Development of a tetra-primer ARMS PCR-based assay for detection of a novel single-nucleotide polymorphism in the 5′ untranslated region of the bovine ITGB6 receptor gene associated with foot-and-mouth disease susceptibility in cattle

ITGB6 is known to be one of the major receptor components involved in host tropism of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus in cattle. A competitive PCR technique called ARMS PCR was adapted to identify a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), G29A, db SNP Id: rs109075046, in the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the bovine ITGB6 gene. Genotype profiling identified three kinds of genetic variation within the targeted SNP among Frieswal crossbred cattle. The occurrence of FMD in the three genotypes was further evaluated, revealing a clear role in the incidence of FMD in the studied population.     

Rate of formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in IUD-fitted human endometrium--a preliminary report

Endometrial biopsy samples of (i) women (20-40 yr) using no contraceptive methods and (ii) women (25-45 yr) fitted with intrauterine contraceptive devices (CuT/Lippes loop) were analysed for the rate of H2O2 formation. The mean value for a normal proliferative endometrium was 10.56 +/- 1.45 nmoles H2O2 per milligram protein per 2 min, whereas the rate observed for samples of the same phase of the IUCD-fitted group without any bleeding episodes was 14.76 +/- 1.28 and that for members of the same group but who experienced excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) was 17.26 +/- 2.00, which was significantly higher than that of the control group.     

Differential molecular interactions between the crystalline and the amorphous phases of celecoxib

We have investigated the differences in molecular interactions between the crystalline (ordered) and amorphous (disordered) phase of a poorly soluble drug, celecoxib. Molecular interactions in the crystalline phase were investigated with the help of Mercury software, using single crystal X-ray diffractometric data for celecoxib. A simulated annealing molecular dynamics approach was used for the assessment of altered molecular interactions in the amorphous phase. Crystalline celecoxib was found to contain an ordered network of H-bonding between all its electron donors (-S=O group, 2-N of pyrazole ring and -C-F) and the acceptor (-N-H). Amorphous celecoxib retained all these interactions in its disordered molecular arrangement, with a relatively stronger H-bonding between the interacting groups, as compared with crystalline celecoxib. However, these inter-molecular interactions differed in strength in the two solid-state forms. The altered configurations of the molecular arrangement in the two phases were supported by the shifts observed in the Fourier-transform infra-red vibrational spectra of respective states. These interactions could have strong implications on devitrification kinetics of amorphous celecoxib, and could further guide the choice of stabilizers for the amorphous form.     

Psychosomatic illnesses in patients attending the medical outpatient department in a government hospital

The incidence of psychosomatic illness among Indian patients has been found to be high. Owing to the stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses, most patients remain reluctant to visit a psychiatrist. The result is an overcrowding in the medicine and other specialist departments. A psychiatry department with consultation-liaison psychiatric service in each government hospital is the need of the day.     

Primary breast sarcomas--report of two cases

Two (2) primary breast sarcomas out of 110 primary breast malignancies from N.R.S. Medical College, Kolkata are being reported. Primary Breast Sarcomas are classified into five (5) broad groups with their representative features. Our two cases are classified as fibrosarcoma and malignant haemangioendothelioma and their features are documented. Because of its rarity, we are presenting this case with brief review of literature.     

The ICH guidance in practice: stress decomposition studies on three piperazinyl quinazoline adrenergic receptor-blocking agents and comparison of their degradation behaviour

Stress degradation studies were carried out on three piperazinyl quinazoline alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor blockers, viz. prazosin, terazosin, and doxazosin, following the conditions prescribed in the parent drug stability testing guideline (Q1AR) issued by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). All drugs showed significant decomposition at 80 degrees C in acidic conditions (0.1 M HCl) and complete degradation in alkaline conditions (0.1 M NaOH). Under both these conditions, 2-piperazinyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-aminoquinazoline was formed as a major decomposition product in all three drugs. The degradation pattern under ICH-prescribed photolytic conditions in liquid and solid states was also similar for all the drugs. The light exposure resulted in the formation of a cluster of degradation products. No degradation was observed in neutral and oxidative conditions. In solid state, all drugs were stable at 50 degrees C in a 1-month study. In alkaline conditions, the order of sensitivity to degradation of the three drugs was doxazosin>terazosin>prazosin, while the same was terazosin>doxazosin>prazosin under acidic conditions. Mechanistic explanation is provided for the variable behaviour of decomposition.     

Intracameral amphotericin B: initial experience in severe keratomycosis

PURPOSE: Fungal keratitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity in India. The most commonly implicated fungi are Aspergillus spp. Patients often present with hypopyon, which usually contains fungal elements. The treatment is difficult owing to poor intraocular penetration of most available antifungal agents. This study evaluated the results of intracameral injection of amphotericin B in natamycin resistant cases of severe keratomycosis. METHODS: Three patients of culture proven Aspergillus flavus corneal ulcer with hypopyon not responding to topical natamycin 5%, amphotericin B 0.15%, and oral itraconazole were administered intracameral amphotericin B. The first case received 7.5 microg in 0.1 mL followed by two subsequent injections of 10 microg in 0.1 mL each, the second case received two injections of 10 microg in 0.1 mL, and the third patient received a single dose of 10 microg in 0.1 mL. Culture of the aqueous sample also grew A. flavus in all three cases. RESULTS: All three cases responded favorably, with the ulcer and hypopyon clearing completely. There was no clinical evidence of corneal or lenticular toxicity in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Intracameral amphotericin B may be a useful modality in the treatment of severe keratomycosis not responding to topical natamycin. It ensures adequate drug delivery into the anterior chamber and may be especially useful to avoid surgical intervention in the acute stage of the disease.     

Possible involvement of free radicals in the differential neurobehavioral responses to stress in male and female rats

The effect of restraint stress (RS) on neurobehavioral and brain oxidative stress parameters, and their modulation by antioxidants were evaluated in male and cycling female rats. Exposure to RS suppressed both open arm entries and open arm time in the elevated plus maze and these changes were more marked in males than in females. Assay of brain homogenates revealed that the behavioral suppression was associated with similar differential increases in malondialdehye (MDA) and decreases in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in males and females. Pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol (25 and 50 mg/kg) and N-acetylcysteine (100 and 200 mg/kg), attenuated the stress induced alteration of behavioral and oxidative stress markers in a consistent manner in both male and female rats. These findings suggest that males may be more susceptible than females to stress induced neurobehavioral changes and free radicals may exert a regulatory influence in such gender dependent responses to stress.