Cellular basis for the negative inotropic effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the adult mammalian heart.

To define the mechanism(s) responsible for the negative inotropic effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) in the adult heart, we examined the functional effects of TNF alpha in the intact left ventricle and the isolated adult cardiac myocyte. Studies in both the ventricle and the isolated adult cardiac myocyte showed that TNF alpha exerted a concentration- and time-dependent negative inotropic effect that was fully reversible upon removal of this cytokine. Further, treatment with a neutralizing anti-TNF alpha antibody prevented the negative inotropic effects of TNF alpha in isolated myocytes. A cellular basis for the above findings was provided by studies which showed that treatment with TNF alpha resulted in decreased levels of peak intracellular calcium during the systolic contraction sequence; moreover, these findings did not appear to be secondary to alterations in the electrophysiological properties of the cardiac myocyte. Further studies showed that increased levels of nitric oxide, de novo protein synthesis, and metabolites of the arachidonic acid pathway were unlikely to be responsible for the TNF alpha-induced abnormalities in contractile function. Thus, these studies constitute the initial demonstration that the negative inotropic effects of TNF alpha are the direct result of alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis in the adult cardiac myocyte.     

Efficient neutralization of primary isolates by the plasma from HIV-1 infected Indian children

We tested the plasma of 51 HIV-1-infected children (23 na?ve and 28 ART treated) for neutralization against five primary isolates (PIs) generated from adult Indian HIV-1-infected patients. The plasma exhibited neutralization potential with significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers in ART-treated children than na?ve children against three out of five PIs (p<0.0001). Further, in treated children, neutralizing antibody titers were higher in those children with suppressed viremia (<1000 RNA copies/mL) than non-suppressors against two of the three PIs. We report here for the first time the neutralization potential of the plasma of HIV-1-infected Indian children.     

Root Extract of Polygonum Hydropiper Alters the Expression of Rat Uterine Protein Profile in Presence and Absence of Ovary in-situ during Periimplantation Period: An Evidence on SDS-PAGE

Objective To study its effects on reproductive performance in albino rats.
Methods The chromatographic fraction （CF） of crude methanolic extract of the herb has been subcutaneously administered to female albino rats. Experiments were carried out in adult cyclic females and oavriectomised （OVX） females during early gestation period. Uterine horns were collected following the respective treatment regimen to stud）, the protein profile in 15% gel SDS-PAGE.
Results The CF induced changes in the expression of protein in rat uterus. New proteins have been expressed in uterus of adult cyclic females having ovary in-situ. The OVX females treated with CF showed altered uterine protein profile compared with that of OVX control and OVX estradiol-17β （E2） treated rats. The CF exerted its effect on expression of uterine protein during early gestation period in rats. While uterine proteins of CF treated females were similar to that of controls during preimplantation period; many of the proteins on day 6 of gestation have been found either missing or expressed in lesser intensity.
Conclusion The root of Polygonum hydropiper contains potential compound（s） which can alter the reproductive performance of female rats modulating uterine protein expression.     

Factors that Determine the Use of Skilled Care During Delivery in India: Implications for Achievement of MDG-5 Targets

The objective of this study is to identify individual level factors that determine the use of skilled birth attendants in India. Data from the cross-sectional, population-based NFHS 3 Survey 2005–06 was used. A sample of 31,797 women, aged 15–49 years, who gave births in the 3 months preceding the survey and for whom information was available on most variables, were included in the analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate techniques were used to determine factors associated with the use of skilled attendants at birth. In the study we found that wealth is one of the strongest determinants of skilled birth attendant use, with the poor being at a disadvantage. There are significant differences in the use of skilled delivery care among the urban and rural populations in India. Women in urban areas are more likely to use skilled attendants. Muslim women and women with lower levels of education are also less likely to avail skilled delivery services. The use of skilled care depended significantly on the place of delivery. Women who gave history of antenatal visits were more likely to have skilled attendants at birth. Our analysis demonstrates that there are several financial, social, regional and cultural barriers to skilled birth attendant use in India. Effective strategies need to be planned to generate demand for skilled birth attendants and reduce barriers to care seeking, especially among rural poor.     

Postaural apocrine hydrocystoma

Benign apocrine hydrocystoma is a rare lesion, especially in the postauricular region, the commonest site being the lateral orbital rim. It is a slow growing, asymptomatic transluscent swelling whose definitive diagnosis can only be made by histopathological study and the chemical analysis of the fluid. Surgical excision in toto is the treatment of choice. A case of benign apocrine hydrocystoma in the postauricular region is described with review of relevant literature.     

Solitary malignant schwanoma of para pharyngeal space-a case report and review of literature

Malignnant Schwannom is an aggressive tissue tumor that is more cnmitutnh found m assoiiatiun with Ion Recklinghausens disease. The solitary tumors although rarer have a better prognosis when compared to those associated witk tan Recklinghausens disease. Parupharyngeui tumors are rare and a majority af these are benign salivary or neurogenie tumors, A malignant Schwannoma at this site is very infrequent with only four earn reported so far. The tase of a 16 year old girl with a parapharynccal malignant Schwnnaomu is presented Jor its rarity and our experience in dealing with it. .A combined modallty oftretument with surttery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy Was used. Pertinent literature h revlewed