Retinal nerve fiber layer thinning found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Correlation with disease duration and severity

Purpose: The retinal involvement of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a novel idea about a possible correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in different spectra of ALS patients. Finding the association of RNFL with disease duration and severity will help identify a novel noninvasive biomarker. Methods: The study was designed as a cross?sectional study and was conducted with a suitable proforma. We included the ALS cases based on the revised El Escorial criteria. Healthy controls were age and gender matched. We used the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS?R) to assess the operational status of the patients. We measured RNFL thickness in the four quadrants with spectral?domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and analyzed it. Results: We included 30 cases (60 eyes) and 10 healthy controls (20 eyes) having a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 49.5 (11.1) years with a median of 50 years, and a majority of them (65%) were middle aged (between 41 and 60 years). We found statistically significant differences in RNFL thicknesses between ALS patients and healthy controls. On segmental analysis, the right eye superior and nasal quadrants and the left eye superior, inferior, and nasal quadrants were significantly affected, along with a gross asymmetry found between the left and right eyes among ALS patients. There was a significant decrease in average RNFL thickness in definite ALS patients than probable ALS patients, with significantly reduced average RNFL thickness in moderate to severe ALS patients. On correlation analysis, disease duration showed a good negative correlation with bilateral average RNFL thickness, and the ALSFRS?R score demonstrated a good positive correlation with bilateral average RNFL thickness, which was statistically significant. Thus, a reduced bilateral RNFL thickness is associated with a decreased ALSFRS?R score. Conclusion: The retinal changes can serve as a marker for diagnosing and monitoring patients with ALS

Robotic excision of vaginal pouch in ovotesticular disorder of sexual development

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (DSD) is the rarest of DSDs with an incidence of 1:20000 (1). Management of vaginal pouches in such cases is warranted for symptomatic presentations and laparoscopy is considered the gold standard treatment (2). We report a rare case of robotic excision of a large symptomatic vaginal pouch in a 19-year-old boy with ovotesticular DSD. Material and Methods: A 19-year-old boy with ovotesticular DSD post hypospadias repair in early childhood presented with complaints of recurrent UTIs, ballooning of urethra during micturition and post-void dribbling. Ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were suggestive of a vaginal pouch. The patient underwent endo-evaluation followed by robot-assisted excision of the vaginal pouch. Endo-evaluation showed two orifices in the posterior urethra. The posterior orifice was leading into a blind-ending rudimentary uterus and the true urethra was lying anteriorly. The DaVinci Xi Robotic Surgical System was used and the entire pouch was dissected free of the surrounding tissues using monopolar scissors. The pouch was transected just a few millimetres from its junction with the urethra. The urethra was then closed with V-loc 4-0 suture. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 and the catheter was removed on day 21. Results: Follow-up VCUG at 6 weeks did not show any residual pouch. There was no complaint of post-void dribbling or UTI at 30 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Robot-assisted laparoscopy should be considered as an alternative to laparoscopy for the primary treatment of a large symptomatic vaginal pouch.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Evaluation and Management for Physicians: Joint Gastroenterology Research Society and Association of Physicians of India Guidelines

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of, and accounts for almost 90% of all liver cancers. Data from India is limited especially due to cancer not being a reportable disease and in view of wide variation in diagnostic modalities. This document is a result of a consensus meeting comprising Hepatologists, Interventional Radiologists, Hepatobiliary surgeons, medical and surgical Oncologists nominated by the Association of Physicians of India and Gastroenterology Research Society of Mumbai. The following Clinical Practice Guidelines for practicing physicians is intended to act as an up to date protocol for clinical management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The document comprises seven sections with statements and sub-statements with strength of evidence and recommendation.

Correlation of Gastric Scintigraphy and Clinical Symptoms in the Diagnosis of Gastroparesis and its Impact on Quality of Life: A Pan India Real World Study

Background: Gastroparesis with its varied etiology is one of the major health issues in India. Poor correlation between delayed gastric emptying and its symptoms is well-known. This study was planned to evaluate the proportion of confirmed gastroparesis by scintigraphy among patients with suggestive clinical features, their underlying aetiologies and clinical profiling in a real-world setting in India. Settings and Design: Patients clinically diagnosed with gastroparesis, presenting varyingdegreesofsymptoms for at least 12-weeks, were enrolled in this multic-entric,cross-sectional, clinico-epidemiological study. Results: Overall, 196/201 enrolled patients underwent gastric scintigraphy; 88 (45%) were found to be scintigraphically positive and 108 (55%) patients were only clinically positive. Underlying etiologies of gastroparesis were idiopathic (51.2%), type-2 diabetes (44.8%), type-1 diabetes (2.5%) and psychological conditions (1.5%). Most patients presented symptoms like postprandial fullness (75.6%), bloating (50.7%), abdominal pain (45.3%), nausea (41.3%), abdominal discomfort (40.3%), early satiety (37.8%) and vomiting (17.9%) of moderate severity. Common dietary risk factors were fatty diet (66.7%), fiber-rich food (57.7%) and carbonated drinks (18.9%). Weight loss (6.5%), esophagitis (5.5%) and electrolyte disturbances (0.5%) were the associated complications. About 89.8% were on proton-pump inhibitors, followed by prokinetics (51.8%) and antiemetics (8.4%). The mean PAGI-QoL score was 3.6 ± 0.94, suggesting a moderate effect of gastroparesis on QoL. Conclusion: Poor correlation exists between gastric scintigraphy and gastrointestinal symptoms, thus reiterating the significance of the clinical diagnosis of gastroparesis, especially in diabetes. Only about half of the patients were prescribed prokinetics, emphasizing the need for appropriate pharmacotherapy using prokinetics for holistic management of gastroparesis.

Morphometric Study Of Segments Of Humerus In Population Of Bihar

Background: The humerus has upper end, lower end and a cylindrical shaft. In absence of cranium, pelvis andlong bones of lower limbs, estimation of living stature can be assessed by long bones such as humerus, radiusand ulna. We can also find out the total length of humerus by its fragments. Morphometry of distal end ofhumerus is also important for determination of sex.Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 60 dry humerus of unknown age and sex collectedfrom department of anatomy of Narayan Medical College and also from other medical colleges of Bihar. 6different parameters were taken from this study.Result: Total 60 humerus were included in this study, out of which 30 were right and 30 were left. Mean maximumlength of humerus were 307.58±8.46 mm. Mean transverse and vertical diameter of head of humerus were39.06±1.26 mm and 41.43±1.02 mm respectively. Mean distance between proximal & distal edge of olecranonfossa were 18.39±0.93 mm. Mean distance between distal edge of olecranon fossa & trochlea 15.00±0.82 mm.Mean distance between proximal edge of olecranon fossa & distal edge of trochlea were 33.39±1.32 mm.Conclusion: The knowledge of Morphometric segments of Humerus is important to establish the length of humerus,stature, age and sex of individual and it is important for anatomists, forensic experts, archeologists. It is alsohelpful for orthopaedic surgeons in proximal and distal fracture of humerus and its reconstructive surgery forvarious implants

Cost–benefit analysis of controlling rabies: prioritizing areas in rural setting of Maner: a cross sectional study

Background: Rabies being a preventable disease with no treatment available once onset starts but can be easily prevented by post-exposure among all animal bite victims. So it is essential to take the full course of vaccination for complete protection.Methods: The present study was a hospital based cross sectional study and was carried out in rural health training centre in Maner, Patna.Results: Our study included 340 patients who attended anti rabies clinic for post exposure prophylaxis. Among them 65% were children (<15 years) comprising mostly males (69%) and mostly of category III exposure. Direct cost of post exposure vaccination when compared with the cost of pre exposure prophylaxis is one-third (approx).Conclusions: Compliance to anti-rabies vaccination for post-exposure prophylaxis is still low and they are still at risk of developing rabies. Reasons being irregular supply of vaccine and immunoglobulin in government hospitals, loss of wages, forgotten dates, cost incurred to buy from outside and distance from the hospital if referred to other centre. Seeing the current scenario, planning and prioritizing areas to achieve our goal and lessen economic burden is need of the hour. We infer that pre exposure prophylaxis may be a cost effective strategy which can aid in the control and elimination of rabies in endemic settings.

Management of a Case of Subungual Glomus Tumor by Periungual Surgical Excision: A Case Report

Glomus tumors of the subungual region are a group of benign hamartomas due to proliferation of glomus cells. The lesionpresents as a brownish purple lesion in the nail bed. Classical triad suggestive of the disease consists of severe pain, localtenderness, and sensitivity to cold. Diagnostic tests include Love’s pin test, Hildreth’s test, and transillumination test. Completesurgical excision by either the transungual or periungual approach usually provides symptomatic relief with little chance ofrecurrence. Periungual approach is associated with less complications.

Functional Outcome Analysis of Fracture distal end femur treated with distal femur LCP - A Prospective Study

Supra-condylar and inter-condylar fractures of the distal femur historically have been difficult to treat. They account for 7% of all femoral fractures. If hip fractures are excluded, 31% of femoral fractures involve distal portion. Because of the proximity of these fractures to the knee joint, regaining full knee motion and function may be difficult. Many of these fractures are the result of high energy trauma which generates severe soft tissue damage and articular and metaphyseal comminution, the management of which still remains complex and challenging to the orthopedic surgeons. The incidences of mal-union, non-union and infection are relatively high. Methods: A total of 25 patients were enrolled for this prospective study and all were treated with locking compression plate. Physical examination and radiographs were performed at regular follow-ups. Functional outcomes were analyzed using Modified Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system. Results: Patients were followed up every 2 weeks in the first month, then monthly for 3 months and then once every 3 months. The average range of knee flexion achieved was about 101°. The average knee score was 88.88 rated using Modified Hospital for Special Surgery functional score.The difference in knee range of motion was statistically significant for closed and open fractures but knee score and age was not statistically significant. Intra-articular fractures tend to have poorer results with respect to pain and function, more so because of the nature of the injury rather than the implant used, which limits the movement and causes loss of strength more than instability. Conclusion: The outcome seems to correlate with fracture severity, anatomic reduction, etiology, bone quality, length of time elapsed from injury to surgery, concomitant injuries and the exact positioning and fixation of the implant. Furthermore, the initial severe concomitant cartilage damage may predispose to early osteoarthritis although there is no evidence of that. Closed fractures have a higher range of motion as well as a better knee score as compared to open fractures thereby showing that soft tissue compromise also affects range of motion and further rehabilitation of the limb.

To Assess the Degree of Lung Function Impairment Among School Children of Industrial Area

Spirometry is an important method for evaluating lung functions in children and can identify the type and the pattern of respiratory dysfunction. Air pollution is strongly associated with human health, and the results of air pollution include an increased mortality rate, an increased number of patients with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Main objective is to assess the degree of lung function impairment among school children of Industrial Area. Methods: The present study was conducted at a school of industrial area i.e., Advani Arlicon Higher secondary School, Urla Road, Birgaon of Raipur city from April to August 2012. The subjects were evaluated through pulmonary function test by using Spirometry method. Permission from Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. Initially informed individual consent was taken from all the patients included in the study. Results: In the study group of Cases (Industrial Area school children), amongst total 200 subjects; there were 56 subjects aged between 11 t0 14 years and 144 subjects aged between 15 to 18 years. Mean FEF 25% - 75% (in liters/Sec) for Males was found to be 4.110 ±0.6836, Mean FEF25% -75 %( in Liter/Sec) for Females was found to be 3.768±0.6241. Mean FEF50% (in liters/Sec) for Males was found to be 4.426±0.6879, Mean FEF50% (in Liters/Sec) for Females was found to be 4.085±0.6787. Mean Lung Age (in Years) for Males found to be 17.166±2.368, Mean Lung Age (in Years) for Females was found to be 17.929±2.444. Conclusion: To conclude, there is a definite association between chronic exposures to severe urban air pollution & reduced pulmonary functions. The strategies (use of mask, regular health checkup and awareness on health impacts of pollution) need to be adopted by high risk persons for betterment & for healthy lifestyle.

Epidemiological profile of animal bite patients attending emergency department at a tertiary care health facility in a northern hilly Indian city

Background: Rabies is a highly infectious zoonotic disease with a high case fatality rate. In India, approximately 20,000 deaths among 17.4 million exposed people occur every year. The data on animal bites is scarce and unreliable due to poor surveillance and hence, the projected figures are far less from the actual numbers. The present study was conducted to describe epidemiological characteristics of animal bite patients attending casualty department at a tertiary care Government health facility in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.Methods: It was a retrospective study based on secondary data received from animal bite register for year 2017 at casualty department of the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Data of 1512 patients attending the casualty department with history of animal bite was included for the study purpose.Results: About 58% of victims were males and the maximum (22.6%) animal bites were seen in 21-30 years age group. Majority (51.6%) of patients were exposed to dog bites, followed by monkey bites (42.85%) and cat bite 49 (3.2%). About 69.9% of animal bites were in the lower limbs, followed by upper limbs (22.1%), abdomen (4.4%) and head and neck region (3.6%). Maximum bites were category III bites (74.6%) followed by of category II bites (12.9%).Conclusions: Study highlights the neglected but significant picture of animal bite in the Shimla city. Timely and correct post exposure prophylaxis for the animal bite victims is necessary to prevent rabies. This should be supplemented with a robust surveillance and reporting system. With the global aim of zero rabies deaths by 2030; it is time to strengthen the anti-rabies activities at every level.

Management of a Case of Distal Ulna Giant Cell Tumor with Excision and Buttress Bone Grafting - A Case Report

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal ulna is an extremely uncommon entity. These tumors are generally managed by excision ofthe tumor without any reconstruction. Simple excision of the tumor mass without any reconstructive procedure leads to ulnartranslation of the carpal bones and dynamic convergence of the ulna toward the radius. In our case, excision of GCT mass ofthe distal ulna in a 15-year-old boy was supplemented with reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint by a 2 cm × 1 cm bonegraft and tenodesis of extensor carpi ulnaris to the ulnar stump. The patient achieved painless range of motion of his wrist jointby 5 months without any post-operative complications.

Knowledge and Attitude about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome among First Year MBBS Students at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that weakensthe immune system, making the body susceptible to gracious diseases that often lead to death. The prevailing mode of HIVtransmission is through heterosexual contact, followed in magnitude by perinatal transmission, where the mother passes thevirus to the child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.Aims and Objective: This study was conducted to determine the extent of knowledge, attitude, and awareness about variousaspects of HIV/AIDS among the 1st year MBBS students studying at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna.Materials and Methods: An observational cross- sectional study was carried out among 1st year MBBS students in the agegroup of 17-24 years of regular batch in the year 2018 studying at IGIMS, Patna. All 100 1st year MBBS students were enrolledin the study. The information was collected from them using a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire. All data werecompiled and tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2013 software, and descriptive statistics were analyzed using EPI info data analysisV7.2.0.1 in the form of percentages and proportions. P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The comparison ofthe responses among male and female students was performed using Chi-square test.Result: A total of 100 students were included in this study. Among these, 68 (68%) were boys and 32 (32%) were girls. Amongall of the study participants, majority of 97% of students have heard about HIV/AIDS. About 90% of students agreed that awoman can get HIV if she has anal sex with a man. Majority of 92% of respondents agreed that antiretroviral drugs cure HIV/AIDS. Some participants, 22%, agreed that a person can get HIV by sitting in a hot tub or a swimming pool with a personwho has HIV. About majority of 92% of students agreed that patients with HIV/AIDS need to be nursed separately from otherpatients and a pregnant woman with HIV can give the virus to her unborn baby. Media (94%) was the present leading sourceof information of participants regarding the present knowledge about HIV/AIDS.Conclusion: There is a necessity to consider the basic knowledge of the students about HIV/AIDS and accessible the misinterpretationregarding the disease by the medical educators. The knowledge about HIV/AIDS is crucial for all health-care professionals.

Evaluation of Value of Computed Tomography Attenuation (Hounsfield Unit Value) Measured along the Dural Venous Sinuses on Non-contrast Computed Tomography Scan in Diagnosing Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

context: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) previously believed to be an uncommon cerebrovascular event, accounting for0.5–1% of cases of stroke, affecting 1.32/100,000 person/year. CVST is a disease of young adults (<50 years old) predominantlyand is diagnosed based on clinical suspicion with confirmatory neuroimaging.Aims: This study aims to prospectively evaluate the Hounsfield unit (H.U) value of cerebral venous sinus on non-contrastcomputerized tomography (NCCT) scan and to assess its predictive value in diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis and toevaluate whether standardizing venous sinus H.U value measurements to those of the corresponding internal cerebral arterywould improve diagnostic accuracy.Materials and Methods: In our study, a total of 80 clinically suspected case of CVST were included and NCCT head scan was donethen confirmed by M.R. venography (gold standard). Of 80 cases, a total of 38 cases were diagnosed as CVST on M.R. venographywhich was considered as Group B and rest 42 cases were normal on M.R. venography which was considered as Group A.Statistical Analysis: Average HU and H:H ratio were compared using two-tailed t-test, and linear regression analysis wasused to assess correlation between hematocrit (HCT) and HU.Results: Linear regression analysis showed positive correlation between HCT with computed tomography attenuation (HU)among both the groups (P < 0.005). H:H ratio (HU/HCT) for cutoff point of 1.645 had sensitivity of 71.1%, 97.6% specificity,and 96.4% PPV. A cutoff value of 1.335 for standardized measurement with internal carotid arteries (ICA) had 71.1% sensitivity,81% specificity, and 77.1% PPV.Conclusion: We conclude that average HU, H:H ratio, and standardized with ICA were the best predictor for sinus thrombosis.

Elastography evaluation of normal thyroid gland and its comparison with diffuse non nodular enlarged thyroid gland using strain ultrasound elastography

Background: The thyroid gland is located in the anterior part of neck, spanning between C5 and T1 vertebra and is located anterior to the thyroid and cricoids cartilage of larynx and first three tracheal rings. Ultrasonography has been widely used for diagnosis of thyroid disease it is highly regarded for its ease of use, real-time capability, portability and low cost.Methods: The current observational study was conducted in Department of Radiology, Dr. BRAM Hospital, Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur, India. Consecutive sampling method was used for the study. All the cases coming to radiology department during the study period were taken as study subjects.Results: Of the normal subjects, author found 107 normal thyroid subjects and 53 patients were categorized into cases with diffuse non-nodular thyroid swelling groups. Of the diffuse thyroid swelling group about 85% of the study population is between 20-50 years of age group, 13.2% were <20 years of age and one patient is >50 years of age. Females to male ratio for diffuse thyroid disease is 3.4:1.Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography (USE) is a newly developed non-invasive method to evaluate and compare the elasticity of the thyroid gland and other organs like liver, prostate, parotid, breast pathologies. Its use is based on the principle that pathological changes in a tissue also changes its elasticity.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impact of Subclinical Endometritis on Reproductive Performance of Nili-Ravi Buffalo

Subclinical endometritis (SCE) is the inflammation of endometrium without systemic illness, hence remains mostly undiagnosed and untreated. The early diagnosis necessitates the evaluation of important risk factors. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of SCE and their effects on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo. 100 buffaloes approaching parturition were selected. During calving, various risk factors viz., type of calving, peri-parturient disorders, sex and birth weight of calf, gestation period and season of calving were recorded. Buffaloes were subjected to endometrial cytology using cytobrush method on 45 day postpartum (DPP) and divided into 2 groups viz., buffaloes ‘with SCE’ (>5% PMN; n=38) and ‘without SCE’ (≤5% PMN; n=62). Buffaloes in estrus were artificially inseminated and fertility parameters were recorded. The occurrence of SCE was significantly affected by calving assistance (OR=11.74; P<0.001), peri-parturient disorders (OR=6.87; P<0.05) and gestation period (OR=1.16; P<0.05). Sex, birth weight of calf and season of calving were not associated with SCE. The service period of buffaloes did not vary between two groups. The median days open was significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffaloes with as compared to buffaloes without SCE (141 vs. 117 d). Buffaloes with SCE had significantly (P<0.05) lower first service conception (21.1 vs. 43.5%) and took more (P<0.05) mean number of services per conception (2.71 vs. 1.62) compared to buffaloes without the SCE. It may be concluded that risk factors around the time of calving control the onset of SCE which in turn has negative impact on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Study on physical properties of Ayurvedic nanocrystalline Tamra Bhasma by employing modern scientific tools

Background: Tamra Bhasma is derived from metallic copper that is recommended for different ailmentsof liver and spleen, dropsy, abdominal pain, heart disease, colitis, tumors, anemia, loss of appetite,tuberculosis, as well as eye problems.Objectives: The knowledge of crystallite size and active ingredients in Bhasma materials is limitedrestricting its use as nanomedicine in the modern era. Also, the 2015 Nobel prize in medicine hasmotivated many researchers towards traditional medicines. Therefore, the different chemical andphysical properties of prepared Tamra Bhasma has been studied by modern experimental tools (XRD,VSM, SEM, FTIR and PL spectrometer) and the preliminary testing of Tamra Bhasma nanoparticles wasexamined on bacteria.Materials and methods: Bhasma is prepared by metals and minerals using three step procedures e.g.Shodhana, Bhavana and Marana. In the present work, for the preparation of Tamra Bhasma, pulverizedcopper wire was used and prepared by the principle of Puta (incineration) in an Electrical Muffle Furnace(EMF).Results: X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the crystallitesize of Bhasma powder was less than 100 nm and nanocrystallites of aglomerated size in micrometer.Magnetometer measurement supports its medicinal value. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanocrystalline Bhasma powder was investigated in UV-NIR region and shows luminescence in visible region.The antimicrobial study of Tamra Bhasma shows effectiveness on bacteria and, may be useful to controlthe bacterial infection disease.Conclusion: Scientific data obtained using modern scientific tools and evidence would support in utilizing the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda for the development of newer drugs as a modern nanomedicine and in other possible technological applications.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Simultaneous extraction of pectin, fibre, anthocyanin and oil from mulberry pomace

Mulberry (Morus alba L.), (Fam. Moraceae) has characteristic tiny juicy fruits with sweet-tart taste. Its ripe fruits range in colour from white, pale, green, red, purple to black. The juice from red-purple mulberry variety has significant antioxidant value and food colouring properties. Though, a lot of research work has been carried out on mulberry juice, utilization of its pomace (processing waste comprising peel and seeds), has been largely ignored. Pomace constitutes about 40% of total fruit weight. Here, we have standardized protocols for potential extraction of pigment anthocyanin, fibre, pectin, and oil from mulberry pomace using a combination of organic and inorganic solvents and obtained an yield of 5.3% fibre, 1.58% pectin, 2.0% crude anthocyanins and 4.9% oil. The protocol allows complete utilization of waste left behind after juice extraction.

Phytochemical Investigation and In-vitro Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from the Roots of Selinum vaginatum C. B. Clarke

Aim: The study was to evaluate the phytogenic chemical compounds and Antifungal Activity of essential oil from roots of Selinum vaginatum C.B. Clarke, growing in the Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir. Methodology: The essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography & Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in relation with their Kavot indices and mass spectra. Results: The oil was found completely dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (71.9%) which includes 14-hydroxy-δ-cadinene (37.5%), khusinol (20.7%), viridiflorol (8.0%), acorenone -B (4.2%) and 14-oxy-α-muurolene (1.1%) whereas δ-cadinene (8.9%), α-copaene (6.8%), germacrene-A (2.5%), and β-caryophyllene (1.3%) were the major compounds among sesquiterpenoids. Monoterpenoids constituted as the minor portion (3.8%) of essential oil. The oil was found almost free from oxygenated monoterpenoids (0.2%). The roots of S. vaginatum are used in folk lore medicines in Jammu & Kashmir. The oil from the roots showed marked antifungal activity. The oil had shown 100% mycelia growth inhibition against A. tenuis, C. graminicola, R. solani and S. sclerotiorum at a concentration of 500 µg/ml, 2000 µg/mL, 2000 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL respectively. However F. oxysporum was found less susceptible to the root oil of S. vaginatum. The IC50 values showed a range from 57.4 µg/mL–74.7 µg/mL as compared to standard fungicides with IC50 values 32.8 µg/mL–98.6 µg/mL. The spore germination inhibition test revealed the root oil as a potent inhibitor with IC50 values as 201.4 µg/mL, 414.7 µg/mL and 784.7 µg/mL for A. tenuis, C. graminicola and F. oxysporum. Conclusion: Our study showed that14-hydroxy-δ-cadinene (37.5%), khusinol (20.7%), & viridiflorol (8.0%) are the major components in this oil and possessed potent antifungal activity against test fungal strain, respectively.

How the loss in academics and research occurs by stopping animal experimentation in medical curriculum

Use of animals in experimentation and research has always been a topic of great debate. Some express their strong support while others are against animal research practices and want their complete abolition.1 At present, there is a pill for every ill. Rapid advancement in the field of science and technology contributed in discovering cure and medications even for the rarest of the rare diseases. Most of the present day discoveries in medical science lay their foundation on animal experimentation. The use of drugs in clinical practice have been possible only after going through successful animal studies for safety, efficacy and toxicity.