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Summary Background Permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (pCIA), for which preventive interventions remain limited, can manifest with scarring. While the underlying pathomechanisms of pCIA are unclear, depletion of epithelial hair follicle (HF) stem cells (eHFSCs) is likely to play a role. Objectives To explore the hypothesis that, besides apoptosis, eHFSCs undergo pathological epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pCIA, thus explaining the scarring phenotype. Furthermore, we tested whether a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ modulator could prevent pCIA-associated pathomechanisms. Methods Organ-cultured human scalp HFs were treated with the cyclophosphamide metabolite 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC). Additionally, HFs were pretreated with the agonistic PPAR-γ modulator N-acetyl-GED-0507-34-Levo (NAGED), which has previously been shown to promote K15 expression and antagonize EMT in eHFSCs. Results In accordance with anticipated hair bulb cytotoxicity, dystrophy and catagen induction, 4-HC promoted apoptosis along with increased p53 expression, DNA damage and pathological EMT in keratin 15+ (K15) eHFSCs, as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin expression and the appearance of fibronectin+ and vimentin+ cells in the hair bulge. Pretreatment with NAGED protected against 4-HC-induced hair bulb cytotoxicity/dystrophy, and apoptosis, p53 upregulation and EMT in the bulge, thereby significantly preventing depletion of K15+ human eHFSCs ex vivo. Conclusions Since a key cyclophosphamide metabolite alone suffices to damage and deplete human scalp eHFSCs by promoting apoptosis, DNA damage and EMT ex vivo, strategies to prevent pCIA need to target these pathomechanisms. Given the ability of NAGED to prevent chemotherapy-induced eHFSCs damage ex vivo, our study introduces the stimulation of PPAR-γ signalling as a novel intervention strategy for the prevention of pCIA.

Corona mortis (CMOR) is an anastomotic channel either arterial, venous or both connecting the obturator and external iliac systems excluding aberrant channels in the retropubic space. The goal of this study is to illustrate the type of CMOR via the Anterior Intrapelvic approach (AIP) which has not been studied in tandem. This descriptive observational study was performed in the Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India from January 2018 to December 2020. It is a potential culprit for significant haemorrhage in scenarios of pelvic trauma or when sectioned accidentally, augmenting difficult haemostasis behind the superior pubic ramus. Previously reported to be exclusively arterial, the venous variant has now emerged as the more frequent anastomosis. AIP was performed on 31 adult human cadavers of 62 hemipelvises to record variations and statistical analysis of retropubic anastomosis with respect to gender, weight groups and side distribution was done. Corona Mortis was observed in 50(80.6%) hemipelvises. To ramify, venous CMOR and arterial CMOR were exclusively encountered in 25(40.3%) and 10(16.10%) hemipelvises respectively. Males recorded a higher prevalence of CMOR. Despite being a frequent anastomotic variant, it is a rare entity in textbooks. CMOR can potentially alter patient outcome and have serious implications in pelvic surgeries via AIP owing to its easier accessibility. Besides, venous CMOR being more common, a venous bleed is inherently more arduous to manage in the pelvis. A larger calibre, less frequent aberrant channel could also prove to be lethal in its injury. Hence, cadaveric simulation of the technique is paramount to master the technique and to mitigate catastrophic vascular events.

Existence of variations in morphological proportions in human beings has led to the development of different values of tibio femoral angle (TFA) in different populations which is undoubtedly useful in clinical orthopaedic surgery. Meagre literature is available among Indian population. The cross-sectional study was creating baseline data of TFA among Rajasthani population of India with reasonable accuracy and also to correlate these data to radiological findings during July 2014-June 2016. The TFA (in degrees) of 500 healthy subjects from various regions of Rajasthan were measured in standing and supine positions. In addition, the TFA of 134 persons (randomly selected) from study group were also measured on roentgenogram. Subsequently both of these data were compared. The normal range of TFA angle in Rajasthani population was in between 160°-174°. TFA in standing position on right side was 170.96° (with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 170.24 to 171.68) and on left side was 170.14° (with 95% CI = 169.21 to 171.06). Mean TFA in supine position on right side in age group from 21 to 30 years was 167.12±6.73° and in age group from 31-40 years was 167.668±6.7°. No significant difference was observed in posture change and according to age. Statistically significant difference was observed in between radiological and gross measurement which was more in radiological than to clinical measurement of TFA (mean difference = +5.78° units) with 95% CI for the difference is (4.03°-7.53°). Higher values of tibio-femoral angle (TFA) were observed in males as compared to females and in radiological measurements.

Carrying angle is one of the secondary sexual characteristics which is important for keeping the hand away from body to improve functionality. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Western Indian population (rural and urban population in and around Jodhpur district) during July 2014-June 2016 with the purpose of evaluating the carrying angle in apparently healthy adult and determines the range of normality according to age, sex, height, waist circumference and special reference to handedness. The carrying angle (elbow) was measured in 504 adults aged between 20-40 years (by simple random sampling) by a digital Goniometer. The subjects were in anatomical position (stand up straight, roll his/her shoulders back and the elbow was fully extended and the forearm fully supinated) while the carrying angle were taken. Carrying angle of the right side in male's 11.54°±1.29° and in female's 13.41°±1.26°, whereas these value in left side 10.21°±1.34° and 12.19°±1.44° respectively. All measurements in females are significantly higher in comparison to males (p0.001). The significant difference was observed in carrying angle according to handedness; dominant hand had higher value of carrying angle in comparison to non-dominant hand in both gender (p0.001). The height of individuals is positively correlated with the angle whereas there was no correlation was found in between age, waist circumference. The present study showed that the females have greater carrying angle than males.

To develop, a reference charts of fetal abdominal circumference and femur length in normal pregnant women by using ultrasonography for Indian population. Further comparison of our findings with data derived from different population. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 300 normal singleton pregnancies and was carried out in the department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India from September 2017 to April 2019. Ultrasonography measurements included Abdominal circumference (AC) and Femur length (FL). Reference charts with mean AC and FL for corresponding Gestational age (GA) in weeks were developed. Also reference centiles (10th, 50th, 90th and 95th) were derived from this model and compared with similar studies done on different population. There was no statistically significant difference in age distribution of pregnant women (p=0.87). Both AC and FL were found to have statistically significant linear relationship with advancing gestational age (p=0.0005p=0.0003 respectively). There is significant difference observed between the values obtained in present study with studies concluded on Chinese and European population. Measurement of AC and FL are used to predict gestational age of fetus by using various regression formulae, also AC is known to be good predictor of nutritional status of fetus in utero. A separate chart is required for every different population because ethnicity, nutrition and environmental factor can have impact on normal values. Therefore, a reference chart for these parameters according to Indian population standards is essential to avoid misinterpretation of data. This would help to avoid misdiagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation or macrosomia during prenatal and perinatal period.

Infertility is a growing health problem. It affects relatively large number of couples both globally as well as in India. Fertility treatment registers suggest that infertility is on increase. With the advancement in the knowledge and technology about the In Vitro fertilization (IVF) process, In Vitro fertilization success rates are improving over the time. In many cases of male-factor infertility, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the recommended treatment. The aim of this study was to estimate fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rates in ICSI cycles in association with number of attempts and sperm morphology. A total of 250 IVF-ICSI cycles were performed at a Fertility Center in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This cohort study was performed during 2013 to 2015. The differences in the outcomes of ICSI in association with sperm morphology and number of ICSI attempt were evaluated. Significantly higher mean was observed in fertilization rate and live birth rate with ≥5% sperm morphology 79.63% vs. 71.46% and 20% vs. 13.9% respectively). Significantly higher mean implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate were observed with attempt 3 as compared to 1 and 2 attempts. IVF success rates are improving over the time as knowledge and technology are advancing. Sperm morphology and number of attempt affect the ICSI outcomes.

To create a reference chart for estimated fetal weight (EFW) in normal pregnancy for use in Indian population and compare it with reference chart from other population. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 300 normal singleton pregnancies coming for routine antenatal ultrasonography examination and was carried out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur from September 2017 to April 2019. Ultrasonographic measurements included fetal biparietal diameter (cm), head circumference (cm), abdominal circumference (cm) and femur length (cm). Estimated fetal weight was calculated by using Hadlock algorithm which is already fed into ultrasonography machine. Reference chart with mean EFW for corresponding Gestational age (GA) in weeks was developed. Also Reference centiles (10th, 50th, 90th and 95th) were derived from this model. There was no statistically significant difference in age distribution of pregnant women (p=0.87). Statistically significant linear relationship found between EFW and advancing gestational age (p=0.0004). Maximum gain in EFW (34.05%) was observed after second trimester (28 week). Maximum and minimum fetal weight at 38 weeks of GA in our study found to be 3389 grams and 2567 grams respectively, which has significant difference. This could be due to huge difference in socio-economic and nutritional status among Indian population which might have impacted on maternal and fetal health. Estimated fetal weight was found to be at lower range in Indian population compared to reference chart developed into western population. Fetal weight to their corresponding GA is an important factor in determining growth and development in fetus. In normally developing fetus the EFW has linear correlation with advancing GA. A separate reference chart is required for every different population because ethnicity, nutrition and environmental factor can have impact on normal EFW values. This would help to avoid misdiagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation or macrosomia in fetuses and hence unnecessary medical interventions can be prevented during prenatal and perinatal period.

Background Lesions of the sinonasal area are varied, but they mostly present as polypoid masses which require meticulous work-up to reach at the most probable diagnosis. Objective Analysis of polypoid sinonasal masses in terms of etiology, clinical presentations, brief demographic profile, clinico-histologic correlate where possible, and follow-up results. Method In this descriptive, longitudinal study, 198 patients with polypoid sinonasal masses attending the otolaryngology clinic of a tertiary teaching institute were selected using proper selection criteria and analyzed through a pre-set proforma and algorithm for a diagnostic work-up (that included histopathology where necessary). Result Common presentations were nasal obstruction (~89%), discharge (~70%) and hyposmia (~22%). Though nearly 87% was clinically benign and 8% indeterminate, therapeutic and diagnostic interventions (including histopathology) showed 91% truly benign, of which polyposis formed the bulk. Sensitivity of clinical detection was 75% for benign lesions and 62% for malignancies. Diagnosis depended on histopathology in 52.52% cases, including the clinically malignant, the "grey zone", and more than 40% of the clinically benign lesions. There was male predilection (2.16 for benign lesions and 1.57 for malignant), rural preponderance, and above 60% of the patients were within 50-70 years. There was ~26% recurrence in the follow-up period of a minimum of one year, predominantly in polyposis (29.55%) and malignancies (~39%). Conclusion Presentations of polypoid sinonasal masses are variable, etiology of which is mostly benign. Proper clinico-histologic correlate is necessary for correct diagnosis. A low threshold of suspicion is required because of this variability, necessitating follow-up for further evaluation.

Veterinary public health (VPH) assumes huge significance in developing countries such as India. However, the implementation of VPH services throughout the country is still in its infancy. From 1970 onwards, many institutes, national and international organisations, professional societies, policies and personalities have contributed towards the development of VPH in India. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to develop VPH still further as there are many issues, such as high population density, the re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens, environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance, that require attention. The time has surely come to involve all stakeholders, ranging from primary producers (e.g., farmers) to policy-makers, so as to garner support for the holistic implementation of VPH services in India. To improve VPH activities and services, science-based policies enforced through stringent regulation are required to improve human, animal and environmental health. The emergence of the 'One Health' concept has ushered in new hopes for the resurrection of VPH in India. Applying tools such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OlE) Day One Competencies and the OlE Tool for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS Tool) is essential to improve the quality of national Veterinary Services and to identify gaps and weaknesses in service provision, which can be remedied to comply with the OlE international standards. VPH initiatives started modestly but they continue to grow. The present review is focused on the current status and future needs of VPH in India.

India is confronted with many hygiene problems in urban areas that are related to animal populations. While some of these issues have been present for many years, others are only now emerging. A livestock census in 2003 and another in 2007 revealed that populations of crossbred cattle, goats and poultry are all increasing in urban areas, since this enables easy market access, which, in turn, reduces transportation costs and adds to profits. The canine population has increased along with the human population, largely due to a lack of control measures such as impounding stray animals and euthanasia. These increases in populations of both food-producing animals and stray animals in cities exacerbate such public health hazards as the transmission of zoonoses, vector-borne diseases, occcupational health hazards and environmental pollution, as well as compromising animal welfare. At present, public health hazards due to urban animal husbandry practices are considerably under-estimated. To improve veterinary-related urban hygiene and to facilitate livestock production operations in urban areas, there is an urgent need to develop sound, science-based strategies enforced through stringent regulations. The use of One Health teams may provide an answer to these highly integrated public health problems.

In this study, 241 serum samples from individuals exposed to brucellosis were subjected to the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT); the titre was estimated by standard tube agglutination test (STAT), with positiveor = 80 IU/ml. Randomly selected sera (n = 81) were analysed by complement fixation test (CFT): titreor = 1:4 was considered positive. Of 241 sera subjected to RBPT and STAT, 177 were negative in both tests; 5 samples tested negative by RBPT but positive by STAT. None was positive by RBPT and negative by STAT. Of 81 sera subjected to CFT, 23 (28.4%) were positive. Both RBPT and CFT found 18 samples positive; 5 samples were positive by CFT and negative by RBPT. Comparison of STAT with CFT showed 13 samples positive by STAT but negative by CFT, and 4 positive by CFT but negative by STAT. The sensitivity and specificity of STAT were 82.6% and 77.6%, respectively, with CFT as gold standard. No test is perfect, and the clinical history coupled with a combination of two or more tests will reduce diagnostic errors.

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare condition that presents with epigastric pain, retching and at times, vomiting. There are two types of GV: organoaxial and mesenteroaxial. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with chronic mesenteroaxial volvulus with left-sided diaphragmatic defect. She presented with significant weight loss over a period of two years, with nonspecific symptoms of heartburn, occasional mild epigastric pain and anorexia. The patient was diagnosed with barium meal and contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging. She was treated with open repair of diaphragmatic defect and anterior gastropexy. She was asymptomatic and had gained weight at the six-month follow-up.

In vitro cytotoxicity is an important virulence property of motile mesophilic Aeromonas species. Cell-free supernatant prepared from 55 Aeromonas isolates including one A. hydrophila type strain (MTCC 646) were examined for their cytotoxic potential on four different cell lines (Vero, BHK-21, MDBK, B 95a). Results of the study revealed cytotoxic potential in 92.72% of the isolates. Analysis of data exposed significant variation among isolates in respect of their cytotoxicity. Vero cells proved to be most sensitive to aeromonal toxins and B 95a cells showed significantly (P

Bats are the most abundant and most widely distributed mammals on the Earth after humans. Except Antarctica and some small remote islands, they are prevalent worldwide. Although the actual role played by bats as reservoir or in disseminating zoonoses is still enigmatic a multitude of zoonotic diseases are known to be associated with bats. Such diseases including viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal and rickettsial diseases, reported from all over the world including India have been briefed in this article as an informative approach because dramatically increased and diversified human activities during the last few decades perturbing natural ecosystems are enough to compel public health personnel to have an investigative look at these flying mammals.

Fourty nine Escherichia coli strains, isolated from diarrhoeal and urinary tract infection (UTI) patients, attending Bareilly district hospital, Uttar Pradesh during October to December, 1998 were screened for verotoxin (VT) production by Vero cell assay. Five strains produced characteristic cytopathic effect on Vero cell line, of which 4 were from diarrhoeal and one was from UTI-patient. The level of VT-production varied widely. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that the VT-producing E. coli (VTEC) were mostly sensitive to kanamycin, norfloxacin and nalidixic acid but resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline.

SUMMARYGlycogen reserves of whole worms and their body wall, intestines, ovarian and testicular tubules of the avian intestinal nematode,Ascaridia galli, were assayed and on dry-weight basis found to be 14–20 %, except in the testicular tissue which contained only 7 % glycogen.Segments of whole male worms or testicular tubules were found to produce more lactic acid than segments of whole female worms or ovarian tubules. The body wall and intestine of the worms had also appreciable glycolytic activity. Whereas in the segments of whole worms, male and female alike, glycolysis was more active under anaerobic conditions, no differences in glycolytic rates were seen between aerobiosis and anaerobiosis when isolated tissues were used. Exogenously added glucose did not stimulate glycolysis either aerobically or anaerobically to any extent greater than observed in the absence of glucose.Homogenates of whole worms or their different anatomical parts were assayed for enzymic activities associated with the Embden-Meyerhof pathway of glucose assimilation. The crude extracts prior to differential centrifugation, were found to contain glycogen phosphorylase, aldokinases, pyruvate kinase, phosphatases acting on glucose 6-phosphate and hexose diphosphate and 6-phospho-gluconate dehydrogenase. The 105000gparticulate-free supernate was found to have significant activities of the following enzymes: fructokinase, phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglucoseisomerase, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This fraction was devoid of NADH or NADPH oxidase activities in the absence of added substrates.Although there was some indication of a negative correlation between low glycogen reserves and high glycolytic activity in the testicular tubules, in general, there was no relationship between glycogen reserve and glycolytic activity on the one hand or between the rate of glycolysis and the specific activities of some of the key glycolytic enzymes in either whole worm or in tissues other than the testicular tubules.The 105000gsupernate was fractionated with ammonium sulphate. The fraction precipitating between 25 and 80 % saturation of the salt was recovered, dialysed and chromatographed on DEAE cellulose column. By a step-wise elution schedule using increasing molarity of NaCl in tris-HCl buffer, pH 7·4, three main protein fractions were obtained representing respectively enolase, aldolase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.The recovery of enzyme activity after chromatography on DEAE cellulose was higher than the amount applied to the column suggesting that during the fractionation some naturally occurring inhibitors were removed. About 10- to 20-fold purification of the enzymes was achieved by anion-exchange chromatography.Some properties of the purified enzymes were studied with respect to the affects of enzyme and substrate concentrations, temperature of preincubation and action of divalent cations, some anions, metal chelating agents and SH reagents. The Kmvalues of enolase, aldolase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ofA. galliwere 5·9 × 10−4M, 4·5 × 10−3M and 2·4 × 10−3M respectively. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was found to be very sensitive to both heat and cold losing activity rapidly even at 43 °C or by freezing and thawing.The SH groups of aldolase were readily blocked bypCMB and presumably byo–phenanthroline. No requirement of any divalent cations was shown by this enzyme which was, however, inhibited by borate ions.Enolase ofA. gallishowed a requirement of Mg2+for full activation. Phosphate, fluoride, EDTA,o–phenanthroline, αα-bipyridyl inhibited the enzyme. Veronal was found to inactivate the enzyme.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ofA. galliwas also found to be sensitive to SH reagents and metal chelating agents. The enzyme was activated by Co2+, Mn2+and Mg2+.The evidence presented indicates that segments of whole worms ofA. gallior its anatomical parts are equipped with the enzymatic machinery required to mediate anaerobic breakdown of glucose and to derive energy by this mechanism.The authors are grateful to Dr R. K. Kaushik for help in identifying the worms, to Mr P. A. George for help in the statistical analysis of the data and to Messrs A. C. Kol and S. K. Bose for skilful technical assistance.

Identification and characterization of antigenic proteins of Setaria cervi (bovine filarial parasite) adults and microfilariae was done by immunoblotting technique using hyperimmune rabbit sera against S. cervi and Brugia malayi. The antigens recognized by these sera were detected by using 125I protein-A followed by autoradiography. Fifteen different antigens were observed to be common between adult and microfilarial stages of the parasite. Some stage specific antigens were also identified. Many antigens of S. cervi adults and microfilariae were also recognized by rabbit anti-B.malayi serum showing the existence of common antigenic determinants between the bovine and human filarial parasites.

Our studies have shown that constitutive interactions between hyaluronan and CD44 on tumor cells induces various anti-apoptotic cell survival pathways through the formation of a multimeric signaling complex that contains activated receptor tyrosine kinases. Inhibition of the hyaluronan-CD44 interactions on tumor cells by hyaluronan-CD44 interaction antagonists suppresses these activities by disassembling the complex. Although the anti-tumor activity of hyaluronan-oligosaccharides, a hyaluronan-CD44 interaction antagonist, is effective in sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents and reducing tumor growth in xenografts, hyaluronan-oligosaccharide alone was not effective in reducing tumor progression in Apc Min/+ mice. We now show in vitro and in vivo that targeted inhibition of the expression of CD44v6 depletes the ability of the colon tumor cells to signal through hyaluronan-CD44v6 interactions. First, we cloned oligonucleotides coding CD44v6 shRNA into a conditionally silenced pSico vector. Second, using pSico-CD44v6 shRNA and a colon-specific Fabpl promoter-driven Cre recombinase expression vector packaged into transferrin-coated nanoparticles, we successfully delivered the CD44v6 shRNA within pre-neoplastic and neoplastic colon malignant cells. Third, using the Apc Min/+ mice model, we demonstrated that inhibition of the CD44v6 expression reduces the signaling through a hyaluronan/CD44v6-pErbB2-Cox-2 interaction pathway and reduced adenoma number and growth. Together, these data provide insight into the novel therapeutic strategies of short hairpin RNA/nanoparticle technology and its potential for silencing genes associated with colon tumor cells.