurally uniform and well crystalline phase of the different metal (Ni, Co, Mn) oxide faceted nanoparticles and porous nanorods (Fe2O3) with highly anisotropic surfaces. The product materials were characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction and electron microscope (SEM, TEM) to investigate the structural and morphological details. Optical absorption study was carried out by UV-VIS spectrophotometer and the results are analysed on the basis of their electronic transitions of 3d shell and band energies. The details magnetic investigation was carried out by the measurement of magnetization with varying magnetic field and temperature. The observed magnetic behaviour is explained on the basis of uncompensated spins lying on the surface which is extremely anisotropic in the present systems of the synthesized materials.

Physical growth and nutritional status of Car Nicobarese and Moplah children of Andaman-Nicobar Islands in India.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess growth and nutritional status of Car Nicobarese children and compare it with Moplah children, who live in a similar environment. A total of 436 Car Nicobarese children and 438 Moplah children, aged 6-10 years, were selected for the study. The anthropometric measurements included stature, body weight, sitting height, bi-acromial breadth, bi-iliac breadth, mid-upper arm circumference, skinfold thickness of biceps, triceps and subscapular region. 50th percentile (median) growth curves were calculated among the studied children and compared with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2000 reference. Z scores of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ) and BMI for age (BMIZ) were computed using growth references of the CDC 2000. It was observed that the Car Nicobarese children were shorter but heavier than Moplah children of both sexes all through the age range, which was also reflected in median value of anthropometric variables. Car Nicobarese children were nutritionally better compared to Moplah children based on the nutritional indices. The major differences between Car Nicobarese and Moplah children were found in their arm muscularity rather than arm adiposity. Overall, Car Nicobarese children were nutritionally in normal and better condition than Moplah children. However, present dietary change (intake of high calories and fat diet) of Car Nicobarese population may be reflected in the form of childhood obesity in the recent future, which has already been observed in their adult population.

Contributions of thrombin targets to tissue factor-dependent metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice.

BACKGROUND: Tumor cell tissue factor (TF)-initiated coagulation supports hematogenous metastasis by fibrin formation, platelet activation and monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Recent studies identified host anticoagulant mechanisms as a major impediment to successful hematogenous tumor cell metastasis. OBJECTIVE: Here we address mechanisms that contribute to enhanced metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice with functional thrombomodulin deficiency (TM(Pro) mice). METHODS: Pharmacological and genetic approaches were combined to characterize relevant thrombin targets in a mouse model of experimental hematogenous metastasis. RESULTS: TF-dependent, but contact pathway-independent, syngeneic breast cancer metastasis was associated with marked platelet hyperreactivity and formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates in immune-competent TM(Pro) mice. Blockade of CD11b or genetic deletion of platelet glycoprotein Ibα excluded contributions of these receptors to enhanced platelet-dependent metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice. Mice with very low levels of the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) did not phenocopy the enhanced metastasis seen in TM(Pro) mice. Genetic deletion of the thrombin receptor PAR1 or endothelial thrombin signaling targets alone did not diminish enhanced metastasis in TM(Pro) mice. Combined deficiency of PAR1 on tumor cells and the host reduced metastasis in TM(Pro) mice. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis in the hyperthrombotic TM(Pro) mouse model is mediated by platelet hyperreactivity and contributions of PAR1 signaling on tumor and host cells.

Gibberellic acid in plant: still a mystery unresolved.

Gibberellic acid (GA), a plant hormone stimulating plant growth and development, is a tetracyclic di-terpenoid compound. GAs stimulate seed germination, trigger transitions from meristem to shoot growth, juvenile to adult leaf stage, vegetative to flowering, determines sex expression and grain development along with an interaction of different environmental factors viz., light, temperature and water. The major site of bioactive GA is stamens that influence male flower production and pedicel growth. However, this opens up the question of how female flowers regulate growth and development, since regulatory mechanisms/organs other than those in male flowers are mandatory. Although GAs are thought to act occasionally like paracrine signals do, it is still a mystery to understand the GA biosynthesis and its movement. It has not yet confirmed the appropriate site of bioactive GA in plants or which tissues targeted by bioactive GAs to initiate their action. Presently, it is a great challenge for scientific community to understand the appropriate mechanism of GA movement in plant's growth, floral development, sex expression, grain development and seed germination. The appropriate elucidation of GA transport mechanism is essential for the survival of plant species and successful crop production.

Electronic absorption spectrum of triacetylene cation for astronomical considerations.

The A(2)Πg ← X(2)Πu electronic transition (4800-6000 Å) of triacetylene cation was measured in an ion trap, where the vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom were equilibrated to 25 K. The rotational profile of the origin band is predicted by a collisional-radiative rate model under conditions expected in diffuse interstellar clouds. Variation in the density of the surrounding gas, rotational temperature, and velocity dispersion are taken into account.

Detection of hidden structures for arbitrary scales in complex physical systems.

Recent decades have experienced the discovery of numerous complex materials. At the root of the complexity underlying many of these materials lies a large number of contending atomic- and largerscale configurations. In order to obtain a more detailed understanding of such systems, we need tools that enable the detection of pertinent structures on all spatial and temporal scales. Towards this end, we suggest a new method that applies to both static and dynamic systems which invokes ideas from network analysis and information theory. Our approach efficiently identifies basic unit cells, topological defects, and candidate natural structures. The method is particularly useful where a clear definition of order is lacking, and the identified features may constitute a natural point of departure for further analysis.

Endosulfan and flutamide impair testicular development in the juvenile Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus.

Endosulfan and flutamide, a widely used pesticide and a prostate cancer/infertility drug, respectively, have an increased risk of causing endocrine disruption if they reach water bodies. Though many studies are available on neurotoxicity/bioaccumulation of endosulfan and receptor antagonism of flutamide, only little is known about their impact on testicular steroidogenesis at molecular level. Sex steroids play an important role in sex differentiation of lower vertebrates including fishes. Hence, a small change in their levels caused by endocrine disruptors affects the gonadal development of aquatic vertebrates significantly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of endosulfan and flutamide on testis-related transcription factor and steroidogenic enzyme genes with a comparison on the levels of androgens during critical period of catfish testicular development. We also analyzed the correlation between the above-mentioned genes and catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH)-tryptophan hydroxylase2 (tph2). The Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus males at 50 days post hatch (dph) were exposed to very low dose of endosulfan (2.5 µg/L) and flutamide (33 µg/L), alone and in combination for 50 days. The doses used in this study were far less than those used in the previous studies of flutamide and reported levels of endosulfan in surface water and sediments. Sampling was done at end of the treatments (100 dph) to perform testicular germ cell count (histology), measurements of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) by enzyme immunoassay and transcript quantification by quantitative real-time PCR. In general, treatments decreased the expression of several genes including testis-related transcription factors (dmrt1, sox9a and wt1), steroidogenic enzymes (11ß-hsd2, 17ß-hsd12 and P450c17), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and orphan nuclear receptors (nr2c1 and Ad4BP/SF-1). In contrast, the transcripts of cfGnRH and tph2 were elevated in the brain of all treated groups with maximum elevation in the endosulfan group. However, combination of endosulfan and flutamide (E+F) treatment showed minor antagonism in a few results of transcript quantification. Levels of T and 11-KT were elevated after flutamide and E+F treatments while no change was seen in the endosulfan group signifying the effect of flutamide as an androgen receptor antagonist. All the treatments modulated testis growth by decreasing the progression of differentiation of spermatogonia to spermatocytes. Based on these results, we suggest that the exposure to endosulfan and flutamide, even at low doses, impairs testicular development either directly or indirectly at the level of brain.

Endosulfan and flutamide, alone and in combination, target ovarian growth in juvenile catfish, Clarias batrachus.

Juvenile Catfish(es), Clarias batrachus of 50 days post hatch (dph) were exposed to endosulfan (2.5 parts per billion [ppb]) and flutamide (33 ppb), alone and in combination for 50 days to access their impact on ovarian development. The doses used in this study were nominal considering pervious reports. Sampling was done at 100 dph to perform histology and measurement of various transcripts, estradiol-17ß and aromatase activity. In general, treatments enhanced expression of ovary-specific transcription factors, steroidogenic enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and aromatases while transcripts of tryptophan hydroxylase2 (tph2) and catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone declined in the brain of all treated groups with maximum reduction in the endosulfan group. Significant reduction of tph2 immunoreactivity in the forebrain/telencephalon-preoptic area endorsed our results. Increased number of pre-vitellogenic and less immature oocytes in the treated groups indicated hastened ovarian growth. Elevated ovarian aromatase activity and plasma estradiol-17ß levels were noticed in the treated groups with maximum being in the endosulfan group. These data together demonstrate that the exposure of endosulfan causes synchronous precocious ovarian development better than flutamide, alone or in combination. Our results suggest that both endosulfan and flutamide alter ovarian growth by triggering precocious development in catfish.

Detecting hidden spatial and spatio-temporal structures in glasses and complex physical systems by multiresolution network clustering.

We elaborate on a general method that we recently introduced for characterizing the "natural" structures in complex physical systems via multi-scale network analysis. The method is based on "community detection" wherein interacting particles are partitioned into an "ideal gas" of optimally decoupled groups of particles. Specifically, we construct a set of network representations ("replicas") of the physical system based on interatomic potentials and apply a multiscale clustering ("multiresolution community detection") analysis using information-based correlations among the replicas. Replicas may i) be different representations of an identical static system, ii) embody dynamics by considering replicas to be time separated snapshots of the system (with a tunable time separation), or iii) encode general correlations when different replicas correspond to different representations of the entire history of the system as it evolves in space-time. Inputs for our method are the inter-particle potentials or experimentally measured two (or higher order) particle correlations. We apply our method to computer simulations of a binary Kob-Andersen Lennard-Jones system in a mixture ratio of A(80)B(20) , a ternary model system with components "A", "B", and "C" in ratios of A(88)B(7)C(5) (as in Al(88)Y(7)Fe(5) , and to atomic coordinates in a Zr(80)Pt(20) system as gleaned by reverse Monte Carlo analysis of experimentally determined structure factors. We identify the dominant structures (disjoint or overlapping) and general length scales by analyzing extrema of the information theory measures. We speculate on possible links between i) physical transitions or crossovers and ii) changes in structures found by this method as well as phase transitions associated with the computational complexity of the community detection problem. We also briefly consider continuum approaches and discuss rigidity and the shear penetration depth in amorphous systems; this latter length scale increases as the system becomes progressively rigid.

Sirtuins: multifaceted drug targets.

Sirtuin (Sir2) proteins being key regulators of numerous cellular processes have been, over the recent past, the subject of intense study. Sirs have been implicated in diverse physiological processes ranging from aging and cancer to neurological dysfunctions. Studies on Sir2s using tools of genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology have provided significant insight into the diverse functions of this class of deacetylases. This apart, medicinal chemistry approaches have enabled the discovery of modulators (both activators and inhibitors) of Sir2 activity of diverse chemical structures and properties. The availability of these small molecule modulators of Sir2 activity not only has pharmacological significance but also opens up the possibility of exploiting chemical genetic approaches in understanding the role of this multi-functional enzyme in cellular processes.

Socioeconomic impact on child immunisation in the districts of West Bengal, India.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of inter-district variations in immunisation coverage and the reasons for their existence is of utmost importance in a region in which variations in the socioeconomic factors are known to have a marked influence on immunisation coverage. METHODS: This study was based on a sample of 1,279 children aged 12-35 months. Data was obtained from the District Level Household Survey under the Reproductive and Child Health project (DLHS-RCH-2) that was conducted from 2002 to 2004. Descriptive studies and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the variations in immunisation coverage. RESULTS: Approximately 54 percent of children in West Bengal were covered for immunisation. The results for receiving full immunisation varied greatly between the various districts, ranging from 23.3 percent in Murshidabad to 72.2 percent in Hugli. Low rates of coverage were found among the vulnerable groups of poor minorities, especially in rural areas. No evidence of gender differences was found. The educational level of the parents was found to have a significant influence on child immunisation coverage. CONCLUSION: In order to improve upon the rates of child immunisation coverage in West Bengal, efforts should be concentrated on poor children from minority groups and those living in rural areas.

D2Pi(u), C2Pi(u) <-- X2Pi(g) electronic transitions of NCCN+.

The electronic absorption spectrum of NCCN(+) in the gas phase was measured at approximately 15 K in a 22-pole ion trap. The spectra show two band systems assigned to the C(2)Pi(u)-X(2)Pi(g) and D(2)Pi(u)-X(2)Pi(g) transitions with origin band maxima at 17,363 (3) and 33,409 (5) cm(-1), respectively. Both absorptions show distinct vibrational structure with progressions in nu(2) as well as combinations of double quanta excitations in nu(4) and nu(5). Rotational structure of the 0(0)(0) bands could not be resolved, which indicates that the C(2)Pi(u) and D(2)Pi(u) states have a lifetime on the order of a hundred femtoseconds because of fast intramolecular processes.

Pentachlorophenol degradation by Pseudomonas stutzeri CL7 in the secondary sludge of pulp and paper mill.

A pentachlorophenol (PCP) mineralizing bacterium was isolated from the secondary sludge of pulp and paper mill and identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri strain CL7. This isolate used PCP as its sole source of carbon and energy and was capable of degrading this compound as indicated by stoichiometric release of chloride and biomass formation. P. stutzeri (CL7) was able to mineralize a high concentration of PCP (600 mg/L) than any previously reported Pseudomonad with PCP as sole carbon source. As the concentration of PCP increased from 50 to 600 mg/L, the reduction in the cell growth was observed and the PCP degradation was more than 90% in all studied concentrations. This isolate was able to remove 66.8% of PCP from the secondary sludge of pulp and paper mill when supplemented with 100 mg/L of PCP and grown for two weeks. This study showed that the removal efficiency of PCP by CL7 was found to be very effective and can be used in PCP remediation of pulp paper mill waste in the environment.

Adult body dimension and determinants of chronic energy deficiency among the Shabar tribe living in urban, rural and forest habitats in Orissa, India.

AIMS: This study was conducted to examine variation of adult body dimension and prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) with its determinants (socio-economic, nutrient and morbidity) among the Shabar tribe living in urban, rural and forest areas of Orissa, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements along with socio-economic, nutrient consumption and morbidity patterns of 444 males and 489 females aged 20-60 years were collected from the Khurda and Cuttack districts. RESULTS: Major differences were found in fat mass rather than muscle mass between habitats, and the urban group showed higher values compared to rural and forest counterparts. The highest prevalence of undernutrition was observed among forest-dwelling males and rural females. Gender difference was higher in the rural area. Higher prevalence of CED was observed among illiterates, within larger families, economically poorer groups, those with inadequate nutrient consumption, and those who had experienced morbid conditions. However, sex and habitation-wise, the risk factors associated with CED were different. Notably, economic disparity and morbidity conditions were a significant risk factor of CED among rural females. CONCLUSION: Body fat content was found to be the major difference in body dimension across different habitats and rural women may be a vulnerable group.

Growth and nutritional status of Bengali adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the growth and nutritional status among healthy Bengali adolescent schoolgirls at peri-urban area. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, sample consists of 527 school going adolescent girls, aged 10 to 18 years. The sample of the present study was collected from a peri-urban area (Duttapukur) of north 24 parganas district of West Bengal, India. Standard anthropometric measurements including linear, curvilinear and skinfold thickness were collected from each subject. Percentile curves and nutritional indices were used to determine the growth and nutritional status respectively. RESULTS: The nature of distance curves and percentile curves of the body measurements showed a high rate of increase in 10-11 years of age group corresponding to an earlier adolescent growth spurt than average Indian girls. The adolescent girls in the current study were found to be significantly (p<0.0001) taller than Indian girls and heavier than both Indian and urban Bengali girls but slightly shorter than urban Bengali girls. They are significantly (p<0.0001) shorter and lighter than American girls, which also corresponded to 50(th) percentile curves. Age specific nutritional assessment shows different grades of malnutrition among them. Gomez's classification indicates about 60 % to 70 % adolescent girls show either moderate to mild malnutrition during their growth period. Both the indices of Waterlow's classification show least percentage of least malnutrition among the girls. CONCLUSION: The growth pattern and nutritional status observed among adolescent girls in peri-urban situation show heterogeneity with respect to some anthropometric traits and in conformity with the growth pattern and nutritional status of urban girls.