Plasma GDNF levels in spinal dysraphism and its relation with neurological impairment in children: A point of care study

AIMS

GDNF plays a crucial role in the stimulation of recovery, neuroplasticity and synaptic reorganization after spinal cord injury providing neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Plasma GDNF levels are upregulated in cases of spina bifida owing to the intrauterine damage of the exposed spinal cord. Our aim was to compare the plasma GDNF levels in patients of spina bifida with non-spina bifida cases and assess the correlation with neurological impairment at one year of follow up.

METHODS

Single centre prospective analysis of cases of spina bifida from 2020 to 2022 at presentation and after one year of follow up post-surgery. Cases with hernia and hydrocele without any other disorders were recruited into the control group. Plasma GDNF levels were assessed with immunoassay kits and compared with neurological involvement.

RESULTS

85 cases were included in the study. GDNF levels were elevated in cases compared to controls (mean 6.62 vs 1.76) with significant p value (<0.01). Same was observed for open and closed defects (mean 7.63 vs 4.86: p < 0.01). At follow up of 52 cases post-surgery cases with neurogenic bladder with abnormal urodynamic studies, sphincter involvement and motor impairment had significantly elevated baseline levels of GDNF compared with those who did not have this neurological impairment (p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION

The neurotrophic factor up-regulation can reflect an endogenous attempt at neuroprotection against the biochemical and molecular cascades triggered by the spinal cord damage. This upregulation can be represented as important biochemical markers of severe spinal cord damage and can be associated with severity of spine injury in MMC patients. Our results are in keeping with these findings, that, there were increased levels of plasma GDNF levels in cases of spinal dysraphism compared to control population. Also, the type of lesion reflecting the severity whether a closed or an open dysraphism, showed significant difference in levels between them suggesting, yet again, more damage in open defect as expected. The levels were higher with involvement of bladder, sphincter and lower limb power.

CONCLUSION

There is significant elevation of plasma GDNF levels in cases of spina bifida and this elevation is proportional to the degree of spinal damage and hence the neurological impairment. GDNF levels are a good predictor for assessing the severity of the lesion and thus the outcome in these cases. Additional prospective and long-term studies with a larger cohort are needed for a better understanding of neurotrophin pattern modulation in MMC.

Bioefficacy evaluation of ferrocenyl chalcones against Meloidogyne incognita and Sclerotium rolfsii infestation in tomato

The present study reports, bioefficacy evaluation of effective compounds against Meloidogyne incognita and Sclerotium rolfsii in pot cultured tomato. The identified five most effective compounds, i.e. (2E)-1-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6g), (2E)-1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6h), (2E)-1-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6j), (2E)-1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6k) and (2E)-1-(3,5-Dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6p) along with Carbofuran 3G as positive control were tested at 20, 40 and 80 ppm by soil drenching and root dipping methods. The study revealed that all plant growth parameters were positively influenced by these compounds. The presence of an electron releasing group positively influenced the efficacy, and the activity was highest in compounds 6g and 6h at 80 ppm. Based on in vitro results against S. rolfsii, (2E)-1-Ferrocenyl-3-(4-bromophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (3b), (2E)-1-Ferrocenyl-3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (3o) and (2E)-1-(5-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (6o) along with Tebuconazole 25.9% EC and Hexaconazole 5% SC as positive control were evaluated. The shoot length was found to be highest (24.50 cm) in plants treated with 3b followed by 3o and 6o at 1000 ppm. The percent disease incidence was significantly decreased as compared to control. The percent disease incidence was found to be minimum in plants treated with 3b at 1000 ppm. However, root dipping was not as effective as soil drenching. Therefore, ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives proved to be of great fungicidal and nematicidal potential opening new opportunities for expanding their effectiveness as new pest control agents.

Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism in Mandibular Ramus: An Orthopanoramic Study

Background Mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the face, is very durable, and hence remains well preserved than many other bones. In cases of mass disasters where an intact skull is not found, the mandible may play a vital role in sex determination as it is the most dimorphic bone of the skull. Morphometric analysis of mandibular ramus provides highly accurate data to discriminate sex. This can be accomplished by the use of panoramic radiography which is widely available and is used routinely to assess the mandibular structures. Objective To evaluate and compare the various parameters of the mandibular ramus and to determine the usefulness of the mandibular ramus as an aid in sex determination. Method Orthopantomograms of 140 samples (70 males and 70 females) were collected from the archives and traced manually on matte acetate tracing paper. Various parameters of mandibular ramus were measured on the right and left sides. The obtained measurements were subjected to discriminant function analysis. Result Mandibular measurements on the right side were greater than on the left side. However, only the ramus breath (minimum and maximum) and projective height of ramus were statistically significant (p < 0.05). All the measurements were higher for males than females. F-statistic values indicated that the highest sexual dimorphism was seen with the projective height of ramus and least with minimum ramus breath. Conclusion Mandibular ramus measurements can be a useful tool for gender determination and can be an essential tool in forensic science especially when there is damaged or partially preserved mandibles and may be helpful for medico-legal purpose in Nepal.

Evaluation of changes in corneal endothelium in chronic kidney disease

Purpose:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging health problem worldwide. In CKD corneal endothelial changes also occur probably due to accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and increased multiple toxic products. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of CKD on corneal endothelium and correlate the findings with severity of disease with help of noninvasive technique.

Methods:

The study comprised 75 eyes of 75 cases divided into three groups with group A comprising of CKD cases on dialysis, group B of nondialysis CKD cases, and group C of controls. Each group had 25 cases each of either sex and between 15–80 age groups. All patients were investigated for blood urea, serum creatinine, and blood sugar and underwent complete ophthalmic examination of both eyes along with wide-field specular microscopy examination.

Results:

The majority of patients (33.3%) belonged to age range of 61–70 years with male predominance and the most common cause of CKD was found to be diabetes with 17 (34%) cases. We found normal corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) with the mean ECD of 2364.52 ± 397.72 mm² in the dialysis group, 2467.8 ± 352.88 mm² in nondialysis group, and 2521.68 ± 250.26 mm² in the control group of patients. However, we found significant increase in coefficient of variation (CV) with 36 ± 5.8% in dialysis group, 37 ± 4.5% in nondialysis group and 32 ± 0.8% in controls (P = 0.001) and decreased hexagonality (Hx) with 47 ± 7.3% in dialysis group, 46 ± 4.7% in nondialysis group and 51 ± 6.7% in the controls (P = 0.031). This showed increased tendency of pleomorphism and polymegathism in corneal endothelial cells in CKD cases. No correlation was found between blood urea or serum creatinine levels with endothelial parameters in any group.

Conclusion:

CKD causes morphological changes like polymegathism and pleomorphism in corneal endothelium and hence these cases are more vulnerable and special care should be taken before any intraocular surgical procedure.

Spin reorientation in antiferromagnetic Dy2FeCoO6 double perovskite

We explored the electronic and magnetic properties of the lanthanide double perovskite Dy₂FeCoO₆ by combining magnetization, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our magnetization measurements revealed two magnetic phase transitions in Dy₂FeCoO₆. First, a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition at T _N = 248 K and subsequently, a spin reorientation transition at T _SR = 86 K. In addition, a field-induced magnetic phase transition with a critical field of H _c ≈ 20 kOe is seen at 2 K. Neutron diffraction data suggested cation-disordered orthorhombic structure for Dy₂FeCoO₆ in Pnma space group which is supported by Raman scattering results. The magnetic structures ascertained through representational analysis indicate that at T _N, a paramagnetic state is transformed to Γ₅(Cx, Fy, Az) antiferromagnetic structure while, at T _SR, Fe/Co moments undergo a spin reorientation to Γ₃(Gx, Ay, Fz). The refined magnetic moment of (Fe/Co) is 1.47(4) μ _B at 7 K. The antiferromagnetic structure found experimentally is supported through the DFT calculations which predict an insulating electronic state in Dy₂FeCoO₆.

Microwave assisted synthesis, characterization and biological activities of ferrocenyl chalcones and their QSAR analysis: Part II

A series of ferrocenyl chalcones using acetylferrocene, with ferrocenyl group at the keto carbonyl group, and different aldehydes were synthesized and their bioefficacy evaluation was done against Sclerotium rolfsii, Alternaria solani and Meloidogyne incognita. In continuation of our quest for potent crop protection products, in the present study, a series of 18 substituted ferrocenyl chalcones were synthesized in which ferrocenyl group was attached to the aldehyde moiety, using ferrocenecarboxyaldehyde and different acetophenones by microwave method (MM) and conventional method (CM) [cf: MM 1 to 5 min; CM 12-40 h] and characterized by various techniques viz. IR, LC-HRMS, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR. In vitro fungicidal activity showed that compound, (2E)-1-(5-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (34) (ED₅₀ = 21.50 mg L^-1) was found to be most active against S. rolfsii and compound, (2E)-1-(4-Bromophenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (21) (ED₅₀ = 31.14 mg L^-1) showed highest activity against A. solani. As regards nematicidal activity, compound (2E)-1-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-ferrocenyl-prop-2-en-1-one (29) was more potent with LC₅₀ values of 11.95, 8.07 and 4.34 mg L^-1 at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. QSAR study revealed that MLR for S. rolfsii (r ² = 0.9834, q ²= 0.8975) and A. solani (r ² = 0.9807, q ²= 0.8713) and PLS for M. incognita (r ² = 0.9023, q ²= 0.7818) were the best models.

Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Ferrocenyl Chalcones and Their QSAR Analysis

A new microwave method (MM) has been developed for the synthesis of a series of 16 substituted ferrocenyl chalcones using acetylferrocene (1) with different aldehydes (2a-2p) and comparing it with conventional method (CM). The synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques viz IR, HR-MS, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. The time required for completion of reaction in MM varied from 1 to 5 min as compared to CM which required 10–40 h. All the synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal activity against Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria solani. In vitro fungicidal activity revealed that compound 3o (ED₅₀ = 23.24 mg L⁻¹) was found to be most active against S. rolfsii. But in case of A. solani, compound 3c (ED₅₀ = 29.9 mg L⁻¹) showed highest activity. The nematicidal activity revealed that the compound 3b was more potent with LC₅₀ values of 10.67, 7.30, and 4.55 ppm at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. 2D-Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (2D-QSAR) analysis of these ferrocenyl chalcones was carried out by developing three different models namely Partial Least Squares (PLS, Model 1), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR, Model 2) and Principal Component Regression (PCR, Model 3). Statistical significance and predictive ability of these models were assessed by internal and external validation and also verified by leave one-out cross-validation. QSAR study revealed that MLR for S. rolfsii (r² = 0.999, q² = 0.996), PLS for A. solani (r² = 0.934, q² = 0.749) and PCR for M. incognita (r² = 0.878, q² = 0.772) were the best model. The physico-chemical parameters were calculated using VLife MDS 4.6 software. QSAR study could be employed for structure optimization to achieve better activity.

Correlation of functional echocardiography and clinical parameters in term neonates with shock

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the correlation between functional echocardiography and clinical parameters in term neonates with shock.

METHOD

Cross sectional study of 30 full term newborns who were clinically detected to have shock compared to 30 full term hemodynamically stable neonates. For statistical analysis, cases were further sub classified into cardiogenic and septic shock.

RESULT

Functional echocardiography revealed inferior vena cava collapsibility index (cIVC), fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output and superior vena cava (SVC) flow were significantly lower whereas myocardial performance index (MPI) was significantly higher in babies with cardiogenic and septic shock as compared to the controls. Left ventricular end diastolic area (LVEDA) was significantly higher in cardiogenic shock whereas it was significantly lower in septic shock as compared to the controls. Also, cIVC was significantly lower and LVEDA was significantly higher in cardiogenic as compared to the septic shock. In cardiogenic shock SVC flow correlated significantly with capillary filling time and systolic blood pressure. The correlation between functional echocardiographic parameters of cardiogenic and septic shock showed that EF, FS and MPI were positively and significantly correlated (r 0.742, p 0.022 for EF, r 0.766, p 0.016 for FS and r 0.478, p 0.05 for MPI) whereas SVC flow and cIVC were negatively and significantly correlated between cardiogenic and septic shock (r - 0.655, p 0.045 for SVC flow and - 0.578, p 0.05 for cIVC).

CONCLUSION

In the complex environment of neonatal intensive care unit detection of shock continues to be a major challenge. Functional echocardiography provides an adjunct information to the clinical assessment of shock and helps in monitoring the response to treatment.

Cervical congenital infantile fibrosarcoma: a case report

Background

Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor seen in children as well as adults. The congenital variety is rare and out of the reported cases only one case sited in the neck has been reported so far. Another such case is presented here who was successfully managed.

Case presentation

A 3-month-old Hindu baby boy presented with a congenital neck swelling. The apparent clinical diagnosis was lympho-venous malformation. With a remote possibility of malignancy, an excisional biopsy was done. Histopathology revealed congenital infantile fibrosarcoma.

Conclusion

A successful excision of cervical congenital infantile fibrosarcoma has not been reported. This diagnosis should be kept as a possibility in all congenital cervical swellings. These are commonly misdiagnosed as lympho-venous malformations and histopathology is confirmatory.

1H, 15N, and 13C chemical shift assignments of the regulatory domain of human calcineurin

Calcineurin (CaN) plays an important role in T-cell activation, cardiac system development and nervous system function. Previous studies have demonstrated that the regulatory domain (RD) of CaN binds calmodulin (CaM) towards the N-terminal end. Calcium-loaded CaM activates the serine/threonine phosphatase activity of CaN by binding to the RD, although the mechanistic details of this interaction remain unclear. It is thought that CaM binding at the RD displaces the auto-inhibitory domain (AID) from the active site of CaN, activating phosphatase activity. In the absence of calcium-loaded CaM, the RD is disordered, and binding of CaM induces folding in the RD. In order to provide mechanistic detail about the CaM-CaN interaction, we have undertaken an NMR study of the RD of CaN. Complete ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ¹H assignments of the RD of CaN were obtained using solution NMR spectroscopy. The backbone of RD has been assigned using a combination of ¹³C-detected CON-IPAP experiments as well as traditional HNCO, HNCA, HNCOCA and HNCACB-based 3D NMR spectroscopy. A ¹⁵N-resolved TOCSY experiment has been used to assign Hα and Hβ chemical shifts.

Vegetation dynamics in Bishrampur collieries of northern Chhattisgarh, India: eco-restoration and management perspectives

Phytosociological study in and around reclaimed coal mine site is an essential requirement for judging restoration impact on a disturbed site. Various studies have been aimed towards assessing the impact of different restoration practices on coal mine wastelands. Plantation scheme in a scientific way is the most suitable approach in this context. During the present investigation, an effort have been made to assess the vegetation dynamics through structure, composition, diversity, and forest floor biomass analysis in and around Bishrampur collieries, Sarguja division, northern Chhattisgarh, India. We have tried to develop strategies for eco-restoration and habitat management of the concerned study sites. Four sites were randomly selected in different directions of the study area. We classified the vegetation community of the study sites into various strata on the basis of height. Two hundred forty quadrats were laid down in various directions of the study area to quantify vegetation under different strata. During our investigation, we found eight different tree species representing four families in the different study sites. The density of the various tree species ranged between 40 and 160 individuals ha^-1. The density of sapling, seedling, shrub, and herb ranged between 740 and 1620; 2000 and 6000; 1200 and 2000; and 484,000 and 612,000 individuals ha^-1, respectively, in different directions. The diversity indices of the tree reflected highest Shannon index value of 1.91. Simpsons index ranged between 0.28 and 0.50, species richness ranged between 0.27 and 0.61, equitability up to 1.44, and Beta diversity ranged between 2.00 and 4.00. Total forest floor biomass ranged between 4.20 and 5.65 t/ha among the study sites. Highest forest floor biomass occurred in the south direction and lowest at east direction. Total forest floor biomass declined by 6.19% in west, 13.10% in north, and 25.66% in east direction, respectively. The mining activities resulted significant damage to natural vegetation and its dynamics. The study indicated that Acacia mangium, Cassia siamea, and Dalbergia sissoo can be recommended for effective eco-restoration of the concerned sites due to cosmopolitan distribution, high regeneration potential, as well as existence in the form of various girth classes with stable population structure.

Understanding Protein Structure Deformation on the Surface of Gold Nanoparticles of Varying Size

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been of recent interest due to their unique optical properties and their biocompatibility. Biomolecules spontaneously adsorb to their surface, a trait that could potentially be exploited for drug targeting. Currently, it is unclear whether protein-AuNP interactions at the nanoparticle surface are dependent on nanoparticle size. In this work, we investigate whether varying surface curvature can induce protein unfolding and multilayer binding in citrate-coated AuNPs of various sizes. A recently developed NMR-based approach was utilized to determine the adsorption capacity, and protein NMR spectra were compared to determine whether nanoparticle size influences protein interactions at the surface. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were employed to corroborate the NMR studies. Over a broad range of AuNP sizes (14-86 nm), we show that adsorption capacity can be predicted by assuming that proteins are compact and globular on the nanoparticle surface. Additionally, roughly one layer of proteins is adsorbed regardless of AuNP size. Our results hold for two proteins of significantly different sizes, GB3 (6 kDa) and bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA, 29 kDa). However, the unstable drkN SH3 domain (ΔḠ0 ≈ 0, 7 kDa) does not appear to follow the same trend seen for stable, globular proteins. This observation suggests that unstable proteins can deform significantly when bound to AuNP surfaces. Taken together, the results of this work can be used to improve our knowledge of the mechanism of protein-AuNP interactions to optimize their use in the biomedical field.

POLYMORPHISM IN THE CODING REGION SEQUENCE OF GDF8 GENE IN INDIAN SHEEP

The present study was undertaken to identify polymorphism in the coding sequence of GDF8gene across indigenous meat type sheep breeds. A 1647 bp sequence was generated, encompassing 208 bp of the 5'UTR, 1128 bp of coding region (exon1, 2 and 3) as well as 311 bp of 3'UTR. The sheep and goat GDF8 gene sequences were observed to be highly conserved as compared to cattle, buffalo, horse and pig. Several nucleotide variations were observed across coding sequence of GDF8 gene in Indian sheep. Three polymorphic sites were identified in the 5'UTR, one in exon 1 and one in the exon 2 regions. Both SNPs in the exonic region were found to be non-synonymous. The mutations c.539T > G and c.821T > A discovered in this study in the exon 1 and exon 2, respectively, have not been previously reported. The information generated provides preliminary indication of the functional diversity present in Indian sheep at the coding region of GDF8gene. The novel as well as the previously reported SNPs discovered in the Indian sheep warrant further analysis to see whether they affect the phenotype. Future studies will need to establish the affect of reported SNPs in the expression of the GDF8 gene in Indian sheep population.

Community Based Nutrition Education for Promoting Nutritional Status of Children under Three Years of Age in Rural Areas of Mahottari District of Nepal

Introduction: Maternal and child mortality have declined significantly in Nepal to the extent that Nepal is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child mortality. Similar improvements have not been seen in general nutrition status of them. Objective of this study was to evaluate a nutrition-education intervention designed to improve nutritional status (reduce stunting, wasting and underweight) of children. Materials and Methods: It was an intervention with separate sample pretest posttest design. Two groups of Village Development Committee (VDC) from Mahottari district were recruited as interventional and control areas. The intervention was a 12-months nutrition education program and comprised of twelve times with 2-3 hour nutrition lectures and discussion classless conducted by the Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). Results: The Present study found that number of underweight children increased by 7.6% in control group while it decreased by 17.7% in intervention group from baseline to endline in both groups. So, intervention programme was able to decrease the number of underweight children significantly. Study shows that wasting status of children increased by 11.4% in control group from baseline to endline period. While in intervention group wasting status of children decreased by more than 5% from baseline to endline period. Conclusion: Nutrition education intervention was effective to reduce wasting and underweight but did not reduce the stunting status of children. Stunting reflects failure to receive adequate nutrition over a long period of time and is affected by recurrent and chronic illness. Findings suggested that nutrition programme of longer duration should be implemented to control the stunting status of children. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i3.10286   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(3):181-187

Understanding socio economic contexts of female sex workers in eastern Nepal

The present focus is mostly laid on high risk behavior of commercial sex workers without any consideration of their location, educational status and other socio-cultural norms. Thus, we designed a study to understand socio demographic characteristics, lifestyle of female sex workers and search for driving factors for prostitution in eastern Nepal. A descriptive study was conducted in three districts of Eastern Nepal in 2012 over the period of six months. The data regarding their socio demographic characteristics, income, reason for joining sex trade and future choice regarding the profession were recorded from 210 female sex workers through face-to-face interviews. Majority (53.3%) of respondents belonged to the productive age group of 20-29 years, more than one thirds (43.3%) had not received any form of formal education and were unmarried. More than half (53.80%) were presently living alone and about one thirds of the women (31.90%) were minors when they joined this profession. Major portion of the sample (94.80%) worked more than three days a week with median income of 15 thousand per month and 41 percent had sex with more than or equal to ten clients per week. Poor economic condition was the most frequent (47.6%) factor leading to joining of sex trade however, more than two thirds, (72.80%) wanted to quit the profession. Given low level of education, relatively low income, and young age among this population, empowerment and alternative employment/education opportunities should be created to develop this part of Nepalese society.

Outbreak of cholera in Tilathi VDC Saptari Nepal

BACKGROUND

On 2011, Cluster of cholera cases was reported in the Tilathi VDC of Saptari, Nepal.

OBJECTIVE

The outbreak was investigated to identify the etiological agent and possible source of infection and guiding the prevention and control measures.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical details were collected from the suspected case-patients, and the outbreak was described by time, place, and person. Focus group discussion and Key informant interview were conducted to assess the practice of sanitation, source of drinking water and probable cause of diarrheal disease. Five stool samples and 10 water samples of tube well and ponds were collected and microbiological study was done in BPKIHS Dharan.

RESULTS

A total of 111 persons suffered with diarrhea and 02 died of it (attack rate 3.05%, case fatality rate 1.8%). All age groups were affected with disease (median age 26 yrs) and males were affected more than females. Descriptive epidemiology suggested the clustering of cases were around the pond where they clean utensils, take bath and wash clothes. The Vibrio cholerae 01 El Tor, Ogawa serotype was isolated in 03 out of 05 suspected stool samples and in all three of the pond water samples. They reported that most of the houses do not have the toilet and people do not wash their hands regularly with soap and water after defecation.

CONCLUSION

Vibrio cholerae was the causative agent behind the outbreak and probable source of infection was the problematic pond water which they used for different purpose. Immediate chlorination of the pond was recommended to halt further spread of the epidemics.

Isolation, in silico characterization, localization and expression analysis of abiotic stress-responsive rice G-protein β subunit (RGB1)

Heterotrimeric G-proteins constitute the classical signaling paradigm along with their cognate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and appropriate downstream effectors. G-protein complex is composed of highly conserved Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits. In the present study, we have characterized the cis-regulatory elements of the promoter, signature motifs, transcript profile in response to abiotic stresses, and sub-cellular localization of G-protein β subunit RGB1(I) from Indica rice. The RGB1(I) promoter sequence has various stress-related cis-regulatory elements suggesting its role in abiotic stress signaling. Presence of six WD-40 repeat signature motifs in RGB1(I) suggest its role in exchange of GDP by GTP in Gα subunit and receptor recognition. Presence of multiple N-myristoylation consensus sites in RGB1(I) protein sequence, which is necessary for membrane localization of protein, confirms the association of RGB1(I) in plasma membrane. Extrinsic association of RGB1(I) with plasma membrane seems essential for its role in regulation of signaling pathways and adaptation to high salt stress. We report the sub-cellular localization of RGB1(I) in plasma membrane, cytosol and nucleus. The localization of RGB1(I) in nucleus supports its possible interaction with transcription factors regulating the expression of salt stress responsive genes. The RGB1(I) transcript was upregulated under KCl, cold, dehydration and micronutrient (Mn (2+) and Zn (2+)) stress. However, transcript variation under elevated temperature, ABA, NaCl, and toxic heavy metals (viz. arsenite, arsenate, cadmium and lead) was not encouraging. These evidences indicate an active and significant role of RGB1(I) in the regulation of abiotic stresses in rice and propound its possible exploitation in the development of abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Isoformononetin, a methoxydaidzein present in medicinal plants, reverses bone loss in osteopenic rats and exerts bone anabolic action by preventing osteoblast apoptosis

PURPOSE

Daidzein (Daid) has been implicated in bone health for its estrogen-'like' effects but low bioavailability, unfavorable metabolism and uterine estrogenicity impede its clinical potential. This study was aimed at assessing isoformononetin (Isoformo), a naturally occurring methoxydaidzein, for bone anabolic effect by overcoming the pitfalls associated with Daid.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley ovariectomized (OVx) rats with established osteopenia were administered Isoformo, 17β-oestradiol (E2) or human parathyroid hormone. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography and determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone. Osteoblast apoptosis was measured by co-labeling of bone sections with Runx-2 and TUNEL. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured by ELISA. Plasma and bone marrow levels of Isoformo and Daid were determined by LC-MS-MS. Rat bone marrow stromal cells were harvested to study osteoblastic differentiation by Isoformo and Daid. New born rat pups were injected with Isoformo and Daid to study the effect of the compounds on the expression of osteogenic genes in the calvaria by real time PCR.

RESULTS

In osteopenic rats, Isoformo treatment restored trabecular microarchitecture, increased new bone formation, increased the serum osteogenic marker (procollagen N-terminal propeptide), decreased resorptive marker (urinary C-terminal teleopeptide of type I collagen) and diminished osteoblast apoptosis in bone. At the most effective osteogenic dose of Isoformo, plasma and bone marrow levels were comprised of ~90% Isoformo and the rest, Daid. Isoformo at the concentration reaching the bone marrow achieved out of its most effective oral dosing induced stromal cell mineralization and osteogenic gene expression in the calvaria of neonatal rats. Isoformo exhibited uterine safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that Isoformo reverses established osteopenia in adult OVx rats likely via its pro-survival effect on osteoblasts. Given its bone anabolic and anti-catabolic effects accompanied with safety at uterine level we propose its potential in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in children with nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome in infancy and childhood can be associated with thromboembolic complications. We describe two cases of nephrotic syndrome who presented with non-specific findings. Magnetic resonance imaging brain with magnetic resonance venography showed thrombosis of multiple venous sinuses. Patients were successfully treated with anticoagulants and there was complete resolution of thrombosis on repeat imaging.

Rice heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunit (RGA1): in silico analysis of the gene and promoter and its upregulation under abiotic stress

Heterotrimeric G-protein complexes (Gα, Gβ and Gγ) operate at the apex of diverse signal transduction systems along with their cognate transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and appropriate downstream effectors in the plant. Rice Gα in response to stress has not been well studied. Here, we report the in silico analysis of Gα subunit from Oryza sativa cv. Indica group Swarna [RGA1(I), accession number HQ634688], its promoter and its transcript upregulation in response to abiotic stresses. Genomic sequence of RGA1(I) contains thirteen exonic and twelve intronic segments. Phylogenetic analysis of RGA1(I) demonstrated high homology with Sorghum and maize and is distantly related to barley and wheat. Promoter sequence analysis of RGA1(I) confirms the presence of stress-related cis-regulatory elements viz. ABA, MeJAE, ARE, GT-1 boxes and LTR suggesting its active and possible independent roles in abiotic stress signalling. Expasy PROSITE database of protein families and domains revealed important motifs, patterns and biologically significant sites in RGA1(I). Three dimensional structure of RGA1(I) protein predicted by I-TASSER server and its stereochemical qualities were validated by PROCHECK and QMEAN server indicating the acceptability of the predicted model. The transcript profiling of RGA1(I) showed upregulation following NaCl, cold and drought stress. Under elevated temperature, its transcript was down regulated. Heavy metal(loid)s stress showed rhythmic and strong upregulation. It showed a rhythmic response in ABA stress. These findings provide a critical evidence for its active role in regulation of abiotic stresses in rice. These findings suggest its possible exploitation in the development of abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Factors associated with patient delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a district

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis one of the major public health problems that is affecting large number of people each year including Nepal.

METHODS

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Sunsari district of Nepal. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis patients from 14 DOTS centers in the District were interviewed. Face to face interview by using structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis and patients under Category II were excluded from the study.Data entry and analysis was carried out in SPSS version 16. Pearson Chi square test was used to test the association between outcome variable with different categorical independent variables.

RESULTS

Out of the total 215 patients, 91 (65.6%) were male, 109 (50.7%) were from rural residence, 69 (32.1%) were illiterate, 147 (68.4%) were married and 141 (66%) were sputum positive. The overall median patient delay was 42 days. About 145 (67.4%) of the patients had delayed their first consultation for more than 30 days. The patient delays were 56 out of 68 (82.4%) in age above 50 years patients, 121 out of 161 (75.2%) in married patients, 37 out of 45 (82.2%) in Kirats, 55 out of 69 (72.7%) in illiterates and 95 out of 124 (76.6%) in those who travel the distance of 2 or more km from the place of residence to health facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the time duration before the treatment and diagnosis in TB patients is long, this study emphasizes the need of awareness about symptoms of tuberculosis among general population.

Localization of rabies virus glycoprotein into the endoplasmic reticulum produces immunoprotective antigen

Rabies virus surface glycoprotein (rabies G-protein) with (G+RS) and without (G-RS) endoplasmic reticulum retrieval signal was expressed and characterized in tobacco plants. Transgenically expressed rabies G-protein was estimated at 0.015-0.38 % of total leaf protein. The relative migration of the rabies G-protein on SDS-PAGE was at the position, as anticipated for the viral coat protein (~66 kDa). Immunolocalization by confocal microscopy established that immunoprotective G+RS expressed in tobacco was primarily confined to ER. G+RS showed binding to Con A lectin and was susceptible to N-glycosidase F activity similar to native rabies G-protein. However, the G-RS transgenically expressed in tobacco leaves was glycosylated differently and was resitant to N-glycosidase F. Immunological studies and Rapid Fluorescent Foci Inhibition Test (RFFIT) showed that G+RS was immunogenic and immunoprotective, whereas G-RS was moderately immunogenic but non-protective against live virus challenge. Hence, plants can express the antigenic component of rabies virus with suitable glycosylation, which is important to give protection against rabies virus infection.

Risk factors associated with low birth weight

BACKGROUND

Babies with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams, irrespective of the period of their gestation are termed as Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies. Despite consistent efforts to improve the quality of maternal and child health, more than twenty million low birth-weight (LBW) babies are born every year throughout the world. Though, the health situation of Nepal has improved substantially over the years, the low birth-weight (LBW) rate still high. The present study was to explore the effects of various maternal risk factors associated with low birth-weight of institutionally delivered newborns.

METHODS

A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward of Janakpur Zonal Hospital, Janakpur, Nepal from December 2009 to January 2010. Altogether 306 respondents were taken and respondents were mothers who have delivered newborns in hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 1426 birth occurred during the study period (December 2009 to January 2010), of which 306 met the study criteria. Among which 66 (21.56%) were low birth weight (LBW) and 240 were normal birth weight (NBW). Overall mean birth weight was found to be 2.75 ± 0.639 kg. Out of total 21.56% newborns were weighing less than 2.50 kg and mean birth weight was 1.96 ± 0.409 kg. The study also shows that majority 73 (86%) of the research centers didn't start the research yet.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that there are several factors interplaying which lead to LBW babies. Socio-demographic factors (maternal age, educational level and economic status) and antenatal care are more important.

Coffin-Siris syndrome with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: a case report

Introduction

We report the case of an unusual association of Coffin-Siris syndrome with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. This association has never previously been reported in the medical literature.

Case presentation

A nine-year-old Indian girl was referred to our hospital for growth retardation, mental retardation, lax joints, generalized hypertrichosis, and hypoplastic fifth fingernails and toenails. A thorough medical examination and evaluation revealed she had phenotypic features of Coffin-Siris syndrome, with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome on radiological evaluation. The karyotype of our patient was normal.

Conclusion

In an unexplained case of mental retardation with facies suggestive of Coffin-Siris syndrome, association with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome should be considered and the patient should be evaluated for the same. Both of these syndromes may have a common pathogenesis, as yet unknown. This case report has broad implications, as similar cases in future may give insights into the pathogenesis of both these syndromes.

Utilization pattern of health care services at village level

BACKGROUND

Primary health care service is basic essential health care. Due to lack of access to quality health care services, many rural people suffer from various health related problems. The objective of this study was to assess how health care services are utilized by beneficiaries in two different villages in Dhanusha district of Nepal.

METHODS

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in two Village Development Committees with sixty four households selected randomly from January 1, to February 27, 2008.

RESULTS

The study shows that 48 and 21 percent of population were utilizing local available health services respectively within and beyond 2 km from the health facility .It revealed that distance was significant indicator for utilization of health services. Study also shows that those in VDC 1 had availed maximum (67%) service of trained man power for delivery as compared to those in VDC 2, (20%) where most (80%) of deliveries were conducted by relatives and neighbours, the difference was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Distance from the heath services is an important factor for utilisation of health resources. The utilisation of health facility was satisfactory but the quality of services were not satisfactory.

Peripherally inserted central venous lines versus central lines in surgical newborns--a comparison

OBJECTIVE

To compare the insertion characteristics, utilization profile, life span and the complication rates of Central lines (CL) and Peripherally inserted central lines (PICL).

METHODS

A prospective study of all CL or PICL insertions during January 2007 to September 2007 in the Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care center was done. The number of attempts, procedure time, duration of catheter stay, number of dressing done, complication during insertion and maintenance and cause of removal were noted and the differences analyzed statistically using Pearson chi square / t test. P value. 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Ninety two neonates were included in the present study of whom 60 were PICL insertions and 32 CL insertions. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, weight and the use of total perental nutrition (TPN) through the catheters. On comparing the PICL and CL groups, the number of attempts for successful insertion (p=0.003), the time taken (p=0.005), the number of dressing changes required during the indwelling period (p=0.005) and the overall complication rates (p=0.002) were significantly less in the PICL group. The PICL could be maintained for longer periods of time (p= 0.005) and only in 11.5% of the patients it had to be removed before completion of therapy as compared to 37.5% early removals for CL (p=0.02)

CONCLUSION

PICL is a safe, effective and reliable method of providing prolonged IV access in newborns. It also has the least incidence of complications during insertion and maintenance over prolonged period of time when compared to CL and should be recommended for routine use in neonatal surgical patients.

Ubiquitin fusion enhances cholera toxin B subunit expression in transgenic plants and the plant-expressed protein binds GM1 receptors more efficiently

Developing plant based systems for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins requires the development of efficient expression strategies and characterization of proteins made in heterologous cellular environment. In this study, the expression of cholera toxin B subunit (CtxB) was examined in the leaves of transgenic tobacco plants. A synthetic gene encoding CtxB was designed for high level expression in plant cells and cloned as ubiquitin (Ub) fusion in a plant expression vector. Tobacco plants were genetically engineered by nuclear transformation to express the CtxB or Ub-CtxB fusion proteins under the control of CaMV35S duplicated enhancer promoter. Functionally active CtxB accumulated in tobacco leaves at 2.5-fold higher level in the Ub-CtxB plants. In the best expressors, CtxB accumulated at 0.9% of the total soluble leaf protein. In both the constructs, molecular mass of the plant-expressed CtxB was 14.6 kDa in contrast to 11.6 kDa for the authentic CtxB. Schiff's test, retention on concanavalin A column and chemical and enzymatic deglycosylation established that the higher molecular mass was due to glycosylation of the CtxB expressed in plant cells. The glycosylated CtxB made in tobacco leaves had higher affinity of binding to the GM1 receptors.

High level expression of surface glycoprotein of rabies virus in tobacco leaves and its immunoprotective activity in mice

A synthetic gene coding for the surface glycoprotein (G protein) of rabies virus was strategically designed to achieve high-level expression in transgenic plants. The native signal peptide was replaced by that of the pathogenesis related protein, PR-S of Nicotiana tabacum. An endoplasmic reticulum retention signal was included at C-terminus of the G protein. Tobacco plants were genetically engineered by nuclear transformation. Selected transgenic lines expressed the chimeric G protein at 0.38% of the total soluble leaf protein. Mice immunized intraperitoneally with the G protein purified from tobacco leaf microsomal fraction elicited high level of immune response as compared to the inactivated commercial viral vaccine. The plant-derived G protein induced complete protective immunity in mice against intracerebral lethal challenge with live rabies virus. The results establish that plants can provide a safe and effective production system for the expression of immunoprotective rabies virus surface protein.

Effect of a carbohydrate supplement on feeding behaviour and exercise in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia

The effect of a carbohydrate supplement, offered as a diet option, on feeding behaviour, body weight gain, and endurance exercise was studied in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Male albino rats (n = 35) were randomly divided into 5 groups; hypoxic supplemented and control groups; normoxic supplemented and control groups, and an untreated control group. After treadmill training for 5 days, the hypoxic groups were exposed to simulated high altitude equivalent to 6960 m for 18 days continuously. Food and water intakes, body weight and endurance exercise were recorded before and during the exposure period. Blood glucose, insulin, muscle and liver glycogen were assayed at the end of the exposure period. Hypobaric hypoxia resulted in a significant decrease in food and water intake, and body weight, and reduced endurance exercise capacity compared to the basal and normoxic group values. The carbohydrate supplement did not ameliorate the hypoxia-induced loss in body weight, but however, significantly delayed the onset of fatigue during exercise in the supplemented rats compared to the hypoxic control group.

Effect of high altitude on sensitivity to the taste of phenylthiocarbamide

Sensitivity to the taste of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) was studied using the Harris-Kalmus method in healthy human volunteers at sea level and then subsequently at an altitude of 3500 m over a period of 3 weeks, after which they were brought back to sea level. Blood sugar, insulin and blood cortisol levels were estimated weekly. The results indicated that, out of 51 subjects studied, 26 (55%) were PTC tasters at sea level. Eight of those unable to taste PTC at sea level tested as tasters at high altitude, and 2 of them reverted to being non-tasters on return to sea level. In the blood, an increase in cortisol and blood insulin levels was seen without any significant change in sugar levels. All the changes recorded at high altitude tended to return to basal values after re-induction to sea level. The study suggests that high-altitude hypoxia in some way, possibly involving changes in hormonal profile among other factors, causes an alteration in sensitivity to the taste of PTC, resulting in some of the individuals shifting to lower PTC sensitivity.

High altitude effects on human taste intensity and hedonics

BACKGROUND

The study was conducted on human volunteers taken to 3500 m altitude for a period of 3 wk.

METHODS

Subjects rated four compounds representing sweet, salty, sour and bitter taste, and the hedonic matrix in terms of taste threshold, taste intensity, and taste hedonicity were recorded using category scale. Blood sugar levels were estimated weekly.

RESULTS

An increase in the taste thresholds for glucose and sodium chloride was shown while quinine sulphate and citric acid thresholds recorded a decrease. The taste intensity ratings showed a linear relationship with increasing logarithmic molar concentrations of each solution, as compared with taste hedonicity which showed an inverted 'U' type function. The blood picture did not reveal any change in the blood sugar level. All the parameters recorded at high altitude (HA) showed a tendency to return to basal values after reinduction to sea level.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that HA hypoxic stress brings about changes in the hedonic responses, primarily an increased palatibility for sweetness; we speculate that the mechanism may be anorexia-linked nutritional stress.