Differential host responses to COVID-19: Unraveling the complexity

These diverse outcomes of Covid-19 are influenced by various factors including age, gender, underlying health conditions, immune responses, viral variants, external factors, and overall quality of life. Demographic analysis of patients aged 0-18 years experienced mild to moderate cases, above 55 years with co-morbidities, were more severely affected.COVID-19 incidence was higher in males (58 %) & (42 %) in females. The reduced expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) in severe and critical patients is a crucial determinant. This reduced TLR expression is primarily attributed to the dominance of the PLpro viral protein of COVID-19. Disease enrichment analysis highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19, which can lead to post-recovery complications such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac diseases, and brain ischemia in Covid-19 patients. In conclusion, a comprehensive strategy targeting key factors like PLpro, TLR, and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 could offer an effective approach to mitigate the devastating effects of COVID-19.

MicroRNA signatures differentiate types, grades, and stages of breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): miRNA-target interacting signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common form of breast cancer which accounts for 85% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Non-invasive and early stages have a better prognosis than late-stage invasive cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation and progression of breast cancer holds great promise for the development of molecular tools for early diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, developing a cost effective, quick and robust early detection protocol using miRNAs for breast cancer diagnosis is an imminent need that could strengthen the health care system to tackle this disease around the world.

METHODS

We have analyzed putative miRNAs signatures in 100 breast cancer samples using two independent high fidelity array systems. Unique and common miRNA signatures from both array systems were validated using stringent double-blind individual TaqMan assays and their expression pattern was confirmed with tissue microarrays and northern analysis. In silico analysis were carried out to find miRNA targets and were validated with q-PCR and immunoblotting. In addition, functional validation using antibody arrays was also carried out to confirm the oncotargets and their networking in different pathways. Similar profiling was carried out in Brca2/p53 double knock out mice models using rodent miRNA microarrays that revealed common signatures with human arrays which could be used for future in vivo functional validation.

RESULTS

Expression profile revealed 85% downregulated and 15% upregulated microRNAs in the patient samples of IDC. Among them, 439 miRNAs were associated with breast cancer, out of which 107 miRNAs qualified to be potential biomarkers for the stratification of different types, grades and stages of IDC after stringent validation. Functional validation of their putative targets revealed extensive miRNA network in different oncogenic pathways thus contributing to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cellular plasticity.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed potential biomarkers for the robust classification as well as rapid, cost effective and early detection of IDC of breast cancer. It not only confirmed the role of these miRNAs in cancer development but also revealed the oncogenic pathways involved in different progressive grades and stages thus suggesting a role in EMT and cellular plasticity during breast tumorigenesis per se and IDC in particular. Thus, our findings have provided newer insights into the miRNA signatures for the classification and early detection of IDC.

Mitochondrial mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease: Quest for therapeutics

Mitochondrial function is essential for maintaining neuronal integrity, because neurons have a high energy demand. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), are exacerbated by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) attenuates neurodegenerative diseases by eradicating dysfunctional mitochondria. In neurodegenerative disorders, there is disruption of the mitophagy process. High levels of iron also interfere with the mitophagy process and the mtDNA released after mitophagy is proinflammatory and triggers the cGAS-STING pathway that aids AD pathology. In this review, we critically discuss the factors that affect mitochondrial impairment and different mitophagy processes in AD. Furthermore, we discuss the molecules used in mouse studies as well as clinical trials that could result in potential therapeutics in the future.

Remote sensing and GIS based analysis of temporal land use/land cover and water quality changes in Harike wetland ecosystem, Punjab, India

Wetlands help in maintaining ecological balance in an area, but are shrinking fast all over the world. A study was conducted on the Harike wetland in Punjab state of India to analyze temporal changes in land use/land cover (LULC), water spread area and water pollution by using RS and GIS techniques. The LULC map of Harike wetland ecosystem covering an area of 22213.91 ha was prepared through on-screen visual interpretation of multispectral Resourcesat 2 LISS-IV satellite data (2014 and 2018) having spatial resolution of 5.8 m. Area under agriculture, forest and built up increased and that under waste land, water bodies and wetland decreased during 2014-18. The rate of increase in agricultural land was quite high (18.87 ha/year) during 2006-2014, but reduced to 3.53 ha/year during 2014-2018. The built up land increased comparatively at low rates (0.87 and 0.90 ha/year). Areas under waste land, water bodies and wetland decreased at the rate of 4.32, 1.61 and 13.80 ha/year during 2006-2014 and 2.37, 0.34 and 1.71 ha/year during 2014-2018, respectively. The water spread area of Harike wetland which was 4073 ha and 4166 ha in year 2002 and 2006 reduced to 3918.98 ha and 3910.56 ha in the year 2014 and 2018, respectively. However, wetland ponded area shrinked at a rate of 30.37 ha/year during 2006-2014 and 2.11 ha/year during the period 2014-2018. The area under low and medium turbidity increased by 22.02% and 15.2%, respectively, but decreased by 49% under high turbidity during 2014-18. Wetland water was observed to be rich in macro and micronutrients. The pH, BOD and COD of wetland water increased by 0.51, 9.7 mg/l and 24 mg/l, respectively, during 2002-14 and by 0.03, 2.0 mg/l and 5.92 mg/l, respectively during 2014-18. Interaction between land use, water quality, water inflow, ground water and wetland area has also been studied. Intensive cultivation and declining groundwater levels in the area are negatively affecting the wetland. This necessitates regular monitoring of wetland structural components and water quality along with an urgent plan in place for conservation, rehabilitation and management of Harike wetland ecosystem in participatory mode.

Role of semi-purified andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata extract as nano-phytovesicular carrier for enhancing oral absorption and hypoglycemic activity

Objective

Andrographis paniculata is a well-known medicinal plant in Southeast Asia, India and China. The plant contains andrographolide (AN), a very important phytochemical used in various health problems. However, AN is low in oral absorption bioavailability of AN due to the rapid clearance and high protein binding capacity.

Methods

The present study was aimed to develop a nano-phytovesicular formulation of semi-purified AN extracts from a naturally occurring phospholipid (soya phosphatidylcholine) in order to increase the oral absorption and antihyperglycemic activity in rats.

Results

The nano-phyto vesicle of semi-purified AN extracts equivalent to 25 mg /kg AN significantly protected the hyperglycemic condition of rats. The in vitro and in vivo experiments results proved that the nano- phytovesicular system of plant extracts containing AN produced better oral absorption, bioavailability and improved antihyperglycemic activity compared with that of free AN at dose of 50 mg/kg.

Conclusion

Hence, the prepared semi-purified extract nano-phytovesicular system is helpful in solving the problem of rapid clearance of AN.

PCR Amplifiable DNA from Breast Disease FFPE Section for Mutational Analysis

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens have been a staple of research, providing precious resources for molecular and genomic studies. However, the biggest challenge is the extraction of high-quality DNA from FFPE tissues, given that the integrity of DNA is critically affected by formalin fixation. Formaldehyde induces crosslinks in DNA that renders single or double-stranded DNA breaks. Such breaks cause extensive fragmentation that directly influences the quality of DNA purified and the number of templates available for PCR amplification. Thus, protocol for DNA purification from FFPE tissues must effectively extract highly fragmented DNA and reverse cross-linking caused by formalin fixation. DNA extraction methods available in the literature were selected and modified at different stages to optimize a protocol that extracts DNA of sufficient quality and fragment size to be detectable by PCR. Archived FFPE tissues belonged to patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and benign breast disease were used for the protocol optimization. The best optimized protocol was then used to amplify Exon 4 region of Proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus1 (Pim1) kinase gene to analyze any probable somatic mutations both in TNBCs and benign breast diseases. Of the 12 different protocols developed, best quality DNA in terms of fragment size and purity was obtained when Tween20 lysis buffer was used for both deparaffinization and overnight digestion along with high salt precipitation. Optimized protocol was then validated by extracting DNAs from 10 TNBCs and 5 benign breast disease specimens with consistent purity and fragment size. PCR amplification and subsequent Sanger's sequencing revealed the presence of mutations in the Exon 4 region of Pim1 kinase. Deparaffinization and overnight digestion in Tween20 lysis buffer along with high salt precipitation yielded the best quality PCR amplifiable DNA for mutational analysis.

In vitro healing efficacy of stem cell secretome and cord blood platelet lysate on a chronic wound model

Purpose: A chronic wound model provides an opportunity to understand fundamental mechanisms that could possibly provide leads for novel diagnostic molecules. An in vitro chronic wound model was created to evaluate the healing potential of stem cell (SC) secretome obtained from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and cord blood platelet lysate (CBPL). Methods: hUCMSCs were obtained from explant culture of umbilical cord. SC secretome was collected from cells at passage 2 after appropriate SC characterisation. Platelets were isolated from cord blood and exposed to a repeated freeze–thaw cycle to obtain CBPL. An in vitro chronic wound model was created using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and hypoxia in HEK293 cells through scratch in a cell monolayer. Wounds were exposed to SC secretome and CBPL and their wound closure efficacy was calculated as relative wound density (RWD%) at defined time points. Results: MSCs with typical spindle-shaped morphology were isolated from explant culture that sustained their stemness and morphology until up to passage 10. DMSO efficiently impeded the movement of cells into the wound area to generate a chronic wound model which was efficiently removed upon addition of SC secretome and CBPL. Conclusion: A transient in vitro chronic wound model was created successfully to determine the healing efficiency of SC secretome and CBPL.

Climato-environmental influence on breeding phenology of native catfishes in River Ganga and modeling species response to climatic variability for their conservation

The main objectives of the present study were to quantify the environmental, especially temperature and rainfall, effects on breeding phenology of selected catfish species and to predict changes in breeding phenology of the selected species in relation to climatic variability for the Ganga River Basin. The study showed that changes in rainfall pattern may have the most profound effect on gonad maturation and breeding of Mystus tengara and Mystus cavasius followed by the effect of increased water temperature due to rising air temperature. Indication of region-specific adaptation was noticed in reproductive phenology of Eutropiichthys vacha based on local trends of warming climate. The other habitat parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, nitrate, and phosphate, were correlated with gonad maturity and spawning. Climatic variability may bring region-specific changes in breeding phenology of fish species in the Ganga River. Under a warming climate, changes in precipitation pattern manifested into riverine flow pulse may be the key driver in dictating breeding phenology. Our study indicates E. vacha as a climate sensitive species that may be selected as a target species for climate change impact studies.

Organochlorines in urban soils from Central India: probabilistic health hazard and risk implications to human population

This study presents distribution of organochlorines (OCs) including HCH, DDT and PCBs in urban soils, and their environmental and human health risk. Forty-eight soil samples were extracted using ultrasonication, cleaned with modified silica gel chromatography and analyzed by GC-ECD. The observed concentrations of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and ∑PCBs in soils ranged between < 0.01-2.54, 1.30-27.41 and < 0.01-62.8 µg kg^-1, respectively, which were lower than the recommended soil quality guidelines. Human health risk was estimated following recommended guidelines. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD), non-cancer risk or hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for humans due to individual and total OCs were estimated and presented. Estimated LADD were lower than acceptable daily intake and reference dose. Human health risk estimates were lower than safe limit of non-cancer risk (HQ < 1.0) and the acceptable distribution range of ILCR (10^-6-10^-4). Therefore, this study concluded that present levels of OCs (HCH, DDT and PCBs) in studied soils were low, and subsequently posed low health risk to human population in the study area.

Environmental impact on the onset of hypertension-induced end-stage renal disease

This study intends to assess the impact of environmental factors on the onset of hypertension-induced end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to compare the level of oxidative stress with nonhypertensive diabetic ESRD. ESRD patients were evaluated along with healthy controls through questionnaire for demographic, nutritional and lifestyle variables. Oxidants were measured along with antioxidants. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were applied to analyze association of studied variables with oxidants and antioxidants. Most of the hypertensive nephrosclerotic patients were residing in locality that was either closer to industrial belt or polluting water bodies, belonging to low socioeconomic status that invariably affected their lifestyle and nutritional status. Hypertensive ESRD patients showed more pronounced oxidative stress than diabetic ESRD. Several of the studied variables were significantly associated with oxidants and antioxidants. Demographic, nutritional and lifestyle variables appeared to have suggestive effect on the onset of hypertensive nephrosclerosis.

Pattern, Management, and Outcome of Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Poisoning is a significant global public health problem. The appropriate management of poisoning at emergency needs accurate assessment and immediate treatment. The immense chance for better outcomes occurs with early diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted to assess pattern, management, and outcome of poisoning in tertiary care hospital. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in which records of patients with a diagnosis of poisoning over a period of four years were reviewed. Results: A total of 138 patients were included in the study. A majority (63%) of them were females. Most (67.4%) were managed by general or supportive measure only. Gastric lavage was done in 60% of total patients while 52.9% patients received activated charcoal. Pralidoxime and atropine was received by 51.1% of patients treated with specific antidote. All the antidotes were administered through intravenous route. Regarding outcome, 89.9% were completely recovered. Suicidal poisoning was significantly higher in married as compared to unmarried patients (p = 0.029). Similarly, there was a significant relationship between occupation of the patients and manner of poisoning (p = 0.003). Outcome of treatment had a significant association with the manner of poisoning (p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that the patients who expired in the hospital were more likely to ingest poison accidentally. Conclusion: Suicidal poisoning is common and females are more susceptible. Insecticide and rodenticide are the commonly ingested poisons. Treatment outcome of poisoning cases is generally favorable.

Benchmarking pre-spawning fitness, climate preferendum of some catfishes from river Ganga and its proposed utility in climate research

The concept of threshold condition factor (Fulton), beyond which more than 50% of the female fish population may attain readiness for spawning coined as pre-spawning fitness (K _spawn50), has been proposed in the present article and has been estimated by applying the non-parametric Kaplan-Meier method for fitting survival function. A binary coding strategy of gonadal maturity stages was used to classify whether a female fish is "ready to spawn" or not. The proposed K _spawn50 has been generated for female Mystus tengara (1.13-1.21 units), M. cavasius (0.846-0.945 units), and Eutropiichthys vacha (0.716-0.799 units). Information on the range of egg parameters (fecundity, egg weight, egg diameter) expected at the pre-spawning stage was also generated. Additional information on species-specific thermal and precipitation window (climate preferendum) within which K _spawn50 is attained was also generated through the LOESS smoothing technique. Water temperatures between 31 and 36 °C (M. tengara), 30 and 32 °C (M. cavasius), and 29.5 and 31 °C (E. vacha) and monthly rainfall between 200 and 325 mm (M. tengara), > 250 mm (M. cavasius), and around 50 mm and between 350 and 850 mm (E. vacha) were found to be optimum for attainment of K _spawn50. The importance of parameterization and benchmarking of K _spawn50 in addition to other conventional reproductive biology parameters has been discussed in the present article. The purposes of the present study were fulfilled by generating baseline information and similar information may be generated for other species replicating the innovative methodology used in this study.

A randomized controlled study between fentanyl and Butorphanol with low dose intrathecal bupivacaine to facilitate early postoperative ambulation in urological procedures

Introduction:

Opioids are widely used in conjunction with local anesthetics as they permit the use of lower dose of local anesthetics while providing adequate anesthesia and analgesia. It both provides adequate anesthesia as well as lower drug toxicity neuraxial administration of opioids in conjunction with local anesthetics improves the quality of intraoperative analgesia and prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia. Bupivacaine is the most commonly used drug for subarachnoid block due to its lesser side effects. The present study was conducted to decrease the overall dose of local anesthetics with opioid combination for urological procedure with respect to quality of anesthesia and recovery with patient's satisfaction.

Materials and Methods:

The study population was randomly allocated by computer generated table into two groups; Group A: 5 mg 0.5% bupivacaine + 25 mcg and Group B: 5 mg 0.5% bupivacaine + 25 mg butorphanol.

Results:

Highest level of sensory block was T9 and T8 with the fentanyl group and butorphanol group, respectively. The onset of sensory block was early in fentanyl group than butorphanol group. Duration of both sensory and motor block was significantly higher in butorphanol group. There was no incidence of itching in both groups. There were two patients in fentanyl group and one in butorphanol with hypotension for which injection mephentermine was given. Two patients in fentanyl group complained of nausea and vomiting, for which injection ondansetron was given. One patient complained of pain in fentanyl group for which injection propofol with injection fentanyl was supplemented.

Conclusion:

Low-dose bupivacaine with butorphanol group was devoid of any side effects in the present study but low dose bupivacaine in addition with fentanyl is superior in terms of early postoperative recovery resulting in early discharge and better outcome in comparison to bupivacaine and butorphanol group, which is beneficial in elderly patients with comorbidity.

Protective effects of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seed in paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity in vivo

Paracetamol overdose causes serious liver necrosis. Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa in Paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity was investigated in rats. Fasted male Wistar rats were orally treated with Nigella sativa extract in graded doses for 5 days followed by Nigella sativa extract and paracetamol 3 g kg(-1) on 6 and 7th day. Circulatory liver markers and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated and histopathological study of liver performed. Paracetamol caused a significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and total Bilirubin and a significant decrease in GSH compared to control. Nigella sativa pretreatment significantly prevented the increase in liver enzymes and total bilirubin and decrease in GSH level as compared to paracetamol group. Liver histopathology showed marked reduction in sinusoidal dilatation, midzonal necrosis, portal triaditis and occasional apoptosis in Nigella sativa extract treated groups as compared to group receiving only paracetamol. Nigella sativa extract possesses hepatoprotective action against paracetamol induced acute hepatoxicity. Further research is needed to advocate its prophylactic use for drug induced hepatotoxicity.

Fluorescent magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for cardiac precursor cell selection from stromal vascular fraction and optimization for magnetic resonance imaging

Fluorescent magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been used to label cells for imaging as well as for therapeutic purposes. The purpose of this study was to modify the approach to develop a nanoprobe for cell selection and imaging with a direct therapeutic translational focus. The approach involves physical coincubation and adsorption of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-polyethylene glycol (SPION-PEG) complexes with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) or a set of antibodies. Flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, iron staining, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess cell viability, function, and labeling efficiency. This process has been validated by selecting adipose tissue-derived cardiac progenitor cells from the stromal vascular fraction using signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPA)/kinase domain receptor (KDR) mAbs. These markers were chosen because of their sustained expression during cardiomyocyte differentiation. Sorting of cells positive for SIRPA and KDR allowed the enrichment of cardiac progenitors with 90% troponin-I positivity in differentiation cultures. SPION labeled cardiac progenitor cells (1×10(5) cells) was mixed with gel and used for 3T magnetic resonance imaging at a concentration, as low as 12.5 μg of iron. The toxicity assays, at cellular and molecular levels, did not show any detrimental effects of SPION. Our study has the potential to achieve moderate to high specific cell selection for the dual purpose of imaging and therapy.

OncomiRdbB: a comprehensive database of microRNAs and their targets in breast cancer

Background

Given the estimate that 30% of our genes are controlled by microRNAs, it is essential that we understand the precise relationship between microRNAs and their targets. OncomiRs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been frequently shown to be deregulated in cancer. However, although several oncomiRs have been identified and characterized, there is as yet no comprehensive compilation of this data which has rendered it underutilized by cancer biologists. There is therefore an unmet need in generating bioinformatic platforms to speed the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Description

We describe here OncomiRdbB, a comprehensive database of oncomiRs mined from different existing databases for mouse and humans along with novel oncomiRs that we have validated in human breast cancer samples. The database also lists their respective predicted targets, identified using miRanda, along with their IDs, sequences, chromosome location and detailed description. This database facilitates querying by search strings including microRNA name, sequence, accession number, target genes and organisms. The microRNA networks and their hubs with respective targets at 3'UTR, 5'UTR and exons of different pathway genes were also deciphered using the 'R' algorithm.

Conclusion

OncomiRdbB is a comprehensive and integrated database of oncomiRs and their targets in breast cancer with multiple query options which will help enhance both understanding of the biology of breast cancer and the development of new and innovative microRNA based diagnostic tools and targets of therapeutic significance. OncomiRdbB is freely available for download through the URL link http://tdb.ccmb.res.in/OncomiRdbB/index.htm.

Spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants in the surface water of River Brahmaputra and River Ganga in India

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyles (PCBs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are discharged in surface water by various point and nonpoint sources thereby degrading the functioning of the ecosystem and threatening human health. Chlorinated pesticides such as Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) are effective pest control chemicals, used in agriculture and public health activities (malaria eradication, etc.) in India for the past several decades and are still in use. POPs can cause endocrine disruption and food chain biomagnification because of their lipophilicity and environmental persistence. This study aims to assess the environmental occurrence and spatial distribution of OCPs, PAHs and PCBs in the surface water of River Brahmaputra and Ganga ending at the of the Bay of Bengal.The order of organochlorine pesticides is as: heptachlor>HCHs>DDTs>dieldrin>aldrin>endosulfan. Diamond Harbour and Bakkhali were the two places with elevated level of all individual HCH isomers compared to all other sites. β-Endosulfan and α-Endosulfan were high at Dibrugarh than other sampling sites. This is due to the ongoing use of Endosulfan in the tea estates in Assam especially the estates close to the town of Dibrugarh. p,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDT levels indicate the fresh input of DDT in all the sampling sites. Heptachlor has been observed in 57% of the total samples reported in the present study.These reasons may attribute to high deposition of pesticides in the surface water of Ganga and Brahmaputra.In addition the catchments area of the Ganga River is surrounded by agricultural lands so a relatively higher residue of pesticides was prevalent. Σ27 PCBs varied from BDL to 142 (Avg±SD, 3.96±6.71) ng L-1. PCB-18, PCB-52 & PCB-44 showed the highest concentration levels for all the sampling sites. PCB-126 was observed in samples taken from sites close to the city limit of Kolkata and Assam which is an indication of higher toxic effect from this highly toxic congener. PCB-169 was prevalent in most of the sites. The total concentrations of PAHs varied from BDL to 31 (Avg±SD, 0.2±1.5) µg L-1. PAHs concentrations were very low as PAHs are particle bound compounds.

Preliminary analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air particles (PM10) in Amritsar, India: sources, apportionment, and possible risk implications to humans

Preliminary analysis was performed to assess human health risks of exposure to 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by way of inhalation by children and adults living in urban area of Amritsar, Punjab, India. In particular, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) 16 priority PAH compounds were analyzed in air particulate matter (PM10) from different geographical locations by high-volume air sampler. Sum concentrations of PAHs (37-274 ng m(-3)) were comparable with those of other cities in India as well many cities on a global scale. Pyrene, naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluoranthene, fluorene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene accounted for >80% of ∑16PAH concentrations. Furthermore, the contribution of seven carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 12% of ∑16PAHs. The estimated carcinogenicity of PAHs in terms of benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalency (BaPTEQ) was assessed and confirmed that dibenzo(a,h)anthracene was the dominant PAH contributor (88.7%) followed by benzo(a)pyrene (6.67%). Homolog pattern and diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggested that mixed pyrogenic sources--including biomass burning, coal combustion, and petrogenic sources, such as vehicular emissions--are dominant PAH sources in Amritsar. Health risk of adults and children by way of PAHs was assessed by estimating the lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and corresponding incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) using USEPA guidelines. The assessed cancer risk (ILCR) was found to be within the acceptable range (10(-6)-10(-4)).

Potential wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of Solanum xanthocarpum schrad and wendl leaves

The present work objective are to investigate indigenous plants used in wound healing in India, we hereby reported our findings related to wound healing activities of plant Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad and Wendl (Solanaceae) from some in vitro and in vivo model studies. The plant ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum was identified qualitative phytochemical constituents and tested wound healing activity. The important secondary metabolites alkaloid, glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds, protein, and fats were identified in extracts. Solanum xathocarpum leaves ethanolic extract showed wound healing activity significantly in the excision and incision wound model in rats on topical application. The animals were divided into five groups with six rats in each group. Topically applied 10% w/v of plant Solanum xanthocarpum leaves extracts in saline taking Silver Sulphadizine ointment as standard. The results showed that ethanolic extract of Solanum xathocarpum leaves on topical application was reduced the epithelization period from 25.30±0.23 to 19.75±0.28 days control and ethanol extract respectively along with a marked decrease in the scar area from 53.88±0.42 to 37.76±0.17 mm2 control and ethanol extract respectively. Significant increase in tensile strength and hydroxyproline content of plant extract were also observed and compared to the control and silver sulphadiazine. The above result revealed that the ethanol extract has remarkable wound healing potency and appear to justify the traditional use of Solanum xanthocarpum in wound healing in India and offer a scientific support to the treatment of traditional healers.

Effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipid profile in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and lipid profile of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 40 subjects with 20 in each group were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 patients received atorvastatin and that of Group 2 rosuvastatin treatment for 6 months. The patients were administered atorvastatin (40-80 mg) and rosuvastatin(10-40 mg) in accordance to their LDL-C status as per NCEP-ATP III guidelines. The parameters studied were, hs-CRP and lipid profile comprising LDL-C, HDL-C, TG and TC.

Results:

Results obtained from the study, clearly indicate that atorvastatin (A) as well as rosuvastatin(R) have significant effect on lowering of hs-CRP levels (for A P=0.001; for R P=0.002), reducing LDL-C levels (for A P=0.008; for R P=0.001), elevating HDL-C levels (for A P=0.02; for R P=0.001) along with reducing TC (for A P=0.003; for R P=0.002) and TG (for A P=0.000; for R P=0.000) levels in obese T2DM patients. It is also seen that there is no significant (P>0.05) difference in effect of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in lowering of hs-CRP levels, elevating HDL-C levels and reducing TG levels in obese T2DM patients. However, percentage lowering of LDL-C (P=0.000) and TC (P=0.001) by rosuvastatin is to a greater extent than that caused by atorvastatin in these patients.

Conclusions:

Thus this study throws light on the fact that rosuvastatin should be preferred over atorvastatin in obese T2DM patients in whom LDL-C and TC levels are deviated from normal reference values. In rest of obese T2DM either of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin can be employed to lower hs-CRP levels, to elevate HDL-C levels or to reduce TG levels.

Acceptability and safety profile of oral and sublingual misoprostol for uterine evacuation following early fetal demise

Background:

It has been established that sublingual (SL) route of misoprostol has a great potential to be developed for medical abortion, but there is dearth of evidence to reveal satisfaction rate and safety profile among patients of oral and SL routes. Thus, this study was conducted to provide an insight into the acceptability and safety profile of the same.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was carried out by giving 200 mg mifepristone orally, followed by administration of 600 μg misoprostol orally to 50 women and sublingually to 50 women. The primary endpoints of study were measurements of acceptability and safety profile parameters (average blood loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hot flushes, fever) of both the groups. The secondary endpoints of the study were number of doses required for complete abortion, success rate and the induction to evacuation interval in both the groups.

Results:

SL route of administration was more acceptable than the oral route (P = 0.009). Average blood loss was higher in the oral group than in the SL group (P = 0.001). Amongst the side effects, 34% in the SL group and 52% in the oral group had nausea (P = 0.264), 22% in the SL group and 44% in the oral group had vomiting (P = 0.031), 48% in the SL group and 86% in the oral group had diarrhea (P < 0.05), hot flushes were presented by 24% in the SL group and 50% in the oral group (P < 0.05), fever was presented by 20% in the SL group and 44% in the oral group (P < 0.05), and the number of cases aborted with only one dose was higher (86%) in the SL group as compared to 63% in the oral group (P = 0.004). The evacuation (success) rates were 92% in the SL group and 84% in the oral group (P = 0.218) and the mean ± SD induction to evacuation intervals in the SL and oral groups were 5.6 ± 4.54 hours and 9.44 ± 5.61 hours, respectively (P = 0.0002).

Conclusion:

The SL route had fewer undesirable effects, was more satisfactory, required less number of doses and was more acceptable to the patient compared to the oral route.

Chimeric and humanized anti-HM1.24 antibodies mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells

HM1.24 antigen (CD317) was originally identified as a cell surface protein that is preferentially overexpressed on multiple myeloma cells. Immunotherapy using anti-HM1.24 antibody has been performed in patients with multiple myeloma as a phase I study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of mouse-human chimeric and humanized anti-HM1.24 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against lung cancer cells in vitro. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes separated from mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used as effector cells. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of chimeric and humanized anti-HM1.24 mAbs against lung cancer cells were determined by chromium-release assay. In some experiments, target or effector cells were pretreated with various cytokines. Chimeric and humanized anti-HM1.24 mAbs effectively induced ADCC against lung cancer cells mediated more efficiently by lymphocytes than monocytes. The cytotoxic activity correlated with the level of HM1.24 expression on lung cancer cells. Natural killer cells were identified as the major effector cells in ADCC mediated by the anti-HM1.24 mAb. The treatment of lymphocytes or monocytes with IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, M-CSF, or IFN-gamma significantly increased the ADCC activity. Moreover, the culture of lung cancer cells with IFN-beta or IFN-gamma augmented their susceptibility to ADCC and CDC. PBMCs from patients with lung cancer induced a level of ADCC comparable to that induced by PBMCs from healthy donors. Chimeric or humanized anti-HM1.24 mAbs have potential as a new therapeutic tool in lung cancer, and in combination with interleukins and interferons, could be useful for enhancing ADCC.

Ion exchange during heavy metal bio-sorption from aqueous solution by dried biomass of macrophytes

In this study, potentials of oven dried biomass of Eichhornia crassipes, Valisneria spiralis and Pistia stratiotes, were examined in terms of their heavy metal (Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr and Pb) sorption capacity, from individual-metal and multi-metal aqueous solutions at pH 6.0+/-0.1 (a popular pH of industrial effluent). V. spiralis was the most and E. crassipes was the least efficient for removal of all the metals. Cd, Pb and Zn were efficiently removed by all the three biomass. Cd was removed up to 98% by V. spiralis. Sorption data for Cr, Ni and Cd fitted better to Langmuir isotherm equation, while, the sorption data for Pb, Zn and Cu fitted better to Freundlich isotherm equation. In general, the presence of other metal ions did not influence significantly the targeted metal sorption capacity of the test plant biomasses. Ion exchange was proven the main mechanism involved in bio-sorption and there was a strong ionic balance between adsorbed (H(+) and M(2+)) to the released ions (Na(+) and K(+)) to and from the biomass. No significant difference was observed in the metal exchanged amount, by doubling of metal concentration (15-30 mg/l) in the solution and employing individual-metal and multi-metal solutions.

Biogas production from plant biomass used for phytoremediation of industrial wastes

In present study, potentials of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water chestnut (Trapa bispinnosa) employed for phytoremediation of toxic metal rich brass and electroplating industry effluent, were examined in terms of biogas generation. Inability of the plants to grow in undiluted effluent directed to select 20%, 40% and 60% effluent concentrations (with deionized water) for phytoremediation experiments. Slurry of both the plants used for phytoremediation produced significantly more biogas than that by the control plants grown in unpolluted water; the effect being more pronounced with plants used for phytoremediation of 20% effluent. Maximum cumulative production of biogas (2430c.c./100gdm of water hyacinth and 1940c.c./100gdm of water chest nut) and per cent methane content (63.82% for water hyacinth and 57.04% for water chestnut) was observed at 5mm particle size and 1:1 substrate/inoculum ratio, after twenty days incubation. Biogas production was quicker (maximum from 8-12days) in water hyacinth than in water chestnut (maximum from 12-16days). The qualitative and quantitative variations in biogas production were correlated with COD, C, N, C/N ratio and toxic metal contents of the slurry used.

Role of bilirubin, vitamin C and ceruloplasmin as antioxidants in coronary artery disease [CAD]

A study has been carried out on 250 CAD patients to see how the serum levels of three antioxidants i.e., Vitamin C, Bilirubin and Ceruloplasmin are related to the CAD risk factors and characteristics in these patients. The number of severe category CAD patients declined by 7-18% with increasing serum levels of the three antioxidants and, triple vessel disease declined by 14-20%. A decline of 39% in Myocardial Infarction (MI) occurred with increasing serum Ceruloplasmin. Serum Ceruloplasmin was significantly lower in the MI group compared to the non MI group CAD patients. There was a steady and a significant decline in the mean values of serum levels of cholesterol, Triglyceride, VLDL cholesterol along with BMI with increasing serum level. The study indicates that with increasing serum levels of the three antioxidants studied, the % MI along with % Triple vessel disease and severity of CAD goes down suggesting that the modifiable risk factors have to be suitably modified in order to maintain a reasonably high level of these antioxidants, as the risk factors are inversely related to the serum antioxidant levels.

Sensation seeking scale: Indian adaptation

Sensation seeking refers to a biologically based personality dimension defined as the need for varied, novel and complex sensations and experiences, and the willingness to take physical and social risks for the sake of such experiences. Although researched worldwide for nearly three decades now, there is to date no published Indian study utilizing the concept of sensation seeking. This paper describes adaptation of the Sensation Seeking Scale for the Indian population. After due modification of the scale, its reliability, internal consistency and discriminant validity were established Norms were developed for a defined segment of general population. This study may be seen as the beginning of research in India on the subject of sensation seeking.

Airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine in chronic obstructive airways disease. Chronic bronchitis vs emphysema

Airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine was examined in two groups of carefully selected patients with nonasthmatic chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD). Twelve patients with chronic bronchitis and airflow obstruction but little emphysema and 13 with predominantly emphysema and airflow obstruction but little bronchitis were selected based on history, chest roentgenogram, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (Dsb). Emphysema patients had less cough, less sputum, less chronic bronchitis, lower Dsb, and more radiographic evidence of vascular deficiency. There was no difference in anthropometric features, smoking history, atopic skin sensitivity, hemoglobin, blood eosinophilia, PaO2, PaCO2, ECG, lung volumes, or expiratory flow rates. The two groups had similar airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine; the geometric mean provocation concentrations producing a 20 percent FEV1 fall (PC20) was 0.56 mg/ml for the bronchitis patients and 0.28 mg/ml for the emphysema patients (p greater than 0.20). Regression of log histamine PC20 vs percent predicted FEV1 showed a high correlation in both groups (r = 0.73, p less than 0.01 in bronchitis and r = 0.79, p less than 0.001 in emphysema). The regression lines were almost identical. These data suggest that in COAD bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine is mainly due to the altered airway geometry, and that there is no difference in histamine responsiveness between patients with emphysematous COAD and nonemphysematous COAD with chronic bronchitis.

Effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vascular resistance, blood pressure, and myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmias

In the present study, the effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vessel resistance (CPP), blood pressure (BP), and experimental myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmia were investigated. Both morphine and pethidine induced a fall in CPP and BP and inhibited the cardiac arrhythmia. The morphine effects on CPP and BP were largely blocked by mepyramine. The effects of pethidine, on the other hand, were not blocked by mepyramine, propranolol, or atropine. An interesting dose dependent inhibition of cardiac arrhythmia was observed with pethidine.

Derivatives of n-aryl-N-amino piperazines as potential cardiovascular agents

24 new substituted piperazino guanidines and 34 substituted benzylideno- or benzylamino-4-phenyl piperazines were synthesized and evaluated for their cardiovascular activity. Several compounds of the above two series exhibited vasopressor or vasodepressor activity without modifying the carotid occlusion (CO) and noradrenaline (NA) induced pressor responses.

Synthesis of some newer piperazinoquinazolones as cardiovascular agents

Twenty nine new substituted 2-methyl-3-(gamma-piperazino-propiophenyl)-4-quinazolone hydrochlorides were synthesised by the Mannich reaction of substituted quinazolones with substituted piperazines and evaluated for their cardiovascular activity. Several compounds of the series exhibited marked and sustained hypotensive activity.

New indolic hypotensive agents

Seven substituted piperazino indoles were synthesized by the condensation of substituted piperazines with substituted indole-3-aldehyde, and evaluated for hypotensive activity. Only compound 2 exhibited promising hypotensive activity.