Procedures to view aberrations-A travel from protein to gene: Literature review.

The diagnosis of any pathology is fundamentally based on the microscopic structure of cells and tissues and this remains as the standard by which all other diagnostic tests are measured. In this era, the pathologists are relying on the examination of tissue section stained by histochemical means and it is supported by the advanced immunological, biochemical and molecular techniques. This review will provide the information about one of the way that can be followed to unravel the molecular mechanism in spotting the disease process. Technologies used to study the cellular process are same for the normal and the abnormal cell. Experimental strategy briefed here is also applicable for both. The cellular process can be studied either from protein to gene or from gene to protein. Earlier days biochemical analysis (isolation of protein, protein sequencing) was separate and genetic analysis (genomic mapping) was separate. But now with advent of recombinant DNA technology it is possible to have a link between the biochemical and genetic analysis. Intermediary step of development of oligonucleotide synthesis, complementary DNA probe and cloning has revolutionized the research process. Identified gene can be compared with the normal gene by comparative genomics or expressed proteins by expression proteomics.

Role of Barr bodies obtained from oral smears in the determination of sex.

Barr body is an inactivated X chromosome in the normal female somatic cell. Inactivation of these chromosomes is known as Lyonization. Lyonization has both genetic and clinical significance. Barr body can be easily identified with ordinary stains. It also helps in identifying the sex of an individual when used judiciously. A review is made on the lyonization of Barr body and its utility in sex determination.

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nuts--a boon in alternative medicine.

In alternative medicine, medicinal plant preparations have found widespread use particularly in the case of diseases not amenable to treatment by modern methods. Chemical and phytochemical analyses of Semecarpus anacardium nut reveal the presence of biflavonoids, phenolic compounds, bhilawanols, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. A variety of nut extract preparations from this source are effective against many diseases, viz. arthritis, tumours, infections etc. and non-toxic even at high dose of 2000 mg/kg. However understanding of the mechanism of the pharmacological action of S. anacardium nut can be greatly aided by the isolation of its active principle from the nut and determination of the structure-function relationship. Also, the potent curative effect of S. anacardium nut extract against human ailments need to be verified by controlled clinical studies.

Supracricoid laryngectomy with Cricohyoidopexy--a clinico oncological & functional experience.

Supracricoid laryngectomy with Cricohyoidopexy (CHP) is a procedure that is commonly practiced in France & Canada. Eight such procedures were carried out at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore during the period from 1991 through 1996. Four Glottic, 3 transglottic & one supraglottic cancers were subjected to this procedure. The study comprised of 7 males & 1 female. The average age was 52 years. Two procedures were done as salvage procedures for radiotherapy (RT) failures. The patients have a follow-up ranging from one year to six years, except for one who died soon after discharge from hospital secondary to myocardial infarction. Median follow up was four years. The three year acturial disease free survival was 83%. Six out of 8 (75%) were decannulated, and physiologic deglutition without aspiration was established in all patients. Hospital stay ranged from 11 to 62 days averaging 29 days. The speech was analyzed together with other partial laryngectomies and was found to be qualitatively worse than speech after other partial laryngectomy procedures. In addition speech intensity levels after CHP were lower than in other partial laryngectomy procedures. The speech however allowed normal social interaction. This procedure certainly has distinct oncological advantage in encompassing circumferential horse-shoe lesions with minimal subglottic extension which in the past would have received total laryngectomy and needs to be included in the repertoire of speech restorative surgery in laryngeal cancers.

Vocal rehabilitation after gastric transposition. The critical overview.

Re-establishment of effective communication following laryngopharyngo esophagectomy and gastric transposition requires thorough knowledge and flexibility of introducing the entire range of communication options. This study describes our experience with eleven patients of gastric transposition who attended intensive speech therapy and developed gastric speech using different method of speech producing and attaining various levels of proficiency. Application of digital pressure is one of the most effective technique for production of satisfactory and intelligible voice in gastric transposition cases who fail to develop speech by inhalation method.

Speech evaluation after near total laryngectomy and total laryngectomy--a comparative acoustic analysis.

The practice of Pearson's (1981) technique of near total laryngectomy with speech shunt is evaluated acoustically in 11 subjects using matched esophageal speakers. Not only do these patients vocalize earlier with effortless cease, analysis of their speech both subjectively & by acoustic analysis of the parameters seems definitely to be of superior quality. The functional utility of this technique is addressed in this study justifying its more frequent practice in unilateral lesions of larynx and hypopharynx which defy satisfactory control by conventional conservation laryngeal surgery or radiation therapy. The Oncological outcome will be taken up as a part of a future report when follow up of adequate duration occurs in sufficient number of cases.