Iron deficiency evolves, slowly through several stages. Early iron deficiency caused a depletion in iron stores as shown by a reduction in the levels of hepatic non heme iron (44%) in the 7 days old pups born to iron deficient mothers. The hemoglobin levels and PCV (packed cell volume) were significantly reduced only after the age of three weeks. The activities of GABA (~-amino butyric acid) shunt enzymes viz. GDH, GAD and GABA-T (glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-transaminase, respectively) and GABA content were found to decrease during gestation and/or lactation iron deficiency at 1 week (wk), 2wk, 3wk and 4wk of age in the developing rat brains. However GABA binding showed a significant increase at different age groups. The iron deficiency during lactational exposure showed significant alteration in most of the parameters only at the age of 3 weeks onwards. On rehabilitation with iron supplemented diet for 2 weeks, these altered parameters could not attain corresponding control values. A prolonged iron deficiency causing alterations in GABA may lead to neurological and behavioral alterations. KEYWORDSIron deficiency, GABA metabolism, Brain -~, -amino butyric acid.

Iron deficiency evolves slowly through several stages. Early iron deficiency caused a depletion in iron stores as shown by a reduction in the levels of hepatic non-heine iron in the new born of iron deficient mothers. Of particular importance is the effect on central nervous system, which leads to the defects in the cognition and learning processes in humans. Evidence is strong that in many under developed countries iron deficiency is the main cause of anaemia and supplementation under trial conditions may prevent some defects of iron deficiency but not all.

A high level of systemic oxidative stress exists in ALF, with depletion of antioxidant reserves. Further studies are needed to define the clinical correlation of the large pro-oxidant burden.

Background:Oxidative stress has gained attention recently in behavioral medicine and has been reported to be associated with various psychological disturbances and their prognoses.Objectives:Study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress (malonylaldehyde (MDA) levels) and its relation with psychological factors (dimensions of personality, levels of anxiety, stress, and depression) among medical/paramedical students of 1st and 3rd year).Materials and Methods:A total of 150 students; 75 from 1st year (2010–2011) and75 from 3rd year (2009–2010); of medical and paramedical background were assessed on level of MDA (oxidative stress) and personality variables, that is, level of anxiety, stress, and depression. These psychological variables were correlated with the level of their oxidative stress.Results:Findings revealed that both groups are influenced by oxidative stress and their psychological variables are also compatible in order to confirm their vulnerabilities to stress.Conclusions:Stress in 3rd year students was significantly higher and it was noted that it adversely affects the psychological parameters. Hence, special attention on mental health aspect in these students may be given.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an old age disorder of basal ganglia which involves oligomerization of α-synuclein protein and formation of intercellular inclusions known as "Lewy bodies" in substantia nigra and caudate nuclei in brain which is progressive in nature. It is second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor at rest, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia, akinesia), and changes in posture (instability). Both excess and deficiency in levels of transition metals (especially iron, copper) can be detrimental to the central nervous system. Abnormalities in iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) metabolism have been reported to produce oxidative stress which is one of the major cause in pathogenesis of PD. In the present study 35 PD patients and 33 controls of Northern Indian population were included and serum levels of Fe, Cu and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were measured. Serum Fe ( < 0.01) and Cu ( < 0.01) levels were found to be significantly decreased in PD, whereas there was no significant change in Cp levels in PD patients as compared to controls. These results suggest the existence of a defect in iron which over the time, may hasten the entry of iron into the brain and decrease iron in the extracellular compartment in PD patients.

Background & objectives:Resistances to carbapenem group of antimicrobials among Escherichia coli due to production of carbapenemases, especially the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) types, pose serious challenges in the treatment of infections in healthcare settings. This study was undertaken to detect NDM producing E. coli isolates from hospitalized patients with urinary tract infection (UTI).Methods:A total of 30 non-repetitive isolates of E. coli from hospitalized patients with clinical suspicion of UTI were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Screening for the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) was carried out by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test strip ESBL followed by phenotypic confirmation by double-disc synergy test. Phenotypic confirmation of carbapenemase production was carried out by MIC test strip metallo-β-lactamases. Molecular identification of the blaNDM gene was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the amplified fragment.Results:Seventeen of the 30 isolates were detected as ESBL producers, of which three were found to be carbapenemase producers. NDM genes were detected by PCR followed by gene sequencing in all three isolates positive for ESBL as well as carbapenemase. The amino acid sequence of the three isolates showed complete identity to the reference sequences of NDM-1, NDM-4 and NDM-8, respectively.Interpretation & conclusions:Our study showed the circulation of NDM variants among the clinical isolates of E. coli that were producers of ESBL as well as carbapenemase.

The purpose of this study was to study anatomical, functional, and cosmetic outcomes of a novel technique, 'Lateral Eyelid Rotation Flap' for reconstruction of full thickness eyelid defect. In this prospective interventional study, 10 patients with full thickness eyelid defect measuring 1/2-2/3rd of eyelid width were included. Eyelid reconstruction was performed by single surgeon, using lateral eyelid rotation flap. Anatomic outcome was assessed by analyzing horizontal and vertical palpebral apertures (HPA and VPA), eyelid contour, and lateral canthus. Functional outcome was assessed by measuring tear film break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer's test in both the eyes. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by patients. Median age of patients was 56 years. Nine cases had full thickness defect following the excision of eyelid malignancy. The mean horizontal defect size was 17 ± 4.2 mm. HPA did not change significantly after surgery. VPA was statistically comparable to contralateral eye at 1-month follow-up. Lateral canthus angle recovered by 3rd month after surgery. TBUT and Schirmer's tests were comparable to contralateral eye. Eight patients graded cosmetic outcome as good to excellent. This is a new, single-stage technique for reconstruction of full thickness eyelid defects, with full thickness eyelid tissue including margin.

Background: The addictive liability and pharmacological effects of smoking are primarily mediated by the major tobacco alkaloid nicotine. Cigarette smoke may promote atherogenesis by producing oxygen-derived free radicals that damage lipids. Cigarette smoking is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: The Aim of our study was to determine the Level of lipid profile, liver function, CRP and MDA in cigarette smokers. Method: A Total No. of 100 subjects were selected, out of which 50 were healthy individual and 50 were chronic smokers. The lipid parameter and Liver function were estimated by enzymatic method, CRP were estimated by Turbidometric kit method and MDA level were estimated by thiobarbituric Acid (TBA) method. Result: Smokers have a significant higher level of liver enzyme such as Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), lipid parameter such as cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and C -reactive protein (CRP); where as decreased significant level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and serum protein.