Pre-eclampsia and acute pulmonary embolism-the importance of making a differential diagnosis: a case report.

We describe the case of a 41-year-old pregnant patient who presented at 38 weeks of gestation for an urgent cesarean section, with new onset of pre-eclampsia as the initial diagnosis. The intraoperative course was complicated by seizures and hemodynamic collapse. Initially, the presentation of seizure pointed to pre-eclampsia/eclampsia; however, with careful consideration of each event as it occurred, the correct diagnosis was later determined to be pulmonary embolism and stroke. This case illustrates the importance of considering multiple possible etiologies, even when a particular diagnosis seems obvious.

A comparative evaluation of four DNA extraction protocols from whole blood sample.

All organisms have Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within their cells. DNA is a complex molecule that contains all of the information necessary to build and maintain an organism. DNA extraction is one of the most basic and essential techniques in the study of DNA that allow huge advances in molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics laboratories. Whole blood samples are one of the main sources used to obtain DNA and there are many different protocols available in this issue. In current research, compared four DNA extraction protocols from blood samples; include modified phenol-chloroform protocol, two salting-out and enzyme free method and from commercial kit. The extracted DNAs by these protocols were analyzed according to their time demands, quality and quantity, toxicity and functionality in PCR method. Also the quality and quantity of the extracted DNA were surveyed by gel electrophoresis and Nanodrop spectrophotometry methods. It was observed that there are not significantly differences between these methods about DNA Purity (A260/A280), but the DNA yield (ng DNA/µl) of phenol/chloroform method was higher than other methods. In addition, phenol/chloroform was the most toxic method and it takes more time than other methods. Roche diagnostics GmbH kit was the most expensive among the four methods but the least extraction time was required and it was the safest method.

Sperm characteristics and teratology in rats following vas deferens occlusion with RISUG and its reversal.

The functional success of the reversal of vas occlusion by styrene maleic anhydride (RISUG), using the solvent vehicle, Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO), has been investigated. Reversal with DMSO was carried out in Wistar albino rats 90 days after bilateral vas occlusion. The body weight, organ weight, sperm characteristics, fertility test and teratology, including skeletal morphology were evaluated in vas occlusion and reversal animals and in F(1) progenies to assess the functional success of the occlusion and reversal. Body weight, organ weight and the cauda epididymal sperm characteristics of vas occlusion and reversal animals and of F(1) progenies were comparable to control. Ejaculated spermatozoa in the vaginal smear showed detached head/tail, acrosomal damage, bent midpiece, bent tail and morphological aberrations in sperm head after vas occlusion, which returned to normal, 90 days after reversal. Monthly fertility test, post-injection showed 0% fertility, which improved gradually and 100% fertility was achieved 90 days after reversal. The fertility/pregnancy/implantation record and skeletal morphology of the offspring were comparable to control. The results suggest functional success and safety of vas occlusion reversal by DMSO.

Role of PGrs and inhibitors in induction and control of somatic embryogenesis in Themeda quadrivalvis.

Somatic embryogenesis could be achieved in Themeda quadrivalvis (Linn.) O. Ktze -fodder grass species on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Incorporation of putrescine in the medium stimulated embryogenesis, however its lower concentration stimulated production of non-regenerative callus. Other polyamines such as spermine and spermidine could not evoke similar response. Ascorbic acid used as antioxidant could not prevent browning in embryogenic cultures, however it stimulated embryogenesis. Inhibition of auxin polar transport by use of TIBA and HFCA reduced the embryogenic response significantly and produced distorted or abnormal embryos. Antiethylene substances such as AgNO3 and CoCl2 added in the medium adversely affected the process of embryogenesis and counteracting the stimulatory role of ethylene.

In vitro growth and shoot multiplication in Terminalia bellerica roxB. under controlled carbon dioxide environment.

The shoot cultures of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. were grown on Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 1.5 mg 1(-1) BAP (6- benzyl aminopurine), and supplemented with or without sucrose (3%). A range of CO2 concentrations (0.0, 0.6, 10, 40 g(-3)) was provided in small acrylic chambers by using different concentrations and combinations of NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate), Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate), KHCO3 (potassium bicarbonate) and K2CO3 (potassium carbonate). To obtain a CO2-free environment, a saturated solution of 10% of KOH (potassium hydroxide) was kept in the chamber. Complete absence of carbon source caused death of shoots within 20 days. Under controlled and enriched CO2, the shoots grew fully photoautotropically on sucrose-free medium. The growth of cultures was better with carbon dioxide (40 g(-3)) than sucrose (3%) in the medium. Maximum number of shoots, number of leaves per cluster, fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll contents were recorded when both sucrose and CO2 (40 g(-3)) were provided to the culture.