Effect of Prunetin on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats - a Biochemical and Molecular Approach

In the modern era, chronic kidney failure due to diabetes has spread across the globe. Prunetin (PRU), a component of herbal medicines, has a broad variety of pharmacological activities; these may help to slow the onset of diabetic kidney disease. The anti-nephropathic effects of PRU have not yet been reported. The present study explored the potential nephroprotective actions of PRU in diabetic rats. For 28 days, nephropathic rats were given oral doses of PRU (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). Body weight, blood urea, creatinine, total protein, lipid profile, liver marker enzymes, carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, C-reactive protein, antioxidants, lipid peroxidative indicators, and the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) mRNA genes were all examined. Histological examinations of the kidneys, liver, and pancreas were also performed.The oral treatment of PRU drastically lowered the blood glucose, HbA1c, blood urea, creatinine, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile, and hexokinase. Meanwhile, the levels of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase were all elevated, but glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase dropped significantly. Inflammatory marker antioxidants and lipid peroxidative markers were also less persistent due to this administration. PRU upregulated the IRS-1 and GLUT-2 gene expression in the nephropathic group.The possible renoprotective properties of PRU were validated by histopathology of the liver, kidney, and pancreatic tissues. It is therefore proposed that PRU (80 mg/kg) has considerable renoprotective benefits in diabetic nephropathy in rats.

National pathology day – Commemorating a legend Dr. VR Khanolkar

The large-scale celebration of National Pathology Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. VR Khanolkar would help pathologists to showcase their role in patient care, medical education, and research, change the image of pathology, and bring this specialty to the forefront.

Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Congenital Trigger Thumb – A Prospective Study

Introduction: Congenital trigger thumb is an uncommon anomaly of children. Its management is controversial, ranging fromobservation to extensive release.Aim: The aim of the study was to study the functional outcome of surgical management of the congenital trigger thumb in children.Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 26 thumbs (21 pediatrics) underwent surgical release of the trigger thumb.Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with a tourniquet.Results: The prospective study demonstrated that pre-operative range of motion (ROM) averaged 36° loss of extension (range,0°–90°; standard deviation [SD], 22°); and post-operative ROM averaged 1° loss of extension (range, 0°–30°; SD, 7°) at 3 yearsfollow-up. There were no secondary surgeries. The children were being followed up for 3 years. All of them are found to havea good functional outcome and free of any complications until follow-up for 3 years.Conclusion: Congenital trigger thumb is a rare anomaly which is noticed by the parents around the age of 1½ years. Asconservative treatment invariably failed to give good results, all children are managed surgically with better cosmetic andfunctional results.

Clinical, Radiological, and Functional Outcome of Delayed Presenting Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Cases Managed by Joshi’s External Stabilization System: A Prospective Study

introduction: Clubfoot and its management have been the topic of keen interest to the orthopedics field ever since timeimmemorial and many techniques in the successful management of these have been advocated till date. This study discussesone such technique of management in children with Joshi’s external stabilization system (JESS) fixator.Aim: This study aims to evaluate the role of JESS in the management of neglected, resistant and relapsed congenital talipesequinovarus (CTEV), in the age group of 1–6 years.Materials and Methods: A total of 20 feet in 20 children underwent JESS fixation surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics,Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai Medical College, from October 2015 to September 2018.Results: Four patients had excellent results, 12 patients had good results with an average score of 78, three patients had fairresults, and poor results in one patient. The average pre-operative Pirani score was 4.5 and post-operative score of 0.93 withP < 0.001 which was statistically significant. The average pre-operative Dimeglio score was 12 (Stage III) which statisticallyimproved post-operative (P < 0.001) to 5 (Stage 1).Conclusion: By controlled differential distraction using JESS apparatus, a painless, Pliable, plantigrade. The perfect sized andcosmetically acceptable foot has been obtained even in children 1 year–6 years. Controlled differential distraction using JESSfixator has got a definite role in the management of relapsed and neglected CTEV and it does not prevent the foot from beingtreated surgically at a later date if needed.

​Functional Analysis of Effectiveness of Short Segment with Index Vertebra Fixation as Compared with Long-segment Fixation in the Management of Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries

Background: Dorsolumbar fractures are unstable mostly which requires surgical spinal stabilization to maintain anatomicalreduction and stability and also to promote early bony fusion and mobilization. Posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation isusually done for burst fractures. Even though early clinical results of this surgery are usually satisfactory, a high failure rate andprogressive kyphosis remain a concern. To overcome this, in addition to short-segment fixation, the pedicle screw is insertedat the fracture site. Long-segment fixation is usually done for fracture dislocations.Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients with dorsolumbar spinal injuries admitted in Government Rajaji Hospital andMadurai Medical College were selected for the study and followed for a period of 24 months. Of these, four patients were lostfollow–up, and hence, 21 cases were included in the study and followed for a period of 2 years.Results: A total of 25 patients were selected for the study. Our results showed good to excellent in long segment, 72.7% of thepatients were good (eight cases), and in short segment, 70% of the cases were good (seven cases). In long segment, 27.7%of the patients were fair (three cases), and in short segment, 30% of the cases were fair (three cases). In our study, the meanof Oswestry Disability Index in long segment is 32.31 and mean in short segment is 31.99. In our study, only one patient hadrod breakage, but the patient had no pain and no neurological deficit, and functional outcome is good.Conclusion: We conclude that short-segment fixation with index vertebra fixation provides as good results as long-segmentfixation with reduction in cost and time of surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries.

​Analysis of Functional Outcome of Column-specific Fixation of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Most complex tibial plateau fractures are a result of the high-energy injury. Resulting comminution makesinterpreting of fracture patterns difficult. Fully understanding these fractures is the basis for successful treatment.Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the functional and radiological outcome of column-specific fixation of tibial plateaufracture.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study; 10 patients with tibial plateau fractures with displaced complextibial plateau fractures operated at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, were included in this study. The follow-up period was36 months. The fractures were evaluated by computed tomography using Lu three-column concepts and managed with lowprofile locking plate system as per column-specific fixation. Follow-up analysis was made using Modified Rasmussen’s Clinicaland Radiological Criteria.Results: In our study, 70% of the patients were in active productive age group (30–50 years). 90% of the patients were male.30% of single-column fractures (LUO) (Schatzker type IV 10% and Hohl and Moore Type I coronal split fracture 20%), 30% oftwo-column fracture (LUO) (Schatzker Type IV 20% and Type V 10%), and 40% of three-column fractures (LUO) (SchatzkerType V 40%) were included. In this study, 40% of patients had an excellent outcome, 50% of patients had a good outcome,10% of patients had poor clinical, and 10% had fair radiological outcome. One patient developed wound necrosis, for whichflap cover is done and eventually patient developed deep infection for whom implant removal was done after 6 months.Conclusion: Three-column fixation is a new fixation concept in treating complex tibial plateau fractures, especially useful formultiplanar fractures involving posterior column with excellent functional outcome.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a male patient.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous neoplasms are extremely rare tumors. Less than sixty cases have been reported in international literature until date, with striking female predominance. We report a case of primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the retroperitoneum in a 51‑year‑old male presenting with nonspecific abdominal complaints. This case is being highlighted for its rare occurrence in a male patient.

Multiple magnet ingestion: The attractive hazards

Foreign body ingestion among children is common and most usually pass through the gastrointestinal tract without requiring any intervention. Magnets, however, pose a greater threat especially when more than one are ingested. We report a case of multiple bowel perforation secondary to ingestion of magnetic beads in a 3-year-old.

Evaluation of Abelmoschus moschatus seed extract in psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Background: Abelmoschus moschatus is an aromatic and medicinal plant, used as traditional medicine in the Thirunelveli district and distributed in many parts of Asia, including India. The present study was aimed to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) activities of ethanolic seed extract of A. moschatus (AEAM). Methods: Oral administration of AEAM at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg on various behavioral models forced swim, tail suspension, light-dark box, hole-board, elevated-plus-maze, locomotor, strychnine, maximal electroshock induced seizure, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), rotarod, climbing an inclined screen models were utilized. Results: In the open field test, AEAM (200 and 400 mg/kg) increased the numbers of rearing. However, the number of central motor and ambulation were reduced. The number of entries and the time spent in the open arm were increased, whereas the number of locomotion was decreased (p<0.001) in elevated-plus-maze and actophotometer test, respectively. AEAM (200 and 400 mg/kg) protected the mice against the PTZ and strychnine-induced convulsions; it causes significant dose-dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with AEAM reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension, increased the hypnotics time and decreased motor co-ordination of experimental animals. Conclusion: This study concludes A. moschatus is an alternative source for CNS drug development.

Evaluation of central nervous system activities of Citrus maxima leaf extract on rodents.

Citrus maxima is a traditional medicine used to treat astringent, constipation, hypnotic, inflammation and antiseptic. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate central nervous system activities of ethanolic extract of Citrus maxima (EECM). Oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of EECM was to the depressant, anxiolytic, convulsant, hypnotic and muscle relaxant experimental animals. In the locomotor test, EECM increased the numbers of rearing, central motor and ambulation were reduced. The number of entries and time spent in the open arm was increased, decreased locomotion in elevated-plus-maze and actophotometer test. EECM protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole and strychnine induced convulsion in a dose dependent manner. Treatment with EECM (p<0.01) reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension, increased hypnotics time and decreased motor co-ordination of experimental animals. This study concludes C. maxima will be an alternative source for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Slow and fast orthodromic and antidromic variants in acute 9-h jet-lagged pygmy field mice.

Biological clocks help organism to adapt temporally to a variety of rhythmic environmental cues. Acute changes in the rhythmicity of entraining cues causes short- to long-term physiological distress in individuals, for example, those occurring during jet-lag after long-haul transmeridial flights, or shift work. Variations in the rate of re-entrainment to a 9 h advanced schedule (simulation of acute Jet-lag/shift work) in the Indian pygmy field mouse, Mus terricolor are reported. Wheel- and lab-acclimated adult male mice were entrained to a 12:12 h light:dark (LD) cycles, followed by a 9 h advance in the LD cycle. In response, these mice either advanced or delayed their activity onsets, with individual variation in the rate and direction. Rapid orthodromic (advancing) re-entrainers exhibited a coincidence of activity onsets with the new dark onset in <=3 days, while gradually advancing re-entrainers took ~9 days or more. Delayers (antidromic) also either re-entrained very rapidly (<=2 days), or gradually (~9 days). Acrophase measurement confirmed the direction of the transients, which did not depend on the free-running period. Such different patterns might determine the differential survival of individuals under the pressure of re-entrainment schedules seen in jet-lag and shift work.

Chronobiotic effect of melatonin following phase shift of light/dark cycles in the field mouse Mus booduga.

The objective of this study was to assess whether melatonin accelerates the reentrainment of locomotor activity after 6 h of advance and delay phase shifts following exposure to LD 12:12 cycle (simulating jet-lag/shift work). An experimental group of adult male field mice Mus booduga were subjected to melatonin (1 mg/kg) through i.p. and the control group were treated with 50 % DMSO. The injections were administered on three consecutive days following 6h of phase advance and delay, at the expected time of "lights off'. The results show that melatonin accelerates the re-entrainment after phase advance (29%) when compared with control mice. In the 6 h phase delay study, the experimental mice (melatonin administered) take more cycles for re-entrainment (51%) than the control. Further, the results suggest that though melatonin may be useful for the treatment of jet-lag caused by eastward flight (phase advance) it may not be useful for westward flight (phase delay) jet-lag.