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During the last few decades, chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic compounds against various types of cancer have been isolated from various plants. Glycyrrhezic acid (2-20%), Glycyrrhizin, is present as a major chemical constituent of natural anticancer compound Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae). The present work is aimed to investigate the in-vitro cytotoxic screening of standard 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid and also for natural anticancer drug Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) using three different extracts (chloroform, methanol and water) of the drug through MTT method. Cell viability of previously identified 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid in three different extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) was determined by two fold trypan blue method using two different cell lines MCF7-cancerous and Vero-normal cell line and it was quantified through HPTLC method. The results of the HPTLC study indicated that the amount of 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid into three different extracts (chloroform, methanol and water extract) of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) was 26.6, 12.5 and 5.6 μg/g, respectively. The percentage viability of two different cell lines was 45.71% for Vero-normal cell line and 78.78% for MCF7- cancerous cell line. IC50 values of standard 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid was 0.412±0.004 μM and those for the three different extracts (chloroform, methanol and water)of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) on MCF7 cell line were 0.4485±0.001, 0.9906±0.001 and 1.288±0.005 μM, respectively. From the above result, it can be said that 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid could be considered as a potential source of natural anticancer component and the percentage of which was higher in the chloroform extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeExudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the debilitating ocular complications, which results in permanent blindness. Elevated homocysteine (Hcys) levels have been associated in the development of several vascular diseases. Vascular and oxidative stress theories have been implicated for the development of choroidal neovascularization in exudative ARMD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of plasma Hcys and thiol content (tSH) as a risk factor for the development of exudative ARMD.MethodA total of 16 patients with exudative ARMD and 20 age-matched controls were recruited for the study. Plasma Hcys levels were analysed using Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Plasma glutathione (GSH) content was determined using o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization and subsequent detection by fluorimeter. Plasma tSH levels were determined by using thiol-specific reagent dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) spectrophotometrically.ResultsPlasma Hcys levels in exudative ARMD were elevated three-fold (18±5.0 μM) when compared to healthy controls (6.7±1.8 μM). There was a two-fold decrease in the GSH and tSH in exudative ARMD when compared with controls. Negative correlation was observed between diminished tSH and Hcys levels (r=−0.4837, P=0.05). Similarly plasma Hcys levels negatively correlated with GSH content (r=−0.6620, P<0.05).ConclusionResults from our present study revealed that there is an elevated Hcys level and diminished thiol pool content in exudative ARMD that are significant.Eye (2006) 20, 203–207. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701853; published online 1 April 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton and alpha spectra in the energy range Epc.m.∼6–24 MeV and Eαc.m.∼12–40 MeV, respectively, have been measured in the reaction 28Si+58Ni at Elab(28Si)=100 and 125 MeV. The spectra at various laboratory angles from 100° to 160° were corrected for angular distribution effects to obtain the angle-integrated spectra. An asymptotic (liquid drop) level density parameter of ã =A/7.5 describes the proton and alpha spectra at both the beam energies. No lowering of emission barrier is needed to explain the alpha spectra although the spin dependence of level density has to be tuned. The derived value of ã is somewhat larger than that for other near-stable nuclei and possibly arises due to the excitation energy dependent collective enhancement of the nuclear level density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our 10-year experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, a rarely performed minimally invasive operative procedure, is presented. The results are compared with our own experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger renal stones. Forty-two patients with a mean age of 39.12 years underwent 43 retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomies using Gaur's balloon technique. The total number of stones was 65 (44 pelvic and 21 calyceal) and they ranged in size between 5 and 48 mm. Two patients had chronic renal failure due to bilateral impacted renal calculi. Forty-eight percutaneous nephrolithotomies performed in the same unit during the last 2 years in patients with non-staghorn calculi > 2 cm were included for a comparative study. The open conversion rate and the drainage period for retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy were much higher. However, the operative time, blood loss, analgesic intake, hospital stay, residual stone rate, re-treatment rate and major complication rates were lower, compared with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews profile of starch graft copolymers. Syntheses of starch graft copolymers; Copolymer composition; Characterization of graft copolymers.

Zinc is an important trace element having a definitive role in the metabolism, growth and development and reproduction. During pregnancy the requirements for zinc increase. This study was designed to evaluate the zinc status of normal women, normal pregnant women and their newborn babies. Forty normal adult females, 40 normal pregnant women and their newborn babies were randomly selected and their serum and hair zinc levels were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean serum and hair zinc levels in normal women were 69.47 +/- 1.4 micrograms/dl and 147.45 +/- 6.12 micrograms/g respectively. The mean serum and hair zinc levels in normal pregnant women were 69.0 +/- 3.22 micrograms/dl and 142.83 +/- 4.39 micrograms/g respectively while the mean serum (cord blood) and hair levels in normal new born babies were 72.77 +/- 5.14 micrograms/dl and 188.36 +/- 4.12 micrograms/g respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in hair zinc levels during pregnancy. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in zinc levels in new born babies when the time interval between the previous delivery and the present delivery was less than 3.4 years. The results of the present study reinforce the need for zinc supplementation during pregnancy especially if the interval between pregnancies is short. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The set of binary trees with n internal vertices can be totally ordered using a number of different representations. There are Cn binary trees in any such order where Cn denotes the nth Catalan number. Given a total order on the set of binary trees with n internal vertices and an integer i, 1 ⩽ i ⩽ Cn, the unranking problem is to generate the binary tree whose ordinal number is i. Given a binary tree with T with ordinal number j < Cn and an integer i, 1 ⩽ i ⩽ Cn - j, a slight generalization of the unranking problem, called the relative unranking problem, is to find the binary tree with ordinal number i relative to T. The relative unranking problem is motivated by its application to computing a Steiner minimal tree in parallel. In this paper, a computationally efficient algorithm for solving the relative unranking problem is presented. The algorithm is based on a certain directed graph, called the feasible suffix graph, whose combinatorial properties are of independent interest. One of the salient features of the algorithm is that the unranking time can be traded for space. Computational experience with the algorithm is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) consist of a decondensed DNA scaffold decorated with neutrophil-derived proteins. The proteome of NETs, or “NETome,” has been largely elucidated in vitro. However, components such as plasma and extracellular matrix proteins may affect the NETome under physiological conditions. Here, using a reductionistic approach, we explored the effects of two proteases active during injury and wounding, human thrombin and plasmin, on the NETome. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identified a total of 164 proteins, including those previously not described in NETs. The serine proteases, particularly thrombin, were also found to interact with DNA and bound to NETs in vitro. Among the most abundant proteins were those identified previously, including histones, neutrophil elastase, and antimicrobial proteins. We observed reduced histone (H2B, H3, and H4) and neutrophil elastase levels upon the addition of the two proteases. Analyses of NET-derived tryptic peptides identified subtle changes upon protease treatments. Our results provide evidence that exogenous proteases, present during wounding and inflammation, influence the NETome. Taken together, regulation of NETs and their proteins under different physiological conditions may affect their roles in infection, inflammation, and the host response.

Introduction: The cruciate ligaments are essential for the antero-posterior stability of the knee joint. In Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture, though reconstructive surgery is a widely accepted and proven procedure, there is still an unacceptably high re-injury rate. The fact that the rotational instability persists even after the surgical reconstruction of ACL injury has evoked a new interest in the study of the soft tissue structures on the anterolateral aspect of the knee joint. The stability of the knee joint was found to improve dramatically if ACL reconstruction is accompanied with the reconstruction of the anterolateral soft structures of the knee. Aim: To identify the attachment and observe the measurable parameters of Antero Lateral Ligament (ALL) and its relationship with the adjacent bony landmarks. Materials and Methods: Twenty six cadaveric specimens of knee joints were collected from the Department of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi and were dissected for the anterolateral ligament. Various parameters of ALL in extended knee- the length, width at midpoint and at the femoral-tibial attachments and thickness– were measured. The relationship of femoral attachment of ALL with the lateral femoral epicondyle as well as the tibial attachment with the Gerdy’s Tubercle (GT) and head of fibula were also noted. Results: ALL was identified in all the 26 cadaveric knee specimens. It was 39.2±7.2 mm in length, 6.5±2.7 mm in width at femoral attachment and 7.4±3.4 mm at tibial attachment, while the thickness was 1.0±0.5 mm. At the femoral attachment it was 7.1±3.4 mm proximal to and 4.0±2.9 mm posterior to the lateral epicondyle while at the distal attachment it was 20.4±3.1 mm posterior to the GT and 21.33±4.6 mm anterior to the head of the fibula. Conclusion: The ALL was found to be a distinct, supporting anatomical structure on the anterolateral aspect of the human knee. There is a high incidence of ALL lesions in ACL injuries which causes high-grade pivot-shift. The reconstruction of ALL along with that of ACL could lead to a decrease in the re-injury rates. The anatomical descriptions and the morphometry of ALL may be of great value to the orthopaedic surgeons in performing a more effective reconstructive surgery of ACL.

The article discusses a study in India which analyzed the presence of the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation in patients with thrombosis with no signs of overt myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Blood samples were obtained from 32 patients who had portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and from 20 patients who had hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT). The study has identified JAK V617F mutation in six patients among 32 with PVT and four among the 20 patients with HVT.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play important roles in the innate defense mechanism. The broad spectrum of activity of AMPs requires an efficient permeabilization of the bacterial outer and inner membranes. The outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria is made of a specialized lipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS layer is an efficient permeability barrier against anti-bacterial agents including AMPs. As a mode of protection, LPS can induce self associations of AMPs rendering them inactive. Temporins are a group of short-sized AMPs isolated from frog skin, and many of them are inactive against Gram negative bacteria as a result of their self-association in the LPS-outer membrane. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using NMR spectroscopy, we have determined atomic resolution structure and characterized localization of temporin-1Ta or TA (FLPLIGRVLSGIL-amide) in LPS micelles. In LPS micelles, TA adopts helical conformation for residues L4-I12, while residues F1-L3 are found to be in extended conformations. The aromatic sidechain of residue F1 is involved in extensive packing interactions with the sidechains of residues P3, L4 and I5. Interestingly, a number of long-range NOE contacts have been detected between the N-terminal residues F1, P3 with the C-terminal residues S10, I12, L13 of TA in LPS micelles. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR studies demonstrate close proximity of residues including F1, L2, P3, R7, S10 and L13 with the LPS micelles. Notably, the LPS bound structure of TA shows differences with the structures of TA determined in DPC and SDS detergent micelles. SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that TA, in LPS lipids, forms helical oligomeric structures employing N- and C-termini residues. Such oligomeric structures may not be translocated across the outer membrane; resulting in the inactivation of the AMP. Importantly, the results of our studies will be useful for the development of antimicrobial agents with a broader spectrum of activity.

The article discusses the need for anaesthetists and other practitioners in the operating field to learn about the importance of lipid emulsion therapy for treating local anaesthetic toxicity. The authors emphasize that anaesthetists are responsible for the patient care and safety of the agent. It mentions a survey which encourages the dissemination of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) guideline among anaesthetists.

The aim of the study was to compare efficacy, onset of action, and sedative effects of cetirizine (CTZ) and levocetirizine (levoCTZ) in chronic idiopathic urtcaria with fifteen patients in each group. They were found to be equipotent and the onset of action was almost same. Twenty percent in CTZ and 13.33% in levoCTZ exhibited mild sedation.

Three patients with severe acne vulgaris, not responding with long courses of doxycycline, minocycline and erythromycin were given oral clarithromycin in pulsed regimen. The patients were given 7 days course of clarithromycin 250mg twice daily, which was repeated after a gap of 10 days. Such 3 courses were given. The lesions responded significantly. No significant side effect was noted. Pulse clarithromycin therapy seems to be a good alternative and effective tool in the management of severe acne vulgaris.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of 1% terbinafine hydrochloride and 1% butenafine hydrochloride cream in the treatment of Tinea cruris, was done taking with ten patients in each study group. They were found to be equipotent in one and two weeks treatment respectively.