Regulatory and effector T cells changes in remission and resistant state of childhood nephrotic syndrome

Idiopathic minimal change disease is a disorder of T-cell dysfunction. The relative predominance of regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th1, and Th2 cells in nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains controversial. Imbalance in peripheral blood regulatory and effector T cells (Teff) are linked to cell mediated immune response and may be associated with steroid response in NS. Peripheral blood CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + (Tregs), CD4 + IFN-γ⁺ (Th1), and CD4 + IL-4 + (Th2) lymphocytes were analyzed in 22 steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) patients in sustained remission, 21 steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) and 14 healthy controls. The absolute percentage values and ratio of Th1/Tregs, Th2/Tregs, and Th1/Th2 were compared between SSNS, SRNS and control subjects. The percentage of Tregs was lower in SRNS patients (P = 0.001) compared with that of SSNS and healthy control. The percentage of Th1 cells was higher in SRNS (P = 0.001) compared to that of SSNS patients; however, it was similar to healthy controls (P = 1.00). The percentage of Th2 cells in SRNS (P = 0.001) was higher as compared to SSNS and controls. The ratio of Th1/Treg cells in SRNS (P = 0.001) was higher as compared to SSNS patients and controls. The ratio of Th2/Treg was also higher in SRNS as compared to SSNS and controls. The ratio of Th1/Th2 cells in SSNS, SRNS, and healthy controls were similar. The cytokines secretion complemented the change in different T-cell subtypes in SSNS, SRNS and healthy controls. However, the IFN-γ secretion in healthy controles was low inspite of similar percentage of Th1 cells among SRNS cases. We conclude that greater ratio of Tregs compared to that Th1 and Th2 favor steroid sensitivity and reverse ratio results in to SRNS. The difference in ratio is related to pathogenesis or it can be used as marker to predict steroid responsiveness needs further evaluation.

Rhizobium radiobacter peritonitis: the first case report from India and review

Background:

Rhizobium radiobacter is an opportunistic human pathogen in debilitated patients with foreign plastic intravascular devices and peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. We performed a Medline search of the English-language literature on R. radiobacter continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and reviewed 13 cases.

Case presentation:

A 54-year-old male with ESRD secondary to chronic long-standing type II diabetes mellitus presented to the nephrology outpatient department with fever, abdominal pain and cloudy PD effluent. The patient was admitted to the hospital. PD fluid was sent for cell count, Gram stain and culture. The white blood cell (WBC) count in the PD fluid was 6400 mm⁻³ with 82 % neutrophils. Gram staining of the fluid showed plenty of Gram-negative bacilli. A presumptive diagnosis of CAPD peritonitis was made and empiric intraperitoneal cefazolin and tobramycin were started. The PD fluid culture grew non-fermenting, Gram-negative bacilli identified as R. radiobacter. Empiric antibiotic therapy was continued and the patient’s abdominal pain subsided. The peritoneal fluid counts decreased to 50 WBCs mm⁻³ on day 4. However, his abdominal pain recurred on day 8 and his PD fluid count increased to 300 cells mm⁻³. The catheter was therefore surgically removed.

Conclusion:

Although R. radiobacter is considered a contaminant, it can cause relapsing symptomatic peritonitis peritoneal catheter removal.

Role of posterior hypothalamus in hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary edema

To investigate the role of posterior hypothalamus and central neurotransmitters in the pulmonary edema due to hypobaric hypoxia, rats were placed in a high altitude simulation chamber (barometric pressure-294.4 mmHg) for 24 h. Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia resulted in increases in mean arterial blood pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity, right ventricular systolic pressure, lung wet to dry weight ratio and Evans blue dye leakage. There was a significant attenuation in these responses to hypobaric hypoxia (a) after lesioning posterior hypothalamus and (b) after chronic infusion of GABAA receptor agonist muscimol into posterior hypothalamus. No such attenuation was evident with the chronic infusion of the nitric oxide donor SNAP into the posterior hypothalamus. It is concluded that in hypobaric hypoxia, there is over-activity of posterior hypothalamic neurons probably due to a local decrease in GABA-ergic inhibition which increases the sympathetic drive causing pulmonary hypertension and edema.

Identification of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins by peptide mass fingerprinting in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Ruminant placentas synthesize pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) during pregnancy, which serve as biomarkers of pregnancy. The present study was conducted to verify, whether PAGs are expressed in buffalo placenta by using lectin-based affinity chromatography and peptide mass finger printing (PMF). Fetal cotyledonary tissues were collected from gravid uteri procured from slaughtered house. Proteins were extracted and subjected to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin affinity chromatography to isolate the PAGs. The isolated glycoproteins were separated by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE. PMF results of the 75 kDa protein revealed presence of two PAGs (PAG-7 and -11). The PAG-7 consisted of about 170 mass signals, of which 16 were assigned to corresponding/translated cDNA sequences of buffalo PAG-7, leading to sequence coverage of 40%. PMF result of PAG-11 showed 170 mass signals, of which 15 were assigned to buffalo PAG-11, leading to sequence coverage of 34%. In conclusion, the glycoprotein isolated from placental extract corresponding to 75 kDa band on SDS PAGE gel was a mixture of PAG-7 and -11, which may help in development of suitable diagnostics for pregnancy in buffalo.

Responses of Beta vulgaris exposed to cadmium and zinc through soil drenching

The present study investigates the responses of Indian palak (Beta vulgaris L. cv. All Green H1) exposed to cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) at growth, biochemical and physiological levels. The results revealed that Cd and Zn accumulation was higher in shoots as compared to the roots of B. vulgaris plants. The increased application rates of Zn in combination with Cd significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in below and above ground parts of B. vulgaris, whereas it increased Zn accumulation. Treatments of B. vulgaris with Cd and Zn individually or in combination significantly reduced the leaf area, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate, Fv/Fm ratio and protein contents at p < 0.05. Contrary to this, lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid, proline and thiol contents and peroxidase activity increased significantly as compared to control at p < 0.05. The results also revealed that the combined effectof Cd and Zn were more pronounced at higher concentrations as compared to other treatments. Thus, the present study suggests that Zn may be applied to Cd contaminated field to reduce Cd accumulation in plants. However, finding of a suitable dose and toxicity level of Zn must be worked out further its application.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles prevent apoptosis in primary cortical culture by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) of spherical shape have unique antioxidant capacity primarily due to alternating + 3 and + 4 oxidation states and crystal defects. Several studies revealed the protective efficacies of CNPs in cells and tissues against the oxidative damage. However, its effect on mitochondrial functioning, downstream effectors of radical burst and apoptosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether CNPs treatment could protect the primary cortical cells from loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and Δψm-dependent cell death. CNPs with spherical morphology and size range 7-10 nm were synthesized and utilized at a concentration of 25 nM on primary neuronal culture challenged with 50 μM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We showed that optimal dose of CNPs minimized ROS content of the cells and also curbed related surge in cellular calcium flux. Importantly, CNPs treatment prevented apoptotic loss of cell viability. Reduction in the apoptosis could be successfully attributed to the maintenance of Δψm and restoration of major redox equivalents NADH/NAD(+) ratio and cellular ATP. These findings, therefore, suggest possible route of CNPs protective efficacies in primary cortical culture.

Formulation of nanoemulsion: a comparison between phase inversion composition method and high-pressure homogenization method

There is lot of confusion in the literatures regarding the method of production of nanoemulsion. According to some authors, only the methods using high energy like high-pressure microfluidizer or high-frequency ultra-sonic devices can produce actual nanoemulsions. In contrast to this concept, one research group reported for the first time the preparation of nanoemulsion by a low-energy method. Later on many authors reported about the low-energy emulsification method. The purpose of this work is to formulate, evaluate and compare nanoemulsions prepared using high-energy as well as low-energy method. Nanoemulsions formulated were based on the phase inversion composition technique (low energy method) and were selected from the ternary phase diagram based on the criterion of their being a minimum concentration of S(mix) used in the formulation. For high-pressure homogenization method (high energy method) Design-Expert software was used, and the desirability function was probed to acquire an optimized formulation. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the globule size of formulations made by each method, but the value of poly-dispersibility index between the two methods was found to be extremely significant (p < 0.001). A very significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the drug release from formulations made by each method. More than 60% of the drug was released from all the formulations in the initial 2 h of the dissolution study.

Plasma membrane guanylate cyclase is a multimodule transduction system

This minireview highlights the studies which suggest that guanylate cyclase is a single-component transducing system, containing distinct signaling modules in a single membrane-spanning protein. A guanylate cyclase signaling model is proposed which envisions the following sequential events: (1) a signal is initiated by the binding of the hormone to the ligand binding module; (2) the signal is potentiated by ATP at ARM; and (3) the amplified signal is finally transduced at the catalytic site. All of these signaling steps together constitute a switch, which when turned on, generates the second messenger cyclic GMP.

Attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers in critical areas towards deceased organ donation in a public sector hospital in India

BACKGROUND

The attitude of healthcare workers towards organ donation can either facilitate or hinder the process of organ donation. We assessed the attitude of healthcare workers employed in intensive or emergency care units of our hospital towards organ donation, and the influence of various factors on willingness for self-organ donation after death.

METHODS

All doctors, paramedical workers, nursing staff and other staff members working in six distinct intensive or emergency care units in the hospital were requested to fill a completely anonymous, voluntary and self-administered questionnaire. Younger individuals, women and nurses constituted a majority of the study population.

RESULTS

The questionnaire completion rate was 99%. About 55% of the study population were agreeable to donating organs after death and 27% were undecided. The factors that positively influenced their willingness to donate organs after death were favourable attitude of the spouse, religious beliefs supporting organ donation, knowledge of hospital's organ transplant programme, personal experience of the organ donation scenario, having ever donated blood or involvement in social activities, willingness to become an eye donor and willingness to become a living kidney donor.

CONCLUSION

A largely favourable attitude towards organ donation was seen in our study population. However, the study reflects incomplete knowledge leading to confusion and thus, desire to know more among participants with respect to various aspects regarding organ donation. The factors identify that positively influence decisions regarding organ donation can be used as direct interventions.

Risks and benefits of ventilation tubes and hearing aids from the perspective of parents of children with cleft palate

OBJECTIVE

To understand parents' experiences of treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME) for children with cleft palate.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews with parents of 37 children who had non-syndromic cleft palate (with or without cleft lip). They were recruited from two cleft centres in northern England. Participants talked about choices, information, decision-making and satisfaction with ventilation tubes (VTs) and/or hearing aids (HAs). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were developed using Framework Analysis.

RESULTS

VTs and HAs were not considered as equal treatments by interviewees, due to physical risks associated with the former and social consequences with the latter. The inequality was explained within three main themes: (1) treatment recommendations - most parents did not recall being offered options when OME was first treated; VTs tended to be presented initially followed by HAs if VTs had been inserted more than once. Treatment recommendations came from medical specialists, although participants could also be influenced by other parents' stories; (2) beliefs about mechanisms of treatments - interviewees believed VTs could address the underlying cause of OME by draining fluid. Some parents felt HAs signified a deterioration in hearing and an escalation of care. Improvements in hearing were reported by interviewees with VTs and HAs; (3) demands on parents - participants often saw the insertion of VTs as opportunistic, alongside another procedure (e.g. palatal closure). They could feel disappointed when VTs fell out or were perceived to have caused ear infections. Parental involvement was on-going for HAs (e.g. ordering batteries and tubes). Parents expressed fears about the potential for social stigma of HAs, although none reported significant teasing of children because they wore HAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' views about treatment for OME were shaped by differing perceptions about anticipated risks and benefits. VTs may have been seen as a simple fix, inserted alongside another procedure, but some interviewees had concerns about possible physical consequences. Others were more worried about anticipated social stigma associated with HAs. However, parents of children who wore a HA described them as easy to manage and well tolerated, at least until children got older and started to comment on their appearance.

Topographic and ultrastructural variations in isthmus segment of oviduct during oestrous cycle in Caprines

In the present study, the morphological variations in the isthmus segment of goat (Capra hircus) oviduct were studied using scanning and ultrastructural techniques during luteal and follicular phases of oestrous cycle. Topographic analysis of the isthmus epithelium in the follicular phase demonstrated irregular distribution of ciliated cells on the epithelium. A few secretory cells possessed bulbous apical processes which were concealed by the cilia. Cyclic changes were noticed in the secretory cells of isthmus. Under electron microscopy the isthmus region of the oviduct during the follicular phase revealed presence of almost blunt processes at their apical surfaces. The secretory cells were attached to the basal lamina and were characterized by the presence of secretory granules, numerous ribosomes, extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum, well-developed golgi zones in the cytoplasm, and a microvillus luminal surface. The parallel use of these two methods in isthmus segment of the oviduct has enabled us to analyze the marked cyclic variations in the topography and fine structure during follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. The results of the present investigation on topography and ultrastructure will be of great help in explaining different bottlenecks of gamete interaction, maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development.

Association of genetic variants of ghrelin, leptin and UCP2 with malnutrition inflammation syndrome and survival in end-stage renal disease patients

Malnutrition inflammation syndrome (MIS) is common among ESRD patients. In the present study, we have investigated the association of genetic markers associated with appetite and energy regulation with malnutrition inflammation syndrome among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Two hundred and fifty-seven patients on maintenance hemodialysis and 200 normal healthy controls were included in the study. Nutritional assessment was done by subjective global assessment scores (SGA). Genotyping of leptin-2548 G/A (rs7799039), ghrelin Leu72Met (rs696217-408 C/A), Arg51Gln (rs34911341-346 G/A) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) 45 bp insertion deletion was done using PCR-RFLP. Levels of leptin and acyl ghrelin were assessed using ELISA. Leptin-2548 AA genotype was associated with twofold higher risk of disease susceptibility while UCP2 insertion-deletion heterozygotes showed protective effect. Ghrelin Gln51Gln and Met72Met genotype were associated with 3.4- and 2.5-fold higher disease susceptibility. The Met72 and Gln51 allele showed 3.3- and 2.1-fold higher susceptibility to malnutrition in severe SGA group. Further, the levels of acyl ghrelin were significantly less in severe category of malnutrition and in poor appetite group. On combined analysis, the group 2 (presence of 3-4 risk alleles) showed 1.5- and twofold higher susceptibility to disease and malnutrition, respectively. On docking analysis, it was observed that higher receptor binding energy was associated with the mutant form of ghrelin (Gln51). Moderate and severe SGA were associated with 2.2- and 4.1-fold higher death hazard. Our study suggests that ghrelin may be major marker contributing to susceptibility to MIS among ESRD patients.

Association of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α gene polymorphism with malnutrition inflammation syndrome and survival among end stage renal disease patients

During end stage renal disease (ESRD) inflammatory pathways are activated which may lead to malnutrition inflammation syndrome (MIS). In the present study, 257 ESRD patients and 200 controls were included. Cytokine levels and genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk was estimated through binary logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier were used for survival analysis. Tumor necrosis factor TNF-α-308 AA conferred 3.6-fold higher susceptibility (P=0.001) and higher TNF-α levels (P=0.05). TNF-α-238 AA was associated with 3.3-fold higher susceptibility to ESRD (P=0.002). IL-6-174 CC genotype conferred 3-fold risk to disease (P=0.001) along with higher IL-6 levels (P=0.001). IL-10-1082 GG genotype exhibited 2.2-fold higher susceptibility to disease (P=0.013). IL-10-592 AA/-819 TT genotypes were associated with high C reactive protein (P=0.02) and low IL-10 (P=0.03) levels. TNF-α-308 A allele was significantly associated with 2.3-fold higher risk of malnutrition. TNF-α-GAC, AGC and IL-6-CC were risk haplotypes associated with higher disease susceptibility. Combined analysis revealed 1.6-fold higher susceptibility to disease (P=0.02), there was 2-fold higher susceptibility to malnutrition (P=0.02) in high inflammation group. TNF-α-238 AA genotype was associated with 2.5-fold higher death hazard risk (P=0.02). Our study suggests that TNF-α and its genetic variants are major contributors to susceptibility to MIS in ESRD patients.

Chemically modified silica gel with 1-{4-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)amino]phenyl}ethanone: synthesis, characterization and application as an efficient and reusable solid phase extractant for selective removal of Zn(II) from mycorrhizal treated fly-ash samples

1-{4-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)amino]phenyl}ethanone functionalized silica gel was synthesized and used as a highly efficient, selective and reusable solid phase extractant for separation and preconcentration of trace amount of Zn(II) from environmental matrices. The adsorbent was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and BET surface area analysis. The dependence of zinc extraction on various analytical parameters such as pH, type and amount of eluent, sample flow rate and interfering ions were investigated in detail. The material exhibited superior adsorption efficiency for Zn(II) with high metal loading capacity of 1.0 mmol/g under optimum conditions. After adsorption, the recovery (> 98%) of metal ions was accomplished using 1.0 mol/L HNO3 as an eluent. The sorbent was also regenerated by microwave treatment in milder acidic environment (0.1 mol/L HNO3). The lower detection limit and preconcentration factor of the present method were found out to be 0.04 microg/L and 312.5 respectively. The modified silica surface possessed excellent selectivity for the target analytes and the adsorption/desorption process remained effective for at least ten consecutive cycles. The optimized procedure was successfully implemented for the extraction of Zn(II) from mycorrhizal treated fly ash and pharmaceutical samples with reproducible results.

Cystic schwannoma of the pelvis

Schwannomas are benign tumours that arise from the Schwann cells of nerve fibres. They commonly occur in the head and neck, mediastinum and extremities. They are extremely rare in the pelvis. These are usually slow-growing tumours and are often detected incidentally. Preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult as there are no definitive signs on imaging. Aspiration biopsy is often inconclusive or misleading. Surgical excision is both diagnostic and therapeutic. As these tumours are often large in size, open excision is most commonly performed. We describe a case of a large, cystic schwannoma of the pelvis causing bladder outlet obstruction and bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. Complete surgical excision was performed laparoscopically.

Lack of evidence of hepatitis E virus infection among renal transplant recipients in a disease-endemic area

Persistent hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been reported among solid-organ transplant recipients in nonendemic areas. Such chronic infections have all been related to genotype 3 HEV, which is prevalent in these areas. Whether persistent infection occurs with genotype 1 HEV, prevalent in areas where the infection is hyperendemic, is unclear. We therefore tested sera from renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive agents in India, where genotype 1 HEV infection is endemic, for alanine aminotransferase levels, and presence of IgM and IgG anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA. Of the 205 subjects studied [aged 16-65 (median, 38) years, 182 male], 46 (22.4%) had abnormal ALT levels (>40 IU/mL). IgG anti-HEV was detected in 52 (20.5%) and IgM anti-HEV was detected in 14 (6.8%) subjects, including four who had IgG anti-HEV; antibody positivity had no relation with serum ALT or serum creatinine. All the sera tested were negative for HEV RNA. These findings suggest that chronic infection with genotype 1 HEV is infrequent.

Persistence of insecticides in ready-mix formulations and their efficacy against Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt) in cauliflower

Persistence of cypermethrin, deltamethrin, profenofos, and triazophos in cauliflower curd was studied, following application of two premix formulations viz: Roket 44EC (profenofos 40 % + cypermethrin 4 %) and Anaconda Plus 36EC (triazophos 35 % + deltamethrin 1 %) at recommended (1.0 L ha(-1)) and double doses (2.0 L ha(-1)). In the case of Roket 44EC, residues of cypermethrin dissipated with the half-life values of 1.5-2.1 days, whereas residues of profenofos dissipated with the half-life of 2.9-3.3 days on cauliflower curd. In the case of Anaconda, residues of triazophos and deltamethrin dissipated from curd with the half-life values of 2.6-3.0 and 2.2-2.6 days, respectively. Both the combination mix significantly reduced the aphid population up to 14 days after spray and increased the yield by 155-160 % over control. Anaconda (2.0 L ha(-1)) treated plots yielded the highest number of marketable curds. Based on risk assessment analysis, safe waiting period of 3 and 5 days has been suggested for Roket 44EC and Anaconda Plus 36EC, respectively, in cauliflower at recommended dose of application.

Pesticides-induced biochemical alterations in occupational North Indian suburban population

Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from insects–pests. Most of the field workers of North Indian population are exposed to commonly used insecticides. In the present study, pesticides induced oxidative stress as well as alterations in the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in a total of 70 male healthy agricultural sprayers, exposed to pesticides for about 5 years, were studied and the results were compared with 70 controls. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, CAT, glutathione- S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase), AChE, lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) contents were determined in their blood erythrocytes (red blood cells (RBCs)). The results indicated significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in pesticide-exposed individuals. The levels of GSH, RBC-AChE activity and plasma antioxidant potential were sharply decreased when compared with control subjects. The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of pesticide in exposed as well as healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between plasma FRAP value and the activity of AChE from RBCs in pesticides sprayers. Furthermore, these results were supported by enhanced messenger RNA expressions of cytochrome P450 isoform 2E1 (CYP2E1) and gutathione- S-transferase isoform pi (GST-pi) in the white blood cells of the randomly selected pesticide-exposed individuals. The decreased GSH level in human red blood cells accompanied by increase in the levels of the activities of antioxidative enzymes and over expressions of CYP2E1 and GST-pi is an indicative of oxidative stress in pesticides-exposed individuals. The reduced activity of AChE indicates possible occurrence of perturbations in blood as well as neurotoxicity in pesticide sprayers.

Antioxidant attenuation of atrazine induced histopathological changes in testicular tissue of goat in vitro

During the present investigation the effect of α-tocopherol (100 μmolL^-1) in prevention of testicular toxicity induced by atrazine in goat Capra hircus have been analyzed. Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) at dose level 100 μmolL^-1 provides attenuation over the histopathological changes generated by pesticide atrazine (100 nmolml^-1). Small pieces (approximately 1mm³) of testicular tissue were divided into three groups (one control group + two experimental groups). Experimental group (A) was supplemented with 100 nmolml^-1 concentration of atrazine and experimental group (B) was supplemented with 100 nmolml^-1 atrazine and 100 μmolL^-1 concentrations of vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) and harvesting was carried out after 1, 4 and 8 hrs of exposure. Control was run along with all the experimental groups. In the experimental group (A) treated with atrazine at dose level 100 nmolml^-1, revealed histomorphological alterations in the seminiferous tubule. After one hour of exposure duration small vacuoles in cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells and spermatogonia were observed. Chromolysis at pycnosis were also noticed in the spermatogonia and spermatids. In the experimental group (B) exposed with atrazine and simultaneously supplemented with Vitamin E also showed degeneration but it was milder as compared with experimental group treated with atrazine without antioxidant. Atrazine exposure induced a decline in diameter of spermatocytes from 10.51 ± 0.2052 μm in control to 7.915 ± 0.2972, 7.5 ± 0.211 and 7.14 ± 0.225 μm after exposure of 1, 4 and 8 hrs respectively but in case of atrazine supplemented with vitamin E [experimental group (B)], there was less decline in cell diameter that was 8.5 ± 0.1865, 8.1 ± 0.1201 and 7.8 ± 0.2066μm after exposure of 1, 4 and 8 hrs respectively. The result demonstrated that vitamin E delays the degenerative changes induced by atrazine.

Supply chain management with cost-containment & financial-sustainability in a tertiary care hospital

Financial crunch in the present recession results in the non-availability of the right materials at the right time in large hospitals. However due to insufficient impetus towards systems development, situation remains dismal even when funds are galore. Cost incurred on materials account for approximately one-third of the total recurring expenditures in hospitals. Systems development for effective and efficient materials management is thus tantamount to cost-containment and sustainability. This scientific paper describes an innovative model, Hospital Revolving Fund (HRF), developed at a tertiary care research institute in Asia. The main idea behind inception of HRF was to ensure availability of all supplies in the hospital so that the quality of healthcare delivery was not affected. The model was conceptualized in the background of non-availability of consumables in the hospital leading to patient as well as staff dissatisfaction. Hospital supplies have been divided into two parts, approximately 3250 unit items and 1750 miscellaneous items. This division is based on cost, relative-utility and case-specific utilization. 0.1 Million USD, separated from non-planned budget, was initially used as seed money in 1998. HRF procures supplies from reputed firms on concessional rates (8-25%) and make them available to patients at much lesser rates vis-à-vis market rates, levying minimal maintenance charges. In 2009-10, total annual purchases of 14 Million USD were made. The balance sheet reflected 1.4 Million USD as fixed deposit investment. The minimal maintenance charges levied on the patients along with the interest income were sufficient to pay for all recurring expenses related to HRF. Even after these expenses, HRF boosted of 0.2 Million USD as cash-in-hand in financial year 2009-10. In-depth analysis of 'balance sheet' and 'Income and Expenditure' statement of the fund for last five financial years affirms that HRF is a self-sustainable and viable supply chain mechanism to ensure availability of the right materials at the right time at a reasonable cost. Thus innovations like HRF will prove robust in rendering quality healthcare at an affordable cost.

In-vitro carbofuran induced micronucleus formation in human blood lymphocytes

The farmers in general get exposed to different chemicals including pesticides. Many of these compounds are capable of inducing mutations in DNA and lead to several diseases including cancer. Carbofuran is a broad spectrum pesticide and frequently used in agricultural practices in India. In this study we intended to evaluate DNA damage inflicted by pesticide exposure in human blood lymphocytes under in vitro condition. The lymphocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of carbofuran (0&mdash;50&#956;M) and analyzed by means of the micronucleus (MN) test. The results obtained showed significant increase in MN frequency after exposure to 5, 10, 25 and 50&#956;M of carbofuran as compared to the control group. The frequencies of MN were observed to be in concentration dependent manner. As we further increase the concentration of carbofuran, we observed significant decrease in the mean percentage of binucleated cells (70&mdash;49%) and increase in the number of micronuclei formed per 1000 binucleated cells. Simultaneously, we also observed reduction in Cytokinesis&mdash;Block Proliferation index (CBPI) with increase in the carbofuran concentrations. The results indicate that this pesticide may exhibit genotoxic effect at higher concentrations. This study emphasizes the need to reinforce the good practices campaigns in order to enlighten those who work with pesticides and also to make them aware about the importance of using protective measures.

Acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes membrane: a screen for evaluating the activity of some traditional plant extracts

The extraction of plant constituents is essential to isolate biologically active compounds and understanding their role in disease prevention, treatment and in knowing their toxic effects as well. However, meager information is available about the properties and biological activities of phytochemicals derived from certain plants found in Allahabad and adjoining areas. Keeping this information in view, we prepared aqueous extracts and determined their biochemical properties including their impact on the activity of human RBC's acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The UV—Visible spectrophotometric profiles of the aqueous extracts of different parts of the four plant species viz. Calotropis procera, Datura metal, Cannabis sativa, Argemone mexicana and Thevitia peruviana displayed two major peaks at 302 and 336 nm corresponding to the presence of different flavonoids in these preparations. These extracts indicated presence of protein in the range of 1.12 to 19.25mg/g wet weight of the plant tissues. The impact of different phytochemicals present in these extracts was studied on the activity of AChE isolated from human erythrocytes (RBCs). The extracts derived from Argemone mexicana and Datura metal exhibited strong AChE inhibitory potential, whereas others did not show significant inhibition even at higher concentrations. The results indicate that human RBC's can be used as a potential biomarker towards evaluation of the efficacy and toxic potential of varied plant extracts.