Diagnostic significance of IL-6 and IL-8 in tubal ectopic pregnancy.

As there are no specific non-invasive markers for the diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy, our objective in the present study was to explore the role of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 in the diagnosis of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Twenty-eight women with tubal ectopic pregnancy, 31 patients with intrauterine abortion and 29 gestational age matched women having normal intrauterine pregnancy were included in the study. Five millilitre of blood was collected at the time of admission, serum was separated and stored at -70 °C for subsequent analysis of ß hCG, IL-6 and IL-8 levels. The level of IL-6 was a significant increase in the women with tubal ectopic pregnancy compared to intrauterine abortion and normal pregnancy. IL-8 levels decrease significantly in the tubal ectopic pregnancy and in intrauterine abortion patients when compared with the normal pregnancy group. At the cutoff of 26.48 pg/ml IL-6 level predicted the tubal ectopic pregnancy with moderate accuracy. Therefore, it can be concluded that measurement of IL-6 may have relevance in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy as a novel inflammatory serum biomarkers.

Assessment and comparison of retention of zirconia copings luted with different cements onto zirconia and titanium abutments: An in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the retention of zirconia copings luted with different luting agents onto zirconia and titanium abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium and zirconia abutments were torqued at 35 N/cm onto implant analogs. The samples were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of four titanium abutments and 32 zirconia copings and Group B consisted of four zirconia abutments and 32 zirconia copings and four luting agents were used. The cemented copings were subjected to tensile dislodgement forces and subjected to ANOVA test. RESULTS: Zirconia abutments recorded a higher mean force compared to titanium. Among the luting agents, resin cement recorded the highest mean force followed by zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and noneugenol zinc oxide cement, respectively. CONCLUSION: Highest mean retention was recorded for zirconia implant abutments compared to titanium abutments when luted with zirconia copings.

Oblique Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and its Clinical Importance.

Kidneys are the organs that remove the waste products of the metabolic activities. A smooth blood flow to the kidneys is essential to maintain their function. Abnormalities of the renal vasculature may result not only in impairing the renal function but can lead to conditions like varicocele. During an autopsy of an adult male, we observed renal vascular variations. The left renal vein had a retro-aortic course before its termination into the inferior vena cava. It was joined with the inferior vena cava at the level of inferior mesenteric artery with an acute angle. The left testicular vein joined the left renal vein with an acute angle. The right kidney was supplied by two renal arteries. The knowledge about retro-aortic course of the left renal vein may be important during renal transplantation. The oblique course of left renal vein and the termination of left testicular vein into it with an acute angle may increase the chances of left sided varicocele.

A Comparative Evaluation of Condylar Guidance Value from Radiograph with Interocclusal Records made During Jaw Relation and Try-in: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of programming the articulator using the radiographs and the interocclusal records made during Jaw relation (Arrow point tracing) and Try-in stage. The study comprised of 15 edentulous subjects with well formed maxillary and mandibular ridges, with no signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders and neuromuscular disorders. Digital Orthopantomograph was taken for all the subjects. The condylar guidance angles were traced on Orthopantomograph for right and left sides and the values were recorded. The protrusive interocclusal records were made at jaw relation stage and at try-in stage using bite registration paste (Bitrex- vinyl polysiloxane) for all subjects. These interocclusal records were used to programme the Semi-adjustable articulator (Hanau Wide Vue) and the condylar guidance values on the right and left sides were recorded. The condylar guidance values so obtained were compared with the values obtained by Orthopantomograph. The condylar guidance values obtained by the various procedures were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed statistically significant difference between the condylar guidance values obtained from Orthopantomograph (Radiograph) and the condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of jaw relation and also between Orthopantomograph and condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of Try-in. Condylar guidance values obtained from the Radiographs were higher than those obtained at the stage of Jaw relation and at the stage of Try-in. However, we notice that the mean condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of Try-in were nearer to the mean condylar guidance values obtained on the Radiographs.

Growth of Jatropha curcas on heavy metal contaminated soil amended with industrial wastes and Azotobacter. A greenhouse study.

The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of organic wastes (biosludge and dairy sludge) and biofertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum) on the planting conditions of Jatropha curcas in metal contaminated soils. Results showed that the plants survival rate in heavy metal contaminated soil increased with addition of amendments. Treatment T6 (heavy metal contaminated soils+dairy sludge+biofertilizer) observed to be the best treatment for growth (height and biomass) as compared with the treatment T5 (heavy metal contaminated soils+biosludge+biofertilizer). In addition, organic amendments provided nutrients such as carbon, N, P and K to support plant growth and reduced the metal toxicity to plant. The present study showed that metal contaminated lands/soils could be suitably remediated by adapting appropriate measures.

Construction of a recombinant cellulolytic Escherichia coli.

A 1.2-kb DNA fragment from Bacillus subtilis CD4 encoding endo-beta-1,4-glucanase and cellobiase activities was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and cellobiase activities were detected in a cell-free lysate of recombinant (re-) E. coli (Ec). The re-enzymes were functional in Ec, as it utilized carboxymethylcellulose, soluble cellulose and cellobiose as sole carbon sources for growth.

Characterization of a uterine luminal fluid protein ULF-250 using N-terminal microsequencing and RT-PCR identifies a novel estrogen-regulated gene in the rat uterus.

We had previously identified an estrogen responsive protein ULF-250, synthesized and secreted by the estrous rat uterus, which is immunologically distinct from complement C3 and alpha2-macroglobulin. The N-terminal microsequencing of ULF-250 followed by sequence homology analysis showed that this protein is a new member of a class of estrogen responsive proteins in the uterus. Polymerase chain reaction with a ULF-250 specific primer yielded partial sequence information of its message. The observed pattern of ULF-250 message in the uterus during the various stages of the reproductive cycle in the rat suggested a possible regulation of ULF-250 message by 17beta-estradiol. Upstream sequencing of ULF-250 message and its promoter domains would provide insight into the mechanism of its regulation by estradiol.

NADPH dependent superoxide generation in the ovary and uterus of mice during estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

NADPH dependent O2- production in the ovary and uterus of cycling and pregnant mice was estimated employing a novel technique of time-lapse electron spin resonance enhancement of a superoxide-trapping spin trap. The NADPH dependent O2- generation in the mouse ovary increased during the early pre-ovulatory phase in cycling females and during extended luteal phase in pregnant animals. A peak of uterine NADPH dependent O2- production at proestrous in the cycling animals at pre-implantation phase in pregnant animals suggested a contribution of this enzyme towards generating high levels of superoxide anion radical during the respective stages. Both ovarian and uterine NADPH dependent O2- production appeared to be LH-inducible.

Powerful anti-sperm motility action of cobaltous ion and its recovery by a sulfhydryl compound.

Cobaltous ion, at extremely low concentrations, exercises powerful sperm-immobilizing properties, which could be recovered by a sulfhydryl compound, cysteine. The loss of sperm surface thiol groups and the augmented production of superoxide anion radicals are observed, which could explain the loss of motility of human spermatozoa in vitro as a consequence of cobalt treatment.

Role of ions and ion channels in capacitation and acrosome reaction of spermatozoa.

Capacitation and acrosome reaction are important prerequisites of the fertilization process. Capacitation is a highly complex phenomenon occurring in the female genital tract, rendering the spermatozoa capable of binding and fusion with the oocyte. During capacitation various biochemical and biophysical changes occur in the spermatozoa and the spermatozoal membranes. Ions and ion channels also play important roles in governing the process of capacitation by changing the fluxes of different ions which in turn controls various characteristics of capacitated spermatozoa. Along with the mobilization of ions the generation of free radicals and efflux of cholesterol also plays an important role in the capacitation state of the spermatozoa. The generation of free radical and efflux of cholesterol change the mechanodynamic properties of the membrane by oxidation of the polyunsaturated lipids and by generating the cholesterol free patches. The process of capacitation renders the spermatozoa responsive to the inducers of the acrosome reaction. The glycoprotein zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) of the egg coat zona pellucida is the potent physiological stimulator of the acrosome reaction; progesterone, a major component of the follicular fluid, is also an inducer of the acrosome reaction. The inducers of the acrosome reaction cause the activation of the various ion-channels leading to high influxes of calcium, sodium and bicarbonate. The efflux of cholesterol during the process of capacitation alters the permeability of the membrane to the ions and generate areas which are prone to fusion and vesiculation process during the acrosome reaction. This review focuses mainly on effects of the ion and ion-channels, free radicals, and membrane fluidity changes during the process of capacitation and acrosome reaction.

Superoxide anion radical generation as a temperature stress response in the gills of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: role in mucus exudation under elevated temperature.

Temperature induced superoxide anion radical (O2-) generation in vivo has been demonstrated in the gills of Heteropneustes fossilis by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping. Temperature exposures from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C for various times (1-4 hr) caused generation of O2- in the gill. The acid mucopolysaccharide test was conducted in gill sections during elevated temperatures. The results showed an increased activity of mucopolysaccharide in gills which indicate an increased mucus secretion in gills during elevated temperatures. The detectable stable levels of O2- in the gill at 32 and 37 degrees C temperature exposures point towards a probable role for this radical in the exudation of mucus under elevated temperature.

Neutralization of pregnancy-preventing activity of cabergoline, a dopamine agonist with progesterone.

Cabergoline (Cab), a dopamine agonist, inhibits the production and/or release of prolactin and reduces progesterone biosynthesis. Cab at doses of 20 microg/kg/d and higher administered on Days 1, 2 and 3 of pregnancy prevented implantation of fertilized ova in all treated female rats. The pregnancy-preventing activity of Cab is attributed to a deficiency of progesterone since estradiol levels remain unchanged. To validate the hypothesis that progesterone deficiency is the cause of the infertility, exogenous progesterone was administered to Cab-treated pregnant female rats and their fertility assessed. Progesterone at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d sc was administered on Days 1 to 7 of pregnancy to female rats treated with Cab (20 and 60 microg/kg/d) on Days 1, 2 and 3 of pregnancy. All progesterone-treated animals became pregnant, and all mated female rats treated with Cab (60 microg/kg/d) and progesterone (5 mg/kg/d) on Days 1 to 7 inclusive became pregnant. In conclusion, progesterone can neutralize the pregnancy preventing activity of Cab. Pregnant female rats treated with Cab can be used to assay for progestagenic activity of compounds.

Estimation of gestational age from hand and foot length.

Abortion, foeticide and infanticide have been practised from time immemorial by both primitive and civilized societies. Establishing the precise duration of gestation is an important point in the total medical evidentiary picture of infanticide. In this study, an attempt has been made to establish the gestational age of the foetus using foot and hand length. This study will be of help in establishing the gestational age when the foetus is fragmented. Results obtained were significant in establishing the gestational age.

A retrospective analysis of acute organophosphorus poisoning cases admitted to the tertiary care teaching hospital in South India.

OBJECTIVES: We have herein reported our experience with the pattern of presentation of cases of acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the hospital records of patients with acute OP poisoning. In a pre-structured proforma, data regarding age, sex, time elapsed after intake, circumstances of poisoning, duration of hospitalization, severity, complications, and outcome of the patients were recorded. The data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, entered in the open office datasheet, and analyzed with PSPP software. RESULTS: A total 101 patients were included in the study. Young adult males were more commonly involved than females (M:F 2.5:1). The mean age of the patients was 28 years (range 2-72 years, SD ± 14.3 years). Mean time to receive treatment was 5.2 ± 7.4 (range 1-48 h). About 45.5% patients received first aid before coming to the hospital. The reason was suicide in 88.1% cases and accident in 12 (11.9%, all children). Seventy-nine patients received pralidoxime (PAM) and the mean duration was 1.7 ± 1.1 (range 1-4 days). Atropine was given in all patients. Mean duration was 5.1 ± 3.1 (range 1-19 days). Mean hospital stay was 7.5 ± 4.7 days (range 1-26 days). Mortality was 9.9% in the present series. CONCLUSION: Although the present study contribute substantial information regarding the epidemiology and outcome of acute OP poisoning in a tertiary care teaching hospital at a district level, its relatively small sample size and the retrospective record-based nature are the major limitations of the present study. There is a further need for prospective studies to understand the underlying socio-economic factors responsible for acute OP poisoning in our population, and, accordingly, address the problems to reduce the incidence of acute OP poisoning cases.

Use of prophage free host for achieving homogenous population of bacteriophages: new findings.

We demonstrate that the prophage status of bacteria plays a critical role in achieving homogenous population of a phage preparation. When a lytic Staphylococcus bacteriophage 44AHJD was propagated in a Staphylococcus clinical isolate, the enriched phage showed 44AHJD phage virions along with the released prophages from the baiting host. The released prophage was identified as a siphophage by transmission electron microscopy. To obtain a phage preparation free of prophages, when we carried out multiplication of the 44AHJD phage in a prophage free Staphyloccoccus aureus host namely RN4220, we were surprised not to see any phage plaques in spite of the phage exhibiting >99.9% adsorption to such cells. Since RN4220 host is devoid of restriction modification system and prophages, we hypothesized that in spite of successful infection and multiplication, the phage virions might have failed to show plaques due to its insignificant release from the cell possibly due to insufficient endolysin expressed from phage virions during phage development and assembly. Our hypothesis was confirmed when we observed plaques of 44AHJD phage in RN4220 cells where additional phage endolysin protein was supplemented via a plasmid. Endolysin protein from various types of Staphylococcus phages showed plaques of 44AHJD in RN4220 cells confirming our hypothesis. Also, we demonstrate for the first time that propagation of 44AHJD phage with endolysin supplementation in prophage free RN4220 host yields pure phage preparation.

Clinico-epidemiological features of viper bite envenomation: a study from Manipal, South India.

INTRODUCTION: Snakebite is an important and preventable health hazard. Viper bites are more common than other poisonous snakebites in human beings. The present study aimed to collate the victim profile of viper bite cases in the region and to determine the pattern, manifestations, complications and the associated risk factors of these bites. METHODS: This was a prospective study of viper bite cases admitted to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, India between August 2003 and November 2005. The demographic and clinical details of each case were obtained from the patients, their relatives and the patients' hospital records, and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 31 viper bite cases were reported during the study period. The victims were predominantly male and aged 25-55 years. The highest number of cases occurred during daytime in the months of September and October, which coincided with the harvesting season, and involved the lower limbs. 94% of the snakebite victims were farmers, suggesting that this was an occupational hazard. Envenomation was observed in patients with scratch marks, suggesting the importance of keeping the victim under observation in all alleged snakebite cases, even in the absence of clear fang marks. The mortality rate in our study was 6.5%. CONCLUSION: Immobilising and transporting snakebite victims to the hospital and prompt administration of anti-snake venom remain the best way to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is also important to practise correct first aid measures, as otherwise they may cause more harm than good.

Disinfecting the acrylic resin plate using electrolyzed acid water and 2% glutaraldehyde: a comparative microbiological study.

Marked bactericidal activity of the electrolyzed acid water (EAW) and its less undesirable effects on biological tissues and the environment has been successfully utilized in dental practice. A review of literature reveals that not many studies have been performed to determine the disinfection effect of EAW on heat cured acrylic denture bases. The objective of the study is to determine the efficacy of EAW in disinfecting heat cured acrylic resin specimens as compared to the efficacy of disinfecting the specimens using 2% glutaraldehyde. Heat cured acrylic resin plates were immersed in Bacteria suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and later disinfected using EAW which was produced using a custom made electrolyzing apparatus and 2% glutaraldehyde for different time intervals. The numbers of surviving bacteria were counted. As the control, the bacteria attached on the specimens were counted with out any disinfection treatment. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc test. The disinfection potential of 2% glutaraldehyde was better than EAW when the specimens were disinfected for 1 and 3 min. Where as when the disinfection time was increased to 5 min there was no difference between EAW and 2% glutaraldehyde. However considering that the disinfecting time can be easily extended to 5 min, EAW can be effectively used for disinfecting the acrylic denture.

Antidiabetic effect of S-allylcysteine: Effect on plasma and tissue glycoproteins in experimental diabetes.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) on dearrangement in glycoprotein levels in the streptozotocin induced diabetic model. SAC (150 mg/kg b.w./day) was administered orally for 45 days to normal and diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant increase in blood glucose and glycoprotein components such as hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid in plasma, liver and kidneys of diabetic rats. Oral administration of SAC to diabetic rats for a period of 45 days normalized all the above-mentioned biochemical parameters. The antihyperglycemic effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. The present study indicates that SAC possesses a significantly beneficial effect on the glycoprotein moiety in addition to its antidiabetic effect.

Agenesis of isthmus of thyroid gland, its embryological basis and clinical significance--a case report.

A wide range of morphological varieties and developmental anomalies of the thyroid gland have been reported in literature such as hypoplasia, ectopy, hemi agenesis, and agenesis. Out of these the incidence of agenesis of the isthmus of thyroid gland is rare and very few cases have been reported. In the present case report a male cadaver was found with agenesis of isthmus of thyroid gland with pyramidal lobe and levator glandulae thyroidae arising from right lobe.

Bruxism: a literature review.

Bruxism is a movement disorder characterized by grinding and clenching of teeth. Awake bruxism is found more in females as compared to males while sleep bruxism shows no such gender prevalence. Etiology of bruxism can be divided into three groups psychosocial factors, peripheral factors and pathophysiological factors. Treatment modalities involve occlusal correction, behavioural changes and pharmacological approach. A literature search was performed using National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) Database, Pubmed and Google search engines. The search term 'Bruxism' yielded 2,358 papers out of which 230 were review papers. Most of the papers selected were recently published during the period of 1996-2010 and very few of them were published before 1996.