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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 methyl 6,12-dimethyltridecanoate (ET). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ET were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reaction 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 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 selected cytokines (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 of IL6, iNOS, and NFκB, confirming the inhibition of LPS-induced inflammation via the iNOS/NFκB pathway.

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.

Background: Inflammation and pain, mainly induced by the prostaglandins synthesized by the cyclooxygenase enzymes, may cause distress. To overcome this unpleasant stress in a safer manner, numerous natural molecules are proven for modulating the COX enzymes. Epicatechin and daidzein are two bioactive natural compounds present in horsegram, a legume known for its medicinal properties. Objective: The present study aims at evaluating the potential of horsegram, and some of its bioactive molecules, to be used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent mediated by the inhibition of COX enzymes, which can be recommended as a substitute for chemically synthesized NSAIDs. Methods: The present work involved the quantification of epicatechin and daidzein present in horsegram seeds. The COX enzyme inhibitory nature of epicatechin and daidzein was tested using in silico docking analysis with Autodock software and was further confirmed by in vitro COX inhibitory biochemical assays. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the horsegram seeds were evaluated in animal experiments. Results: Horsegram seeds contain 158.1 microgram/g and 6.51 microgram/g of epicatechin and daidzein respectively. The docking studies reveal that both the bioactive molecules exhibit better binding efficiency with COX-2 protein as compared to COX-1. Hence, in vitro COX-2 inhibitory assay was performed for epicatechin, daidzein and compared with known analgesic agent diclofenac which revealed a pronounced dose dependent inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of horsegram in experimental animals exhibited a dose dependent effect which might be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds such as epicatechin and daidzein. Conclusion: The results suggest that epicatechin and daidzein present in horsegram are potent cyclooxygenase inhibitors and thus would be helpful in the management of inflammation and pain.

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.

This study investigates the mode of action of Neophytadiene (MT), a molecule isolated from a marine algae Turbinaria ornata in LPS-induced inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Neophytadiene (25, 50, 100 μM/mL) was treated to LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells to identify its anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nitric oxide (NO) using Griess reagent. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL-6 and IL-10), and the protein expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were quantified by Western blot analysis. Subsequently, Neophytadiene (12, 25, 50 mg/kg b.wt/p.o) was pre-treated for 7 days to the experimental animals followed by LPS (10 mg/kg) injection interaperitonially. After LPS induction, blood was collected and the haematological parameters were analysed followed by isolation of heart tissue for biochemical molecular and histopathological analysis Neophytadiene significantly inhibited the NO production and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Further, the expression of TNF-α, IL1β, NF-κB, iNOS, PI3k/Akt and MAPK in the heart tissue was modulated by Neophytadiene significantly confirming the anti-inflammatory potential. Thus, the effect of Neophytadiene on LPS-induced cardiac injury can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory antioxidant and cardioprotective properties.

A sedentary lifestyle combined with the intake of high-calorie diet has been the paramount cause of metabolic syndrome (MS) which is now a serious concern of public health worldwide as it involves the coexistence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity. Hence, identifying a suitable strategy to overcome the worldwide menace of MS is imperative. Macrotyloma uniflorum a lesser known legume is highly nutritious and notable for its ethano-medicinal potential. Herein, the influence of M. uniflorum in high-fat dietinduced metabolic changes in a rodent model of metabolic syndrome was evaluated. Serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-c, and bodyweight were decreased, whereas HDL-c was increased in M. uniflorum-treated MS rats. The protein expression (AMPK-α, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ) and gene expression (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, UCP2, NF-κB, and IL-6) results are impressive to highlight that M. uniflorum modulates the pathological conditions of MS and proves to be cardioprotective. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis confirmed the pathological changes and substantiates the influence of M. uniflorum to overcome MS. The HPLC and GC (MS) profiling reveals the presence of an array of polyphenols such as rutin (694.61 μg/g), catechin (500.12 μg/g), epicatechin (158.10 μg/g), gallic acid (17.98 μg/g), ferulic acid (10.911 μg/g), daidzein (6.51 μg/g), and PUFA, respectively, which probably exhibits the therapeutic effect on MS and associated complications by modulating lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Metabolic disorders like CVD and diabetes are leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. With emerging issues on adverse effects of modern drugs, the emphasis on "Food is Medicine and Medicine as Food" has taken dramatic dimensions in the healthcare sector. Therefore, nutraceuticals are in great demand in the developed world off late. Legumes, are potent elements in a balanced diet next to cereals. Exploring the medicinal properties of legumes could bring a revolution in public health and nutraceutical industries. This study scientifically validated the phytochemicals in M. uniflorum for its functional potential in the management of Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This study would help the nutraceutical industries to develop functional foods using M. uniflorum seeds to make porridges and soups or nutraceutical supplements with the bioflavonoids isolated from M. uniflorum for the management of metabolic disorders by mitigating hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Background Marine macroalgae known for its polysaccharides exhibit potent biomedical properties and its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent has increased in the recent past as inflammation is a major pathology noted in many chronic diseases. Purpose The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of a sulfated polysaccharide (PS) isolated from the marine algae Turbinaria ornata collected from the Indian waters on LPS induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Study design and methods PS isolated from the macroalgae was characterized using ESI(MS) and was screened for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in RAW 264.7 cells by assessing markers of oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results LPS significantly increased the levels of LPO and LDH in RAW 264.7 cells which were significantly reduced in PS pre-treatment groups. Pretreatment significantly increased the antioxidants GSH and SOD and significantly reduced mRNA levels of IL6 and TNFα in vitro confirming its anti-inflammatory potential. NFκB and iNOS were significantly modulated by PS confirming the probable mode of action. Conclusion Altogether, it can be concluded that PS isolated from Turbinaria ornata collected from the Southeast Coast of India exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential probably mediated by the sulfated polysaccharide containing glucopyranose and fucopyranose moieties.

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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.

T. ornata a macroalgae rich in bioactive molecules possess various biological activities. Herein, the aim of the study is to evaluate the aqueous extract and the sulphated polysaccharide isolated from T. ornata for its anti-arthritic potential in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats. Anti-arthritic potential of aqueous T. ornata (ATO) and T. ornata sulphated polysaccharide (TSP) was evidenced by the significant reduction in paw volume and arthritic score. Inflammatory and antioxidant markers were found to be restored in the drug treated groups which was found to be in line with dexamethasone a standard anti-inflammatory drug. The histopathological and radiological examination adds on the support to the above findings confirming the anti-arthritic potential of ATO and TSP. It is interesting to note that the sulphated polysaccharide inhibits inflammation and bone damage at very low dose itself. Hence, TSP could be considered as a better candidate in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

This paper highlights the medicinal plant wealth and its gradual depletion in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. In most cases, the entire plant is dug out for their rhizomes or roots thereby reducing the chances of regeneration. Out of the forty one plants species in the study areas, 83% belong to herbs, 7% to shrubs and 10% to trees. Apiaceae and Asteraceae being the predominant families represented by 7 species each. Maximum utilisation (56%) of roots and rhizomes was observed followed by whole plant (12.2%), seeds (10%), leaf and flower (7.3%), fruits (5%), barks and leaf (2.4%), and bark, stem and flower (2.4%). Out of 41 plants recorded in the present study, 10 were reported to cure stomachache followed by rheumatism and fever (09), and 4 by anaemia and skin disease. Thirty-three plants species have been reported to have more than one therapeutic uses, whereas 17 species are reported to be used for single ailment.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm arising from mesenchymal cells, making up about 6% of all soft tissue tumours1. The most commonly involved sites are the trunk (42–72%) and proximal extremities (16–30%)2. It generally has intermediate- to low-grade malignancy potential with the exception of the fibrosarcomatous variant (high-grade). This variant is more likely to metastasise (in less than 5% of cases) to the lungs and lymph nodes and may occur many years after the onset of disease3. Herein, we present the case of a 40-yearold male who presented with a two-month history of a lump in the upper abdomen with pressure symptoms and past history of recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma of the left shoulder. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass arising from the greater curvature of the stomach. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy which revealed a tumour mass arising from the retroperitoneum The mass was resected and sent for histopathology which revealed a fibrosarcomatous variant of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (FS-DFSP).

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.

Turbinaria ornata, a commonly found marine brown algae along the Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential and the bioactive compound present in it was characterized. Cotton pellet induced granuloma model in rats was used to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of Turbinaria ornata (ATO) (30, 100 and 300mg/kg, p.o) which was compared with dexamethasone (0.1mg/kg, p.o) a standard anti-inflammatory agent. Granuloma weight, haematological parameters and plasma markers (LDH, GPT, and CRP) were estimated. Further, the levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, GPx, GSH, LPO, and Nitrite) and inflammatory markers (Cathepsin D and MPO) in the hepatic tissue were measured. ATO decreased the granuloma weight dose dependently. ATO significantly reversed the levels of biochemical and inflammatory markers in comparison to the vehicle treated rats. The active constituent, fucoidan (sulphated polysaccharide) from the aqueous extract was fractionated and characterized using GCMS. The sulphated polysaccharide (TSP) from ATO confirms the presence of sulphates and sugars. The present findings suggest ATO to be a potent inhibitor of both proliferative and exudative phases of inflammation possibly mediated by the sulphated polysaccharides which might inhibit the action of COX-2 enzyme analogous to dexamethasone.

Actinomycosis of head and neck are secondary to a nidus in the oral cavity and the aero-digestive tract. Primary actinomycosis without such predisposition is mostly due to trauma. We are presenting a case of this rare variant involving the forehead. The patient had a swelling over the forehead after a windscreen injury, which was asymptomatic for 17 years. However, 1 year ago, there was a repeat blunt trauma on the same site, but there was no breach of skin. Following this, the swelling became tender and started increasing in size. There was no response to a course of antibiotic and the patient had no concomitant history of any systemic illness. The swelling was excised and the biopsy revealed actinomycosis. This presentation of primary actinomycosis after such a long dormancy has never been reported before. This is yet another unusual presentation of actinomycosis, which is notoriously misdiagnosed owing to its rarity and numerous differential diagnoses.

A collection of male and female plants of ten Jojoba [Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider] genotypes was analyzed with 50 RAPID and 55 ISSR markers to compare the efficiency and utility of these techniques for detecting genetic polymorphism. RAPID and ISSR analysis yielded 442 and 566 scorable amplified products, respectively, of which 60.7 and 69.3% were polymorphic. ISSRs revealed efficiency over RAPDs due to high EMR (effective multiplex ratio), DI (diversity index, mean PIC per primer) and MI (marker index) values. Jaccard similarity matrices among male plants, among female plants and between male and female plants of the ten jojoba genotypes varied between 0.705-0.784. Dendrograms generated by cluster analysis (UPGMA, NTSYS-pc) supported by bootstrap values using RAPID and ISSR datasets led to grouping of most of male and females genotypes in separate clusters. While pattern of clustering remained more or less same, the two dendrograms did differ with respect to the grouping of a few male and female genotypes. The value of the Mantel test shows poor correlation (r = 0.41) between ISSR and RAPID marker datasets.

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.

Posttraumatic intra-abdominal cysts generally develop in relation to solid abdominal organs and most originate as a result of the organization of fluid or blood collection after trauma. They lack true endothelial lining and are hence called "pseudocysts." We report herein the rare case of a traumatic pseudocyst of the greater omentum in a 6-year-old child who was successfully treated by laparotomy and excision of the cyst.

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.