Neuroprotective Effect Of Methanolic Extract Of Sargassum Wightii On Haloperidol Induced Catalepsy And Tardive Dyskinesia In Albino Rats

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Sargassum wightii on haloperidol-induced catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia in Wistar albino rats. Methods: In this study, thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups. Gr-I served as control. Haloperidol (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was administered to rats of Gr-II to Gr-V for twenty-one consecutive days to induce catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia. Animals of Gr-II to Gr-V were orally administered with vehicle, levodopa carbidopa combination (30 mg/kg), Sargassum extract 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. All the drugs and vehicles were given orally one hour before haloperidol injection for twenty one consecutive days. The cataleptic scores were recorded using standard bar test. Tardive dyskinesia was assessed in terms of vacuous chewing movement (VCM) and tongue protrusion (TP) scores. After behavioural testing, all animals were sacrificed on twenty-second day and various biochemical parameters like MDA, SOD and GSH were estimated in brain tissue. Results: Chronic administration of haloperidol significantly increased cataleptic scores, VCM and TP scores. (p<0.001) Sargassum wightii extract (400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy, VCM and TP (p<0.001) Haloperidol increased MDA and decreased SOD and GSH in brain tissue to a highly significant extent (p<0.001) Sargassum extract at 400 mg/kg also significantly reversed the haloperidol-induced alteration in brain oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: Sargassum wightii inhibits haloperidol-induced catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia. Thus it may be used as a unique therapeutic adjunct for the prevention of neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, however, it has to be explored more.

Clinical profile of patients with menorrhagia and its correlation with endometrial histopathology and sonographic features

Background: Menorrhagia is one of the most common gynecologic complaints in contemporary gynecology. It is defined as total blood loss exceeding 80 ml per cycle or menses lasting longer than 7 days. Current gynecological survey reports that 30% of all pre-menopausal women perceive their menses to be excessive. So, the main aim of this study was to correlate clinical profile of patients with menorrhagia, etiological factors of menorrhagia, endometrial patterns in cases of menorrhagia, sonography findings in these patients.Methods: This is a prospective study of 100 patients with complaints of menorrhagia that were randomly selected from out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital. In all cases of menorrhagia, detailed history followed by examination and a particular set of investigations including USG was done. All women were subjected to D and C and histo-pathological report taken into account. However all cases of Puberty menorrhagia were excluded from this study as D and C could not be done in them. Treatment was given depending upon cause/age/parity/ family/completion/patient’s desire.Results: AUB is the most common cause of menorrhagia in this study group (60%) with leiomyomas as the second commonest cause (24%). Other causes found were adenomyosis (8%), polyp (4%), IUCD (4%). Maximum cases of menorrhagia are in 40-50 years age group.Conclusions: To conclude AUB (60%) was the commonest cause of menorrhagia followed by leiomyomas (24%), adenomyosis (8%), IUCD (4%) and polyps (4%). Menorrhagia was most common in multiparous (78%) and peri-menopausal age group (40-49 years). Proliferative endometrium was most commonly observed histo-pathological pattern in 58% cases. Leiomyoma was the commonest sonological finding seen in 24% cases followed by adenomyosis in 8% cases.

Ocular infection by a psychrophile: Pseudomonas fluorescens

Accurate identification of infectious pathogens is essential for appropriate management of ocular infections. Routine laboratory protocols typically support bacterial growth at 37°C. We report a case, wherein we serendipitously isolated Pseudomonas fluorescens – an organism that prefers lower temperatures for optimal growth (psychrophilic) in the environment – from eviscerated contents of an eye with total corneal melt. This case highlights the need for being vigilant for organisms with different temperature sensitivities in culture media than that found in routine protocols.

External dacryocystorhinostomy for isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis – A suitable alternative to dacryocystectomy

Purpose: To describe the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) as a suitable alternative to dacryocystectomy (DCT) in cases of isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis. Methods: This was a retrospective, interventional case series. Institutional review board approval was obtained for the study. The chart review of 13 patients who underwent external DCR surgery for isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis between July 2012 and May 2018 was performed. Demographic details, clinical presentation, preoperative and intraoperative findings, surgical technique used, postoperative management, surgical outcome and duration of follow up were reviewed for each patient. Results: Thirteen patients were included in the study. Nine (69.2%) were male and four (30.8%) were female. The mean age was 22.1 years (range: 8–46 years). Involvement was unilateral in all cases. The commonest presenting complaint was epiphora with discharge seen in 10 cases (76.9%). An intrasac granuloma was grossly identified intraoperatively in 12 out of the 13 patients. Mean follow up was 26.9 months (range: 1.5–68 months). Till the last follow up, all cases were symptom free and did not have any evidence of recurrence of infection. Conclusion: From this series of cases reported by the authors, external DCR with appropriate precautions to prevent recurrence appears to be a suitable alternative to conventional DCT with excellent long-term outcomes without disease recurrence.

Oral versus single intravenous bolus dose antibiotic prophylaxis against postoperative surgical site infection in external dacryocystorhinostomy for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction – A randomized study

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of a single perioperative bolus dose of intravenous antibiotic versus postoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled study with a noninferiority design. Patients undergoing external DCR surgery were randomized into two groups A and B. Patients in group A received a single bolus dose of intravenous cefazolin 1 g at surgery, whereas those in group B received oral cephalexin 500 mg postoperatively twice a day for 5 days. Allocation concealment was ensured by sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes (SNOSEs). Both groups were advised identical postoperative local wound care regimens. Any clinical evidence of SSI at 4 weeks of follow-up in either group was the main outcome measure. Results: In all, 338 patients randomized into two groups of 169 patients each participated in this study. At follow-up of 4 weeks, only one patient in group B developed postoperative SSI. None in group A developed postoperative SSI. Other potential risk factors for postoperative SSI were also analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses but none achieved statistical significance in either group. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that a single bolus dose of perioperative intravenous antibiotic offers adequate prophylaxis against postoperative SSI and compares favorably with the more commonly used oral antibiotic prophylaxis in external DCR for PANDO in our population and our practice scenario.

Endoscope-assisted harvest of autogenous fascia lata in frontalis suspension surgery: A minimally invasive approach revisited

Purpose: To report endoscope-assisted fascia lata harvest (EAFH) as a minimally-invasive technique for correction of severe blepharoptosis. Methods: This was a retrospective case series between January 2013 and April 2017. Medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent frontalis suspension by EAFH in the study period were reviewed and outcome was analyzed. Results: Fourteen patients (10 males) were included in the study. Mean age of the group was 18.14 + 17.03 years (range 4-65 years) and 11 patients had simple congenital blepharoptosis. Blepharophimosis syndrome was seen in 3 patients. Eleven patients had bilateral blepharoptosis. The mean preoperative and postoperative MRD1 was –1.60 ± 0.87 mm and +2.12 ± 1.37 mm respectively. Mean lengths of the incision and fascial harvest were 2.25 ± 0.43 cm and 13.0 ± 2.35 cm (range 10-17 cm) respectively. The median follow-up of patients was 4.57 + 4.03 months (range 1-15 months). Complications included a wound dehiscence in two patients and these were resutured. The donor sites healed well in all patients leaving a small thigh scar and none needed scar revision. Conclusion: EAFH is a promising minimally-invasive technique performed with a small incision and achieved adequate length of fascial harvest.

Loop mediated isothermal amplification assay using hydroxy naphthol blue, conventional polymerase chain reaction and real-time PCR in the diagnosis of intraocular tuberculosis.

This study is a comparative evaluation (Chi-square test) of a closed tube loop mediated isothermal amplification assay using hydroxy naphthol blue dye (HNB-LAMP), real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conventional PCR in the diagnosis of intraocular tuberculosis. Considering clinical presentation as the gold standard in 33 patients, the sensitivity of HNB-LAMP assay (75.8%) was higher (not significant, P value 0.2) than conventional PCR (57.6%) and lower than real-time PCR (90.9%). Specificity was 100% by all three methods. No amplification was observed in negative controls (n = 20) by all three methods. The cost of the HNB-LAMP assay was Rs. 500.00 and it does not require thermocycler, therefore, it can be used as an alternative to conventional PCR in resource-poor settings.

Unilateral Absence of Second, Third and Fourth Lumbricals: A Rare Case Report with an Evolutionary Significance.

Lumbricals are the intrinsic muscles of the hand resembling the earthworms. During routine dissection of the hand of a 58 years old male cadaver,we found a rare variation of absence of the second,third and fourth lumbricals of the left hand while the right hand showed no abnormality. Lumbricals act as flexor of the metacarpophalangeal joint and extensor of the interphalangeal joint but owing to their movable attachments, their function is difficult to visualize. Variability of the muscle both in morphology and function indicates the ongoing process of evolution.

In vitro studies of Bacopa monnieri--an important medicinal plant with reference to its biochemical variations.

Micropropagation of Bacopa monnieri was achieved on MS and B5 medium supplemented with BAP and NAA using leaf explants and nodal segments. Best results were found on MS medium in both the explants with BAP (2.0 mg/l) showing higher percentage of regeneration. Besides that the biochemical parameters, like chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein, of leaves both in vivo and in vitro have also been carried out in order to establish the sustainability of plants.

Determinação de tetraciclinas em medicamentos veterinários utilizando análise por injeção em fluxo (FIA) / Determination of tetracyclines in veterinarian medicines by flow injection analysis (FIA)

Foi desenvolvido um método de análise por injeção em fluxo (FIA) com detector de fluorescência para determinação de oxitetraciclina (OTC), doxiciclina (DC) e tetraciclina (TC) em medicamentos veterinários. O sistema FIA foi otimizado com relação ao carregador (NaOH 2,5 10-3 mol L-1) e vazão (0,5 mL min-1). Os comprimentos de onda de excitação e emissão do detector foram 420 e 530 nm, respectivamente. O método foi validado mediante avaliação dos seguintes parâmetros: faixa linear (0,02 a 0,15 mg mL-1), linearidade r(OTC) 0,9975; r(DC) 0,9903; e r(TC) 0,9913; precisão intra- e inter-ensaio (RSD < 1,0 por cento e < 3,0 por cento, respectivamente), detectabilidade (120 ng), exatidão (98 a 104 por cento) e freqüência de amostragem (50 injeções h-1). Na determinação de tetraciclinas em preparações farmacêuticas, disponíveis no comércio, foi verificada variação de 90 a 104 por cento, na quantidade nominal de princípio ativo presente no medicamento

Flexor aponeurotic release for resistant adaptive shortening of long flexors in claw hands in leprosy.

Adaptive shortening of long flexors (ASLF) is a consequence of long-standing neglected claw finger deformity. While adaptive shortening of muscle fibres is correctable by physiotherapy, concurrent shortening of fascia/aponeurosis/intermuscular septum, composed of inelastic collagen fibres is not. Surgical excision of these structures has been advised in ASLF in cerebral palsy. This procedure in which a 3-4 cm wide band of deep fascia of the forearm, about 6 cm distal to the medial epicondyle, along with the intermuscular septum is excised was tried in seven patients having severe or moderately severe ASLF with good results. This procedure is worth a more extensive trial.

An unusual orbito-cranial foreign body.

The rarity of orbito-cranial gun shot injury in both war and civilian practice has been reported. In a large series of 351 missile head injuries in the Vietnam war, orbital penetration was noted in 0.6% cases only. Review of literature shows that orbital injury was ipsilateral to the cerebral injury in most reported cases. We have previously reported a rare case of left parieto-occipital lobe injury due to gun shot wound of the contralateral (right) orbit. The case reported here sustained a bullet injury to the left frontal bone but the missile was located below the contralateral (right) optic canal. The rarity of the case prompted this report.

Giant aneurysm of internal carotid artery presenting features of retrobulbar neuritis.

We report the case of a man who presented with in the features of left optic nerve compression. CT scan and carotid angiography demonstrated an unruptured giant aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery possibly kinking the optic nerve. Carotid ligation in the neck saved both life and vision.

Immune response to hepatitis B viral antigens in chronic infection & its relationship with liver necrosis.

Markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and immune response against them were studied in 18 chronic asymptomatic carriers, 8 patients of the virus induced chronic liver disease (CLD), and 7 patients of chronic alcoholic liver cirrhosis, who were also chronic HBV carriers (CALC). The LMI responses to HBeAg were elevated in HBeAg and/or HBV-DNA positive chronic asymptomatic carriers, (median response 31.5%), along with elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT) levels (59-150 IU/l). On the other hand the LMI responses to this antigen, in HBeAg and HBV-DNA negative chronic carriers were in the normal range (median response 12%) and their sALT levels were also normal (7-50 IU/l). The CLD and CALC patients did not show any relation between their LMI to HBeAg and sALT levels. In contrast no relation between LMI to HBsAg and sALT levels was observed in any group. The LMI responses to HBsAg in CLD patients were elevated (median response 38%) and the responses of chronic asymptomatic carriers and CALC patients were either in the normal range or poor (median responses, 18 and 7% respectively), irrespective of their sALT levels. These results suggest that T cell responses to both the antigens may be involved in liver cell damage.

Orbital reconstruction in fibrous dysplasia--a case report.

A case of orbitofrontal fibrous dysplasia with optic canal involvement is reported. Surgical excision of the mass with unroofing of the optic canal followed by orbito-cranian reconstruction by methyl methacrylate gave excellent results.

Atypical Wilson disease--a case report with CT scan.

A case of atypical Wilson disease is being reported. Possible mechanism of the process, diagnostic features and CT appearance of brain is described. Early detection and therapy with copper chelating agents result in neurologic and performance improvement of patients.