Phytochemical study of essential oil from the aerial parts of Coleus aromaticus Benth

The essential oil composition of Coleus aromaticus Benth. (family Lamiaceae) was examined by capillary GC and GC-MS. Analyses revealed the presence of 28 constituents, of which 16 were identified. Thymol (83.39%) was found to be the major compound, while 1-octen-3-ol, terpine-4-ol, eugenol, trans-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide and α-cadinol were present as minor constituents.

Chemical markers in Origanum vulgare L. from Kumaon Himalayas: a chemosystematic study

The essential oils of four wild growing Origanum vulgare L. (family Lamiaceae) collected from different locations in Kumaon region (Uttarakhand, India) were analysed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The comparative results of O. vulgare L. collected from four different regions showed differences in the chemical constituents of the essential oils. The oil of O. vulgare L. collected from Dhoulchina and Champawat (chemotype I) shows p-cymene (6.7-9.8%), γ-terpinene (12.4-14.0%), thymol (29.7-35.1%) and carvacrol (12.4-20.9%) as major constituents while the oil from Kilbury and Rushi village (chemotype II) shows linalool (6.7-9.7%), bornyl acetate (12.6-16.8%), β-caryophyllene (10.5-13.8%) and germacrene D (6.3-11.3%) as the major constituents. These features highlight the chemosystematics of this genus.

Essential oil composition of aerial parts of Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague ex Britton and P. Wilson

The essential oil of Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague ex Britton and P. Wilson syn. Apium leptophyllum (Pers.) F. Muell. Ex Benth., family Apiaceae (Umbellifereae), was analysed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oil showed the presence of thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether (50.7%), thymol methyl ether (11.2%), γ-terpinene (10.4%), p-cymene (9.5%) and carvacrol methyl ether (5.9%), along with trans-ocimene, β-pinene, germacrene D, cumin aldehyde, α-humulene, β-myrcene, sabinene, limonene, β-phellandrene, caryophyllene oxide, α-pinene and α-thujene as minor constituents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the essential oil composition of C. leptophyllum collected from India.

Pulmonary complications of cirrhosis

Advanced liver disease and portal hypertension produce various intrathoracic complications that involve the pleural space, the lung parenchyma, and the pulmonary circulation. Dyspnea and arterial hypoxemia are the most common symptoms and signs in patients with such complications. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and hepatic hydrothorax. All are pulmonary processes associated with end-stage liver disease that lead to significant morbidity and affect the quality of life of patients who are suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Prognostic factors in synovial sarcoma

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Background: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a relatively rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. Several prognostic factors have been described that modulate patients’ outcome. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors in patients with SS. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical and histopathological data of patients treated at National Oncology Institute (Panama) between 1995 - 2007. Demographic, clinical, pathological, and therapeutic variables were reviewed. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Results: Twenty seven patients were analyzed, 56% male and 44% female, median age was 28. Tumour site; extremities based 85%, truncal 15%. Median tumour size was 8cm. Presentation; non-metastatic 84%, metastatic 16%. Histological type; monophasic 78%, biphasic 22%. Mitosis/10HPF; twenty and more 33%, less than twenty 67%. Necrosis; absent 63%, less than half 30%, and more than half 7%. Histological grade (FNCLLC); grade 2 48%, grade 3 52%. Surgery; limb sparing surgery 52%, amputation 48%. Treatment: adjuvant treatment 52% (3 chemotherapy only, 7 radiation therapy, 4 both). 90% were doxorubicin based regimens. The median follow up was 25 months. 63% of tumours recurred and 33% of patients died. Univariate analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between histological grade and overall survival (p<0.05). In patients with localized disease, time to recurrence decreased with histological grade (p=0.05 ns). Conclusions: High histological grade is an adverse prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with SS.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Acquired anterior Basal encephalocele in idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis

This report describes a 49-year-old woman diagnosed as idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHCPM) with imaging evidence of diffuse dural sinus thrombosis. Over the years, secondary to the raised intracranial pressure, she had developed an anterior basal encephalocele through the defects in the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. The relation between elevated intracranial pressure and encephalocele is discussed.

Effect of oviductal proteins on structural and functional characteristics of cryopreserved sperm in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of non-luteal oviductal proteins on sperm characteristics in Murrah buffaloes. Oviducts from healthy buffaloes were collected immediately after slaughter and the oestrous cycle phase was determined as either luteal or non-luteal based on ovarian morphology. Non-luteal oviducts (n = 80) were flushed from the isthmic end of the oviduct with PBS, fluid was centrifuged at 10,000 g at 4 degrees C for 20 min and then dialysed and clarified. The supernatant obtained was lyophilized to concentrate the protein and stored at -20 degrees C till use. Sixteen good quality ejaculates from four Murrah buffalo bulls were collected using an artificial vagina. After fresh semen analysis, each ejaculate was split into two parts and extended in Tris-citrate-egg yolk glycerol dilutor. Part I of the split ejaculate was treated with non-luteal oviductal proteins at the dose rate of 1 mg/ml of diluted semen, while part II remained as control. The extended semen was equilibrated for 4 h at 5 degrees C, filled in 0.5 ml French straws, exposed to LN(2) vapour, plunged into LN(2) and then stored at -196 degrees C. The equilibrated and frozen-thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, cervical mucus penetration test and hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test (HOST). In frozen-thawed semen, the percentage of sperm motility, viability and acrosomal integrity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatment group compared to the control group. The incorporation of non-luteal oviductal proteins in the extender increased the ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus both after equilibration and the freeze-thaw process. Similarly, the proportion of sperm with intact plasma membrane, as revealed by HOST values, was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatment group (32.6%) than the control group (27%) in frozen-thawed semen. It was inferred that incorporation of non-luteal whole oviductal fluid proteins improved the sperm quality in frozen-thawed semen in Murrah buffaloes.

Sendai virus-mediated CFTR gene transfer to the airway epithelium

The potential for gene therapy to be an effective treatment for cystic fibrosis has been hampered by the limited gene transfer efficiency of current vectors. We have shown that recombinant Sendai virus (SeV) is highly efficient in mediating gene transfer to differentiated airway epithelial cells, because of its capacity to overcome the intra- and extracellular barriers known to limit gene delivery. Here, we have identified a novel method to allow the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA sequence to be inserted within SeV (SeV-CFTR). Following in vitro transduction with SeV-CFTR, a chloride-selective current was observed using whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp techniques. SeV-CFTR administration to the nasal epithelium of cystic fibrosis (CF) mice (Cftr(G551D) and Cftr(tm1Unc)TgN(FABPCFTR)#Jaw mice) led to partial correction of the CF chloride transport defect. In addition, when compared to a SeV control vector, a higher degree of inflammation and epithelial damage was found in the nasal epithelium of mice treated with SeV-CFTR. Second-generation transmission-incompetent F-deleted SeV-CFTR led to similar correction of the CF chloride transport defect in vivo as first-generation transmission-competent vectors. Further modifications to the vector or the host may make it easier to translate these studies into clinical trials of cystic fibrosis.

Pesticides and metals induced Parkinson's disease: involvement of free radicals and oxidative stress

Environmental factors play a critical role in the etiology of Parkinson's disease in genetically susceptible aged individuals. Epidemiological findings have suggested the role of pesticides and metals in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease. Environmental chemicals such as pesticides and metals induced PD animal models are established and evidences obtained from biochemical; molecular and behavioral studies indicated significant contribution of oxidative stress in PD. In this article, an update on the role of free radicals and antioxidants in the onset and progression of pesticides and metals induced PD has been discussed.

Use of ultrasound to enhance nonviral lung gene transfer in vivo

We have assessed if high-frequency ultrasound (US) can enhance nonviral gene transfer to the mouse lung. Cationic lipid GL67/pDNA, polyethylenimine (PEI)/pDNA and naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) were delivered via intranasal instillation, mixed with Optison microbubbles, and the animals were then exposed to 1 MHz US. Addition of Optison alone significantly reduced the transfection efficiency of all three gene transfer agents. US exposure did not increase GL67/pDNA or PEI/pDNA gene transfer compared to Optison-treated animals. However, it increased naked pDNA transfection efficiency by approximately 15-fold compared to Optison-treated animals, suggesting that despite ultrasound being attenuated by air in the lung, sufficient energy penetrates the tissue to increase gene transfer. US-induced lung haemorrhage, assessed histologically, increased with prolonged US exposure. The left lung was more affected than the right and this was mirrored by a lesser increase in naked pDNA gene transfer, in the left lung. The positive effect of US was dependent on Optison, as in its absence US did not increase naked pDNA transfection efficiency. We have thus established proof of principle that US can increase nonviral gene transfer, in the air-filled murine lung.

Clinical Evaluation of an Indigenous Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent in De NovoCoronary Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND, Drug-eluting stents have enabled considerable reduction in restenosis in patients subjected to angioplasty. However, in view of high cost of drug-eluting stents, efforts to develop medicated stents at reduced cost using alternative polymers in Indian setting are imperative. Hence a multi-center study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the indigenously developed paclitaxel-eluting RELEASE-T stent. METHODS, The study included 100 patients (male:86, Female:14) who were undergoing angioplasty for various indications at four centres viz. Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune and Warangal. The age range was 29 - 76 years; 37 patients were diabetic. All patients were pre-treated with aspirin 150-325 mg plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily four days before procedure or clopidogrel alone. Aspirin was continued indefinitely. RESULTS, Direct stenting ws done in majority of patients. One patient, in whom stent could not be delivered, received only baloon angioplasty. Sixty-four patients had stenting of left anterior descending artery. The stent diameter ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 mm, and the length, 15 to 20 mm. All patients were followed up at 1,3 and 6 months. There was two deaths: one had subacute thrombosis on both stents, and the other (who was HIV positive) had sudden cardiac death. The 6-month rate of major adverse cardiac events was 4% and target lesion revascularization rate ws 2%. CONCLUSION, This ulti-locational study brings out that the use of indigenously developed paclitaxel-eluting stent is safe and clinically efficacious.

Follicular dendritic cell tumour of tonsil - is it an under-diagnosed entity?

Neoplasms of follicular dendritic cells are uncommon and while majority of them occur in lymph nodes, they are increasingly recognized at varied sites such as abdominal viscera. Tonsil is the most common extra nodal site for occurrence of FDCT in the head and neck region. We describe three cases of follicular dendritic cell tumour occurring in the tonsil.

Response of anestrus rural buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) to intravaginal progesterone implant and PGF2alpha injection in summer

An investigation was conducted to study the genital condition and response of intravaginal progesterone implant with and without administration of PGF2alpha in anestrus rural buffaloes during summer (April-June, 2001) in tropical climate. The ovarian status of 40 lactating (1st to 4th lactation) noncycling buffaloes and 15 noncycling buffalo heifers (3.5 to 5.0 years of age) maintained under village management condition were examined per rectum. Inactive genitalia with [12] and without [28] palpable corpus luteum (CL) were detected on per rectum examination in buffalo cows. The PGF2alpha-injection caused luteolysis and induction of estrus in 83% buffaloes having distinct corpus luteum. Implantation of progesterone in form of CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release device) intravaginally for 10 to 14 days induced resumption of estrus among 83% of anestrus buffaloes within 12 to 120 h after implant removal. Of those detected estrus about 80% of buffaloes conceived following natural service. Implantation of CIDR in combination with intramuscular injection of PGF2alpha was more effective than CIDR alone in terms of exhibition of estrus and conception rate. Long term of 10 to 14 days CIDR implant was superior to short term of 8 days in terms of resumption of estrous cyclicity. The observation suggests that during summer about 30% of rural buffaloes were cycling but due to lack of estrus detection they were declared anestrus, though they were having distinct corpus luteum on ovary. The summer sterility can be overcome by raising progesterone level for 10 to 14 days in buffaloes under rural managemental condition.

Implantation metastasis in a 13-year-old girl: a case report

We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with an osteosarcoma of the right humerus, which had been diagnosed as an aneurysmal bone cyst at our institution. She underwent curettage and bone grafting of the lesion, which resulted in implantation metastasis of the tumour to the ilium. She died 15 months after presentation owing to pulmonary metastases. This report highlights the possibility of metastasis occurring by direct implantation to a graft donor site. We strongly recommend that a biopsy be performed in cases of presumed benign lesions before proceeding with the definitive surgery.

In vitro cytotoxic elemanolides from Vernonia lasiopus

Two new elemanolides, epivernodalol and lasiopulide, were isolated after chromatographic separation of the alcoholic extract of the dried aerial parts of the Vernonia lasiopus. These elemanolides are new C-10 epimers of the sesquiterpene lactones vernodalol and demethylacroylated vernodalol isolated from other species of Vernonia. Both elemanolides showed in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines in culture. This is the first report of isolation and cytotoxic activity of the two elemanolides from V. lasiopus.