A role for neuropeptide W in the regulation of feeding behavior

Neuropeptide W (NPW) is a novel hypothalamic peptide that activates the previously described orphan G protein-coupled receptors, GPR7 and GPR8. Two endogenous molecular forms of NPW that consist of 23- and 30-amino acid residues were identified. The localization of GPR7 and GPR8 in some hypothalamic regions of primary importance in the regulation of feeding behavior has provided a springboard for investigation of the role of NPW in the central nervous system. In this study we examined the effects of NPW on feeding and energy expenditure in rats. Single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of NPW23 and NPW30 to free-feeding rats suppressed dark phase and fasting-induced food intake at similar effective doses. Continuous i.c.v. infusion of NPW using an osmotic minipump suppressed feeding and body weight gain over the infusion period. Conversely, i.c.v. administration of anti-NPW IgG stimulated feeding. Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of NPW increased body temperature and heat production. These data raise the possibility that NPW functions as an endogenous catabolic signaling molecule in the brain. Further investigation of the biochemical and physiological functions of NPW will help us to better understand the hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis.     

Benign cervical thymoma masquerading as a malignant thyroid nodule

A thymoma in the neck region is a rare diagnosis involving a solitary neck nodule that moves with deglutition and is contiguous with the thyroid gland. The authors report an unusual case of a thymoma that accumulated both Tc-99m pertechnetate and Tc-99m MIBI. This is probably the first reported case of a benign neck thymoma concentrating these two radiopharmaceuticals. Thymoma should be added to the gamut of false-positive findings in the neck for thyroidal (with Tc-99m pertechnetate) and malignant (with Tc-99m MIBI) tissue.     

Emergency Otorhinolaryngolocal cases in Medical College, Kolkata—A statistical analysis

At the round the clock entergency of the Deparment of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical College, Kolkata, different types of cases are managed everyday. The various emergency conditions encountered by us in last four years are gathered and analyzed in this study. The different problems and their modes of management are discussed here.     

A molecular approach (multiplex polymerase chain reaction) for diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis

A New multiplex PCR have been developed in our laboratory using primer sets, aiming amplification of both D.N.A target fragments obtained in 18S RNA of commonly encountered fungi in human being and in Rhinosporidium seeberi using F1-fw/F2-rev (500 bp target) and Rhino-fw/ Rhino-rev (.177 bp target). This multiplex PCR has been found to be able to delect R. seeberi from clinical samples and differentiate it from other fungi. Furthermore, by this multiplex PCR, R. seeberi, phylogenitically appears to belong to a member of so called DRIPs clade of fish parasite not a cyanobacterium as claimed previously, by some workers.     

A molecular approach (multiplex polymerase chain reaction) for diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis

A New multiplex PCR have been developed in our laboratory using primer sets, aiming amplification of both D.N.A target fragments obtained in 18S RNA of commonly encountered fungi in human being and in Rhinosporidium seeberi using F1-fw/F2-rev (500 bp target) and Rhino-fw/ Rhino-rev (.177 bp target). This multiplex PCR has been found to be able to delect R. seeberi from clinical samples and differentiate it from other fungi. Furthermore, by this multiplex PCR, R. seeberi, phylogenitically appears to belong to a member of so called DRIPs clade of fish parasite not a cyanobacterium as claimed previously, by some workers.     

Hemiagenesis of the thyroid associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

The authors report a case of hemiagenesis of the left thyroid lobe indicated on Tc-99m pertechnetate scan and later confirmed on ultrasonography. The patient was clinically hypothyroid with a right-sided goiter. The cytopathologic diagnosis was made by fine-needle aspiration cytologic analysis, which indicated chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in the right lobe of the thyroid gland. Later the patient's condition was stabilized with thyroxine replacement therapy. The association of hemiagenesis of the thyroid with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis has not been reported in the literature.     

Occult foreign bodies in the aero digestive tracts in infancy

Foreign body impaction in aero digestive tract in infancy is difficult to diagnose sometimes. In this review of five unusual cases of occult foreign body impaction in aero digestive tract has been presented and their management discussed     

Exchange transfusion in neutropenic septicemic neonates: effect on granulocyte functions

Depletion neutropenia caused by overwhelming bacterial infection is associated with fatal outcome and is an objective indicator of the severity of sepsis. Studies on controlled evaluation of exchange transfusion in the management of severe neonatal sepsis have not considered neutropenia as an inclusion critcrion, and randomized, controlled trials on evaluation of ncutrophil functions after exchange transfusion are scarce. This prompted us to carry out the present study. Septicemic neonates were enrolled if they had neutropenia and were randomized to undergo exchange transfusion (study group, n = 20) or not (controls, n= 10). Granulocyte functions were assessed using the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test and the staphylococcicidal index. Blood was drawn for granulocyte function tests once from controls and donors, and before, immediately after and 6 h after exchange transfusion in the study group. Mortality was 35% in the study group and 70% in controls. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 80%, in the study group and 90% in controls. Mean total leukocyte count and neutrophil count increased significantly immediately after exchange transfusion and 6 h later. Absolute band count decreased significantly immediately after exchange transfusion and incrcased 6 h later. NBT reduction in septicemic neonates in the study group, as wclras in controls. was significantly decreascd as compared to donor cells. NBT reduction improved significantly immediately after exchange transfusion and 6 h later. The valucs of the perccntage of viable staphylococci recovered from neutrophils also improved significantly immediately after exchange transfusion and 6 h later. We conclude that exchange transfusion with fresh whole blood in severe neonatal septicemia with neutropenia improves survival, increases the neutrophil count and cnhances neutrophil function.