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Background: Usually for lower abdomen and lower limb short surgical procedures, spinal anaesthesia is a reliable and safe anaesthesia technique.2-chloroprocaine (2-CP) is an amino-ester local anaesthetic with a very short half-life. Adjuvants are required with short acting local anaesthetic for spinal anaesthesia to prolong analgesia. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to analyse the effect of 2-CP alone and with fentanyl combination in spinal anaesthesia for short surgical procedures in terms of onset of block, adequacy of anaesthesia, analgesia and recovery. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in our hospital in 60 patients undergoing lower abdomen and lower limb short surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia with either 2-CP or 2-CP and fentanyl (group I or group II) after randomisation into two groups. Spinal anaesthesia characteristics of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia were noted and appropriate statistical analysis was performed. Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in group II[5.00 ± 3.19 vs 7.156 ± 3.38 min. (p= 0.0138) and 8.03 ± 5.65 vs 11.03 ± 3.97 min. (p= 0.021)] than in group I, and duration of effective analgesia was prolonged in group II (147.63 ± 40.71 vs 130.40 ± 50.85 min with p value of 0.0002)as compared to group I. Eleven patients in group I required analgesic supplementation in the intraoperative period. Conclusion: The patients undergoing short surgical procedures of lower abdomen and lower limb under spinal anaesthesia with short acting local anaesthetic 2-CP with fentanyl as an additive provides rapid onset of sensory and motor block and prolonged duration of analgesia.
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Micronutrient rich microalgae, Chlorella and Spirulina, could be natural food supplements to overcome the micronutrient deficiency, increasingly recognised as a global health issue. In two independent experiments, the Spirulina and Chlorella were evaluated as prophylactic and ameliorative dietary supplements of vitamin B12. Erythrocyte stability (relative osmotic fragility and haemolysis percentage), haematological parameters, micronutrient deficiency (serum levels of iron, zinc), plasma vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 biomarker (methylmalonic acid) were analysed. The deficient groups receiving Spirulina and Chlorella as prophylactic dietary supplements showed a 1.34 to 1.41 folds increase in serum iron and a 2.13 to 2.19 folds increase in plasma vitamin B12, compared to B12 deficient group. Supplementation of Spirulina to ameliorate vitamin B12 deficiency combined with micronutrient limitation showed an increase of 1.14 folds and 1.2 folds in serum iron and zinc respectively and 1.51 folds in plasma vitamin B12 compared to the deficient group. The relative osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in deficient experimental animals was 17 to 45% higher compared to the control. The osmotic fragility and deformation in the morphology of erythrocytes observed under vitamin B12 deficiency, alone or in combination with micronutrient limitation, were prevented and ameliorated on dietary supplementation with the microalgal biomass.
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Background@#Disability not only burdens the patient, but also the caregiver. To quantify this caregiving burden, we propose a simple four-part questionnaire tool. Our objective is to validate this questionnaire by administering it to caregivers who oversee patients with low back pain and are functionally compromised. @*Methods@#Twenty-five spouse caregivers who were taking care of in-patients awaiting surgery for various lumbar spine pathologies were shortlisted. The content-validated questionnaire was administered on different occasions during the care recipient’s treatment. Cronbach’s α was calculated to assess internal consistency. Interrelationships between the care recipient’s pain score, extent of functional compromise, and caregiver burden were calculated. The questionnaire’s ability to track changes in the caregivers’ attitudes over time was assessed. @*Results@#The percentage of caregiver burden before the surgery of the care recipient was 52.5. This increased significantly to 61.1% (P=0.001) 3 days after surgery, but was found to decrease to 32.5% (P<0.001) a month after the surgery; demonstrating the questionnaire’s efficacy to track changes. Cronbach’s alpha of 0.948 signifies the questionnaire’s excellent internal consistency. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) between the care recipient’s pain score and caregiver’s burden score was 0.41 (P=0.04), and between the care recipient’s disability score and caregiver’s burden score was 0.9 (P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The proposed questionnaire is consistent and can track changes in a caregiver’s attitude over time. It can be adopted for clinical use to assess the burden of caregiving for functionally compromised patients.
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Background@#Disability not only burdens the patient, but also the caregiver. To quantify this caregiving burden, we propose a simple four-part questionnaire tool. Our objective is to validate this questionnaire by administering it to caregivers who oversee patients with low back pain and are functionally compromised. @*Methods@#Twenty-five spouse caregivers who were taking care of in-patients awaiting surgery for various lumbar spine pathologies were shortlisted. The content-validated questionnaire was administered on different occasions during the care recipient’s treatment. Cronbach’s α was calculated to assess internal consistency. Interrelationships between the care recipient’s pain score, extent of functional compromise, and caregiver burden were calculated. The questionnaire’s ability to track changes in the caregivers’ attitudes over time was assessed. @*Results@#The percentage of caregiver burden before the surgery of the care recipient was 52.5. This increased significantly to 61.1% (P=0.001) 3 days after surgery, but was found to decrease to 32.5% (P<0.001) a month after the surgery; demonstrating the questionnaire’s efficacy to track changes. Cronbach’s alpha of 0.948 signifies the questionnaire’s excellent internal consistency. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) between the care recipient’s pain score and caregiver’s burden score was 0.41 (P=0.04), and between the care recipient’s disability score and caregiver’s burden score was 0.9 (P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The proposed questionnaire is consistent and can track changes in a caregiver’s attitude over time. It can be adopted for clinical use to assess the burden of caregiving for functionally compromised patients.
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Background: Hypertension (HTN) accounts for 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year. A rise in HTN is projected by the global burden of HTN 2005 study, it portrays a grim picture. Community level data for hypertension is scarce in Andhra Pradesh. A cross sectional study was conducted to know the prevalence of hypertension in Vijayawada.Methods: 1009 apparently healthy adults visiting the hospital accompanying patients in outpatient department were screened for hypertension by blood pressure recording. All measurements were obtained by automated blood pressure measuring (AOBPM) systems.Results: Of the total population screened, hypertension accounted for 42.5% (n=429). A multivariate analysis showed that hypertension is more common in age group >50 years [odds ratio (OR)=3.004, 95% confidence interval CI being=2.2707-3.9645], in diabetics (OR=2.9091, 95% CI=2.0595-4.1092), in males (odds ratio=1.3223, 95% CI=1.0214-1.7118) and in smokers (OR=1.7442, 95% CI=1.0469-2.9059). A linear positive association was found between obesity and hypertension. No significant association was found between hypertension and alcohol intake. This study also showed that awareness was present in only 44% and 37% had hypertension under control of known hypertensive subjects.Conclusions: This is the first cross sectional study done with AOBPM. Our study finds that hypertension is an important public health burden in coastal Andhra Pradesh with low awareness, treatment, and control. It implies that strategies need to be developed to improve effective primary care management of hypertension.
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Background: Quality of life (QOL) is individuals' perceptions of their position in life. QOL of alcohol dependent patients is an area that has received relatively less attention compared to other alcohol related problems.Methods: A deaddiction centre based cross sectional study was done on 370 individuals using a predesigned questionnaire during the period of 2012-2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Spearman抯 rank correlation test was used to find association between the study variables.Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 38.08�46 years. The mean duration of drinking was 12.62�47 years. The overall score of the QOL and the perceived health in alcohol dependent patients was 3.19�89 and 3.01�98 respectively. The mean of the transformed scores of physical, psychological, social and environmental domains are 69.12�.82, 57.84�.81, 58.52�.05, 68.62�.23 respectively. Statistical analysis of age with physical, environmental and social domains showed a significant negative correlation; literacy status with QOL, perceived health, physical, psychological, social and environmental domains showed a significant positive correlation; socio economic status with QOL and psychological domain showed a significant positive correlation; duration of drinking with QOL, perceived health, physical and psychological domain showed a significant negative correlation.Conclusions: Harm from alcohol use is a major public health problem. Reducing the level of social and health harms from alcohol requires preparation and planning.
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Background: Caesarean section (CS) is the most common obstetric surgery performed world-wide. The objective of this study was to correlate the antenatal sonographic lower uterine segment (LUS) scar thickness in women with previous one cesarean section with intra operative LUS scar grading.Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted from December 2014 to November 2015. In a tertiary care center. 200 pregnant women from ANC clinic with previous one LSCS were recruited. Transabdominal USG done between 36-38 weeks. LUS thickness was measured from bladder wall-myometrium interphase and myometrium-chorioamniotic membrane inter phase. Intraoperative grading of LUS scar was done. Based on grading of scar participants were assigned into scar dehiscence group (grade III and IV LUS scar) and non-dehiscence group (Grade I and II LUS scar).Results: Mean LUS thickness was 3.41±0.623 mm (range: 2-7 mm). Mean LUS thickness in the scar dehiscence group and non-dehiscence group was 2.98±0.55 mm and 3.48±0.60 mm (P value < 0.05) respectively. A cut off value of 3.5 mm was derived from ROC with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92.6%, 54.3%, 24.0%, 97.8%, respectively. The present study reported 27 (13.5%) cases of scar dehiscence.Conclusions: Ultra-sonographic evaluation of LUS thickness correlated significantly with intraoperative LUS appearance. USG evaluation of LUS can be used as a screening test to predict the LUS scar integrity. Risk of dehiscence is increased in women with thin LUS i.e. sonographic LUS thickness of < 3.5 mm and needs to be further evaluated. Women with previous one LSCS with thick LUS i.e. sonographic LUS thickness of > 3.5 mm, can be counselled regarding TOLAC if not contraindicated.
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Background: E-learning refers to utilization of internet technologies to enhance knowledge and performance of the learners and to improve the effectiveness of educational interventions. From the review of literature it was evident that e-learning has gained popularity in past decade, however its use is variable among medical colleges. The objectives of the present study were to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards e-learning among undergraduate medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 150 medical students (50 each from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year) of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam in the Month of December 2018. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to access the knowledge and practices. Students’ responses in attitude were collected and rated on 5-point Likert scale from 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree. Results are displayed in frequencies and proportions. A p value of <0.05 is considered as statistically significant.Results: A total of 150 undergraduate medical students were included, among them 67 (40.6%) were males, 98 (59.4%) were females. Majority were aware of e-learning. Nearly 46.7% students used both laptop and smart phones for purpose of e-learning. About 53% were confident in using software applications. Most of students agreed that e-learning has important role in acquiring clinical skill along with other learning methods and 88% of students agreed that it should be supplemented in regular teaching curriculum. The 3rd year students were found to have better attitude towards e-learning than other students.Conclusions: Majority felt that e-learning plays an important role in acquiring clinical skill along with other learning methods in educational institute. So, there is need to provide necessary infrastructure and include e -learning as a part of curriculum in medical education.
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Meningiomas are the most common non glial extra axial primary brain tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), accounting for between 16 to 20% of all intracranial tumors. Aim: In this study we tried to describe typical and atypical locations and findings of intracranial meningiomas on MRI and also MRI features of meningiomas that differentiate from other extra axial lesions. Methods: Studied population was advised to undergo MRI investigations for confirmation of meningiomas and to differentiate from other extra axial tumors and CT suggested in few cases for confirmation of calcification and boney changes. All MR imaging were performed with 1.5T bravo MR imaging unit with standard protocol. In operated cases, MRI findings were correlated with intraoperative findings and histopathological diagnosis. Results: Majority of meningioma patients were observed in the age group of 51-70 years i.e., 24 (80%) out of 30 cases. The most common site of occurrence are the cerebral convexities, parasaggital location/falx, posterior fossa, sphenoid ridge, olfactory groove and others accounting for 33.3%, 20%. 20%, 10%, 6.7% and 10% respectively. 67% of meningiomas showed homogenous enhancement, 56% cases had dural tail sign, 40% meningioma cases observed with CSF cleft, 37% of cases showed mass effect on surrounding arteries, cranial nerves, ventricular system and brainstem noted in twelve cases. 33% of cases noticed with perilesional edema, 30% had calcifications, 20% hyperostosis, 13% sinus invasion and 10% were others such as haemorrhages, cystic or non enhancement areas. Conclusions: As Meningiomas are not an uncommon tumors, radiologists should be aware of different MRI characteristics and locations of meningiomal tumors, this will help to arrive at accurate diagnosis especially in atypical and misleading meningioma features.
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Background: Cortical folding is a hallmark of many but not all mammalian brains. The degree of folding graduallyincreases with the size of brains in mammals but at different range between the families.Gyrification is a processwhich varies widely in mammals in early foetal and prenatal life.Materials: This study was conducted on 100 dead foetuses in anatomy department, brought from the departmentof Obstetrics and gynaecology of MNR Medical College and Hospital.Results: The brain surface is smooth up to 12 weeks,Cingulate sulcus appeared by 16-18weeks.Growth of adjoininglobes of brain make surface more convoluted with well-defined sulci and gyral pattern between 30-32 weeks.Conclusion: Cortical folding is due to consequence of restricted space and rapid growth of brain with in thecranial cavity. There is no differences between male and female brains of same gestational age, with no obviousasymmetrical development of gyri on different lobes of brain
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Understanding the response of microalgae to outdoor culture conditions is necessary for the development of large open pond cultivation system for various value added applications. In this context, we evaluated the response of an indigenous oleaginous green microalga Scenedesmus obtusus CFR 1-09/FW to outdoor culture conditions. The microalga was cultivated in open ponds at various culture depths under nutrient replete condition. The pond with 3 cm culture depth showed highest biomass productivity (49.05±11.74 mg L-1 day-1). The high surface solar irradiance (1831 µmol m-2 s-1) led to a decrease in chlorophyll content (from 12.21 to 4 µg mg-1). The long duration exposure to lower temperatures (≤20°C) during night led to an increase in poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content (47.21±2.83% w/w mass fraction of FAME). The omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content rose significantly reaching 31.01±3.79% (w/w) mass fraction of FAME. The high content of carbohydrate (23.4±0.64% w/w), protein (37.62 ± 2.15% w/w), lipid (21.55±1.43% w/w), palmitic acid (30.97±4.02% w/w mass fraction of FAME) and ALA in outdoor cultures makes this microalga a potential candidate for outdoor cultivation for food and feed applications. The study provides valuable insights for developing outdoor open pond cultivation protocol.
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Background:Atrial fibrillation is one of the commonest cardiac arrhythmia which, a physician comes across during his medical practice and a student during the course of his study in medical works. The incidence among adult population is about 0.4% and reaches up to 5% in people over the age of 69 years. It is found in association with various types of diseases, cardiac as well as extracardiac. In spite of these extensive studies, the fundamental mechanism, responsible for genesis of atrial fibrillation is still not clear. The recent advances made in electrophysiology of heart and the advance made in the field of Bio-medical engineering led to the evolution of newer instruments which have made the etiology and diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation simpler than what it used to be, a decade or two earlier. Echocardiography, in particular, is extremely useful in diagnosis and assessing the prognosis and choosing of treatment modalities of Atrial Fibrillation. The advent of newer antiarrhythmic drugs and greater understanding of their mechanisms of action and side effects have revolutionized the modalities of treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. In this study an attempt is made to find out the etiology of Atrial fibrillation, clinical profile and the complications are evaluated and the response to standard available treatment is evaluated. Material and methods: The present study reports 60 patients of atrial fibrillation who attended IMAGE HOSPITAL, Hyderabad from May 2010 to May 2012. Patient was selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diagnosis was made by clinical evaluation, blood investigations, ECG and echocardiography. Treatment given to all patients of atrial fibrillation was recorded and Patients were followed up after 2 months and 6 months. Results: The study group comprising 60 patients showed a female predominance between two sexes, 40 were females and 20 were males. The study group range from 17 years to 67 years, majority of the being form 51-60 years age group. Among the 60 patients 36 patients had Rheumatic heart disease, 11 patients had cardiomyopathy of idiopathic origin, 3 patients has ischemic heart disease, 2 patients had hypertension, 1 patient had mitral valve prolapsed, 1 patient had myeloma, 3 patients had lone AF, 1 patient had PPAH and 1 patient had thyrotoxicosis. Their main complaints were palpitations, breathlessness and cough with expectoration. Total no. of cases of valvular diseases: 37 (31.66%). Out of total cases of cardiomyopathy most common is dilated cardiomyopathy followed by restrictive cardiomyopathy and obliterative cardiomyopathy. Out of three patients 1 patient had Diabetes mellitus 1 patient had dilated LA 1 patient had LA clot. Out of three cases of thyromegaly only one case had thyrotoxicosis with dilated LA. Conclusion: From our study we concluded that atrial fibrillation is most common arrhythmia in medical wards with varied etiology, incidence ranges from 0.3% (< 55 years) to 3.5% after 55 years of age. The age of onset of atrial fibrillation is younger in our country when compared to age on set in western countries. Male to Female ratio is 1:2. The commonest cause of AF is Rheumatic heart disease, with mitral stenosis being the commonest valvular lesion. The most common complication of AF in the study is congestive heart failure. Incidence of stroke in AF in our study is 7%. Incidence of AF increases with increase in LA size and increasing LV dysfunction. LA size as measured by echocardiogram was consistently more in chronic permanent AF of prolonged duration. Prognosis of AF patients is better when AF is adequately rate controlled along with congestive heart failure treatment. Rate control and anticoagulation were hallmark in AF treatment. Recurrence rate will be very high in AF cases after sinus conversion. Though we achieved advancement in understanding AF pathophysiology and treatment, current response to treatment is unsatisfactory and even very far for reach to common man.
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The objective of this present study was to develop and evaluate transdermal films of alfuzosin hydrochloride for controlled release at a predetermined rate over a prolonged period of time and assessment of film forming ability Cordia dichotoma fruit mucilage using alfuzosin as drug of choice. The films of alfuzosin were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. The formulations, from F1 to F3 contain Cordia dichotoma fruit mucilage (CDFM; 8%, 12% and 16%) and the formulations, from F4 to F6 contain CDFM along with sodium alginate (125 mg, 150 mg and 175 mg). Glycerin and propylene glycol were used as plasticizer; span-80 used as permeation enhancer; methyl paraben and propyl paraben were used as preservatives (in case of plant mucilage as polymer) in all the formulations. Fourier transform infra red spectral analysis studies showed that there is no drug polymer incompatibility. The films of alfuzosin were prepared by using different polymers such as C. dichotoma and also in combination with sodium alginate that had shown good results for all the evaluated parameters within the range. In vitro drug release studies had shown that the maximum release of drug was observed for F3 formulation was 91.87 ± 1.34 at 24 hrs and F6 formulation was 99.62 ± 0.14 at 24 hrs. The concentration of CDFM is increased from 8% to 16% that leads to enhancement of dissolution rate. In-vitro drug release studies of optimized formulations, F3 formulation followed first order and F6 formulation followed zero order kinetics. The obtained results were concluded that CDFM have good film forming ability alone and combination with sodium alginate.
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The main aim of the study is to formulate sustained release matrix tablets of verapamil hydrochloride using hydrophobic carriers or meltable binders like stearic acid, carnauba wax and bees wax by melt granulation technique. The influence of a hydrophilic polymer like polyethylene glycol (PEG) was studied on the waxy matrices. Two grades of PEG (4000 and 6000) were used in the preparations. The granules were prepared and compressed into tablets and they are evaluated for their physicochemical properties and in vitro dissolution studies were done. The IR spectral analysis revealed that there are no interactions between drug and the polymers and are compatible with other. The release data were subjected to various release kinetic models and also compared with those of a commercial brand. The tablets prepared fulfilled all the official requirements according to the pharmacopeia. From the dissolution studies it was observed that carnauba wax acts a good retardant (more than 16 h). Among the two grades of PEG used 4000 and 6000, PEG 6000 increases the drug release to a greater extent than PEG 4000. It was concluded that hydrophobic carriers which act as very good retardants of the drug and also PEG can be used as a channeling agent in waxy matrices to regulate the release of the drug.
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Background: Some studies highlighted that there was increase in the incidence of urinary tract problems related to frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and crystalluria. This induces us to understand the prevalence of crystals in urine samples and its association with bacterial urinary tract infections. For determining the different types of urinary crystals, the role of microscopic examination for identification are routine and identical. Methods: The main objective of this study is to find out the predominant types of crystals in urine, age and sex incidence value, urine pH correlated with crystals and bacteriological examination of urine samples associated with UTIs. Results: Among 88 urine samples included, 49 (55.6%) were males and 39 (44.3%) were females of different age groups. By urine sediment analysis, among the normal crystals, calcium oxalate and amorphous urates were found predominant followed by cholesterol found among abnormal crystals. The results highlighted the presence of different types of crystals in the urine samples and strongly supported the pH ranges. The variations in the pH range from 3 to 7. The correlation of the results of crystal formation with bacterial culture showed predominance of Escherichia coli (19.3%) and further it gets proved with the theory and reference interpretation. Conclusion: By this study, the authors have a mystery whether the crystal formation leads to the bacterial infection or the infection leads to crystal formation. In the case of positive urine crystal analysis, the clinicians may consider the microbiological investigations to find out the real picture.
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Background: Purpose of current study was to describe the variations found in the development, anatomical functional aspect of fallopian tube in the embryonic life and further development in the adult. This is about fundamental significance in treatment of infertility. Methods: The study is done on 30 embalmed dead female foetuses which were explored by gross dissection. The following data are noted from each specimen- length of tube, relation of tubes on both sides, number of fimbria and anomalies i.e. absence of tube (Agenesis). Results: In the thirty specimens studied the length of the tube is approximately 5-8 cm. The ampulla of 3rd trimester foetuses found to be convoluted. The convolutions are not so much marked in the 1st and 2nd trimester foetuses. In one foetus No 9 there is complete absence of left side tube. Another foetus No 20 tube length is 1 cm with absence of ampulla, infundibulum and fimbria on the right side, that is 6% congenital absence of one sided tube. The number of fimbria are in an average of 4-5 on both sides. Morgangi cysts present in tubes of 3 foetuses i.e. (9%). Conclusion: Majority of the foetuses length of the fallopian tubes vary from 5-8 cm. Single tube absent in two foetuses, one foetus left side complete absence and another foetus right side absence of ampulla, infundibulum and fimbria i.e. of about 6% congenital absence of tube is important for obstetricians for treating infertility.
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Superficial palmar arterial arch is an arterial arcade, which is a dominant vascular structure of the palm. It is defined as the anastomoses between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The superficial palmar arch completed by anastomosing with one of the branches of radial artery, i.e. with arteria radialis indicis, arteria princeps pollicis, arteria nervi mediana. The present study reporting a variation of superficial palmar arch which is formed alone by superficial branch of ulnar artery and it is also giving branches to radial side of index finger and to the thumb. Normally the branch to the radial side of index finger receives branch from superficial terminal branch of radial artery and it is known as arteria radiclis indicis. The ARI was given by ulnar artery from the terminal part of radial side along with the princeps pollicis branch. The knowledge of variations of the vascular arches warrants the surgeons while performing surgeries on hands, such as arterial repairs, vascular graft applications.
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Background: Purpose of current study was to describe the variations in the complex network of terminal branches of facial nerve in the face. The facial nerve passes through the substance of parotid gland in the plane between superficial and deep lobes. The knowledge of variation in the branching pattern of terminal branches is very important for surgeons to prevent the injuries which may lead to facial palsy. Methods: The present study includes fifty foetal parotid glands in 25 foetuses and 8 adult parotid glands of 4 cadavers. The glands exposed in fixed fetuses and adult cadavers, capsules removed. The superficial lobe of the gland reflected laterally and the trunk of facial nerve in the substance was observed. The divisions and terminal branches were traced. The variations in the divisions and terminal branches, loops between branches were observed and noted. Results: In the foetal specimens the facial nerve divides into 2 main divisions in 88% of glands. The remaining 12% foetal specimens the facial nerve divides directly into 5 terminal branches. 56% foetal specimens show straight branching pattern, 12%specimens show looping between zygomatic and buccal branch. In 32% specimens the loop between upper buccal and lower buccal branches present. Multiple communications or complex pattern between two main divisions not found in this study. Conclusion: The variations noted are: In the foetal specimens the facial nerve divides into two main divisions in 88% and in all adult specimens. In 12% of foetal specimens direct five terminal branches are given.
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Obesity arising due to the dietary and life style changes is fast reaching epidemic proportions all over the world. There is increasing evidence that the incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD) is significantly influenced by a cluster of metabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity. This study was aimed to test the suitability of experimentally-induced obesity in rats as an experimental animal model of AD. We used the procedure of neonatal administration of rats with monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), which generates adult obese animals as our study design and assessed the AD-like changes by measuring amyloid ß (1-42) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in the hippocampal extracts and cognitive impairments by Barnes maze task. Further, we investigated the influence of anti-obesity substance [D-Lys (3)] GHRP-6 on blood glucose, hippocampal Aß, AChE levels and restoration of cognitive deficits. Results revealed that administration of MSG to neonatal rats exhibited increased body mass index and serum glucose levels over the controls. Measurement of markers for AD-like molecular changes i.e. amyloid ß (Aß) and AChE levels showed marked elevation in these two parameters in the hippocampus of MSG-treated rats. Assessment of cognitive abilities by Barnes maze revealed spatial disorientation characteristic of AD. Administration of ghrelin receptor analog [D-Lys (3)] GHRP-6 to obese rats resulted in significant restoration of serum cholesterol, glucose, leptin and ghrelin levels to that of control with concomitant reduction in hippocampal Aß and AChE levels. In addition, the treated animals exhibited marked improvement in Barne’s maze task. These findings suggest that MSG-induced obese rats may serve as non-transgenic animal model for AD research. Further, the results indicate the potential of [D-Lys (3)] GHRP-6 as a promising anti-Alzheimer candidate.