Jigsaw Method of Interactive Teaching to Unpuzzle Neuroanatomy

Introduction: Student driven interactive methods of teaching are a major part of andragogy, which drives them to professional competency. Jigsaw method is one such interactive teaching modality which fosters self-directed learning and peer interaction. The aim of this study is to access the effectiveness of Jigsaw method of interactive teaching qualitatively and quantitatively among 1st year MBBS students. Materials and methods: this study was done in 1st year medical students. The students were exposed to jigsaw method of interactive teaching in small groups and the program was evaluated by assessing the short and long term memory of the students. Feedback also was obtained from the students. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores as compared to traditional teaching methods. The perception of students also showed promising results. Discussion: there have been many studies on student perception on such interactive teaching methods which revealed that the students were showing better academic performances. A few studies like the present one, on quantitative assessment of students score after Jigsaw method of interactive teaching has also shown good results. Conclusion: the jigsaw method of interactive teaching encourages student participation and enhances self directed learning and peer assisted learning.

Effect of Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand.based zinc oxide nanoparticles on the cotton pest Spodoptera litura Fab

Major loss in agricultural crops is caused by insect pests. In India, various synthetic insecticides are used against pests. These are much expensive and cause environmental hazards. The nanoparticles, as an alternative approach is gaining considerable interest in this field. In the present study, we explored the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Giant milkweed, Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand. and its effects on the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura. The reduction of zinc ions (Zn2+) to zinc nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was prepared by mixing 50 g of C. procera leaves with 100 mL of single distilled water in a 250 mL glass beaker. To synthesize nanoparticles, 50 mL of C. procera leaf extract was taken using a stirrer-heater and 5 g of zinc oxide was added at 60ºC, boiled, then kept in a hot air oven at 70ºC for 24 h. Finally, the obtained light yellow coloured powder was carefully collected and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results revealed that the biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles pesticide was highly effective against the pest. The weight of the pest decreased from low concentration to high concentration. It is concluded that the Calotropis Procera based zinc oxide nanoparticles could be used for the control of Spodoptera litura.

A rare case of hematohidrosis in a patient with paranoid schizophrenia

Hematohidrosis is a very rare yet fascinating clinical entity in which blood is excreted in sweat under extreme physical or emotional stress. The causes can be attributed to variety of etiological factors such as systemic disorders, vicarious menstruation, excessive exertion, and psychogenic and idiopathic causes. Although the episodes are usually self-limiting and do not affect the health status of the patient, the very phenomenon can be quite scary for the patient and family members. Amongst the psychogenic causes, various mental illnesses can result in Hematohidrosis, but it is more commonly reported so far with anxiety spectrum illnesses and depression. The distinctive feature of the case presented by authors is its association with Hematohidrosis and its symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia. Objective of this study the association between symptomatology of Paranoid Schizophrenia and its effect on Hematohidrosis After due consent from the patient, relatives and permission from the ethics committee of the institution, clinical history was obtained from the patient interviews. The case was followed longitudinally on each follow up. Appropriate blood investigations were done. Information obtained was compiled to form a case report. The improvement in psychotic symptoms corresponded with reduced frequency of bleeding episodes. As anti-psychotic treatment was initiated, patient started showing improvement in psychotic symptoms. This co-incided with the reduced severity and frequency of Hematohidrosis. Improvement in anxiety associated with psychotic symptoms was most probably responsible for improvement in symptoms of Hematohidrosis.

Antiviral activity of ethanolic extract of Nilavembu Kudineer against dengue and chikungunya virus through in vitro evaluation

BackgroundCurrently, no vaccines or modern drugs are available for dengue and chikungunya and only symptomatic relief is provided to the patients. Siddha medicine, a traditional form of indigenous medical system uses specific polyherbal formulations for the treatment of such infections with considerable success. One such polyherbal formulation for the treatment of chikungunya and dengue is Nilavembu kudineer (NVK). The mechanistic details of this drug as an antiviral for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) is poorly understood.ObjectivesThe current study was undertaken to study the efficacy of NVK as an antiviral formulation against CHIKV and DENV.Materials and methodsCytotoxicity assays (MTT) were performed to determine the role of NVK as an antiviral during chikungunya and dengue infections in the following conditions-i). post infection, ii). during active infections and iii) protective, not allowing virus infection.ResultsIt was observed that NVK provides protection against CHIKV and DENV-2 during active infection as well can help to prevent virus infection in the cells and it mainly depends on the cellular availability of drugs for maximum protection against both the infections.ConclusionOur study establishes that extraction protocols are important to ensure maximum efficacy of NVK along with the time of addition of the drug during CHIKV and DENV infections in the cells. This study provides insights to the possible mode of action of NVK in in vitro condition during CHIKV and DENV infection.

Clinical presentation of tubal ectopic pregnancy

Background: When the fertilized ovum gets implanted at site other than normal position of uterine cavity, it is known as ectopic pregnancy. Incidence of ectopic pregnancy is 1-2% of all reported pregnancies. It is an unmitigated disaster of human production and the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in first trimester with major cause of reduced child bearing potential. It is notorious in its clinical presentation, challenging the attending physician.Methods: women with risk factors, signs and symptoms and with confirmed diagnosis. Women discharged against medical advice. Study population is 50. Retrospective analysis for 3 years (2016-2019). Objectives of this study were to study the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis and changing trends of modern management. Results analysed after entering the information in the excel sheets using descriptive analysisResults: Out of 4940 deliveries, 50 were tubal ectopic pregnancies 1.012%. Women aged 20-25 years were 52%. In our study, multiparous were 68%. Common symptoms were abdominal pain 80.2%, amenorrhea 72%, urine gravindex test positive 92.8%. Etiology was PID 20%, previous ectopic pregnancy 4%, IUCD 4%, LSCS with tubectomy 16%, most common site is ampulla 82%. About 78% were ruptured. Tubal abortions 4%, salpingectomy done in 82%. Laparotomy in 2.43% in hemodynamically unstable. Medical management 8%. Salpingostomy in 4% and expectant management 2%. Morbidity in the form of blood transfusion 23.48%, DIC with ICU admission 2%. No mortality.Conclusions: A high index of clinical suspicion with underlying risk factors may get us early diagnosis for timely intervention.

A study on role of LATCH scoring in duration of exclusive breastfeeding in a rural tertiary care hospital, Puducherry: a prospective study

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. NFHS4 data shows 45.5% of children were exclusively breastfed at 6 months in Puducherry. The Global Nutrition Targets 2025 aims at increasing EBF rates in first 6 months up to at least 50%. The main objective is to find areas of needed intervention using LATCH scoring and to find factors responsible for fall in rates of EBF.Methods: A prospective study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2019 (1'years). Mothers were educated about breastfeeding. LATCH score assessed at 8 and 48 hours of life. At 48hours, score >8 indicates there is a high chance for EBF for next 6 months and score <8 indicates, mother is having difficulty in feeding and are intervened at this point. Data about EBF and reason for early weaning at 6 weeks and 6 months collected.Results: LATCH score at 8 hours was >8 in infants delivered via NVD: 50% as against 9.6% in babies delivered via LSCS. At 48 hours LATCH score improved in both groups: 60.8% in babies delivered via NVD, 38.3% in babies delivered via LSCS.' Compared to Primi-mothers, infants born to multigravida mothers had higher scores at 48 hours: 62.2% as against 31.1%. 84% were EBF at 6 weeks. 51% were EBF at 6 months. When mothers with LATCH score <8 at 48 hours were intervened, EBF rate at 6 weeks improved. Most common reason for early weaning at 6 weeks was maternal problems: 6.6% and at 6 months- due to influence of relatives: 27%.Conclusions: LATCH score helps in predicting breastfeeding duration as early as 48 hours of life. Low scores indicate, it requires intervention and identifies the areas of needed intervention. Counselling regarding EBF must include not only mothers but also relatives.

Dermatological Manifestations of Internal Malignancies

Introduction: The skin is said to be the mirror of internal organs. Cutaneous manifestations may occur in many internalmalignancies. It may precede, follow, or occur concurrently with the onset of internal malignancy.Aim: This study aims to asses the frequency and significance of dermatological manifestations in patients with internalmalignancies.Methods: A total of 125 proven patients with various internal malignancies presenting to our outpatient department with skinlesions were included in the study.Results: According to our study, males were more commonly affected than females and the common age group was 40–60 years.The most common skin manifestations observed were cutaneous infections followed by cutaneous metastasis.Conclusion: Skin reflects the course of any internal disease. Identification of these skin manifestations may aid in both earlydiagnosis and treatment of internal malignancies.

Incidence and etiology of pancreatitis among alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients

Introduction: Etiology of Pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. The incidence of acute pancreatitis has been reported to vary around the world in different studies. The etiological profile of pancreatitis may be different in different parts of the world and it is therefore important that experiences from different parts of the country be recorded. Alcohol was once thought to be most common etiology. Recent studies in western countries show that non-alcoholic causes include more than 50% of causes of pancreatitis. Aim: The aim this study was to know the etiological factors of pancreatitis and to compare the serum amylase, lipase levels in alcoholic and non- alcoholic patients. Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad from December 2012 to November 2014 with duration of 2 years. 75 patients were included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history along with physical examination and laboratory investigations for confirmation of diagnosis and etiology were done. Results: In the present study, out of 75 cases, 40 had significant history of alcohol consumption, while 35 were found to be non-alcoholics. The age group of patients in our study was from 18yrs to 62 years. 20 out of 45 alcoholics were less than 40 years old while 21 out of 35 non alcoholics were less than 40 years old. Out of the 75 cases, 51 were males while 24 were females. In our study alcohol causes pancreatitis in 60% of the cases while non-alcoholic causes of pancreatitis included 40% of cases. Mean amylase, mean lipase and amylase: lipase ratio values were raised more in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. Recurrent pancreatitis was also observed in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. N L Varunmai, Mudumala Issac Abhilash, M Uma Devi, P Shravan Kumar. Incidence and etiology of pancreatitis among alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients. IAIM, 2017; 4(5): 117-121. Page 118 Conclusion: Within limitations of this study, concluded that alcohol remains to be most common cause of pancreatitis in south India (Telangana), incidence of recurrent pancreatitis was significantly high in alcoholics and Serum lipase: amylase ratio more in alcoholics than non-alcoholics.

Unilateral Variation in the Branching Pattern of Right Axillary Artery.

Axillary artery and its branches are prone to have variations in their course. Knowledge about such variations are important for Radiologists in imaging techniques, Surgeons,Orthopedicians and Anesthetists in performing surgeries in the axilla and giving regional nerve blocks in the axilla.During dissection of a cadaver in the department of Anatomy, PSG IMS &R, Coimbatore, India. We observed a variation in the third part of right Axillary artery. From the common trunk, Subscapular artery, Anterior and Posterior circumflex humeral arteries and Profunda brachii artery arose. Third part of Axillary artery continued down as brachial artery. We are highlighting the variation in this study.

Orbital Dimensions and Orbital Index: A Measurement Study on South Indian Dry Skulls.

Background: The human orbit is a complex anatomic region, which plays predominant role in the evaluation of craniofacial complex. The bony orbit which lodges the visual apparatus is important not only for anatomists but also for ophthalmologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and forensic experts. The objectives of the present study are to provide the normal reference orbital parameters for the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 200 skulls (105 males and 95 females). The orbital height (Ht) and breadth (Br) were measured by using manual vernier caliper. Orbital index was calculated by using the formula Ht /Br x 100. All the data obtained were tabulated and analysed statistically by computing descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and range. Mann-Whitney test was done to find out the statistical significance of all parameters of orbits, with respect to gender and side (right and left side). Results: The results showed that the height and breadth were significantly larger in males than in females. There were no significant differences in height and breadth between the right and left side orbits. There was no significant difference in OI between the genders and also sides. According to the OI, the studied group of Indian population comes under Mesoseme category. Conclusion: This study provides useful baseline orbital morphometric data of south Indian population, which are very important during plastic surgery, maxillofacial and neurosurgeries and also in the forensic research.

Green tea- A Healthy sip.

After water, tea is the most consumed popular drink in the world. Green tea which is a leading beverage in the Far East for thousands of years is regarded as a health product. It is nothing but a non-fermented tea which contains more catechins, than black tea or oolong tea. Catechins are strong antioxidants with its additional content of certain minerals and vitamins increasing its antioxidant potential. High-molecular-weight polyphenols isolated from green tea which includesepigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG) constitute the most interesting components in green tea leaves. Th e aqueous extract or the major polyphenols of green tea possess cariostatic, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti infl ammatory, antitumor, hypocholesterolemic, as well as cancer-preventive activities in a variety of experimental animal models system and have been demonstrated in various studies.

Liposarcoma: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature.

Liposarcoma is one of the most common malignant mesenchymal neoplasms, comprising approximately 15% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. First described by “Virchow” in 1857, it has been extensively reported in the literature, although its incidence remains exceedingly rare in the head and neck region with an annual incidence estimated to be 2.5/1 million inhabitants in population-based studies. It is one of the most common malignant mesenchymal neoplasms, comprising approximately 15% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. It is a heterogeneous disease with distinct sub-entities presenting with differential clinical behavior. The purpose of this article is to report an additional case of liposarcoma of the buccal vestibule and to review the literature.

Tamsulosin vs Naftopidil in Medical Expulsive Therapy for Ureteral Stones — A Randomized Controlled Study.

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of naftopidil and tamsulosin in the management of ureteral stones. A total of 92 patients with symptomatic, single < 10 mm ureteral stone, were enrolled in a prospective study and randomized into two groups. Group 1, received 0.4 mg tamsulosin daily, whereas Group 2, received 50 mg naftopidil daily. Patients were followed –up for up to 6 weeks. The primary end point was stone expulsion rate and secondary end points were stone expulsion time , the rate of interventions such as uretero-renoscopy, ureteric stenting and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and side effects. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, sex, stone size and location. Stone expulsion rate were 76% and 56% in the tamsulosin and naftopidil group respectively. No significant difference in the stone expulsion time and the rate of interventions between the two groups. The finding suggest that tamsulosin is superior to naftopidil for stone expulsion therapy.

Skin Carvings: Predictive Diagnosis in Modern Era.

The science and art of markings of the skin especially hands and feet’s is known as dermatoglyphics, where derma means skin and glyph mean carving. For centuries, the features of the hands have fascinated scholars, sages, theologians, doctors, and layman alike. In 1926 Cummins introduced the term “dermatoglyphics.” “Samudra Shastra” was known as ridge pattern study in ancient India. The epidermal ridge patterns were classified into “Chakra, Shankya, and Padma” which corresponds with the whorl, loop, and arch system of modern classification. All individuals have unique fingerprints which remain unchanged over the lifetime. Multiple genes determine fingerprint configurations and the study of fingerprints reveal vital genetic and medical information about an individual. Dermatoglyphics is considered as the window of congenital abnormalities and is a sensitive indicator of intrauterine anomalies. For preliminary investigations in conditions with a suspected genetic basis dermatoglyphic analysis is now beginning to prove itself as an extremely useful tool. In dentistry, various studies have been published on the dermatoglyphics. Here in this present review, the dermatoglyphic patterns of the palms and soles, the methods to record the palm and sole prints and various studies conducted among the dental disorders has been highlighted.

The Anticonvulsant Effect of Eupatorium Birmanicum DC Leave Extract Alone and in Combination with Phenytoin Against MES Seizure in Albino Mice.

To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Eupatorium birmanicum DC leave (EB) alone and in combination with phenytoin against MES seizure in albino mice. Method: Aqueous extract of EB was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The anticonvulsant effect of the extract was tested on prescreened albino mice at 3 doses (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg). After 1 hr of oral administration of EB the animals were subjected to MES seizures by convulsiometer with a current of 45 mA for 0.2 sec via transauricular electrodes and the duration of the THLE was recorded. Sub-anticonvulsant dose of phenytoin was also determined and the effect of its combination with the most effective dose of EB tested. Results: EB aqueous extract exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity in the MES model at doses 400 mg/ kg (p<0.01) & 800 mg/kg (p<0.001). This reduction in the duration of THLE at 800mg/kg of EB was further reduced significantly (p<0.001) when combined with subanticonvulsant doses of phenytoin (10mg/kg). Conclusion: The aqueous extract of E. birmanicum leaves showed significant anticonvulsant activity in MES seizure model in albino mice and it significantly increased the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin in the same animal model.

Mortality risk among tobacco users in a rural population of southern India: Evidence from a cohort study.

Background. Tobacco has long been identified as one of the most hazardous risk factors detrimental to health. To plan and implement anti-tobacco activities in any community, it is necessary to understand the risk it poses in that setting. We assessed the risk of mortality associated with tobacco use in a rural community of Kerala. Methods. This cohort study (PROLIFE) was done in Varkkala, a rural development block of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Adults aged 20 years and above were included. Age-adjusted mortality rates were computed for both users and non-users of tobacco. The risk of mortality was plotted using Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox regression was used to compute the age-adjusted hazard ratio of mortality among tobacco users. Results. More than one-fourth of the study population used tobacco. The age-adjusted mortality rates were higher among tobacco users. The major causes of death among both users and non-users of tobacco were similar. The incidence proportion of death among all causes of death was higher for tobacco users. The hazard of mortality was significantly more among tobacco users, with the age-adjusted hazard ratio being 1.225 (1.140–1.315). Conclusion. The mortality risk due to tobacco use is high irrespective of the cause of death.

Unusual yet isolated oral manifestations of persistent thrombocytopenia: a rare case report

Patients with platelet-mediated disorders often present clinical manifestations of bruising and bleeding. Although these changes are detected most frequently on the skin, the oral cavity also may exhibit signs of bleeding. In this report, we describe a patient who presented isolated oral features of hemorrhagic bullae with bleeding, indicative of a bleeding disorder. Results of laboratory tests revealed severe thrombocytopenia and a careful history disclosed dengue fever as the cause. The importance of recognizing the oral manifestations of thrombocytopenia is highlighted here, since the oral cavity is a frequent site of hemorrhage and could be the only manifestation of the disease.

Protocol for augmented shoot organogenesis in selected variety of soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)].

Development of a reproducible, versatile and efficient in vitro plant regeneration system is highly warranted for Indian soybean varieties for their mass multiplication in view of their commercial significance. Accordingly a protocol for direct shoot organogenesis in soybean variety JS 335 has been developed. Using cotyledonary node explants significant organogenic responses, mean shoot number and shoot length were observed when these were incubated on MS medium supplemented with 0.89 µM Benzyladenine (BA) and 5 μg/L triacontanol (TRIA) where in 9.3 ± 0.5 shoots were obtained. TRIA at 5 μg /L able to produce 6.8 ± 0.5 shoot buds in presence of 0.98 µM IBA and 0.89 µM BA. Highest mean shoot buds (14.0 ± 0.5 and 9.0 ± 0.5) and mean shoot length (4.6 ± 0.3 and 10.0 ± 0.7) were obtained when cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants were cultured on MS medium containing 0.14 µM gibberellic acid (GA3), 0.89 µM BA and 5 μg/L TRIA. Moreover, TRIA supported highest mean root number (6.3±0.5) and root length (21.5 ± 0.57 cm). Field survival of in vitro derived plants of TRIA treatment was 70% and the overall growth and seed yield was also significantly better than control plants. This protocol may be used for improving the in vitro regeneration of soybean variety JS 335 for transformation studies.

Nitrogen management to improve the nutrient uptake, yield and quality parameters of scented rice under aerobic culture.

In the present study, the research results concluded that yield attributes of scented rice under aerobic culture responded up to 150 kg/ha nitrogen with four equal splits of nitrogen at ¼ basal + ¼ at active tillering + ¼ at panicle initiation and ¼ at heading. Grain and straw yields obtained higher values with highest level of nitrogen i.e. 175 kg/ha comparable with 150 kg/ha. Grain quality parameters milling percent, head rice recovery, kernel length, breadth, amylose content and protein content of rice registered significantly highest values with 150 kg N ha-1. Spilt application of nitrogen at ¼ basal + ¼ at active tillering + ¼ at panicle initiation and ¼ at heading was the most suitable stages for split application of nitrogen, which record significantly higher values of all quality parameters except amylose and protein content of grain. Nutrient uptake of N, P2O5 and K2O was influenced only by quantity of nitrogen applied and recorded higher with 175 kg/ha but not influenced by time of application of nitrogen except N uptake.

Studies on potassium chloride based –controlled release fertilizer made from sand– cement matrix coated with napthalene.

Sand matrix based KCl controlled release fertilizer is made and tested. The parameters of the study are initial fraction of KCl, fractional binder, Fractional inert, Diameter of the pellet and Particle size of the sand. The release of fertilizer from the pellet depended on the compositional parameters of the study. Based on Fick`s second law, a model was developed for the sand matrix fertilizers with napthalene coating. Simulated data from the model was agreeing well with experimental values. The developed equations are as follows: