Principal inspiratory muscle of Uromastix hardwick II

Variations in the musculoskeletal system exist in different classes of animal. The chest muscles are specifically modified due to modifications in axial skeleton in each vertebrate class. In addition, diaphragm is one of the main respiratory muscle in mammals which is absent in reptiles, specifically lizards, having different modes of respiration, e.g., buccal, axial and hepatic piston. Additionally, they do not breathe well during locomotion. Since, sternum and chest cage both are properly developed in these animals, therefore, they must be having an alternate chest muscle involved in the act of inspiration. The purpose of this study was to identify the principal inspiratory muscle in the chest of the reptile Uromastix. Repeated dissections, visual observations and electrical stimulation of the exposed but intact chest muscle [pectoralis/supracoracoideus] of Uromastix have demonstrated three major parts in it. Being, superior [S], middle [M] and inferior [I], identified on the basis of their colour, position and response to electrical stimulation. Accordingly, the locomotor action of these parts S, M and I are forceful, mild and feeble adduction of fore limb, respectively. While, its inferior part [I] additionally showed further sub-divisions into 3 portions, Is, Im and Ii. On electrical stimulation, one of them, i.e., Ii portion of the chest muscle of Uromastix demonstrated rib-cage elevation and thus named, 'Rib Cage Elevator', helping inspiration. It is concluded that chest muscle of Uromastix play dual role, in locomotion as well as respiration

Hyperinsulinemia and its potential role in preeclampsia

Pre-eclampsia remains one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive researches, our knowledge of the etiology and pathphysiology of preeclampsia is still limited. Recently, insulin resistance is implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. We conducted a nested case-control study to test the hypothesis that insulin resistance is associated with preeclampsia. Blood glucose and insulin serum concentrations, both fasting and postprandial, were evaluated in sixty preeclamptic patients [thirty with mild preeclampsia and thirty with severe preeclampsia] and thirty normotensive control during the third trimester of gestation. Compared with control group, women who have preeclampsia had significantly higher serum insulin levels both fasting and postprandial, also it was found that the preeclamptic group patients with severe preeclampsia had significantly higher insulin serum levels compared to women with mild preeclampsia, No significant difference was observed between the three groups as regard to both fasting and postprandial blood glucose level

Role of CT virtual endoscopy in tracheobronchial foreign body inhalation

As foreign bodies [FBs] in respiratory tract are usually in children, history is always vague. Current practice is diagnosis by conventional X-ray. Because most of inhaled FBs are radiotranslucent, rigid endoscopy is carried out for diagnostic purpose in high percentage of cases. The aim of this work is to evaluate a new CT technique called virtual endoscopy to avoid undue rigid endoscopy, which carries hazards for patients. This study was carried out, between January 2000 and 2002, on 34 patients [mean age 19 months +/- 15.5] with suspected history of foreign body inhalation. Conventional X-ray study detected only 2 cases [5.9%] with radiopaque FB. By virtual bronchoscopy, 21 cases [61.8%] diagnosed as having inhaled FB compared to 20 cases [58.8%] diagnosed by rigid endoscopy. 13 Cases [38.2%] diagnosed by virtual bronchoscopy as having no FB intialation compared to 14 cases [41.2%] diagnosed by rigid endoscopy. We can conclude that CT virtual endoscopy, which is more safer than rigid one, has high sensitivity [95%], specificity [85.7%], predictive value of positive test [90.5%], predictive value of negative test [92.3%] and diagnostic accuracy [91.2%]. If CT virtual endoscopy is available; we strongly recommend it for every patient with suspected FB inhalation and negative X-ray finding

Frontal sinus oblitration with bioglass

Many alloplastic materials have been used in clinical frontal sinus obliteration. It has been difficult to find reliable obliteration material without short- or long term complications. Most common problem in frontal sinus obliteration is the resorption of occlusion material. This study was made to evaluate the efficacy of Bioglass as an alternative to autologous fat in the obliteration of the frontal sinus. Standard surgical techniques were used to obliterate the frontal sinus. Eight patients underwent Bioglass frontal sinus obliteration. There were 2 women and 6 men in the series with age ranges from 30 to 55 [mean, 38 years]. Two patients underwent obliteration for chronic infections with mucopyocele. Follow-up radiographs were obtained at 3, 6 and 12 months after obliteration of the sinus with Bioglass. No patient has developed clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrent frontal sinusitis. No implant has been rejected. Seven patients reported complete resolution of all symptoms. Bioglass had demonstrated efficacy in obliteration of frontal sinus. The material has the advantage that it takes well, no reaction or rejection and it is also of reasonable expense. The obstruction of the frontonasal duct by this material was ensured. Bioglass offers the advantages of no donor site morbidity and the potential for complete osseointegration

Mechanics of sartorius muscles in uromastix: an effect of immobilization and remobilization

Left limb of Uromastix casted to immobilize Sartorius [Sar] in stretched position. Right limbs being control [Con]. After 30 days cast was removed and animals used in 2 groups. 1st group for the isolation of Con and immobilized [Imb] Sar, used for mechanical recording i. e; twitch [Tw] and tetanus [Tet]. 2nd group was allowed to remobilize [10 days] and used for experiments at the end of remobilization [Rmb]. Results of various parameters measured from Tw and Tet demonstrated significant fall in Tw and Tet tensions and their ratio after 30 days of Imb. Tw contraction time [TwCT] also reduced significantly after Imb. Whereas Tw peak and active state durations reduced insignificantly. However, after Rmb the tension parameters recovered mostly but TwCT remained significantly less from its Con counterpart. It is concluded that, mechanical activity of Sar reduced by Imb represented an alteration in contractile to non contractile protein ratio and lesser ATPase activity. These changes are reversible on Rmb. The histological and biochemical studies are suggested to strengthen this conclusion