Study on the Relation between Colorectal Cancer and Gall Bladder Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the lower part of digestive system which includes the sigmoid colon and rectum. AIM: To study the relation of incidence of colorectal cancer with previous gall bladder disease or post-cholecystectomy status, a relation between gall bladder disease and smoking in particular and the most common region of colon involved in colorectal cancer in gall bladder disease and non-gall bladder disease patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 256 patients with symptoms of rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, unexplained tiredness, weight loss, pelvic pain, jaundice and abdominal distension were screened by using colonoscopy among whom 30 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Detailed history was taken with the help of a modified questionnaire and the patients were assessed, examined and the list of investigations such as faecal occult blood test, ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis, tumour markers like Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and biopsy were collected. Patient pool was categorized into Gall Bladder Disease (GBD) and Non Gall Bladder Disease (NGBD). Proportions test and Fisher's-Exact test were used to calculate the p-values. RESULTS: Ten patients had previous gall bladder disease (33%) which was significant with a p-value of 0.016 by proportions test. Two patients underwent cholecystectomy, two patients underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) and the remaining six patients did not take any treatment for their gall bladder disease. Five patients with previous gall bladder disease were found to be smokers with a p-value of 0.091. The average age was 47.2 years in males and 42.2 years in females. Males constituted 66.6% (20 males) of the diseased population whereas, females constituted 33.4% (10 females). Rectal bleeding and altered bowel habits were the commonest symptoms. Confirmation of the disease was proven using CT abdomen and biopsy. Right sided colorectal cancer was common in GBD patients. Left sided colon cancer was common in NGBD patients. CONCLUSION: This study established a statistically significant risk of colorectal cancer following cholelithiasis though no risk was apparent following cholecystectomy.

Gene actions for yield and its attributes and their implications in the inheritance pattern over three generations in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

The gene actions for yield and its attributes and their inheritance pattern based on five parameter model have been explored in four single crosses (NBIHT-5 × NBIHT-6, NBIHT-5 × NBMHT-1, NBMHT-1 × NBIHT-6 and NBMHT-2 × NBMHT-1) obtained using thebaine rich pure lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) for three consecutive generations. All the traits showed nonallelic mode of interaction, however, dominance effect (h) was more pronounced for all the traits except thebaine and papaverine. The dominance × dominance (l) effects were predominant over additive × additive (i) for all traits in all the four crosses except for papaverine. The seed and opium yield, and its contributing traits inherited quantitatively. The fixable gene effects (d) and (i) were lower in magnitude than nonfixable (h) and (l) gene effects. The estimates of heterosis were also higher in comparison to the respective parents which suggested preponderance of dominance gene action for controlling most of the traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was marginally higher than those of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. The traits thebaine, narcotine, morphine and opium yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. The leaf number, branches per plant and stem diameter showed positive correlation with opium and seed yields. The selection of plants having large number of leaves, branches and capsules with bigger size would be advantageous to enhance the yield potential.

Biphasic effect of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud on reproductive physiology of male mice.

The flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) have been used for the treatment of male sexual disorders in indigenous medicines of Indian subcontinent. Therefore to evaluate the efficacy of Syzygium aromaticum on the male reproductive health, chronic oral exposure of aqueous extract of flower buds of Syzygium in three doses (15 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg kg-1 BW) were studied for a single spermatogenic cycle (35 days) in Parkes (P) strain mice. Lower dose (15 mg) of Syzygium aromaticum flower buds increased serum testosterone level and testicular hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activities and improved sperm motility, sperm morphology, secretory activity of epididymis and seminal vesicle, and number of litters per female. On the other hand, higher doses (30 and 60 mg) of the treatment adversely affected above parameters. Further, higher doses of the extract also had adverse effects on daily sperm production, 1C cell population and on histology of testis. In conclusion, Syzygium aromaticum flower buds extract exhibits biphasic effect on reproductive physiology of male mice. Lower dose of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud extract is androgenic in nature and may have a viable future as an indigenous sexual rejuvenator, while higher doses adversely affected functional physiology of reproductive organs.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis: a rare complication of fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes.

A 42-year-old man presented with a history of recurrent loose motions for the previous 7 months. The patient also had a history of diabetes mellitus for the last 10 years and was uncontrolled on oral hypoglycaemic agents but responded to insulin. There was no history of any addiction. Examination and investigations showed the presence of malabsorption along with a calcified pancreas. The presence of a thrombus was also noted in the inferior vena cava. In the absence of alcohol intake, a diagnosis of fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes was made and the patient was investigated for other hypercoagulable states but none was found. The patient was put on oral anticoagulants, insulin and pancreatic enzyme supplements, and currently, he is under regular follow-up for diabetes.

Preparation and characterization of amidated pectin based hydrogels for drug delivery system.

In the current studies attempts were made to prepare hydrogels by chemical modification of pectin with ethanolamine (EA) in different proportions. Chemically modified pectin products were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde reagent for preparing hydrogels. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), organic elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), swelling studies, biocompatibility and hemocompatibility studies. Mechanical properties of the prepared hydrogels were evaluated by tensile test. The hydrogels were loaded with salicylic acid (used as a model drug) and drug release studies were done in a modified Franz's diffusion cell. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the presence of primary and secondary amide absorption bands. XRD studies indicated increase in crystallinity in the hydrogels as compared to unmodified pectin. The degree of amidation (DA) and molar and mass reaction yields (YM and YN) was calculated based on the results of organic elemental analysis. The hydrogels showed good water holding properties and were found to be compatible with B-16 melanoma cells & human blood.

Biomolecular changes during in vitro organogenesis of Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees--a medicinal herb.

High frequency plant regeneration in A. longifolia (L.) was achieved from leaf explant implanted on MS basal medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mg/l) + BA (2.0 mg/l) through intervening callus phase. Well-developed shoots (>3cm) were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg/l). Protein and total soluble sugar contents were maximum during organogenesis and multiple shoot induction phase compared with non-organogenic callus and root induction phase. Esterase and catalase activities were maximum during organogenic differentiation, while activities were minimum at non-differentiated callus stages. Peroxidase activities were higher during rhizogenesis. Contradiction to peroxidase activity, acid phosphatase activities were high during organogenesis and declined during rhizogenesis. SDS-PAGE analysis of total soluble proteins revealed expression of non-organogenic callus (97.9 kDa), organogenic callus (77.2, 74.1, 21.9 kDa), multiple shoot induction phase (106.6, 26.9, 11.6 kDa) and root induction phase (15.9 kDa) specific polypeptides. Esterase zymogram revealed one band (Rm 0.204) appeared in both organogenic callus and multiple shoot induction phase. Peroxidase zymogram detected two stage specific bands, one band (Rm 0.42) was specific to root induction phase, while another (Rm 0.761) was specific to multiple shoot induction. Catalase and acid phosphatase zymogram resolved one band (Rm 0.752 and 0.435, respectively) in differentiated stages including both multiple shoot induction phase and root induction phase, but absent in undifferentiated phases.

A modified cDNA subtraction to identify differentially expressed genes from plants with universal application to other eukaryotes.

We have designed a simple and efficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cDNA subtraction protocol for high-throughput cloning of differentially expressed genes from plants that can be applied to any experimental system and as an alternative to DNA chip technology. Sequence-independent PCR-amplifiable first-strand cDNA population was synthesized by priming oligo-dT primer with a defined 5' heel sequence and ligating another specified single-stranded oligonucleotide primer on the 3' ends of first-strand cDNAs by T4 RNA ligase. A biotin label was introduced into the sense strands of cDNA that must be subtracted by using 5' biotinylated forward primer during PCR amplification to immobilize the sense strand onto the streptavidin-linked paramagnetic beads. The unamplified first strand (antisense) of the interrogating cDNA population was hybridized with a large excess of amplified sense strands of control cDNA. We used magnetic bead technology for the efficient removal of common cDNA population after hybridization to reduce the complexity of the cDNA prior to PCR amplification for the enrichment and sequence abundance normalization of differentially expressed genes. Construction of a subtracted and normalized cDNA library efficiently eliminates common abundant cDNA messages and also increases the probability of identifying clones differentially expressed in low-abundance cDNA messages. We used this method to successfully isolate differentially expressed genes from Pennisetum seedlings in response to salinity stress. Sequence analysis of the selected clones showed homologies to genes that were reported previously and shown to be involved in plant stress adaptation.

Calcium and magnesium levels during automated plateletpheresis in normal donors.

It is well known that citrate induces ionized hypocalcaemia by the chelating effect during plateletpheresis. However, the kinetics of serum magnesium (Mg) ions has not been well documented. We, therefore, evaluated biochemical changes in healthy donors during plateletpheresis procedure. Ten healthy donors underwent plateletpheresis on continuous cell separator (CS3000, Baxter, Round Lake, IL, USA) and 10 on intermittent flow cell separator (MCS 3p, Hemonetics, Braintree, MA, USA). Serum levels of total and ionized calcium (tCa and iCa, respectively) and Mg (tMg and iMg, respectively) were measured before, during and after the procedures. Although, the fall in tCa (from 2.62 +/- 0.12 to 2.36 +/- 0.12 mmol L(-1)) and tMg (from 0.89 +/- 0.01 to 0.79 +/- 0.01 mmol L(-1)) was modest and not significant; drop in iCa (from 1.33 +/- 0.1 to 0.84 +/- 0.1 mmol L(-1)) and iMg (from 0.53 +/- 0.01 to 0.35 +/- 0.1 mmol L(-1)) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences observed between the CS3000 and MCS 3p cell separators regarding the fall in Ca and Mg. None of the donors experienced any adverse reactions during the procedures. In the study, an acute ionized hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia have been observed after the plateletpheresis; therefore, measurement of both the ions may be monitored. However, there is no justification for prophylactic supplementation of either of these elements.

Effect of berberine and (+/-)-bicuculline isolated from Corydalis chaerophylla on spore germination of some fungi.

Berberine and (+/-)-bicuculline were isolated from roots and leaves, respectively, of Corydalis chaerophylla. Both were effective in vitro against spore germination of some plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria brassicicola, A. brassicae, A. cheiranthi, A. melongenae, A. solani, Colletotrichum musae, C. falcatum, Curvularia penniseti, C. lunata, C. maculans, C. pallescens, Curvularia sp., Erysiphe pisi, E. cichoracearum, Erysiphe sp., Fusarium udum, Helminthosporium spiciferum, H. penniseti, H. frumentacei, Heterosporium sp., Oidium erysiphoides and Ustilago cynodontis). Berberine and (+/-)-bicuculline significantly inhibited spore germination of all the fungi at concentrations of 100-1000 ppm. Berberine was effective against all the fungi at all concentrations; most of the fungi did not germinate at 1000 ppm. H. penniseti conidia did not germinate at any concentration of (+/-)-bicuculline. U. cynodontis was the least sensitive fungus at lower concentrations but 800 ppm dose was highly effective.

Antibacterial activity of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil: a preliminary report.

The antibacterial activity of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil in vitro against fourteen strains of pathogenic bacteria was assessed. Using the tube dilution technique, it was observed that 57.14 and 21.42% of the pathogens were inhibited at 500 microl/ml; 14.28 and 71.42% at 125 microl/ml; and 28.57 and 7.14% at 250 microl/ml of Karanj and Neem oils, respectively. The activity with both the oils was bactericidal and independent of temperature and energy. Most of the pathogens were killed more rapidly at 4 degrees C than 37 degrees C. The activity was mainly due to the inhibition of cell-membrane synthesis in the bacteria.

Polyherbal formulations with wide spectrum antimicrobial activity against reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted pathogens.

PROBLEM: Recent reports indicate high incidence of genital infections, most of which are sexually transmitted. Although specific drugs and antibiotics are available for some, a safe spermicidal formulation with wide spectrum antimicrobial action would be a desirable addition to the presently available spermicides. METHODS: Formulations at different dilutions were tested in culture systems on standard strains and clinical isolates including some isolates resistant to drugs. The effect on (HSV)-2 and Chlamydia trachomatis was determined in vivo in progestin sensitized mice. The effect on HIV-1 was investigated in two standardized systems. RESULTS: Polyherbal cream inhibited the growth in culture of clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. Both the polyherbal cream and the Praneem polyherbal pessary inhibited urinary tract Escherichia coli (including multidrug resistant strains), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including 2 strains resistant to penicillin). Both formulations manifested virucidal activity against HIV-1 at >2 and 50% dilutions (in two different test systems) on contact for 1-2 min. Intravaginal inoculation of the cream and the pessary suspensions before inoculation of the pathogen prevented lesions and vaginal transmission of HSV-2 and C. trachomatis in progestin sensitized mice. CONCLUSIONS: Polyherbal formulations have wide spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effect against the tested sexually transmitted pathogens.

Management of carcinoma anal canal with combination chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy.

Results of 21 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal treated by continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/sqm for 4 days and mitomycin-C 15 mg/sqm on 1st day by i.v. route with concurrent external beam radiotherapy of 42 Gy from 1st day of chemotherapy were analysed. Out of 21 patients, 16(76.19%) achieved complete remission, 3 (14.28%) partial remission and 2 (9.52%) cases did not respond at all. On follow-up, 7 (33.33%) histopathological positive cases needed abdominoperineal resection with good recovery. After 2 years of follow-up 14 (66.67%) cases were free from the disease and 3 (14.28%) were alive with the disease. The median duration of follow-up was 36 months.

Medicinal plants of rajasthan in Indian system of medicine.

Medicinal plants used in Indian system of medicine from Rajasthan state have been surveyed and catagorised systematically. The paper deals with 205 medicinal plants, thoroughly indexed along with their important traditional application for the cure of various ailments.

Blood conservation in valve surgery.

Blood utilization in 40 patients undergoing elective valve surgery was prospectively studied. The patients had valvular lesions of rheumatic origin with a mean age of 29.1 years and a mean preoperative hematocrit of 35.23 +/- 4.16. Blood was removed from all patients after induction of anesthesia and reinfused after bypass (mean 365.12 +/- 66.96 ml). Membrane oxygenator was used in all the patients. All discard suction was routed through a regionally heparinised collecting and processing system, and the resulting red cell concentrate was transfused. At the conclusion of bypass, all blood remaining in the pump oxygenator was also processed by cell saver and used for subsequent reinfusion. Normovolemic anemia was accepted in hemodynamically stable patients. Thirty two patients (80%) received no bank blood or blood products during their entire hospital course. A total of twelve units of whole blood was transfused into eight patients.

Effects of blinding and pinealectomy on regional brain monoamine concentrations.

The effects of blinding with or without pineal ablation on brain monoamine levels were studied in male rats. Brain dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and serotonin (5-HT) were measured by radioenzymatic assays. Four weeks following pinealectomy, E levels were significantly enhanced in the frontal cortex. Chronic blinding decreased striatal DA levels and increased striatal 5-HT levels in both sham-operated and pinealectomized (Px) animals. In a second experiment Px animals were sacrificed 1 or 7 d after pinealectomy in order to examine the short-term effects of pinealectomy. There were no differences between controls and Px animals in their cortical levels of DA, NE, and E and their hippocampal and hypothalamic 5-HT levels. However, the E concentrations measured 1 d after surgery were significantly greater than after 7 d. The implications of these findings with regard to the reported role of the pineal and melatonin in brain homeostasis and endocrine regulation are discussed.

Catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in frontal cortex of primate brain.

Adenylate cyclase activity (AC) of homogenates of monkey frontal cortex was stimulated by catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol), apomorphine, clonidine, NaF and GPP(NH)P. The increment in activity due to dopamine was enhanced in the presence of GPP(NH)P. The AC was also stimulated by 0.2-0.4 mM Ca2+ in the presence of 0.2 mM EGTA; at 0.8 mM Ca2+ had little or no influence on basal or NaF-stimulated activity. However, as Ca2+ concentration was increased from 0.2 to 0.8 mM stimulation by dopamine or GPP(NH)P was progressively inhibited. These results suggest a possible function of Ca2+ in modulating neurotransmitter stimulation of AC in the monkey frontal cortex. The AC exhibited higher sensitivity to dopamine than to norepinephrine or isoproterenol; however dopamine and norepinephrine caused the same maximum stimulation of the enzyme, a stimulation womewhat greater than that produced by isoproterenol. An additivity in stimulating AC was observed for dopamine and isoproterenol but not for dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine- or dopamine-stimulated AC was effectively blocked by fluphenazine and other dopamine-receptor blocking agents (relative potency for blockade; fluphenazine, haloperidol greater than clozapine, thioridazine greater than pimozide) but not by propranolol, a beta-receptor blocker. In contrast, isoproterenol-stimulated AC was antagonized by propranolol or alprenolol but not by fluphenazine. On the basis of these results, at least two distinct receptors appear to be associated with AC of monkey frontal cortex: (1) a beta-receptor stimulated by isoproterenol and (2) a new type of dopamine or dopamine-norepinephrine receptor, stimulated by either dopamine or norepinephrine. This latter system differs from more typical dopamine receptors found in caudate, retina and limbic cortex in that (a) it is not stimulated by 1-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)-4-(2-pyrimidinyl) piperazine (S584); (b) it is stimulated significantly by the putative alpha-receptor agonist, clonidine; (c) it is more sensitive to blockade by clozapine than primate retina or caudate; also the sensitivity to haloperidol is greater than has been reported for non-primate caudate; (d) it is very sensitive to stimulation by norepinephrine and to blockade by phentolamine (an alpha-receptor blocker).