Narrative-based misinformation in India about protection against Covid-19: Not just another “moo-point”

After India’s first confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 appeared in late January 2020, misinformation surrounding the outbreak and “cures” for the virus spread across the nation through various platforms. Across the globe, social media applications like WhatsApp and Facebook have played a vital role in the advancement of misinformation; however, in India, the dissemination of inaccurate information has been particularly exacerbated by public figures advancing their conservative ideologies and bringing the "sacred" cow to centre stage. Several influential religious and political leaders were witnessed vehemently supporting their long-held narratives that cow excreta is a “proven” precautionary remedy against most diseases, including coronavirus. Hence, to debunk such claims, the authors, in this essay, first analyse media used to circulate unfounded information concerning coronavirus across the world, followed by citing India-specific events where customary beliefs of Hindus have now taken the form of practices which can worsen the spread, as such practices lack significant scientific backing. Finally, we discuss the impact of such misinformation on human rights, and how states and social media companies can combat the infodemic. Keywords: Coronavirus, cow products, human rights, social-media, misinformation

A Review on Medicinal Plants with Potential Nootropic Activity along with Animal Models Needed for their Screening

Dementia is a brain disorder marked by cognitive dys functioning which causes loss of learning , thinking and memory .Various drugs that possess nootropic activity are used for treatment of dementia but emerges side effects. To overcome these side effects plants with medicinal importance came into existence. India has wide variety of medicinal plants (Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea ,Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa etc) that has been claimed for nootropic activity with limited side effects. Nootropic activity of medicinal plants can be screened with various animals models that has been able to identify chemicals with potential therapeutic efficacy. The current review article rehabilitates knowledge of medicinal plants with nootropic action, as well as the animal models needed to screen them.

A retrospective interventional study for evaluation of efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in improving intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios using ultrasound Doppler velocimetry

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the major reasons for neonatal morbidity and mortality. Oligohydramnios is a common finding in IUGR. In majority of these cases diminished utero-placental blood flow is observed. However, in spite of this understanding and identification of high-risk patients, the management options are limited. Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor improves utero-placental perfusion.Methods: We present a retrospective interventional study involving 50 adult pregnant women diagnosed with early-onset IUGR (n=38) and oligohydramnios (n=12). Vaginal sildenafil citrate 25 mg t.i.d. was started from the day of diagnosis till delivery. Primary efficacy endpoints included changes in Doppler parameters i.e., amniotic fluid index (AFI), uterine artery (UA)- pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and systolic diastolic ratio (S/D ratio). Secondary endpoints included live birth, birth weight, Apgar score at birth, neonatal survival to hospital discharge and adverse maternal side effects.Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in UA-PI, RI and S/D ratios (p<0.0001) in all cases. In oligohydramnios cases, treatment showed a statistical significant increase in AFI score (2.86±1.33 cm). The mean birth weight on delivery was 2200 gm with good Apgar scores. No major adverse effects were reported by women using sildenafil citrate vaginally.Conclusions: Sildenafil citrate, by increasing utero-placental perfusion, improves uterine artery Doppler patterns, AFI, fetal weight and overall better neonatal survival rates by reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Sildenafil citrate may hold a promising treatment strategy for management of IUGR and oligohydramnios.

Primary ovarian ectopic pregnancy: early diagnosis is the key

Ectopic pregnancy means implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity. It may occur in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or the cervix. Primary ovarian ectopic is a very rare condition. In such cases preservation of ovary is extremely important, particularly in patients with infertility. We report a case of primary ovarian ectopic which was managed conservatively in a patient of primary infertility. Preservation of ovary is extremely important, particularly in patients with infertility.

Pyometra in the postpartum: a forgotten complication

We report a case of 37 years old women who conceived after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her antenatal course was uneventful. On delivery there was placenta acreta. She later presented in the postpartum period with pyometra. She was managed with conservative treatment. We believe that the placental bed sutures and the sloughing placenta could have led to sterile pyometra in this patient. This rare but important complication need to be kept in mind specially in high risk women with thin endometrium, h/o IVF, cervical encerclage, and placenta acreta.

Study of obesity associated proopiomelanocortin gene polymorphism: relation to metabolic profile and eating habits in a sample of obese Egyptian children and adolescents

Background: Melanocortinergic system represents a known system involved in the central regulation of body weight with the central proopiomelanocortin [POMC] neurons forming a potent anorexigenic network. Polymorphisms in the POMC gene locus are associated with obesity phenotypes

Aim: To assess the contribution of the POMC gene 9-bp insertional polymorphism in the susceptibility to obesity and its relation to body mass index [BMI] and adiposity-related co-morbidities in obese children and adolescents; as well as binge eating behavior

Patients and methods: Fifty obese children and adolescents with simple obesity were screened for Binge Eating Disorder [BED] by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5], they were compared to 50 age, sex and pubertal stage-matched non obese controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, abdominal ultrasound for fatty liver, measurement of fasting lipid profile, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose and assessment of POMC gene 9-bp insertional polymorphism were done

Results: Obese patients had significantly higher anthropometric measurements, blood pressure percentiles, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and fasting lipid profiles, and higher frequency of occurrence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease and BED. Allelic frequencies of POMC gene 9 bp insertional polymorphism were comparable in patients and controls [p= 0.956]. Fasting insulin levels were significantly higher in the heterozygous cases having the polymorphism than in wild homozygous cases; whereas no difference was observed among the controls

Conclusion: This polymorphism was associated with higher fasting insulin levels in the obese patients only. These findings support the hypothesis that the melanocortin pathway may modulate glucose metabolism in obese subjects indicating a possible gene-environment interaction. POMC variant may be involved in the natural history of polygenic obesity, contributing to the link between type 2 diabetes and obesity

Evaluation of home respiratory therapy delivered to patients in the Ministry of Health's Home Medical Program [HMP] and administered through the Madinah HMP Center, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2013

This was an evaluation of home respiratory therapy [HRT] services administered through the Madinah Home Medical Program [MHMP] Center of the Ministry of Health [MoH], Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Using a retrospective design and descriptive analyses, we analyzed 83 patient records for the clinical care received, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. We also assessed a subset from an economic perspective. Demographically, 72% were >60 years of age, 80% were female, and 90% were Saudi. Asthma accounted for 34% of the diagnosed respiratory diseases, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [11%]. Most patients [71%] required two or three respiratory modalities: 94% used oxygen therapy and 14% were on mechanical ventilation. A full 90% of HMP patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the HMP overall care, and 43% saw an improvement in their condition. The MHMP lowered healthcare costs for HRT-receiving patients by decreasing the frequency of emergency room [ER] and outpatient visits by 50.8% from 59 to 30 visits. HRT administered through the MHMP Center improved clinical outcomes and increased patient satisfaction while reducing hospital utilization and associated costs. A prospective study is recommended to assess HMP services in comparison with hospitalization

Oral manifestations in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy at Queen Rania Al Abdullah Hospital for children in Jordan

Objective: to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy and to investigate the significance of independent risk factors such as age, gender, oral hygiene status on the development of oral complications in these patients

Methods: this descriptive study was conducted by recruiting a total of 58 patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged 5-12 years. Patients were examined in the dental clinic during the period between February 2013 - May 2013. A clinical examination was conducted using plain mirror under artificial light, Loe and Silness gingival index was used to describe the gingival condition, while oral hygiene was evaluated according to OHI-S index. Information regarding oral hygiene habits was collected and mucositis and infection were recorded if present

Results: a total of 58 subjects 22 females and 36 males were included in this study. Prevalence of oral manifestations was [84.5%] for gingivitis; [37.9%] for mucositis; [27.6%] for candidiasis; [77.6%] for dry lips and [3.3%] for coated tongue. A strong correlation was found between poor oral hygiene and the development of gingivitis, mucositis and candidiasis

Conclusion: poor oral hygiene was important risk factor for the development of gingivitis, mucositis and candidiasis, therefore professional oral care is strongly recommended before, during and after chemotherapy and follow up to prevent and control oral manifestations

Prevalence and factors related to tongue coating among a sample of jordanian royal medical services dental outpatients

The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of tongue coating using Winkel tongue coating index and their relation to age, gender, smoking, systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus as well as oral hygiene habits. We prepared a chart according to the criteria determined by WHO [1980], which used to record details on age, gender, smoking, medical history, and oral hygiene habits. Clinical examination was performed in dental clinic with plain mouth mirror and probe under artificial light, by drying tongue using gauze and air spray the status of tongue was recorded using Winkel tongue coating index. A total of 353 subjects [187 female, 166 males] were included in this study, tongue coating was detected in 77 [21.8%] subjects, Winkel tongue coating index scores mean value was 6.77 +/- 2.145. There was a strong correlation between tongue coating and increasing age. Tongue coating was significantly higher in males. There was also a strong association between tongue coating and smoking, diabetes mellitus as well as oral hygiene status. Tongue coating was strongly related to subject oral hygiene habits such as tongue brushing and using mouth wash. A strong correlation was found between tongue coating and age, gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking as well as oral hygiene status in Jordanian Royal Medical Services dental patients. Both, regular using of mouth wash and regular tongue brushing improves tongue hygiene and decreased probability of tongue coating

Rigid spine syndrome among children in Oman

Rigidity of the spine is common in adults but is rarely observed in children. The aim of this study was to report on rigid spine syndrome [RSS] among children in Oman. Data on children diagnosed with RSS were collected consecutively at presentation between 1996 and 2014 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH] in Muscat, Oman. A diagnosis of RSS was based on the patient's history, clinical examination, biochemical investigations, electrophysiological findings, neuro-imaging and muscle biopsy. Atrophy of the paraspinal muscles, particularly the erector spinae, was the diagnostic feature; this was noted using magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Children with disease onset in the paraspinal muscles were labelled as having primary RSS or rigid spinal muscular dystrophy. Secondary RSS was classified as RSS due to the late involvement of other muscle diseases. Over the 18-year period, 12 children were included in the study, with a male-to-female ratio of 9:3. A total of 10 children were found to have primary RSS or rigid spinal muscular dystrophy syndrome while two had secondary RSS. Onset of the disease ranged from birth to 18 months of age. A family history was noted, with two siblings from one family and three siblings from another [n = 5]. On examination, children with primary RSS had typical features of severe spine rigidity at onset, with the rest of the neurological examination being normal. RSS is a rare disease with only 12 reported cases found at SQUH during the study period. Cases of primary RSS should be differentiated from the secondary type

Porcelain laminate veneers: clinical survey for evaluation of failure

To investigate the association of the failure of porcelain laminate veneers with factors related to the patient, material, and operator. This clinical survey involved 29 patients [19 women and 10 men] and their dentists, including undergraduate and postgraduate dental students and dental interns. Two questionnaires were distributed to collect information from participants. All patients were clinically examined. Criteria for failure of the porcelain laminate veneers included color change, cracking, fracture, and/or debonding. A total of 205 porcelain laminate veneers were evaluated. All of the restorations were fabricated from IPS e.max Press and cemented with Variolink Veneer [Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Principality of Liechtenstein] or RelyX veneer cement [3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA]. The preparations were generally located in enamel [58.6%], and most veneers had an overlapped design [89.7%]. Ten patients [34.48%] showed veneer failure, most often in terms of color change [60%]. Overall, 82.8% of patients were satisfied with their restorations. Insufficient clinical skills or operator experience resulted in restoration failure in one-third of patients.

histological changes of the female rat mammary gland during the fertile period with a special reference to E-cadherin expression

E-cadherin [E-cad] is a cell adhesion molecule, essential for the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. The current study aimed at showing the histological changes and the pattern of E-cad expression in the female rat mammary gland during different stages of their fertile period microscopically and morphometrically. Thirty-five adult female albino rats [3-4 months old] were divided into seven groups [five rats each]: the rats in group I were not pregnant [resting] and groups II-VII were sacrificed at days 7 and 14 of each of their pregnancy, lactation, and weaning stages. The excised right inguinal mammary glands were processed for H and E and E-cad immunostaining. The sections were evaluated microscopically and morphometrically. The mammary gland of nonpregnant rats had abundant adipose connective tissue with few glandular elements. During pregnancy, there was a progressive increase in the alveoli, which became distended with milk, with prominent sac formation during lactation. The E-cad expression pattern was mainly observed as a strong positive linear membranous pattern in all borders of epithelial cell lining, whereas the myoepithelial cells were negative. These observations were found in different groups, except that of lactation, where the pattern was limited to the basolateral membranes of these epithelial cells. Morphometrically, the positive membranous epithelial cells for E-cad, its density area fraction and cytoplasmic positive reaction ranged from 7-83%, 3.9-6.8% and 0-7%, respectively in all groups. In late pregnancy, there was a marked increase in the negative epithelial cells [93%], with a significant decrease in density area fraction expression [3.9%], which was persistent during lactation. Positive E-cad expression of stromal cells was only observed during weaning. The E-cad was mainly localized to the membranes of epithelial cell lining and absent in myoepithelial cells. The quantitative E-cad expression can represent a tool that ensures qualitative microscopic observations during the fertile period

Ginkgo modulates noise induced hippocampal damage in male albino rats: a light and electron microscopic study

Noise has been a major problem to mankind and induces many auditory and extra-auditory hazards. This study was carried out to determine the injurious effects of noise on the hippocampus and to show whether Ginkgo biloba has any modulatory effect on hippocampal injury. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: a control group; a noise group exposed to 100 dB of sound pressure level white noise 4h/day for 4 weeks; a protected group exposed to the same noise level with the administration of a G. biloba extract [50mg/kg daily] for 4 weeks; a recovery group, which was allowed to recover for 4 weeks after noise cessation; and a treated group, administered the same dose of G. biloba for 4 weeks after noise cessation. In the noise-exposed group, the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 and CA3 and the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus [DG] showed a decrease in thickness compared with the control group, which showed loss and degeneration of many cells, and evidence of increased apoptosis. The protected and treated groups showed improvement in many parameters compared with the recovery group, that is, an increase in the thickness of CA1, CA3, and DG; increase in the surface area of cells; increased vascularity; and a statistically significant decrease in apoptosis compared with the recovery group. Noise exerted detrimental effects on cells of CA1, CA3, and DG of the hippocampus. Although partial spontaneous recovery may occur after cessation of noise exposure, the administration of G. biloba led to a marked decrease in the injurious effect of noise on the hippocampus. This might suggest the probable usefulness of G. biloba in reducing the central hazardous effects in individuals exposed to noise

possible protective role of selenium supplementation on the structure of trhe heart in an experimental model of chronic renal failure: a light and electron microscopic study

Chronic kidney disease [CKD] is a worldwide health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality especially due to cardiovascular complications. This study was conducted to investigate the histological effects of CKD on the structure of the heart and to show the possible protective role of selenium [Se] supplements. Twenty adult male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups: group I [the control group] was divided into two subgroups: IA [sham operated], which was subjected to sham operation, and IB [the negative control group], which was left untreated; group II [the nephrectomy group] was subjected to a five-sixth nephrectomy operation to induce renal failure; group III [the Se-treated group] was subjected to a five/sixth nephrectomy operation following which the rats were supplemented with sodium selenite at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment body weight [BW] and serum creatinine were measured. Heart specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, and morphometric analysis was performed for area percentage of intercellular spaces and collagen fibers. Group II showed significant widening of the interfiber spaces with aggregation of adipocytes, extravasated RBCs, and lymphocytes. There was also significant increase in the area percentage of collagen fibers. Cardiac myocytes appeared swollen, pale, and degenerated, and electron microscopic findings pointed to endothelial dysfunction. Se administration led to significant improvement in BW, creatinine level, and cardiac fibrosis; yet, the heart showed focal pale vacuolated myocytes, wide interfiber spaces, and extravasated blood. CKD led to definite focal degeneration in the cardiac muscle fibers. Se with the dose given improved BW, creatinine level, and cardiac fibrosis but could not offer complete protection against cardiovascular complication

Antidepressant Activity of Methanolic Extract of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruits in Experimental Animal Models.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare fruits (family: umbelifereae), popularly known as fennel, on depression using force swim test in rats, potentiation of norepinephrine toxicity in mice and haloperidol induce catalepsy in mice. The extract of F.vulgare (250 and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally to rats used in FST and 500mg/kg was administered in HIC and same dose administered in NE toxicity in mice. The dose of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of extract significantly (p<0.001) reduced the immobility times in rats but dose of 500 mg/kg showed more potent effect than imipramine (30mg/kg). So this dose was used in HIC and NE toxicity in mice. But in NE toxicity model it was observed that MEFV is not good adrenergic component. A significant (P<0.001) reduction in the duration of catalepsy was observed in the MEFV treated group and Fluoxetine group as compared to the haloperidol treated group. In HIC, mice were sacrificed on the seventh day and TBARS, glutathione, nitrite activities were estimated. Monoamine oxidase inhibiting effect and anti-oxidant effect of Foeniculum vulgare may be contributing favorably to the antidepressant-like activity. Thus, it is concluded that Foeniculum vulgare extract may possess an antidepressant-like effect.

comparative study between bilateral ligation of the ovarian and the uterine arteries on the structure and function of the ovary of adult white rabbit: histological and immunohistochemical study

Uterine artery embolization is an effective alternative to surgery in fibroids and postpartum hemorrhage aiming to preserve the uterus and fertility. To compare between the effect of bilateral uterine artery ligation and bilateral ovarian artery ligation on the ovarian structure and function in rabbits. Twenty-eight adult female nonpregnant white New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups [seven rabbits each]: group A [control], B [sham], C [subjected to bilateral ovarian artery ligation], and group D [subjected to bilateral uterine artery ligation]. After 2 months, all groups received a single dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin to induce ovulation and were then sacrificed 2 days later. Follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and 17-beta-estradiol were measured. Ovaries were extracted bilaterally, weighed, and processed for microscopic and immunohistochemical studies. Group C showed a significant increase in FSH and LH, whereas 17-beta-estradiol and ovarian weight were significantly decreased. Moreover, there were only a few peripherally situated atretic follicles with no primary oocytes. Extensive apoptosis affecting the entire ovarian structure was detected. However, group D showed a significant increase in FSH and LH, with a nonsignificant decrease in 17-beta-estradiol and ovarian weight. Ovaries of group D showed delayed ovarian atresia. Granulosa cells showed pyknotic nuclei. Some atretic follicles still contained primary oocyte surrounded by indented zona pellucida. Apoptosis was detected especially in granulosa cells and corpus luteum. Uterine artery shares in the blood supply of the ovary. A countercurrent pathway exists between the ovary and the uterus. Ligation of the uterine artery compared with the ovarian artery ligation induced a delayed atresia in the follicles with preservation of the primary oocytes. Thus, uterine artery embolization could anticipate ovarian failure and early menopause

Histological and immunohistochemical study of experimentally induced concussion on young rats' frontal cortex and the possible protective role of erythropoietin hormone supplementation

Introduction: Closed-head concussive injury is one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury. Multiple concussions, especially in children, can result in cumulative damage and increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases in later life

Aim of the work: The aim of the work was to clarify the effect of repeated concussions on the frontal cortex architecture and to identify a new protective therapy that decreases the brain insult caused by repeated concussions

Materials and methods: Twenty male albino rats 17-19 days old were divided into four groups: group I [control group] included five rats. The remaining rats were subjected to repeated head concussions for 3 successive days and then divided equally into the following groups: in group II [concussion group], animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last concussion; in group III [recovery group], rats were sacrificed 10 days after the last concussion; and in group IV [treated group], rats received an erythropoietin [EPO] injection for 3 successive days after the last concussion and were then sacrificed. The frontal cortex was examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques

Results: In the present study, it was found that after 24 h of repeated concussions, subpial cellular infiltration, edema, and congested blood vessels were detected. The frontal cortex neurons showed degenerative changes. A significant decrease in glial fibrillar acid protein [GFAP] and synaptophysin [SYN] immunoreactivity was also detected. The recovery group showed hypercellularity of the frontal cortex. Some neurons still showed degenerative changes. A significant increase in GFAP and SYN immunoreactivity was detected. In the EPO-treated group, neurons were more or less normal. A significant decrease in GFAP immunoreactivity with a significant increase in SYN reactivity was detected compared with the recovery group

Conclusion: Concussion induced degenerative changes in neurons, neuroglia, and synapses. Recovery decreased degenerative changes with marked gliosis. Treatment with EPO improved degeneration, gliosis, and synapses