Phytochemical evaluation and anti-psoriatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Thespesia populnea

Psoriasis is a chronic, mild and common inflammatory skin condition. Still an ideal treatment for psoriasis, effective, safe, convenient, and economical is not available. In this scenario, the search for suitable alternative treatments with minimal side effects is necessary. Plants can be effective and alternative in this regard. Therefore, this article discusses the leaves of the plants Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae) that are traditionally used in the treatment of psoriasis. The present study aimed to assess anti-psoriatic activity. The dried leaves of the plants were subjected to soxhlation with 95% ethanol and phytochemical studies were performed. The anti-psoriatic activity was evaluated by the Mouse-Tail model. It is a relatively sensitive and reproducible morphometric method that allows quantitative evaluation of the effects of anti-psoriatics through epidermal differentiation. Extracts were applied topically at a dose of 500mg/kg over 14 days and at the end, the animals were sacrificed, longitudinal histological sections were made of the tail skin and the degree of orthokeratosis was determined. It was significantly (P <0.05) increased by the ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea (52.86±2.86) compared to the control (17.30±4.09). In relative epidermal thickness, the ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea (92.68±8.8) showed a significant difference (P <0.05) compared to the control (100±10.7). The data obtained suggest that the selected plant has anti-psoriatic activity and confirms its traditional use in the treatment of psoriasis.

Hepatitis & Nanomedicine: A Review

In the year 1989, hepatitis C virus (HCV) was specifically established as causative factor accountable for many more occurrences of hepatitis. It's a chronic disease which majorly contributes to Carcinoma and Cirrhosis. The hepatitis C virus belongs a family Flaviviridae (+) enveloped ssRNA virus. It has been described that seven major genotypes of HCV and their subtypes (a, b). Around 3 percent among global residents has been infected by HCV. HCV Transmission is frequently associated with direct percutaneous blood contact, via blood transfusions, health-related injections and substance use injections. Several new therapies have been developed to treat HCV, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylated interferon / ribavirin, antivirals acting directly and antivirals targeting the host. Despite progress in anti-HCV therapy, there is still an urgent need for new approaches of targeted drug delivery systems using nanomedicine which are affordable and reliable. Nanotechnology has the ability to play a pivotal role in lowering viral load levels and drug-resistant HCV by targeting drugs directly to the disease site. In addition to tissue targeting, a wide variety of drugs need to be administered intracellularly to achieve a therapeutic effect in the organ affected. The contribution of nanoparticles as a promising delivery mechanism for HCV immunizing, diagnostic and therapeutic agents and there latest developments of drug carriers as well as their role in anti-HCV therapy were addressed in this review.

A clinical study of modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with split thickness skin graft: a tertiary care experience

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is associated with failure of fetal mullerian-duct development that results in congenital deficiency of the upper part of the vagina with a rudimentary-to-absent uterus. These patients have primary amenorrhoea, infertility as well as insufficient sexual gratification. Although conception can be dealt with IVF and surrogacy but at least by doing neovaginal construction by McIndoe vaginoplasty, these patients have acceptable sexual life and intercourse. The main objective of this study was creating a neovagina leading to a satisfactory sexual life.Methods: Modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with split thickness skin graft, was done in seven patients with MRKH syndrome from 2014-2017 and these patients were followed till 2019. All patients had detailed counselling regarding the surgery, the complications involved and the outcome. Thorough investigations were done in all the patients.Results: The functional results were satisfactory in all the seven patients. There was no blood transfusion requirement or any serious complication involved. An average vaginal length of 7-9 cm and vaginal width of 3-4 cm was achieved. Donor site healing was adequate in all patients with no complications.Conclusions: Modified McIndoe vaginoplasty, if performed with good surgical skills, is a secure and beneficial way to achieve sexual contentment in patient with vaginal agenesis, with no donor site complications.

A systematic analysis on possibility of water fluoridation causing hypothyroidism

Community water fluoridation is widely used worldwide and its role in preventive dental health care is well established. However, there is sufficient evidence of the ill effects of excessive fluoride content in water, causing skeletal and dental fluorosis. Alongside, there was also extraskeletal and dental manifestations of excessive fluorides reported. They include the effect on thyroid function, but the literature regarding this is sparse. Aim: The present systematic review aims to analyze the data from controlled studies about the effect of fluoride on thyroid function. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE Library, EBSCO search, and the internet search, with language restriction to English. The search included published studies which dealt with the association of fluorine with hypothyroidism, from January 1981 to November 2015. Literature search was done using keywords: fluoride and hypothyroidism, dental fluorosis and thyroid disorders, systemic fluorosis and thyroid disease, excessive water fluoridation and hypothyroidism, thyroid and fluoride, fluorosis and its adverse effects. Results: Out of 166 publications, related to search strategy, 37 full articles which were related with the association of fluoride and hypothyroidism were acquired for further inspection. Out of the 37 articles, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. The data were extracted and placed in an excel sheet and were analyzed. The analysis suggested a positive correlation of excess fluoride and hypothyroidism. Conclusion: The present systematic review suggests a positive correlation between excess fluoride and hypothyroidism. This calls the need for further well-controlled studies in this otherwise emerging alarming issue. It also calls for considerable community network through health informatics for problem sensitization.

Unveiling the risk factors behind melasma: An observational study

Background: Melasma is a common, acquired, recurrent and chronic disorder of hypermelanosis. It is distributed symmetrically and affects the sun-exposed areas mainly the face (forehead, cheeks, upper lip and chin), and manifests as light to dark brown patches of hyperpigmentation. The objective of this study is to identify the major predisposing and aggravating factors of melasma. Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study, conducted in the Dermatology OPD of Meenakshi Medical College, among 100 patients with melasma for a period of 18 months. Melasma was diagnosed clinically and using Wood’s lamp examination. Factors such as the age at presentation, gender, duration of sun exposure per day, family history, intake of precipitating drugs and systemic diseases were assessed. Results: Most of the patients were in the age group of 36-45 years and the majority of patients were females. Sun exposure for >2 hours was observed to be an important triggering factor. Positive family history was present in 46% patients, 12 patients had a history of intake of precipitating drugs and 30 patients had systemic diseases. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the above factors play a significant role in the development and prognosis of melasma. Sun exposure for longer duration was observed to be a very important factor, especially because of the climatic conditions prevailing here. So elimination of the exacerbating factors and treatment of associated systemic conditions are important in the management along with the therapeutic agents.

Genetic Syndromes Associated with Cleft Lip and Palate – A Review

Several syndromes are associated with cleft lip and cleft palate. Apart from the several syndromes reported in cleft lip and palate, syndromes require special attention, which are certain Velocardiofacial syndrome, Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), Stickler syndrome. Van der Woude, Foetal alcohol syndrome, Holzgreve syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Myotonic dystrophy, Klippel–Feil syndrome, Patau syndrome, Potter sequence and Pierre Robin sequence are also some of the syndromes which have been associated with cleft lip and palate. Certain measures such as multidisciplinary approach and family counselling may prove to be beneficial to treat cleft lip and palate.

Aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia: Classical presentation of a rare disease.

Aggressive natural killer-cell leukaemia is a rare aggressive form of natural killer-cell neoplasm. We report a case of a 40-year-old male who presented with jaundice, raised blood counts,generalised lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. The diagnosis was established by flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow aspirate. The patient, however, succumbed to his illness within 2 weeks of starting chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge,this is the third reported case from India.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala (an Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation) and 0.2% chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate: An in vitro study.

Background: Streptococcus mutans is one of the most important cariogenic species of the human oral microbial flora. Biofilm style of microbial growth thought to resist the actions of antimicrobials. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, and 0.2% chlorhexidine against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. Settings and Design: Randomized control trial. Methods: Extracted human mandibular premolars sectioned below the cemento‑enamel junction were placed in the tissue culture wells exposing the crown surface to S. mutans to form a biofilm. At the end of 3rd and 7th day, all groups were treated for 10 min with the test solutions and control and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Statistical Analysis Used: One‑way ANOVA. Results: Qualitative assay with 3 days biofilm showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth with Triphala, but 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline showed the presence of bacterial growth. In quantitative analysis, 0.2% chlorhexidine and Saline treated tooth samples have shown 1052 × 104 ± 15.1 × 104 CFU/ml, 141.3 × 109 ± 2.1×109 CFU/ml, respectively. Qualitative assay with 7 days biofilm on crown portion showed dense growth when treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline, whereas Triphala has shown minimal growth. In Quantitative analysis, Triphala showed statistically significant result when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline. Conclusion: Triphala showed statistically significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. The incorporation of Triphala in mouth rinse could prove to be effective in reducing S. mutans count in the oral cavity.

Enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma-monomorphic variant, presenting as bilateral ovarian masses.

Enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, often associated with a history of celiac disease. It usually arises in the jejunum, but can involve other gastrointestinal tract sites such as stomach and colon. Monomorphic variant of EATL often occurs without a history of celiac disease, has variable histologic evidence of enteropathy, and is usually CD56+. We report a case of EATL in a 49-year-old female presenting as bilateral ovarian masses. The morphology and immunophenotypic features were compatible with monomorphic variant of EATL.

Principal Component and Cluster Analyses in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) MillSp].

Forty nine genotypes of pigeonpea representing the broad spectrum of variation were assessed for twelve characters using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. These genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters by using cluster analysis. Principal component analysis identified five principal components with eigen values more than one which contributed 80.10 per cent of the cumulative variance. The genotypes LRG-41 and SM- 97, MRG-1001, WRG 51-Y, RST-16 and ICP 7035 were selected from the above analysis appeared to be desirable for inclusion in crossing programme aimed for improvement of pigeonpea.

Studies on Selection Indices in Pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp].

Success of any breeding programme depends on the efficiency of selection. Hence, the knowledge of nature of association of various traits among themselves and with seed yield is quite important for devising an effective selection criterion for yield. The present study was carried out to assess the nature and extent of interrelationship among component traits affecting seed yield in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp). Forty nine genotypes from different states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharastra were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications and the data recorded on 12 traits were subjected to statistical analysis. The correlation studies revealed the positive and significant association of seed yield with number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of primary branches per plant and plant height. Path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant was important in formulating selection criteria for improvement of seed yield in pigeonpea.

Genetic Divergence Studies in Mungbean (Vigna Radiata L. Wilczek).

Genetic divergence using D2 statistic of forty genotypes of various agro-climatic region for ten quantitative characters revealed existence of considerable genetic diversity in the material. The genotypes were grouped into eleven clusters. Cluster VIII contained the highest number of nine genotypes followed by cluster V with seven genotypes. The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different geographical location into eleven clusters were random, demonstrating that geographical isolation may not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster VI (112.02) and the lowest was observed for cluster II (6.24). While the highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and X (493.41). Harvest index contributed maximum to diversity. Cluster IX with WGG-66 recorded the highest mean for yield contributing characters viz., plant height, branches/plant, pods/plant and clusters/plant. Therefore it was suggested that more emphasis should be given this genotype as parents for crossing with genotypes of other clusters which may produce novel recombinants with desirable traits.

Screening of cetirizine for analgesic activity in mice.

Background: Pain is the most common symptom for which patients approach doctors. We have multitude of drugs for pain relief, but they have serious side effects ranging from peptic ulcer (e.g. NSAIDs) to renal failure. The other group, opioids have well known side effects ranging from sedation to drug dependence. So a search for a drug for analgesia with high therapeutic effect and fewer side effects will be a boon for the patients. The objective of this study was to find whether cetirizine, a second generation antihistaminic drug, has got any analgesic activity in mice. Methods: Ten adult albino mice weighing 20-30 grams of either sex were randomized to two groups (n=5). Group I: control group (Treated with solvent 0.1 ml/kg), Group II: Test group (Cetirizine 1mg/kg). All drugs were given orally. The analgesic activity was evaluated by using tail flick, tail immersion and tail clip methods. Reaction time of animals to pain sensation before and after Cetirizine administration were noted at 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes time intervals respectively on Day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10. Results: Mean reaction time was expressed as Mean±SEM, and one way ANOVA was used to assess statistical significance. Cetirizine was found to have statistically significant analgesic effect in mice and time dependent increase in analgesic effect were observed in all three pain models and maximum analgesic activity was observed at 60 minutes (p<0.001) after drug administration. Conclusions: Through this study, Cetirizine, a second generation antihistamine, is found to have significant analgesic activity in mice. This effect has to be studied further elaborately in animals as well as in humans.

Piecewise straight line approximation of curve existing in slightly curved mesiobuccal root canal of mandibular first molar: a radiographic investigation / Aproximación a segmentos de línea recta en la curva existente del canal radicular mesiobucal ligeramente curvado del primer molar inferior: una investigación radiográfica

The aim of this study was to radiographically investigate the curve existing in slightly curved mesiobuccal canal of mandibular first molar by applying Piecewise straight line approximation. Extracted human mandibular molars were radiographed and one hundred radiographs were selected whose mesiobuccal canal showed slight curvature (10-20°) according to Schneider's method. The curves were traced and analyzed using Piecewise straight line method. Each curve was considered as a unit consisting of six different pieces of straight lines joining at seven specific points and the angle of curvature at these points was determined using the slope formula. All curves analyzed in this study had varying degrees of curvatures at different points on the curve. Maximum curvature (0.40°) was recorded at the middle third of the root canal. Within the limitation of the study, significant curvature occurs through out the curve existing in the mesiobuccal canal of mandibular first molar and the middle third of the curve showing greater degree of curvature. There is a possibility of greater curvature occurring in the coronal third of the curve. Though three dimensional studies would be more appropriate, Piecewise straight line approximation may be a better method than existing methods to simulate canal geometry.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar radiográficamente la curva existente en el canal radicular mesiobucal ligeramente curvado del primer molar inferior mediante la aplicación de aproximaciones a segmentos de línea recta. Se utilizaron molares inferiores humanos extraídos que fueron radiografiados. Fueron seleccionadas, según el método de Schneider, 100 radiografías cuyo canal mesiobucal mostró una ligera curvatura (10-20°). Las curvas fueron delineadas y analizadas mediante el método de aproximación a segmentos de línea recta. Cada curva se consideró como una unidad que consta de seis diferentes segmentos de línea recta que unen a siete puntos específicos y el ángulo de curvatura en estos puntos se determinó utilizando la fórmula de la pendiente. Todas las curvas analizadas en este estudio tenían diversos grados de curvaturas en diferentes puntos de la curva. La curvatura máxima (0,40°) se registró en el tercio medio del canal radicular. Dentro de la limitación del estudio, una curvatura significativa se produce a través de la curva existente en el canal mesiobucal del primer molar inferior y el tercio medio de la curva que muestra un mayor grado de curvatura. Existe la posibilidad que ocurra una mayor curvatura en el tercio coronal de la curva. Aunque un estudio tridimensional sería más apropiado, la aproximación a segmentos de línea recta puede ser un mejor método que los existentes para simular la geometría del canal.

Maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital: a 10-year review

Epidemiological data pertaining to maternal mortality is valuable in each set up to design interventional programs to favourably reduce the ratio. This study was done to evaluate the maternal mortality rate in our hospital, to assess the epidemiological aspects and causes of maternal mortality, and to suggest recommendations for improvement. This was a 10 year retrospective study. Epidemiological data was collected from the hospital register and maternal mortality ratio, epidemiological factors and causes affecting maternal mortality were assessed. A total of 120 maternal deaths occurred. Most maternal deaths occurred in the age group of 20-24 years, multiparous women [56.66%], women from rural areas [69.16%], illiterate women [65%], unbooked patients [83.33%], and patients of low socioeconomic status [83.33%]. Direct causes accounted for 72.5% of maternal deaths where as 27.5% of maternal deaths were due to indirect causes. There is a wide scope for improvement as a large proportion of the observed deaths are preventable

Studies on the effect of age of in vitro grown seedlings on regenerative response of explants in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

Studies on the effectiveness of age of in vitro grown seedlings on regenerative response of explants derived from them were conducted in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. PKM-1. The results revealed that cotyledons and hypocotyls of 10 days old seedlings were found to be superior compared to explants collected from 8, 12, 14 days old seedlings when MS medium is supplemented with BAP 1.5 mg/L + Kinetin 1.0 mg/L. These findings could be well exploited for further development of quick regenerative and transformation protocols for the tomato cv.PKM-1.

Combining ability studies in greengram (Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek.

Combining ability studies indicated predominant role of non-additive gene action for the inheritance of the characters viz., plant height, clusters per plant, pods per plant, pods per cluster, pod length, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, protein content and grain yield per plant. However, additive gene action was found to be playing a major role in respect of days of 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity. Overall examination of gca and sca effects showed Pusa-105, RMG-275, LGG-460 and ML-267 as the best general combiners and the crosses COGG-2 x LGG 410, RMG 275 x LGG 410, LGG 460 x LGG 410 and Pusa 105 x PDM 89-221 as the best cross combinations for some of the characters studied. Hence, it is suggested that these crosses are to be carried for further generations for the improvement of grain yield in greengram.