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This study identifies the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of a fatty acid methyl ester segregated from the brown algae Turbinaria ornata and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry as methyl6,12-dimethyltridecanoate (ET). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ET were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, in silico docking studies of isolated ET with inflammatory markers TNFα, NFκB and COX-2 showed potent binding scores suggesting good anti-inflammatory potential. ET significantly reduced LPO and increased LPS induced SOD, catalase, and GSH levels. Molecular docking results were further confirmed by checking mRNA levels of common inflammatory/anti-inflammatory mediators IL6 and IL10, followed by protein expression of iNOS and NFκB in LPS induced macrophages. ET significantly upregulated the expression of IL10 and downregulated the expression IL6, iNOS, and NFκB confirming inhibition of LPS induced inflammation via the iNOS/NFκB pathway.

Multiple myeloma is a malignant proliferation of the plasma cells and can be non-secretory in about 1 to 5 % cases. Pleura based mass lesions are uncommon in myeloma. Herein we report a case of non-secretory multiple myeloma presenting with a pleura based mass in a 40 year old male. Fine needle aspiration cytology with immunohistochemistry played a key role in the diagnosis of this case.

Background Inflammation and oxidative stress are common pathologies in a wide range of chronic diseases. Polysaccharides are known to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and are suggested to possess immunomodulatory potential. Purpose Herein, the immunomodulatory activity of a sulfated polysaccharide (PS) separated from a brown marine algae Turbinaria ornata is studied in LPS instigated systemic inflammation in experimental rats. Study design and methods Male SD rats are pretreated with different doses of PS (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg bw) for a week followed by inducing systemic inflammation using LPS (10 mg/kg i.p.). Blood withdrawn after 8 h of LPS injection is subjected to hematological analysis (WBC, HCT, and PLT). After 24 h of LPS induction, cardiac tissue was isolated and subjected to biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analysis. Effect of PS pre-treatment (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg bw) was checked by assessing serum parameters (AST, CK-MB, and γGT), antioxidant markers (LPO, GSH, SOD, Grx) and inflammatory markers (IL1β, IL6, IL10, NFκB), followed by analyzing the iNOS, PI3k and Akt to identify the probable mode of action. Results Elevated levels of AST, CK-MB, and γGT in serum were significantly reduced on PS pretreatment. LPS significantly raised the LPO and Grx levels in heart tissue whereas, PS pre-treatment significantly reduced LPO and Grx levels. GSH and SOD levels were reduced upon LPS induction and were brought to near normal by HD of PS. PS also reduced the mRNA levels of IL6, Trx, and increased IL10 levels in the heart tissue substantiating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency. Further, IL1β, NFκB, iNOS, and pPI3k/pAkt expressions were significantly modulated by PS in the cardiac tissue substantiating the immunomodulatory effect. A trend of improvement in the inflammatory pathology was also observed in the heart tissue compared to LPS control, as confirmed by histopathology analysis. Conclusion Altogether, this study concludes the immunomodulatory potential of PS from the marine macroalgae Turbinaria ornata significantly and prevents LPS induced systemic inflammation in the cardiac tissue presumably influenced by the glucopyranose and fucopyranose subunits in the polysaccharide.

A new paradigm for Niemann-Pick C disease is presented where lysosomal storage leads to a deficit in cytoplasmic glucosylceramide (GlcCer) where it performs important functions. Previously it had been reported that Gaucher cells have defective endolysosomal pH. GlcCer also accumulates in Niemann-Pick C disease and also shows this defect. Niemann-Pick C cells were found to have reduced cytoplasmic glucosylceramide (GlcCer) transport. Inhibiting cytoplasmic glucocerebrosidase (GBA2), increased GlcCer, decreased endolysosomal pH in normal cells, reversed increases in endolysosomal pH and restored disrupted BODIPY-LacCer trafficking and increased expression of vATPase a subunit in Niemann-Pick C fibroblasts. The results are consistent with a model where both endolysosomal pH and Golgi targeting of BODIPY-LacCer are dependent on adequate levels of cytosolic GlcCer which are reduced in NPC disease. This work consequently suggests GBA2 and vATPase as new therapeutic targets in Niemann-Pick C and related neurodegenerative diseases. The work was in collaboration with colleagues in the Netherlands and Leicester University. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with increases in cellular cholesterol and glycolipids and most commonly caused by defective NPC1, a late endosomal protein. Using ratiometric probes we find that NPCD cells show increased endolysosomal pH. In addition U18666A, an inhibitor of NPC1, was found to increase endolysosomal pH, and the number, size and heterogeneity of endolysosomal vesicles. NPCD fibroblasts and cells treated with U18666A also show disrupted targeting of fluorescent lipid BODIPY-LacCer to high pH vesicles. Inhibiting non-lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA2) reversed increases in endolysosomal pH and restored disrupted BODIPY-LacCer trafficking in NPCD fibroblasts. GBA2 KO cells also show decreased endolysosomal pH. NPCD fibroblasts also show increased expression of a key subunit of the lysosomal proton pump vATPase on GBA2 inhibition. The results are consistent with a model where both endolysosomal pH and Golgi targeting of BODIPY-LacCer are dependent on adequate levels of cytosolic-facing GlcCer, which are reduced in NPC disease.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are usually associated with direct surgical scar such as caesarean delivery, surgical termination of pregnancy, Dilatation and curettage, Myomectomy, Endometrial resection and Asherman’s syndrome. It can also be associated with non-surgical scar and uterine anomalies. Rarely it can be encountered in unscarred uterus. Mrs X, 35-year female, unbooked patient, G7P2L2A4 with nine months of amenorrhoea reported in emergency of RML Hospital on 30/07/2019 with history of labour pains since 2 days. Patient gave history of four dilatation and curettage for incomplete abortion. On examination patient was found to be severely anaemic (Hb -6 gm). 2 Packed RBC were transfused preoperatively. There was no progress in labour beyond 6 cm for 4 hours. Patient was thus taken for LSCS for NPOL, with blood on flow. Intraoperatively, after delivery of the baby placenta which was fundo-posterior did not separate. In view of parity and morbidly adherent placenta (clinical grade III), subtotal hysterectomy was done. Patient was transfused 4 PRBC, 4 FFP and 2 platelets. Uterus with placenta in situ was sent for histopathology. Patient was in ICU for 2 days and recovered well. Post-operative period was uneventful. Placenta accreta is defined as abnormal trophoblast invasion of whole or a part of placenta into myometrium of uterine wall. Caesarean delivery is associated with increased risk of placenta accrete and the risk increases with each caesarean section, from 0.3% in woman with one previous caesarean delivery to 6.47% for woman with five or more caesarean deliveries. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders occur in 3% of woman diagnosed with placenta previa and no prior caesarean. In the developing world, the obstetrician should be prepared to encounter un diagnosed placenta accrete even in absence of previous LSCS. Curretage following MTP is also a risk factor, so vigourous currettage should be avoided to prevent endometrial damage.

A case of borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy with upgrading Type 1 reaction, in a HIV seropositive patient, 7 weeks after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy, as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), is reported.

Schwannoma is a benign soft tissue tumor of neural origin arising from the Schwann cells of the neural sheath. It has rarely been reported in renal or perirenal region. The preoperative diagnosis has mostly been confused with renal cell carcinoma in this location in most previous reports. We report a case that presented with a large "simple cystic" mass at the renal hilum. The preoperative differential diagnosis included hilar renal cortical cyst, renal sinus cyst, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), or even a hydatid cyst. The final diagnosis was clinched only on histopathological examination.

A case of borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy with upgrading Type 1 reaction, in a HIV seropositive patient, 7 weeks after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy, as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), is reported.

The study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of genotypes and age of immature embryo on callus induction, embryogenic type II calli production and regeneration from immature maize embryos. The immature embryos were excised from a selfed ear of ten elite Indian maize inbred lines on 6, 12 and 18 days after pollination. The mean callus induction, embryogenic type II calli production, and regeneration was highest across all the genotypes in 12 days old immature embryos and were 44.25, 26.12, and 11.20 per cent respectively. The significant differences were observed with respect to callus induction, embryogenic type II calli production and regeneration capacity between genotypes. The highest regeneration capacity was observed by immature embryo at 12 days after pollination (DAP) of genotype HKI1105 and CM300.

Background: Photodermatitis is an abnormal response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The photoallergic contact dermatitis caused by plant allergens is a serious cause of morbidity in India. Airborne contact dermatitis is the classical presentation of plant-induced dermatosis, which may become difficult to differentiate from chronic actinic dermatitis in chronic cases. The rapid growth of parthenium weed in India and its ill effects on the population make it important to detect all cases of parthenium sensitivity, which in some cases might simulate photodermatitis. Aims: This study aims to detect the occurrence of plant sensitivity and photosensitivity in idiopathic-acquired photodermatoses, airborne contact dermatitis and general population taken as controls. Methods: One hundred and fifty six consecutive patients suffering from polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) and airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD) were enrolled in the study over a period of three years (June 2004 to May 2007). An equal number of age and sex matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study as controls. All the patients were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination and histopathological examination for diagnosis. Patch and photopatch testing were perfomed in all the patients and healthy controls for detection of allergic and photoallergic reactions to parthenium, xanthium and chrysanthemum plant antigens and control antigens. Results: Out of 156 patients enrolled in the study, 78 (50%) had CAD, 67 (42.9%) had PMLE and 11 (7.05%) had ABCD. The occurrence of parthenium/xanthium allergy and photoallergy, either to parthenium or both was most commonly found in ABCD (72.7%), followed by CAD (32%). In PMLE 4.5% cases showed photoallergy. Only 1.9% in the control group showed sensitivity to parthenium and xanthium. Conclusion: This study indicates that parthenium (and possibly xanthium) may act as important environmental factors in the initiation and perpetuation of not only ABCD but of CAD as well. Photoexacerbation to UVA at positive parthenium/xanthium sensitivity sites in ABCD and CAD indicates that ABCD with photosensitivity to compositae can lead to CAD.

We describe here multiple keratoacanthomas in an Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-seropositive 70 year-old man. The patient had multiple epithelial tumors of the skin showing rapid growth, histopathological features of a keratoacanthoma and a conspicuous tendency toward spontaneous remission. A diagnosis of nonfamilial multiple keratoacanthoma was established. The patient had a CD4 count of 633 cells/microL. The HIV disease in our patient was of a nonprogressive nature with CCR5-positive T cells.

Leishmaniasis, a globally prevalent parasitic disease, occurs in three forms, viz., visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous. It is transmitted by female Phlebotomus sandflies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is increasing worldwide, and several reports indicate a rising trend of VL / HIV co-infection, modifying the traditional anthroponotic pattern of VL transmission. India is one of the countries having the largest burden of leishmaniasis; nevertheless, there are very few HIV / leishmania co-infection cases reported so far. We report a 35-year-old homemaker infected with the human immunodeficiency virus; she presented with an oral ulcer. The investigations carried out on her revealed that she was afflicted by visceral leishmaniasis, and the oral ulceration was a part of the same. This is only the second such case from the Indian subcontinent, and more significantly from a non-endemic area.

Traditional and indigenous communities in India are of the religious belief that medicinal groves and plants are sacred in nature. Sacred groves (SGs) are patches of trees on forest land that are protected communally with religious zeal and connotations. These forest areas have been protected since ages by traditional societies and indigenous communities with their socio-cultural and religious practices. Sacred groves as a rule are treated piously. Sacred trees are prohibited from cutting and not axed except when wood is needed for the religious purposes like construction and repair of temple buildings or in cases like worshiping, death ceremonies and temple rituals. Thus, SGs carry direct and everlasting pious status and assist in maintaining social fabric of the society. From the present study it is concluded that, religious identification of medicinal plants and practices have influenced the folklore towards a sense of selfless services in the name the Gods. However, during the course of modernization, mechanization and globalization in the recent past has transformed and weakened both cultural and biological integrity. Changes in social belief, modernization and erosion of cultural practices are some of the major factors contributing towards degradation of the ancient institutional heritage which need to be looked into. The present study is, therefore intended to propose management and conservation as an alternative strategy towards the sustainability of forests around human settlements and also an attempt to explore the role of SGs in conservation and management of different ecosystem services.