Pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant status in patients of sickle cell anaemia

The role of oxidant damage to red cells in sickle cell anaemia has been of interest in recent years. Although, available reports suggest that sickle cell erythrocytes are susceptible to endogenous free radical mediated oxidant damage there remains discrepancy in the status of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant vitamins in these patients. In view of this, 107 cases of sickle cell anaemia (36 ‘SS’ and 71 ‘AS’ pattern—as confirmed by haemoglobin electrophoresis) were subjected to analysis of malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase and albumin. The results were compared with 54 age and sex matched healthy controls. The results indicate a marked increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase levels in both ‘SS’ and ‘AS’ types of sickle cell anaemia as compared to controls. Although no difference was observed in the levels of albumin in these groups the levels of ascorbic acid were significantly depleted in sickle cell anaemia patients. The results are indicative of enhanced lipid peroxidation along with imbalance in the pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in patients of sickle cell anaemia.     

Negative dielectrophoretic capture of bacterial spores in food matrices

A microfluidic device with planar square electrodes is developed for capturing particles from high conductivity media using negative dielectrophoresis (n-DEP). Specifically, Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes spores, and polystyrene particles are tested in NaCl solution (0.05 and 0.225 S∕m), apple juice (0.225 S∕m), and milk (0.525 S∕m). Depending on the conductivity of the medium, the Joule heating produces electrothermal flow (ETF), which continuously circulates and transports the particles to the DEP capture sites. Combination of the ETF and n-DEP results in different particle capture efficiencies as a function of the conductivity. Utilizing 20 μm height DEP chambers, “almost complete” and rapid particle capture from lower conductivity (0.05 S∕m) medium is observed. Using DEP chambers above 150 μm in height, the onset of a global fluid motion for high conductivity media is observed. This motion enhances particle capture on the electrodes at the center of the DEP chamber. The n-DEP electrodes are designed to have well defined electric field minima, enabling sample concentration at 1000 distinct locations within the chip. The electrode design also facilitates integration of immunoassay and other surface sensors onto the particle capture sites for rapid detection of target micro-organisms in the future.     

Acalculous gallbladder distension in a young child due to HAV infection: Diagnostic dilemma

Gall bladder distension with acute viral acalculous cholecystitis is a rare event in pediatric cases with a high incidence of perforation, gallbladder necrosis and mortality. We report a two and a half year old female child presenting with fever, vomiting, pain abdomen, mild hepatosplenomegaly and tenderness in right hypochondrium. Laboratory investigations revealed hyperbilirubinemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase, but there was no evidence of bacterial or parasitic infection. Serology for viral hepatitis suggested acute Hepatitis A infection. Ultrasonographically, distended inflamed gallbladder without calculous was observed. Finally acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Hepatitis A virus was diagnosed and the child responded to the conservative management.     

A sensitive assay for ornithine amino transferase in rat brain mitochondria by ninhydrin method

To establish/develop an assay method for measuring Ornithine Aminotransferase (EC.2.6.1.13) activity using rat brain mitochondria as a source of enzyme in presence and absence of Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP). The modified method, with the improved sensitivity, is adopted for the assay of ornithine amino transferase activity in rat brain mitochondria. The enzyme activity was measured at 620 nm, the study showed that reaction was optimum at 37°C for 30 minutes. The assay is sensitive enough to detect activity at the order of nanomoles pyrroline-5-carboxylate/mg protein/minute and can be compared as an alternative to the radio isotopic method which is more cumbersome and aminobenzaldehyde method which is less sensitive. The K_m & V_max shows maximum activity in the presence of Pyridoxal Phosphate (Coenzyme) concentration at 0.05mM when compared with absence of Pyridoxal Phosphate as higher the concentration of Pyridoxal Phosphate affects the affinity of the enzyme to substrate. The OAT activity in different tissues of the rat was also studied and highest activity was found in liver and kidney.     

A study on the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of an ayurvedic drug Rajanyamalakadi in diabetic patients

A study was undertaken for evaluating the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of an ayurvedic medicine “Rajanyamalakadi” containing Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis and Salacia oblonga in type II diabetic patients over a period of 3 months. Ethical committee consent for the study was given by the Director, Indian Systems of Medicine, Kerala. A total of 43 patients with established diabetes mellitus as adjudged from clinical features and FBS values, appeared for the camp (Age group 35–75 yrs). An informed consent for the study was obtained from each patient. The clinical proforma was given to each patient to collect data such as height, weight, diet pattern, previous history of illness etc. The ongoing antidiabetic medications were stopped under medical supervision and the patients were provided with ‘Rajanyamalakadi’ tablets (dose 1–2 tablets each weighing 500mg). The dosage of the drug was decided by the supervising medical officer on a case to case basis, taking note of the clinical conditions and responsiveness of the patients. The patients were monitored for three months, who were divided into 6 groups based on their age and again into two groups, 5 & 6, based on their mean FBS values. ie; Normal Persons, Diabetics of age groups 35–45yrs, 46–55yrs, >55yrs and those with FBS < 145.9 mg% and > 145.9 mg%. The Ayurvedic medicine “Rajanyamalakadi” has showed significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. In addition to that significant ameliorating effects on the elevated serum AST and ALT activities were also demonstrated by the treatment. The nutraceuticals present in the drug like Terpenoids, Polyphenols, Curcumin etc are responsible for the medicinal effects.     

Plasma lactate as prognostic marker of septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome

The present study was conducted to study the significance of lactate as a prognostic marker in patients of septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study was conducted on 50 critically ill patients of septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome between the age group of 20–60 years and 50 controls. Plasma lactate and serum electrolytes were determined among controls and patients. Arterial blood gas analysis for pO₂, pCO₂ and pH was carried out among patients. Arterial base excess and anion gap were calculated and lactate was correlated with base excess, anion gap and pCO₂ at 5% level of significance. Higher lactate, negative arterial base excess, high anion gap, low pO₂ and high pCO₂ were observed among patients. Lactate was positively correlated pCO₂ and anion gap and negatively with pO₂ and base excess among patients. Hyperlactatemia increasing with progression of septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome may suggest that lactate may be used as noninvasive prognostic marker or guide to resuscitation.     

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients

The main objective of the study was to assess the oxidative stress in plasma and erythrocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients by measuring the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin E, C and reduced glutathione) and enzymatic antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)]. This study has been conducted on twenty-two adult female rheumatoid arthritis patients and an equal number of healthy subjects. Elevated lipid peroxidation and multidirectional changes in the antioxidant defence system were noticed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The enhanced lipid peroxidation accompanied by disturbance in antioxidant status indicates that rheumatoid arthritis patients are more prone to free radical mediated oxidative damage.     

Disseminating medical literature and knowledge in India in the 1980s: the SMLRT story

The informed netizen of today is in a state of information overload. With 785 million broadband subscribers and an urban and rural teledensity of 138% and 60%, respectively [1], India is already the second-largest online digital market. Today, in theory, medical journals and textbooks can be accessed by anyone, anytime, anywhere, and at affordable rates. Fifty odd years ago, when the authors entered medical school, the use of computers in medical education was unknown in India, as in other parts of the world. It was in this milieu, thirty-seven years ago, that eleven young Madras (Chennai)-based doctors decided to make medical literature easily accessible, particularly to clinicians in suburban and rural India. The aim was to make relevant, affordable reprints easily available to the practitioner at their place of work or study. Photocopying and using the postal service was the chosen, and indeed the only available, mode of operation. This article will outline the methodology used, trials and tribulations faced, and persistence displayed. At that time, the processes deployed appeared relevant and truly innovative. Over the ensuing years, developments in information technology made the services redundant. Extensive, even revolutionary, changes such as universal digitization and availability of a cost-effective Internet radically changed how medical literature could be accessed in India.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of some potent 5,6-bis aryl 1,2,4-triazines

In the present research, a series of 5,6-bis aryl 1,2,4-triazines 5a~5f were synthesized by condensation of various benzils 4a~4f with aminoguanidine bicarbonate and were screened in vivo, for their anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity studies. Compounds 5a, 5b and 5d were found to be potent molecules of this series, when compared with the reference drugs phenytoin sodium, diazepam and lamotrigine. The structures of these compounds were established by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopic data.