Characterization of Solang valley watershed in western Himalaya for bio-resource conservation using remote sensing techniques

The development activities in mountainous region though provide comfort to the human being and enhance the socioeconomic status of the people but create pressure on the bio-resources. In this paper, the current status of land use/landcover and the vegetation communities of the Solang valley watershed in Himachal Pradesh of Indian western Himalaya has been mapped and presented using remote sensing. This watershed area was dominated by alpine and sub-alpine pastures (30.34%) followed by scree slopes (22.34%) and forests (21.06%). Many tree, shrub, and herb species identified in the study area are among the prioritized species for conservation in the Indian Himalayan Region. Thus, scientific interventions and preparation of action plans based on ecological survey are required for conservation of the Solang valley watershed.

Prevention of Dengue fever through plant based mosquito repellent Clausena dentata (Willd.) M. Roem (Family: Rutaceae) essential oil against Aedes aegypti l. (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito

BACKGROUND

Plant based repellent against mosquito borne diseases are used recently because synthetic repellents cause side effects like breathing problem, eye irritation, head ache, cough, etc. The use of natural products for dengue control would protect the environment, reduce dependence on expensive synthetic repellents and also generate local employment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Essential oil was isolated by steam distillation which was used against the bites of Aedes aegypti and duration of protection period was assessed. Skin-irritant potential test was also conducted on 25 healthy volunteers by using four-point scale.

RESULTS

The increase in the concentrations of essential oil increased the mean protection time against the bites of Aedes aegypti. The lowest mean protection time was 180.0 min for 2.5% and highest time of 255.0 min for 10%. The mean score of zero for skin-irritant potential test for all the concentrations indicated that the essential oil did not cause irritation to human skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that the use of plant based repellent for the control of dengue fever would replace the currently used synthetic repellents which causes many side effects.

Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of CRYGA and CRYGB genes in control population of western Indian origin

Aim:

Polymorphisms in γ-crystallins (CRYG) can serve as markers for lens differentiation and eye disorders leading to cataract. Several investigators have reported the presence of sequence variations within crystallin genes, with or without apparent effects on the function of the proteins both in mice and humans. Delineation of these polymorphic sites may explain the differences observed in the susceptibility to cataract observed among various ethnic groups. An easier Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)-based method has been used to detect the frequency of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CRYGA/CRYGB genes in control subjects of western Indian origin.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 137 healthy volunteers from western India were studied. Examination was performed to exclude volunteers with any ocular defects. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP based method was developed for genotyping of G198A (Intron A), T196C (Exon 3) of CRYGA and T47C (Promoter), G449T (Exon 2) of CRYGB genes.

Results:

The exonic SNPs in CRYGA and CRYGB were found to have an allele frequency 0.03 and 1.00 for ancestral allele respectively, while frequency of non-coding SNP in CRYGA was 0.72. Allele frequency of T90C of CRYGB varied significantly (P = 0.02) among different age groups. An in-silico analysis reveals that this sequence variation in CRYGB promoter impacts the binding of two transcription factors, ACE2 (Member of CLB2 cluster) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) which may impact the expression of CRYGB gene.

Conclusions:

This study establishes baseline frequency data for four SNPs in CRYGA and CRYGB genes for future case control studies on the role of these SNPs in the genetic basis of cataract.

High rates of regimen change due to drug toxicity among a cohort of South Indian adults with HIV infection initiated on generic, first-line antiretroviral treatment

OBJECTIVES

To determine the rates, reasons and predictors of treatment change of the initial antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimen in HIV-infected south Indian adults.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, ART-naive adults initiated on generic, fixed dose combination ART as per the National AIDS Control Organization guidelines were followed up at an academic medical center. Treatment change was defined as any event which necessitated a change in or discontinuation of the initial ART regimen.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty persons with HIV infection (males 74.8% and median age 37 years) were followed up for median duration of 48 weeks. The majority (98.7%) had acquired HIV infection through the heterosexual route. Most (70.4%) had advanced IV infection (WHO clinical stage 3 or 4) and 78% had CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts below 200 cells/microL. The initial ART regimens used were: Lamivudine (3TC) with Stavudine (d4T) (in 76%) or Azidothymidine (AZT) and Nevirapine (NVP) (in 86%) or Efavirenz (EFV). The cumulative incidence of treatment change was 39.6% (91 patients). Drug toxicity (WHO grade 3 or 4) was the reason for treatment change among 62 (27%) (incidence rate 35.9/100 person-years). The most common toxicities were attributable to the thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), d4T and AZT [lactic acidosis (8.7%), anemia (7%) and peripheral neuropathy (5.2%)]. The other toxicities were rash (3.9%) and hepatitis (1.3%) due to NVP. The mortality (4.6/100 person-years) and disease progression rates (4.1/100 person-years) were low.

CONCLUSIONS

The ART regimens used in this study were effective in decreasing disease progression and death. However, they were associated with high rates of drug toxicities, particularly those attributable to thymidine analogue NRTI. As efforts are made to improve access to ART, treatment regimens chosen should not only be potent, but also safe.

Larvicidal and oviposition activity of Cassia obtusifolia Linn (Family: Leguminosae) leaf extract against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

The ethanolic leaf extract of Cassia obtusifolia was investigated for their larvicidal and oviposition deterrence effects against Anopheles stephensi. Concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 mg/l were assessed at 24 h post-treatment against late third instar larvae. The leaf extract had significant larvicidal effect with LC(50) and LC(90) values were 52.2 and 108.7 mg/l, respectively. In oviposition behaviour study, four different concentrations ranging from 100 to 400 mg/l were studied against gravid female mosquitoes. The results of oviposition study indicated that the leaf extract showed concentration dependent oviposition deterrent activity. At higher concentration (400 mg/l) showed 92.5% effective repellency against oviposition, followed by 300, 200 and 100 mg/l showed 87.2%, 83.0% and 75.5%, respectively. The larvicidal and oviposition deterrent effect of C. obtusifolia against A. stephensi make this plant product promising as an alternative to synthetic insecticide in mosquito control programs.

Repellent activity of selected plant essential oils against the malarial fever mosquito Anopheles stephensi

In recent years, use of environment friendly and biodegradable natural insecticides of plant origin have received renewed attention as agents for vector control. In this study, essential oils extracted by steam distillation from leaves of five plant species Centella asiatica L., Ipomoea cairica L., Momordica charantia L., Psidium guajava L. and Tridax procumbens L. were evaluated for their topical repellency effects against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi in mosquito cages. All essential oils were tested at three different concentrations (2, 4 and 6%). Of these, the essential oils of I. cairica, M. charantia and T. procumbens exhibited relatively high repellency effect (>300 minutes at 6% concentration), followed by C. asiatica and P. guajava which showed less effective (< 150 minutes at 6 % concentration). However, the ethanol applied arm served as control provided maximum 8.0 minutes repellency in this study. In general, clear dose-response relationships were established in all essential oils, with the highest concentration of 6% provided high repellency effect. The results obtained from this study suggest that essential oils of I. cairica, M. charantia and T. procumbens are promising as repellents at 6% concentration against An. stephensi and could be useful in the search for new natural repellent compounds.

Novel therapy with 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) for the treatment of relapsed and plateau phase multiple myeloma

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Background: 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a natural endogenous product of estradiol metabolism with anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic properties that has demonstrated activity against multiple myeloma cell lines and xenografts in immunocompromised mice. We report results of the first phase II clinical trial of 2ME2 in pts with relapsed and plateau phase myeloma. Methods: This trial was designed with a one-stage design to accrue 60 pts in the setting of relapsed and plateau phase myeloma. 2ME2 was administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg daily. After the first 39 pts were accrued, based on the results of ongoing phase I trials, the dose of 2ME2 was increased to 800 mg twice daily for the remaining patients. Pts who were already on study at that point were also allowed to escalate their dose to 800 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was overall response rate. Responses were assessed using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group criteria. Results: Sixty patients were treated at Mayo Clinic and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Median age was 60 years (range, 28–99). Thirty-one patients had relapsed/refractory myeloma and 29 patients had plateau phase myeloma. Median number of prior therapies was 4 including stem cell transplant (48%), thalidomide (62%), bortezomib (6%) and lenalidomide (3%). Therapy was well tolerated. Adverse events were anemia (35%), fatigue (35%), nausea (25%), diarrhea (20%), hot flashes (20%), headache (17%), muscle cramps (15%), and upper respiratory tract infection (15%). Most toxicities were mild (grade 1–2). Estimated progression-free survival rates for all pts at one, two, and three years are 24%, 16%, and 9% respectively. Three pts with plateau phase disease, have been on study for over 4 years without progression at 50, 60, and 63 months. Response assessment is ongoing; so far, whilst no partial responses have been seen, prolonged stable disease has been observed in 3 pts (5%). Conclusions: 2ME2 is a novel agent that appears to be safe and well tolerated. Although no responses have been seen, prolonged stable disease in some pts is promising. Preliminary pharmacokinetic data indicate that the dose of 2ME2 used in this study may be inadequate, and a new formulation with significantly better bioavailability will be tested soon in this patient population.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cytogenetic analysis using multiple myeloma targets in POEMS syndrome

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Background: POEMS syndrome, or osteosclerotic myeloma, is an uncommon plasma cell disorder associated with Peripheral neuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein, and Skin changes, as well as bone lesions, Castlemans disease, and edema. The pathogenesis of POEMS is poorly understood, and its clinical course is distinct from Multiple Myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). While various cytogenetic abnormalities have been well described in MM and MGUS, we provide the first report of testing for these abnormalities in POEMS syndrome. Methods: Using a prospectively held dysproteinemia database, we reviewed all cases of POEMS seen at our institution, identifying 36 with metaphase cytogenetic testing results, and 9 with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing results. Combined cytoplasmic immunoglobulin/FISH testing (cIg- FISH) was performed with fluorescent-tagged antibodies to kappa/lambda immunoglobulin and FISH probes corresponding to the following anomalies: trisomies 3, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 17; del13/del13q; 14q32 split/del14; and t(11;14). Results: Five patients had insufficient plasma cells for cIg-FISH, and 9 were adequate for testing. Monosomy 13 was seen in 5 of the 9 cIg-FISH samples of which 2 of these cases also had apparent monosomy 14. cIg-FISH in one patient revealed trisomy 3 and 7. No abnormalities were seen at 11q13 (CCND1), 17p13 (p53) or translocations involving 14q32 (IGH). Thrity-eight total karyotypes analyses were attempted, though two showed an insufficient number of suitable metaphases. Of the 36 karyotype analyses, 31 were normal, 2 displayed characteristic plasma cell anomalies (hyperdiploid with structural anomalies), 2 treated patients displayed del20q anomalies and 1 patient had a constitutional 13;14 translocation. Conclusion: We are the first to report del13 as a possibly common abnormality in POEMS syndrome, detected by cIg-FISH in 5 of 9 (55%) samples with sufficient plasma cells, similar to the rate observed in MM and MGUS. The lack of abnormalities at 14q32 (IgH locus) is in contrast to MM and MGUS. Abnormal karyotypes, consistent with dividing plasma cells, are rare in POEMS, observed in only 2 of 36 (5.5%) cases. These observations could possibly lend insight into all three disorders.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Repellency of volatile oils from Moschosma polystachyum and Solanum xanthocarpum against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus say

Volatile oils extracted by steam distillation from leaves of two plant species Moschosma polystachyum and Solanum xanthocarpum were evaluated in mosquito cages for their topical repellency effects against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The oil from M. polystachyum was tested at four different concentrations ranging from 1 to 4%. The 4% concentration gave 332.2 minutes protection whereas control gave only 4.4 minutes protection against mosquito bites. However, the volatile oil of S.xanthocarpum was tested from 2 to 8% concentration. The 8% concentration gave 311.4 minutes protection whereas control gave only 4.4 minutes protection against mosquito bites. The results suggest that the volatile oils of these two plant species were effective as repellents and gave more than 300 minutes of (>5 hour) protection against the bite of Cx. quinquefasciatus bite. Both volatile oils did not cause dermal irritation when applied to human skin. No adverse effects on human volunteers were observed after application. Therefore, both volatile oils can be applied as an effective personal protection measure against mosquito bites.

Oviposition deterrent and skin repellent activities of Solanum trilobatum leaf extract against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi

The leaf extract of Solanum trilobatum (Solanaceae) was tested under laboratory conditions for oviposition deterrent and skin repellent activities against the adult mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Concentrations of 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1% reduced egg laying by gravid females from 18 to 99% compared to ethanol-treated controls. In skin repellent tests, concentrations of 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, and 0.02 % provided 70 to 120 minutes protection against mosquito bites, whereas the ethanol control provided only 2.2 minutes of protection. Both oviposition deterrent and skin repellent activity were dose dependent. The results suggest that the leaf extract of S. trilobatum is an effective oviposition deterrent and skin repellent against An. stephensi.

Mosquitocidal activities of octacosane from Moschosma polystachyum Linn (lamiaceae)

The toxicity of the plant Moschosma polystachyum was evaluated against mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The crude leaf extract and active compound octacosane showed negligible mortality against early third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The 24 h LC(50) value was observed at 153.2+/-1.3 mg/l and 7.2+/-1.7 mg/l for crude leaf extract and active compound octacosane, respectively. The repellent activity of active compound octacosane at 1.0 and 2.5 mg/cm(2) concentration gave 85.2+/-1.7 min and 54.6+/-2.3 min protection, respectively. The total percentage protection of octacosane was 96.2+/-0.9 at 2.5 mg/cm(2) and 86.4+/-1.3 at 1.0 mg/cm(2) concentration.

Isolation of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in the tonsillopharynx of school children in Madras City and correlation with their clinical features

Today, rheumatic fever is the most common cause of heart disease in children and young adults, and it accounts for about half of all cardiovascular diseases causing death in the first four decades of life, in India. In the present study, conducted during 1991-1992 at Chennai, India, a total of 666 school girls aged 5-15 years were examined clinically for one or more of the following signs and symptoms: repeated sore throat, joint pain/swelling, epistaxis, chest pain, breathlessness, palpitation, abdominal pains, etc. Out of the 666 children screened, 124 were recruited for the present study, based on their meeting one or more of the above mentioned clinical criteria. They were screened for the presence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, and for antistreptolysin O and C-reactive protein. Thus, the aim of the present study was to reduce the load of streptococcal infection and the consequent risk of developing rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. In the present study group, 89.5% of the children indicated a history of repeated sore throat. However, only 4.0% of the children in the study group were positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. The antistreptolysin O and C-reactive protein levels were higher in 11- to 15-year-old patients than in 5- to 10-year-old patients in the study group.

Initiating care for untreated schizophrenia patients and results of one year follow-up

A number of schizophrenia patients live untreated in the community in the developing countries. There is little recorded experience of how such patients would respond to treatment after years of untreated illness. A cohort of 72 never-treated chronic schizophrenia patents in Chennai, India were directed to attend a health facility. A substantial proportion of them (68%) came for treatment. Unemployed status of male patients, living in a joint family setting and families initially unaware of the psychiatric nature of the problem were the factors that related to failure to seek treatment. Patient's sex, age, education, marital status, economic status, age at onset and duration of illness, degree of disability and clinical symptoms (except self-neglect) were not related to taking treatment. Those who attended were treated with typical antipsychotic drugs and followed up for one year. Evaluation was done using the Present State Examination and Psychiatric History and Sociodemographic Schedule and Disability Assessment Schedule. The clinical outcome was good (Best Remission) in 29%. There was no impairment in social functioning in 35% and 51% has no impairment in occupational functioning at the end of one year.

Beta-and gamma-turns in proteins revisited: a new set of amino acid turn-type dependent positional preferences and potentials

The number of beta-turns in a representative set of 426 protein three-dimensional crystal structures selected from the recent Protein Data Bank has nearly doubled and the number of gamma-turns in a representative set of 320 proteins has increased over seven times since the previous analysis. Beta-turns (7153) and gamma-turns (911) extracted from these proteins were used to derive a revised set of type-dependent amino acid positional preferences and potentials. Compared with previous results, the preference for proline, methionine and tryptophan has increased and the preference for glutamine, valine, glutamic acid and alanine has decreased for beta-turns. Certain new amino acid preferences were observed for both turn types and individual amino acids showed turn-type dependent positional preferences. The rationale for new amino acid preferences are discussed in the light of hydrogen bonds and other interactions involving the turns. Where main-chain hydrogen bonds of the type NH(i + 3) --> CO(i) were not observed for some beta-turns, other main-chain hydrogen bonds or solvent interactions were observed that possibly stabilize such beta-turns. A number of unexpected isolated beta-turns with proline at i + 2 position were also observed. The NH(i + 2) --> CO(i) hydrogen bond was observed for almost all gamma-turns. Nearly 20% classic gamma-turns and 43% inverse gamma-turns are isolated turns.

Abnormal cytogenetics predict poor survival after high-dose therapy and autologous blood cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

We compared the prognostic value of conventional cytogenetic analysis and established factors such as beta2-microglobulin and plasma cell labeling index in 70 patients undergoing autologous blood cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. Patients underwent transplantation 5 to 88 months (median, 20 months) after the initial diagnosis of myeloma. Factors studied were age, sex, beta2-microglobulin, response to prior therapy, plasma cell labeling index, cytogenetic analysis, bone marrow plasma cell percentage, lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein. Twenty-eight of 65 patients (43%) had abnormal marrow cytogenetics. Overall survival measured from transplantation was significantly better in patients with normal cytogenetics than in those with abnormal cytogenetics (median survival, 25 vs 12 months, P = 0.003). Progression-free survival was better, with median times of 12 vs7 months, respectively (P = 0.005); overall survival measured from the time myeloma was first diagnosed was also longer, with median survivals of 62 and 39 months, respectively (P = 0.001). Median plasma cell labeling index was 1.5% in patients with abnormal cytogenetics and 0. 2% in those with normal cytogenetics (P < 0.001). Abnormal bone marrow cytogenetics predict poor survival after blood cell transplantation for myeloma. There is a significant correlation between abnormal cytogenetics and high plasma cell labeling index, suggesting that certain cytogenetic abnormalities may offer a proliferative advantage to myeloma cells.

Are risk factors for suicide universal? A case-control study in India

OBJECTIVE

The majority of suicides in India occur in the young. Indian society, religion and culture are very different to those in the West. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for completed suicide.

METHOD

A population-based case-control study employing the 'psychological autopsy' technique was conducted. In total, 100 completed suicides and 100 neighbourhood controls were studied.

RESULTS

The odds ratios for the risk factors were 19.5 (CI, 7.32-73.35) for presence of an Axis I disorder, 12.75 (CI, 4.69-48.59) for family history of psychopathology and 15.1 (CI, 2.4-93.9) for life events in the previous month.

CONCLUSION

The presence of an Axis I disorder, family history of psychopathology and recent life events were all found to be significant risk factors. These findings suggest that risk factors for completed suicide are universal across countries and cultures.

Schizophrenic patients who were never treated--a study in an Indian urban community

BACKGROUND

A significant number of patients with severe psychiatric disorders remain untreated in the community although health services are available. The factors related to non-treatment are not well understood.

METHOD

A door-to-door survey was conducted on an Indian urban population of 100,000 using standardized screening and clinical instruments as a part of a larger epidemiological study. Treatment status was determined from multiple sources of information.

RESULTS

Nearly one-third of 261 schizophrenia patients were found never to have received treatment. They were older in age and ill for a longer duration than those who had been treated and were more symptomatic and severely disabled. They were more often uneducated and divorced and lived with larger extended/joint families. This last factor was considered as being the important factor in determining whether the patient received treatment.

CONCLUSION

The larger extended/joint family, which was able to compensate and cope with the dysfunctional member, seemed to be the crucial factor related to non-treatment of the schizophrenic patient.