Frequency of ABO blood groups, sickle-cell haemoglobin, G-6-PD deficiency and their relation with malaria in scheduled castes and scheduled tribes of Kheda District, Gujarat.

Frequency of sickle cell in Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations was found to be 1.5 and 14.9% respectively, whereas G-6-PD deficiency was 5.9 and 4.2% respectively. Blood group B was dominant in both the communities. A significantly lower frequency of P. falciparum malaria was observed among sicklers.     

Usefulness of two-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography combined with surface anatomy scanning for convexity lesions

Thirty-eight patients with convexity lesions were studied prospectively with the two-dimensional time-of-flight (2D-TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) method. Of these 21 cases had additional surface anatomy scanning (SAS) and 7 cases had three-dimensional phase contrast (3D-PC) MRA. The findings were compared during surgery, and the predictability of 2D-TOF evaluated. 2D-TOF was obtained with 2 mm slice thickness after the administration of contrast media for routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cortical veins were visualized with a good resolution with a scan time of only 5 minutes. The tumor was also visible in the background, due to enhancement, and thus the tumor-vessels relation was shown. Slow-flow vessels were also adequately seen. SAS was done at the same sitting with fast spin echo (FSE) with a scan time of 3 minutes. Once both images were incorporated, information on gyri and their relation to the lesions and vasculature could be obtained from a single image. We found 2D-TOF alone, or at times in combination with SAS, useful for planning of operation for convexity lesions.     

Genomic DNA insertions and deletions occur frequently between humans and nonhuman primates

Comparative DNA sequence studies between humans and nonhuman primates will be important for understanding the genetic basis of the phenotypic differences between these species. Here we compare approximately 27 Mb of human chromosome 21 with chimpanzee DNA sequences identifying 57 genomic rearrangements (deletions and insertions ranging in size from 0.2 to 8.0 kb) between the two species. These rearrangements are distributed along the entire length of chromosome 21, with approximately 35% found in genomic intervals encoding genes (genic intervals), and have occurred in the genomes of both humans and chimpanzees. Comparison of approximately 9 Mb of human chromosome 21 with orangutan, rhesus macaque, and woolly monkey DNA sequences identified a combined total of 114 genomic rearrangements between humans and nonhuman primates. Analysis of these rearrangements revealed that they are randomly distributed with respect to genic and nongenic intervals and identified one deletion that has likely resulted in the inactivation of a gene (beta1,3-galactosyltransferase) in the woolly monkey. Our data show that genomic rearrangements have occurred frequently during primate genome evolution and significantly contribute to the DNA differences between these species. These DNA rearrangements are commonly found in genic intervals, and thus provide natural starting points for focused investigations of qualitative and quantitative gene expression differences between humans and other primates.     

Nucleus locus coeruleus: Evidence for α1-adrenoceptor mediated hypotension in the cat

Summary The Bezold-Jarisch reflex characterized by hypotension and bradycardia was elicited in anaesthetized artificially respired dogs (pretreated with a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) using capsaicin 10 g/kg (i.v.). Intracisternal administration of the highly selective clonidine-like alpha₂ adrenoceptor agonists B-HT 920 (10 g/kg) or B-HT 933 (30 g/kg) significantly facilitated this reflex bradycardia. The involvement of central alpha₂-adrenoceptors is suggested as intracisternal administration of the alpha₂ adrenoceptor blocking drugs yohimbine (50 g/kg) and piperoxan (50 g/kg) antagonized this facilitation. B-HT 920 also facilitated the vagally mediated baroreceptor reflex to the hypertensive effect of intravenous noradrenaline (3 g/kg). Although the Bezold-Jarisch reflex and the baroreceptor reflex have different afferent pathways, both reflexes may either converge into a common pathway or have separate neuronal chains within the medulla; however, this study indicates that both have a similar central modulatory system stimulated by alpha₂ adrenoceptors.     

Subacute (90 days) oral toxicity studies of Kombucha tea

Kombucha tes(KT) is a popular health beverage and is used as an alternative therapy,KT is prepared by placing the kombucha culture in solution of tea and sugar and allowing to ferment,The inoculum is a fungus consisting of symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria.KT is consumed in several coutries and is believed to have prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in a wide variety of ailments,viz.,intestinal disorders,arthritis,ageing and stiumulation of immunological system.Though KT is used in several parts of the world its eneficial effects and adverse effects have not been scientifically evaluated.Since there are no animal toxicological data on KT,subacute oral toxicity study was carried out.Five goups of rats were maintained:(a) control group given tap water orally,(b) KT given 2ml/kg orally,(c)plain tea(PT) given 2ml/kg orally,(d)KT given in drinking water,1%(v/v)and (e)PT given indrinking water,1%(v/v).The rats were given this treatment daily for a period of 90 days,Weekly records of weight,feed intake,water intake and general behaviour were monitored.There was no significant difference in the growth of the animals as evidenced by the progrssive body weight change.The organ to body weight ration and histologuical evaluation did not show any toxic signs.The haematological and biochemical variables,were within the clinical limits.The study indicates that rats fed KT for 90 day showed no toxic effects.     

Effect of Prunus amygdalus seeds on lipid profile

The effect of Prunus amygdalus, which is rich in unsaturated fat, fibre diet and low cholesterol was studied in 36 normolipidemic male albino rabbits for 60 days. Three different doses i.e. whole seeds defatted and oil showed a decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and an increase in phospholipid, faecal sterol and HDL cholesterol. The maximum effects where shown by whole seeds followed by oil and defatted.     

Inhaled lidocaine for prevention of hemodynamic changes in laryngoscopy and intubation

This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of lidocaine aerosol pretreatment in attenuating hemodynamic (HD) responses secondary to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in patients undergoing surgery for intracranial space occupying lesions (ICSOL). A semiclosed breathing system was improvised to generate aerosol of consistent density. Five percent lidocaine was nebulized in two different dosages (0.2 and 0.1 ml/kg in groups A and B, respectively); group C (control) received aerosol of normal saline. The average aerosol-treatment time was 24, 12, and 16 min in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Changes in heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). In group A, tracheal intubation did not cause significant HD changes. In group B, a significant increase was observed in each HD parameter which, when compared with control, was less severe. Lidocaine toxicity, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, or aspiration did not occur in any patient. Patients accepted the procedure well. This study found efficacy of the technique to be related to duration of aerosol treatment.     

Diaphragm rupture caused by closed trauma. A more and more frequent condition

The Authors report a case of rupture of the diaphragm in blunt trauma of the abdomen, to examine the more significant features of this condition whose incidence proves to be increasing, after a review of the literature data, parallel to the increase of accidents on the road and at work. They examine the most important pathogenic problems and these related to the mechanism leading to diaphragmatic lesion and they highlight the deeper pathophysiological changes suffered from the patient with such a condition. They draw attention to what they consider to be the most important aspect, and therefore the diagnosis. In fact, in accordance with the various series of cases reported in the literature, it is crucial in the diagnostic problem is when the possible cause of the rupture is suspected and necessary diagnostic cascade (Rx, echotomography, TC) is activated so to highlight the lesion. Therefore a quick diagnostic fitting is necessary for the survival of the acute patient with hernia of the thorax cavity, as well as quick surgical correction of the lesion that, as in the case described, serves to achieve the best possible anatomic-functional results.     

Treatment of nonunion around the olecranon fossa of the humerus by intramedullary locked nailing

Nonunion of fractures of the olecranon fossa of the humerus presents a difficult surgical problem. The distal fragment is usually small and osteoporotic and stable fixation is not easy to achieve. We describe a modification of the technique of locked nailing by which the distal aspect of the nail is placed in the subchondral region of the trochlea. Good results were obtained in seven out of eight patients with this technique.