Study on the anatomical dimensions of the human sigmoid colon

Although the sigmoid colon is commonly afflicted with disease, studies on its anatomical dimensions are scarce. It is suspected that dimensions of the sigmoid colon change with age. This study documents data on the anatomical measurements of the sigmoid colon in 70 Indian subjects (51 live and 19 cadavers). Seven parameters of sigmoid colon anatomy measured included length and width of the sigmoid colon and mesocolon at specific points. Three mesocolic indices (width to length ratios) were calculated. Comparisons of measurements in the live and cadaver subjects and in the two sexes were made. The relationship of change in parameters with age was assessed. Appropriate statistical methods were used and the differences were considered significant at P < or = 0.05. The study showed wide ranging variations in the values of various measured parameters of the sigmoid colon. Seven patterns of the shape of the sigmoid loop were identified. In the commonest pattern the sigmoid mesocolon was vertically longer than wide (dolichomesocolic), the sigmoid loop having its maximum convexity located just a little proximal to the apex. Patterns where the width of the mesocolon was greater than the vertical length (brachymesocolic) were also observed. The gender analysis showed that the sigmoid mesocolon of the female was brachymesocolic (wider than long), whereas that of the male was dolichomesocolic (longer than wide). This might explain the higher incidence of sigmoid volvulus in the male. This study also showed that the measurements of the sigmoid colon and its mesocolon do not change significantly within the age range of 16-60 years in the two sexes. Also noteworthy is the observation that in the cadaver the sigmoid colon shows considerable shrinkage, particularly of its mesocolon; consequently the data from cadaver subjects, though valuable for anthropometric use, have limitations when used for clinical applications.     

Sclerosing stromal tumour of ovary--a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of five cases

We describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in five cases of sclerosing stromal tumours of ovary and compare our findings with other reported cases of this uncommon tumour and with fibromas and thecomas which they may mimic.     

Mitochondrial diseases: an overview of genetics, pathogenesis, clinical features and an approach to diagnosis and treatment

Defects in structures or functions of mitochondria, mainly involving the oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis and other metabolic pathways have been shown to be associated with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. The ubiquitous nature of mitochondria and their unique genetic features contribute to the clinical, biochemical and genetic heterogenecity of mitochondrial diseases. This article focuses on the recent advances in the field of mitochondrial disorders with respect to the consequences for an advanced clinical and genetic diagnostics. In addition, an overview on recently identified genetic defects and their pathogenic molecular mechanisms are given.     

Alteration in plasma glucose levels in Japanese encephalitis patients

A unique factor, human T cell hypoglycaemic factor (hTCHF), has been shown to produce hypoglycaemia during the convalescent stage in the plasma of patients with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of T cells from fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of such patients to produce hTCHF. The PBMC, as well as the individual subpopulations, were cultured for 24 h and the culture supernatants (CS) were assayed for hypoglycaemic activity. The activity was observed in the CD8+ T cells. The hypoglycaemia in JE-confirmed patients coincided with the gradual rise in circulating glucagon level, with no significant alterations in insulin, growth hormone and cortisol levels. The hTCHF was purified by ion exchange chromatography and the purified protein was observed as a approximately 25 kDa band on SDS-PAGE. Secretory hTCHF in the sera of patients and T cell CS was present in 88% of convalescent serum samples. We conclude that during the convalescent stage of JEV infection, a unique factor, hTCHF, is secreted by activated CD8+ T cells from patients and that this is responsible for the development of hypoglycaemia.