Machinability of Zirconia Toughened Mica Glass Ceramics for Dental Restorations / Usinabilidade de cerâmica de vidro de mica temperada com zircônia para restaurações dentárias

Objective: For a dental material to be machinable for CAD/CAM technology, it must offer convenient machining, under a given set of cutting conditions. Quantitative evaluation of machinability has been assessed in literature through various parameters such as tool wear, penetration rates, surface roughness, cutting force and power. A machinable ceramic will typically demonstrate a higher tool penetration rate with signs of reduced diamond tool wear and edge chipping. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the feasibility of machining an experimental ceramic, 20 wt.% zirconia reinforced mica glass ceramics (G20Z) for indirect dental restorations and compare the tool penetration rates of G20Z to commercially available dental ceramics, Presintered Zirconia (PSZ) and IPS emax CAD. Material and Methods: Precursors of base glass (SiO2 -Al2O3 -K2O -MgO-B2O3 -F) were melted at 15000C for 2 h in a platinum crucible and quenched in deionised water. The glass frit was ball milled with 20 wt. % YSZ (G20Z) and subject to two stage heat treatment in a muffle furnace. Specimens of G20Z (12 X 2 mm) were evaluated for their feasibility of machining under varying spindle speed, depth of cut, and feed rates. Influence of depth of cut, spindle speed and feed rate (vc=8000-16000 rpm, d=0.4-0.8 mm, f=0.1- 0.3 mm/tooth) on cutting forces, material response, surface roughness and tool wear were investigated. Tool penetration rates, tool wear and margin chipping were also evaluated and compared with Pre-sintered Zirconia (PSZ) and e.max CAD in a custom dental milling surveyor at 30,000 rpm with a load of 0.98 N under water lubrication for 6 min. Tool penetration rates were calculated as the ratio of length of cut and milling time with a measuring microscope and scanning electron microscope was used for tool wear and edge chipping. ANOVA and Tukey Kramer tests were used for statistically comparing the means of each group. Results: Spindle speed and feed rate play a significant role in influencing surface roughness, thrust force, cutting forces and tool wear. Penetration rates of G20Z (0.32 ±0.12 mm/min) was significantly greater than PSZ (0.26 ±0.06 mm/min) and IPS e.max CAD (0.21 ±0.05 mm/min). SEM observations reveal tool abrasion and edge chipping regardless of the ceramic type. Conclusion: High spindle speeds delivers low cutting forces with an average surface roughness of 1.61 µm, with abrasive wear of the tool insert and brittle fracture of zirconia mica glass ceramic composites. G20Z with its machinable nature demonstrates greater tool penetration rates than PSZ and IPS e.max CAD. Tool wear and edge chipping is seen in all the investigated ceramics. (AU)

Objetivo: Para que um material odontológico seja usinável para a tecnologia CAD / CAM, ele deve oferecer uma usinagem conveniente, sob um determinado conjunto de condições de corte. A avaliação quantitativa da usinabilidade tem sido avaliada na literatura por meio de vários parâmetros, como desgaste da ferramenta, taxas de penetração, rugosidade da superfície, força de corte e potência. Uma cerâmica usinável normalmente demonstrará uma maior taxa de penetração da ferramenta com sinais de desgaste reduzido da ferramenta de diamante e lascamento da borda. O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar a viabilidade da usinagem de uma cerâmica experimental, 20% em peso de cerâmica de vidro de mica reforçada com zircônia (G20Z) para restaurações dentárias indiretas e comparar as taxas de penetração da ferramenta de G20Z com as cerâmicas dentais comercialmente disponíveis, Zircônia Presinterizada (PSZ) e IPS emax CAD. Material e Métodos: Precursores de vidro base (SiO2-Al2O3-K2O -MgO-B2O3 -F) foram fundidos a 15000C por 2 h em um cadinho de platina e temperados em água deionizada. A frita de vidro foi moída com 20% em peso de YSZ (G20Z) e submetida a tratamento térmico em duas fases em mufla. Amostras de G20Z (12 x 2 mm) foram avaliadas quanto à sua viabilidade de usinagem sob variação de velocidade do fuso, profundidade de corte e taxas de avanço. A influência da profundidade de corte, velocidade do fuso e taxa de avanço (vc = 8000-16000 rpm, d = 0,4-0,8 mm, f = 0,1- 0,3 mm / dente) nas forças de corte, resposta do material, rugosidade da superfície e desgaste da ferramenta foram investigadas. As taxas de penetração da ferramenta, o desgaste da ferramenta e o lascamento da margem também foram avaliados e comparados com Zircônia pré-sinterizada (PSZ) e e.max CAD em um topógrafo de fresamento dentário personalizado a 30.000 rpm com uma carga de 0,98 N de lubrificação subaquática por 6 min. As taxas de penetração da ferramenta foram calculadas como a razão entre o comprimento de corte e o tempo de fresamento com um microscópio de medição e um microscópio eletrônico de varredura foi usado para o desgaste da ferramenta e lascamento da borda. Os testes ANOVA e Tukey Kramer foram usados para comparar estatisticamente as médias de cada grupo. Resultados: a velocidade do fuso e a taxa de avanço desempenham um papel significativo em influenciar a rugosidade da superfície, força de impulso, forças de corte e desgaste da ferramenta. As taxas de penetração de G20Z (0,32 ± 0,12 mm / min) foram significativamente maiores do que PSZ (0,26 ± 0,06 mm / min) e IPS e.max CAD (0,21 ± 0,05 mm / min). As observações do SEM revelam a abrasão da ferramenta e o lascamento da borda, independentemente do tipo de cerâmica. Conclusão: As altas velocidades do fuso proporcionam baixas forças de corte com uma rugosidade superficial média de 1,61 µm, com desgaste abrasivo do inserto da ferramenta e fratura frágil de compósitos de cerâmica de vidro de zircônia. G20Z com sua natureza usinável demonstra maiores taxas de penetração da ferramenta do que PSZ e IPS e.max CAD. O desgaste da ferramenta e o lascamento da borda são vistos em todas as cerâmicas investigadas. (AU)

Acute pancreatitis in a child with sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a term used for a group of genetic disorders characterized by production of Hb 'S'. Sickle cell hemoglobin opathy occurs due to mutation of beta-globin gene situated on short arm of chromosome 11, where adenine is replaced by thymine in base of DNA coding for the amino acid in the sixth position in beta-globin chain. This leads to an amino acid change in beta chain of Hb molecule, from glutamic acid to valine. The result is profound change in the molecular stability and solubility of Hb 'S'. Authors are reporting a 8-year-old girl who is a known case of sickle cell disease presented with complaints of intermittent pain abdomen and vomiting since 30 days. Investigations revealed elevated pancreatic enzymes with radiological evidence of pancreatitis. Packed red blood cell transfusion and appropriate supportive therapy given and child recovered well.

Palmar Dermatoglyphic Patterns in Bronchial Asthma between Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian: A Comparative Study.

Background: Dermatoglyphics, the ridged skin covering our palms and sole, are not only found on human beings. All primates have ridged skin, and it can also be found on the paws of certain mammals and on the tails of some monkey species. Palmar creases develop during the 2nd and 3rd month of intrauterine life and are not influenced by movement of hand in utero. They are of considerable clinical interest because they are affected by certain abnormalities of early development including genetic disorders. Aim: The present study is carried out to correlate the dermatoglyphic patterns in patients of bronchial asthma. Methods: Dermatoglyphic prints were obtained from both hands of 100 patients of bronchial asthma among Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian. Hundred normal healthy individuals, without family history of bronchial asthma, were selected as control group. The qualitative parameters like whorls, loops and arches were studied in the above mentioned study groups. Results: Presence of whorls loops and arches showed significant difference, p<0.01in III and IV digits in Afro-Trinidadian group and only in III digit in Indo-Trinidadian group when compared to the controls. The intergroup comparisons also showed significant changes in the percentage of all the finger print patterns in the II & III digit in Afro-Trinidadian bronchial asthma patient when compared with Indo-Trinidadian bronchial asthma patients. Conclusion: Presence of whorls, loops and arches on both the III digit can be used as one of the diagnostic criterion for patients with bronchial asthma.

Transabdominal and Transrectal Sonographic Variation of the Prostate Volume and Dimensions: In Evaluation of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate. Estimation of Prostate volume and dimensions contribute significantly to the management of BPH. Correlations between the trans-abdominal and trans-rectal ultrasound methods in estimating prostate volume and dimensions were studied with variable results. Ninety-one consecutive patients of 50 years or older with were scanned by Trans abdominal and transrectal sonographs (TA&TRUS) at the same session after obtaining the consent. All the scans were performed on a single ultrasound machine. The volume and dimensions of the prostate obtained by both methods were compared and correlated using Pearson correlation coefficient. The data was analysed further in groups based on volumes and ethnicity. Twenty-four patients were also scanned by other consultant radiologist and the data was analysed to compare the interobserver variations. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.03±10.41 years. The mean prostate volume for ninety one patients by TA & TRUS was 44.4±35.1 ml and 46.2±34.7 ml, respectively (r = 0.965, p<0.001). Among the total patients 42 were of East Indian (EI) origin, 45 were of Caribbean African (CA) origin and 4 were of mixed race. The mean prostate volume of EI race by TA & TRUS was 35.3±23.3 and 38.9±25.9 ml respectively(r = 0.950, p<0.001). The mean prostate volume of CA race by TA & TRUS was 50.8±39.4 and 51.0±38.5 ml, respectively (r = 0.967, p<0.001). The mean prostate volume of observer A and observer B by TA & TRUS was 43.5±28.8 and 45.8±25.9 ml (r = 0.953, P<0.001) and 46.6±39 and 46.9±27.4 ml (r = 0.877, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Strong correlation between TA & TRUS estimation of prostate volume and dimensions for volumes up to 100ml found in our study offers TAUS as a cost effective, less invasive, quick and well tolerable alternative to TRUS. TRUS however may be a reasonable choice for accurate measurements in larger (>100 millilitres) prostates, this needs to be further investigated by a larger sample size.

Morphological Study of Coronary Sinus in Human Cadaveric Hearts.

Background: The coronary sinus is a dilated venous channel opening into the right atrium of the heart. The coronary venous system has gained importance in recent years for electrophysiological procedures like arrhythmia ablation, biventricular pacing and implantation of cardiac pacemakers. The present study aims to study the formation and tributaries of coronary sinus and also the morphology of thebesian valve. Materials and Methods: 30 formalin fixed cadaveric hearts available in the department of Anatomy, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, Tamil nadu, was used for the study. The formation and tributaries of coronary sinus were noted. The length of coronary sinus in millimeters was measured from the union of great cardiac vein and left marginal vein upto the opening of the coronary sinus in the right atrium with vernier calipers. The width of the coronary ostium in the right atrium was measured in millimeters with vernier calipers. Results: In 93.33% specimens the coronary sinus was formed by the union of great cardiac vein and left marginal vein. In 3.33% specimens it was formed by the union of great cardiac vein and posterior vein of left ventricle, and in 3.33% specimens it was formed by the union of great cardiac vein and oblique vein of left atrium. The left marginal vein was absent in 2 specimens and small cardiac vein was absent in 1 specimen. The mean length of coronary sinus was 54.98 + 12.2mm. The mean width of coronary sinus ostium was 9.35 + 3.24mm. The Thebesian valve was present in 93.33% specimens and it was semilunar in shape. Conclusion: The knowledge of coronary sinus anatomy will be helpful during electrophysiological procedures. KEY WORDS: Coronary Sinus, Cardiac Veins, Thebesian Valve, Coronary Ostium, Electrophysiological Procedures.

Immunolocalization of heme oxygenase-1 in periodontal diseases.

Context: Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of supporting tissues initiated by organisms in dental plaque. The reactive oxygen species and free radicals mediate connective tissue destruction in periodontitis. In order to counteract the free radical mediated tissue damage, numerous antioxidant mechanisms exist within the host. One such system is heme oxygenase enzymes. Heme oxygenase is the key enzyme involved in catabolism of heme. It cleaves the heme molecule to yield equimolar amounts of biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron. These end products act as important scavengers of reactive oxygen metabolites. Increased heme oxygenase expression has been identified in inflammatory condition, such as pancreatitis, diabetes, nephritis, and atherosclerosis. Since chronic periodontitis is one such inflammatory condition, we assessed the expression of heme oxygenase-1, in smokers and periodontitis group using immunohistochemistry technique. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the expression of heme oxygenase-1 in patients with healthy periodontium, periodontitis and smokers. Materials and Methods: Gingival tissue samples were taken from 30 patients, who were divided into three groups healthy controls (n = 10), chronic periodontitis (n = 10), and smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 10). All the samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining using the antiheme oxygenase-1 antibody and were tested for efficiency by staining a positive control (prostate cancer tissue sections) and a negative control. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: Our results showed increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 in the gingival tissue samples taken from smokers compared with periodontitis and healthy tissue. Conclusion: The results of our study is an increasing evidence of involvement of antioxidant enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 in periodontal inflammation and their implication for treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Rutin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: An effect mediated through cytokines, antioxidants and lipid biomarkers.

Administration of rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) orally for 3 weeks treatment significantly improved body weight, reduced plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), restored the depleted liver antioxidant status and serum lipid profile in high fat diet + streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats. Rutin treatment also improved histo-architecture of ß islets and reversed hypertrophy of hepatocytes. Rutin exhibited significant antidiabetic activity, presumably by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, improving antioxidant and plasma lipid profiles in High fat diet + streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic model and may be useful as a diabetic modulator along with standard antidiabetic drugs. However, such effects need to be confirmed on human subjects in clinical condition.

Omphalocele, exstrophy of cloaca, imperforate anus and spinal defect (OEIS Complex) with overlapping features of body stalk anomaly (limb body wall complex).

OEIS is an extremely rare constellation of malformations, which includes omphalocele, exstrophy of cloaca, imperforate anus, and spinal defect. We report here autopsy findings in a case of OEIS complex, which apart from the major anomalies of the complex had bilateral club foot that is, congenital talipes equinovarus, right hydroureter, and body stalk anomaly. The umbilical cord was absent, and the umbilical vessels were embedded in an amniotic sheet, which connected the skin margin of the anterior body wall defect to the placenta, this feature being the hallmark of limb body wall complex (LBWC). This case further supports the view that OEIS and LBWC represent a continuous spectrum of abnormalities rather than separate conditions and may share a common etiology and pathogenetic mechanism as proposed by some authors.

Evaluation of anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba fruits in rodents

The present study reports the anti-allergic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae, and its possible mode of action. The effect of extract of Z. jujuba at different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, orally) was simulated on studied animal models of asthma and allergy: a) milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis; b) compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation; and, c) active and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba's effect on sensitized guinea pig ileum (ex vivo) and tracheal chain preparations (in vitro) were investigated.Treatment with extract of Z. jujuba at all doses significantly: prevented the milk-induced eosinophilia and compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mesenteric mast cells; decreased passive cutaneous and active anaphylactic reactions. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba inhibited acetylcholine as well as histamine induced tracheal chain contraction, and also antigen induced contraction of sensitized guinea pig ileum (Shultz-Dale inhibition test). Furthermore, it exhibited also free radicals scavenging activity (in vitro). The observed anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of extract of Z. jujuba may be largely through the stabilization of mast cells by the membrane presence of phytoconstituents (steroidal saponins and flavonoids).

GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract of Canthium parviflorum Lamk Leaf.

Canthium parviflorum Lamk( Rubiaceae) is a shrubby and woody plant found throughout the Western Ghats. Canthium parviflorum have reported to possess a number of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, wound healing activity and antitumor acitivity. D-mannitol, phenolic acid, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, proteins were found from Canthium parviflorum. The current study was carried out to analyze the active constituents present in the leaf of Canthium parviflorum. Twenty two constituents in ethanolic extracts were identified by GC-MS analysis. D-Mannitol and Squalene which was present in this plant considered to have anticancer activity.

Ameliorative effect of Luffa acutangula Roxb. on doxorubicin induced cardiac and nephrotoxicity in mice.

The present study reports protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) on doxorubicin (DXR) induced cardio and nephro toxicity in mice by studying various serum biomarkers, antioxidants in target organs and histoarchitecture alterations. Pretreatment with HAELA reversed significantly the elevated serum biomarkers, alanine amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine phosphokinase in heart and kidney in DXR treated mice. In addition, HAELA treatment inhibited elevated malondialdehyde formation and restored the depleted glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase in heart and kidney tissue. The altered histoarchitecture of heart and kidney tissue due to DXR treatment were also improved with HAELA. The protective activity observed with HAELA on DXR induced cardio and nephrotoxicity in mice was found to be related to its antioxidant property which finally results in membrane stabilization.

Tracheal agenesis with broncho-esophageal fistula in VACTERL / TACRD association.

Tracheal agenesis (TA) is an extremely rare malformation. We report here autopsy findings in a case of TA with bronchoesophageal fistula of Floyd type III. The other malformations present included laryngeal atresia, Right lung hypolobulation, ventricular septal defect in membranous portion, bilateral cystic renal dysplasia, spleninculus, Meckel's diverticulum, and imperforate anus. The constellations of malformations present in our case have overlapping features with Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia, Cardiovascular anomalies, Tracheo-esophageal fistula, Esophageal atresia, Renal anomalies, Limb anomalies and Tracheal atresia or laryngo tracheal atresia, Cardiac anomalies, Renal anomalies, Duodenal atresia association described previously in the literature.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Child with Brucellosis.

The authors report case of a two and half years old female child presented with fever for one month with hepatosplenomegaly. Though the child had been symptomatic for a prolonged period, she did not appear very unwell at presentation. However, after admission there was sudden rapid deterioration of her clinical status. Investigations revealed hemophagocytosis with brucella infection.

Hepatoprotective activity of Luffa acutangula against CCl4 and rifampicin induced liver toxicity in rats: A biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated and probable mechanism(s) of action has been suggested. Administration of standard drug- silymarin and HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl4 and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker enzymes viz., (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group. HAELA also showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contribute to hepatoprotective activity of HAELA.

Evaluation of telomerase expression in chronic periodontitis.

Background : Human telomerase is a multi subunit ribonucleoprotein enzyme concerned with telomeric lengthening and homeostasis in man. This enzyme has been found to be elevated in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and silica injury lung. Since chronic periodontitis is also an inflammatory condition where immune cells and cytokines mediate tissue destruction, we set out to evaluate telomerase in gingival tissue samples from healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Materials and Methods : Gingival biopsies were obtained from eight healthy subjects and eight chronic periodontitis patients. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) was carried out to evaluate telomerase gene expression in the samples. Results : None of the healthy gingival tissue samples expressed the telomerase gene while all the chronic periodontitis samples expressed it. The severe chronic periodontitis samples expressed the gene more intensely than the moderate chronic periodontitis samples. Conclusion : Various mechanisms have been explained to account for telomerase elevation in chronic periodontitis .This study helps us understand the role of telomerase in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. It could be concluded that telomerase could be used as a marker to assess the severity of inflammation in chronic periodontitis.

Stem bark extraction of Ficus bengalensis Linn for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in animal models.

In the present study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of aqueous extract of Ficus bengalensis (AEFB) and methanolic extract of F. bengalensis (MEFB) was evaluated in animal models. Preliminary results indicated that MEFB treatment possesses significant anti-inflammatory potential as compared to AEFB. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEFB exhibited in both acute (carrageenan induced hind paw edema and acetic acid induced vascular permeability) and sub-chronic (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) models of inflammation was found to be significant. In addition, the extract also showed significant analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing. Pretreatment with MEFB during inflammatory condition (both acute and sub-chronic) prevented increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and myeloperoxidase activity in edematous as well as granulomatous tissue. Further, serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) increased in inflammatory conditions were also inhibited with MEFB treatment. Hence, the anti-inflammatory activity observed in the present study with MEFB could be attributed largely to its antioxidant and lysosomal membrane stabilizing effects.

Community periodontal index of treatment needs index: An indicator of anaerobic periodontal infection.

Background : Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index is commonly used to measure periodontal disease. It's uniqueness, apart from assessing the periodontal status, also gives the treatment needs for the underlying condition. Benzoyl-DL-arginine napthylamide (BANA) test is a chair side diagnostic test used to detect the presence of putative periodontal pathogens. We correlated the CPITN scores of patients with BANA test results to assess the validity of CPITN as an indicator of anaerobic periodontal infection. Objectives : The present study was aimed to correlate the CPITN scores with the BANA activity of subgingival plaque. The objective was to assess the validity of CPITN index as indicator of anaerobic periodontal infection. Patients and Methods : A total of 80 sites were selected from 20 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. After measuring the probing depth with CPITN C probe, the highest score from each sextant was selected according to the CPITN criteria and subgingival plaque samples were collected using a sterile curette and the BANA test was performed. Results : Kendall's tau-b and Chi- square test were used to assess the correlation between the BANA test results and CPITN scores. Results indicated sensitivity (92.86%), specificity (80%) and agreement (91.25%); indicating the validity of CPITN in assessing anaerobic infection. Conclusion : There was a significant correlation between BANA test results and scores 3 and score 4 of CPITN index (P < 0.001) clearly indicating the presence of anaerobic periodontal infection.

Immunolocalization of CD 34 positive progenitor cells in healthy human gingiva - a pilot study.

Background & objectives: The gingiva is a tissue with a high turnover rate of both epithelial and connective tissue cells. In an attempt to identify the possible source of cells which maintain the tissue turnover, we used CD 34, a well established marker of peripheral blood stem cell in healthy human gingiva to determine the origin of progenitor cells in healthy gingiva. Methods: Healthy human gingival samples (n=15) were collected from patients undergoing orthodontic extraction. Immunohistochemistry was done on 5 micron paraffi n fi xed section using the primary antibody CD34 and a universal secondary immunoperoxidase kit. The sections were examined for a golden brown stain indicative of a positive staining. Results: Of the 15 samples 12 demonstrated a positive staining for the endothelial cells. Of these 12 samples, 11 demonstrated positive staining for stromal and paravascular cells and 10 a positive staining for the basal epithelium layers. Interpretation & conclusions: The presence of CD 34 positive cells in gingiva in stromal, paravascular location, and basal layer of the gingival epithelium was demonstrated. We speculate that these could be fi broblastic progenitors originating from the peripheral blood stem cells and the positivity stained epithelial cells could be gingival epithelial stem cells.

Antidiabetic activity of a polyherbal formulation (DRF/AY/5001).

The herbal formulation, DRF/AY/5001, elicits hypoglycemic/antidiabetic effects in both normal and experimentally induced hyperglycemic (epinephrine and alloxan) rats. Further, herbal formulation treatment can significantly alter the pattern of glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic rats. It is possible that the herbal formulation may act through both, pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanism(s). The DRF/AY/5001 also elicited a significant antioxidant effect in alloxan diabetic rats as reflected by its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and to elevate the enzymatic antioxidants in pancreatic tissue. The histopathological studies during the long-term treatment have shown to ameliorate the alloxan induced histological damage of islets of Langerhans. The inhibitory effects on biochemical and histological parameters induced by herbal formulation at a dose of 600 mg/kg were almost comparable to that of standard drug, glibenclamide (4 mg/kg). The present study demonstrates that herbal formulation exhibits promisisng antidiabetic activity and helps to maintain good glycemic and metabolic control.

Abnormal branching pattern of the axillary artery and its clinical significance / Patrón de ramificación anormal de la arteria axilar y su significado clínico

The increasing use of invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures in cardiovascular diseases makes it important that the type and frequency of vascular variations are well documented and understood. Sound knowledge of neurovascular variations is important for surgeons who remove axillary lymph nodes, to anesthesiologists, and orthopedic surgeons, considering the frequency of procedures done in this region. An unusual variation in the branching pattern of axillary artery was observed on the left side of a 60 year old female cadaver. In the present case the course and distribution of the first and second part of the axillary artery were normal. But a rare case of unusual origin of subscapular, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral, profunda brachii artery and ulnar collateral arteries from a common trunk were found on the left side during routine dissection. This common trunk was found arising from the third part of the axillary artery and at its commencement it was found passing between the two roots of the median nerve. Cases with this kind of variations should be examined or operated carefully during surgical or electrophysiological procedures.

El incremento del uso de diagnósticos invasivos y procedimientos de intervención en las enfermedades cardiovasculares hace que sea importante que el tipo y la frecuencia de las variaciones vasculares estén bien documentados y entendidos. Un buen conocimiento de las variaciones neurovasculares es importante para los cirujanos que extirpan linfonodos axilares, para anestesiólogos y cirujanos ortopédicos, considerando la frecuencia de los procedimientos realizados en esta región. Una inusual variación en el patrón de ramificación de la arteria axilar se observó en el lado izquierdo de un cadáver de sexo femenino de 60 años de edad. En el presente caso, el curso y la distribución de la primera y segunda parte de la arteria axilar fueron normales. Sin embargo, fue encontrado en el lado izquierdo, durante la disección de rutina, un caso raro, de origen inusual, de las arterias subescapular cirunflejas humerales anterior y posterior, braquial profunda y arterias colaterales ulnares desde un tronco común. Este tronco común se encontró derivado de la tercera parte de la arteria axilar y en su comienzo se comprobó que pasaba entre las dos raíces del nervio mediano. Los casos con este tipo de variaciones deben ser examinados u operados cuidadosamente durante procedimientos quirúrgicos o electro fisiológicos.