Adverse events following pediatric immunization in an Indian city

Purpose@#Adverse effects are noticeable immediately after vaccination, especially when vaccinated to healthy people at the time of vaccination. The vaccine may cause adverse events which are very rare but adverse event following immunization surveillance becomes correspondingly more important in a less studied population like India. Hence, there is a need for carrying out a study pertaining to vaccine safety in the pediatric population of age 0–12 years and assessing the events occurring post-vaccination. @*Materials and Methods@#A prospective observational study was conducted in three primary healthcare centers and two tertiary care hospitals for 6 months from April 2016 to September 2016 with a total of 826 children enrolled. Detected adverse events for suspected vaccines were analyzed for causality by the World Health Organization causality assessment instrument. Sex-specific differences in incidences of adverse events were assessed. @*Results@#The cumulative adverse events were found highest in pentavalent vaccines (510 incidences, 62.04%) followed by the bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (189 incidences, 22.99%). The study didn’t reveal any significant association in incidences of adverse events following immunization and sex of the children. @*Conclusion@#Vaccine safety surveillance studies are need of the hour in developing countries to maintain public trust in vaccines, the ultimate objective being to have vaccines with the most favorable benefit-risk profile. The present study discussed the various adverse events following immunization and suggested the absence of any sex-specific difference in incidences of adverse events in children.

Pranayama and Breathing Exercises - Types and Its Role in Disease Prevention & Rehabilitation

Yoga is a multi-faceted spiritual tool enhancing health and well-being. Physical postures (Asan), regulated breathing (Pranayama), and meditations (Dhyana) are its main components. Breathing exercises of various types, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (anulom vilom), and kapalbhati have been noted to be useful in chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), post-operative management in head & neck surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and upper abdominal surgery. Its calming effect reduces blood pressure and agitation in various psychiatric disorders also. Common types of breathing exercises which are easy to learn and practice for day to day fitness and prevention of disease are: equal breathing (bhastrika), clavicular breathing, costal breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing. kapalbhati, alternate nostril breathing (anulom vilom), bhramari pranayama, and tribandh breathing. These require proper learning under guidance. Ujjayi pranayama, sitali, and surya bhedan pranayama also require proper training and have a calming effect on the body. Various types of breathing produce their beneficial effects on the body when they are done regularly for the minimum recommended period. These exercises can be practiced in any comfortable posture on the floor or sitting on a chair. Regulation of rate and rhythm during its practice helps towards achieving meditation. Pranayama and Yoga have proven their utility in various diseases as noted in studies done in various medical centers. The western world also recognizes its importance and recommends it to their people. In India, health is given a low priority and outdoor physical activities are becoming less popular. In these conditions of living, Yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercises) are recommended for persons of all ages because these are easy to learn, simple to practice, and do not require any separate space or instruments. Regularity and execution in a proper way for the optimum time alone are needed for general well-being, better lung functions, and as a preventive measure for various respiratory and psychiatric disorders. In the present pandemic of COVID-19, warranting house quarantine for a large number of people, this is going to prove a boon for physical and mental alleviation.

Elucidation of genotype–environment interactions and genetic stability parameters for yield, quality and agromorphological traits in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

The present study was undertaken to delineate genotype–environment interactions and stability status of 16 genotypes of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) in context to the 12 characters, namely plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days to flowering, days to maturity, number of berries, number of seeds/berry, root length, root diameter, root branches, dry root yield and total alkaloid content (%). Experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications over three different locations (S. K. Nagar, Jagudan and Bhiloda) in north Gujarat for three years (2016–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19). Pooled analysis of variance revealed that the mean squares due to genotypes and genotype 9 environment interaction along with linear and nonlinear components were highly significant (P\0.01) for most of the traits under study. Stability parameters for component traits through Eberhart and Russell model showed that genotypes that can be used directly in breeding programme are SKA-4 for early flowering, SKA21 for early maturity and SKA-1, SKA-4, SKA-6 and SKA-17 for shorter plant height. Further, SKA-21 could be used for improving number of primary branches per plant, SKA-11 and SKA-17 for number of secondary branches per plant, SKA-19 for number of berries per plant, SKA-6, SKA-21, SKA-27 and AWS-1 for root branches and SKA-17 for root length as these genotypes were found to be most stable across the environments for mentioned traits. The result revealed that some reliable predictions about genotype 9 environment interaction and its unpredictable components were involved significantly in determining the stability of genotypes. Hence, the present investigation can be exploited for the identification of more productive genotypes in specific environments, leading to significant increase in root productivity of ashwagandha

Outcome of Surgically Managed Diaphyseal Fractures in Children- A Prospective Study.

Childhood injuries have become a global public health concern. It is estimated that 10-25 % of paediatric injuries are fractures. The definitive treatment of paediatric diaphyseal fractures has always remained controversial and determined by surgical experience and local trends of practice. The aim of this study was to study the outcome of surgically managed diaphyseal fractures in children.METHODSA prospective interventional study was done comprising of 42 fractures in 28 children having displaced diaphyseal fractures of major long bones. Flynn’s scoring criteria was used to study the outcome.RESULTSThe observations of this study are based on 42 surgically managed diaphyseal fractures in long bones in 28 children. The mean age of patients was 10.85 years. The commonest mode of injury was fall while playing (from level ground) (18 cases, 4.29%). The commonest bones to get fractured were both radius and ulna together (50%), followed by femur (25%), tibia (21.43%) and ulna singly (3.57%). The commonest location of fracture was middle third shaft (25 fractures, 59.52%). Transverse fractures accounted for major proportion of this series. Among the 42 fractures, 39 fractures were treated with titanium elastic nailing and 2 compound fractures were treated with debridement and external fixator application. One 15 year old girl was treated by femur interlock nailing. Among the 25 children who could be followed up, the average follow up period was 22.08 weeks. The mean period of union was 10.69 weeks. Majority of the fractures had excellent outcome (30 fractures, 76.92%), 7 fractures (17.95%) had satisfactory outcome while only 2 fractures (5.13%) had poor outcome.CONCLUSIONSTitanium elastic nailing (TENS) is found to be an effective method of treating closed displaced diaphyseal fractures in children. It is better than plaster cast immobilization due to shorter period required for union, better fracture reduction and stabilization besides prevention of stiffness of adjacent joints and fracture disease. More use of this method is recommended due to these advantages

Atypical cause of fever in advanced pregnancy

Although miliary tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon in pregnancy, it is difficult to diagnose when present and is often associated with a maternal history of intravenous drug abuse, malignancy, alcoholism, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. TB in pregnancy can present with non-pulmonary symptoms, making the diagnosis and treatment challenging. We report a case of military TB in a lady with advanced pregnancy who presented with fever and cough without any history of exposure to TB patient. There was no history of alcoholism, intravenous drug abuse, or any other risk factors. Sputum for acid-fast bacilli stains and HIV screening were negative. The patient was started on anti-TB treatment after blood investigations ruled out other causes of fever and chest radiograph was suggestive of miliary TB. Confirming the diagnosis of miliary TB is an arduous process requiring a high index of suspicion. During pregnancy, histopathologic examination of tissue biopsy and GeneXpert may facilitate making an early diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB.

Neuroimaging studies in children aged 6 months to 16 years with new onset afebrile seizures

Background: Seizures are the most common pediatric neurological disorder. With this a study was conducted to determine the frequency of abnormal neuroimaging in children aged between 6 months to 16 years with new onset afebrile seizures.Methods: Study was conducted in the department of pediatrics, GSL Medical College. Children aged six months to sixteen years, presented with the symptoms of first episode of afebrile seizures were included in the study. After through clinical examinations, findings were recorded, and all the participants underwent imaging studies such as CT and MRI. And the findings were recorded. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Total of 80 participants were included in the study; in this, 22.5% (18) had simple partial, 41.3% (33) had complex partial and 5% (4) had partial seizures with 20 generalization and 31.3% (25) had generalized seizures. Seizures were more common among non-vegetarians (p<0.05). Bain CT shows localization to the parietal lobe in 54% of these cases.Conclusions: Neurocysticercosis and tuberculoma are common causes of seizures. Although cysticercosis incidence is greater in pork eaters, but vegetarians shouldn't be excluded. Studies on large sample size for long time are recommended.

Gender Variation Of Clavicle In Eastern Odisha

In clavicle the mid shaft circumference is considered as a consistent indicator for determining the sex howeverthe same when combined with length increases its accuracy. The objective of this study was to determine thegender variation in adult dry human clavicles in Eastern Odisha population and to determine variations betweenclavicles of right and left side. An observational study was done on 100 dry clavicles of known sex, in theDepartment of Anatomy, KIMS. There was significant difference between the lengths of male and female claviclesand also the difference in mid shaft circumference between male and female clavicle was significant (p<0.001).The findings of this study will be useful for sex determination of human skeletal remains.

Clinicoepidemiological Study of Childhood Vitiligo

Introduction: Vitiligo is a cosmetically disfiguring,psychologically devastating disease and is resistant to therapy.Vitiligo in childhood can be associated with significantemotional trauma that may have long‑lasting effects on thepsychosocial development of these children and self esteem.Childhood vitiligo has different epidemiological, clinical,therapeutic, and prognostic profile. This study was carried outto assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics ofvitiligo in pediatric patients.Material and methods: It was a prospective, observationalstudy carried out over a period of 1 year. All patients youngerthan 18 years of age with vitiligo attending the Dermatologyop of Osmania General hospital, hyderabad between April2017 and March 2018 were included in the study.Results: The most common pattern of vitiligo wasvulgaris (48%) followed by focal (34%), mucosal (8%)acro‑facial(6%), segmental (4%). Lower limb was the mostcommon site for vitiligo seen in 56 patients (56%), followedby face (21%), upper limbs (10%), mucosal (8%) and scalp(5%). No patients had universal presentation. 27 patients(27%) had Leukotrichia whereas Koebner’s phenomenon waspositive in 24 patients (24%).Conclusion: Childhood vitiligo is common depigmentingdisorder encountered frequently in females probably dueto higher concern about the disfiguring nature of disease infemales, with a mean age of onset being around 6.3 years.Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common pattern of presentation,followed by the focal type of vitiligo while the universalpattern was rare in childhood. Lower limbs were the mostcommon site of involvement followed by face. Patients withfamily history tend to present at an early age

A Comparative Study of Intra Lesional Triamcinolone Acetonide alone and Triamcinolone Acetonide Combined with 5-Flourouracil in the Treatment of Keloids

Introduction: Keloids are an excessive proliferation ofdermal fibroblasts, spontaneously or following a skin injury,and are difficult to treat. Inspite of different modalities oftreatment available, effective management of keloids is adistant dream. Study objective was to compare the use ofintralesional triamcinolone acetonide and its combination with5- fluorouracil in the treatment of keloid in terms of reductionin initial height of the scar.Materials and methods: The randomised controlled trialwas conducted at the Department of Dermatology Venerologyand Leprosy, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, fromNovember 2017 to April 2018. It comprised patients of bothgenders having keloids (1cm to 5cm in size) with no history oftreatment in preceding 6 months.Those who were pregnant, planning pregnancy or lactatingwere excluded from the study. The subjects were divided intotwo groups: Group A received intralesional triamcinoloneacetonide alone; and Group B received triamcinoloneacetonide + 5-flourouracil. Eight injections were given at3 weekly interval. Scars were assessed 4 weeks after thecompletion of treatment on a five-point scale. SPSS 16 wasused for statistical analysis Results: The 80 subjects in the study were divided into twoequal groups of 40(50%) each. Good to excellent results wereseen in 27(67.5%) cases in Group A compared to 34(85%) inGroup B.Conclusion: Combination of triamcinolone acetonide and5-flourouracil is superior to triamcinolone acetonide therapyin the treatment of keloids.

Role of 5% Imiquimod Cream in the Prevention of Recurrence of Keloids Post Shave Excision

Introduction: Keloids represent an excessive connective tissueresponse to injury, which may be trivial. Despite numeroussmall case series advocating a wide range of therapies, there isno level one evidence for any single treatment. This study wasdone to know the role of 5% imiquimod cream in preventingrecurrence of excised keloids.Material and methods: Study was done on 30 Cases ofkeloids attending the Department of DVL, Osmania generalhospital for a duration of 6 months from December 2017 toMay 2018.Results: It was observed that after 6 months, 7 of 8 keloidson the trunk and 4 of the 6 keloids on the extremities hadevidence of recurrence while of 14 auricular keloids, only2 had evidence of recurrence and none of the keloids in thesuprapubic region had evidence of recurrence.Conclusion: According to the present study the use ofpostoperative, topically applied imiquimod following shaveexcision is a more effective intervention compared to thestandard, complete excision of keloids.

Effect of addition of buprenorphine or dexamethasone to levobupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized double blind controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective technique to block the thoracolumbar nerves innervating the anterolateral abdominal wall. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid consumption with the use of perineural buprenorphine or dexamethasone in TAP blocks after unilateral inguinal hernioplasties. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study enrolled 93 patients scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernioplasty, followed by an ultrasound-guided TAP block. The participants were randomized into 3 groups (31 patients each). Group L received 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 1 ml normal saline (NS); group LB, 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 0.3 mg (1 ml) buprenorphine; and group LD, 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 4 mg (1 ml) dexamethasone. The patients were observed postoperatively for 24 h for first rescue analgesic requirement, total rescue analgesic consumption, and pain scores on the numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: The time to first rescue analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group LB than in groups LD and L (688.87 ± 36.11 min, 601.45 ± 39.85 min, and 383.06 ± 36.21 min, respectively; P < 0.001). The mean total tramadol consumption in the first 24 h was the lowest in group LB (P < 0.001, L vs. LB / LD). Groups LB and LD displayed significantly lower NRS scores than group L (P < 0.001 both). CONCLUSIONS: Levobupivacaine with perineural buprenorphine in a TAP block after unilateral open inguinal hernioplasty facilitates prolonged analgesia and reduced requirement for rescue analgesics compared to perineural dexamethasone, without significant side effects.

Effect of addition of buprenorphine or dexamethasone to levobupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized double blind controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective technique to block the thoracolumbar nerves innervating the anterolateral abdominal wall. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid consumption with the use of perineural buprenorphine or dexamethasone in TAP blocks after unilateral inguinal hernioplasties.@*METHODS@#This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study enrolled 93 patients scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernioplasty, followed by an ultrasound-guided TAP block. The participants were randomized into 3 groups (31 patients each). Group L received 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 1 ml normal saline (NS); group LB, 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 0.3 mg (1 ml) buprenorphine; and group LD, 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 4 mg (1 ml) dexamethasone. The patients were observed postoperatively for 24 h for first rescue analgesic requirement, total rescue analgesic consumption, and pain scores on the numeric rating scale (NRS).@*RESULTS@#The time to first rescue analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group LB than in groups LD and L (688.87 ± 36.11 min, 601.45 ± 39.85 min, and 383.06 ± 36.21 min, respectively; P < 0.001). The mean total tramadol consumption in the first 24 h was the lowest in group LB (P < 0.001, L vs. LB / LD). Groups LB and LD displayed significantly lower NRS scores than group L (P < 0.001 both).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Levobupivacaine with perineural buprenorphine in a TAP block after unilateral open inguinal hernioplasty facilitates prolonged analgesia and reduced requirement for rescue analgesics compared to perineural dexamethasone, without significant side effects.

Is circumferential urethral mobilization an overdo? A prospective outcome analysis of dorsal onlay and dorso - lateral onlay BMGU for anterior urethral strictures

ABSTRACT Introduction For dorsal onlay graft placement, unilateral urethral mobilization is less invasive than standard circumferential urethral mobilization. Apart from success in terms of patency of urethra, other issues like sexual function, overall quality of life and patient satisfaction remain important issues while comparing outcomes of urethroplasty. Aim To prospectively compare the objective as well as subjective outcomes of two approaches. Materials and Methods Between July 2011 and January 2015, 136 adult males having anterior urethral stricture with urethral lumen ≥ 6 Fr. were prospectively assigned between two groups by alternate randomization. Operative time, complications, success rate (no obstructive symptoms, no need of any postoperative intervention, Q max > 15mL/sec), sexual functions (using Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) were compared. Results Baseline parameters were similar in both groups (68 in each group). Overall success rate was similar in both groups (89 % and 91 % respectively). Improvement in total LUTS scores was similar in groups. Changes in overall health status (VAS and EQ 5D) was equal in both groups. Erectile function score was significantly decreased in DO than DL group while ejaculatory function and sexual desire remained stable after urethroplasty in both groups. Conclusions In anterior urethral stricture buccal mucosa graft provides satisfactory results as onlay technique. No technique whether dorsolateral and dorsal techniques is superior to other. Dorsolateral technique needs minimal urethral mobilization and should be preferred whenever feasible.

Impact of CD4 count in the development of mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection in a tertiary care centre

Background: Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection are predisposed to numerous opportunistic infections due to decreased cell mediated immunity, Tuberculosis being most common. Low CD4 count is associated with low immunity and higher risk of tuberculosis.Methods: Author conducted a retrospective study in the department of Pulmonary medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospital during January to December 2017. Author collected data of all the patients with HIV diagnosed with Tuberculosis from the ART centre. Author collected demographic details including age, sex, symptoms at presentation, details of diagnosis of TB including type of tuberculosis, CBNAAT results, CD4 count at the diagnosis of TB, details of ART therapy and ATT therapy and outcomes of treatment.Results: Eighty one patients with HIV-TB co- infection were included in the study. Males (70.37%) were more affected than females. Mean age of the study group was 39.97� years. Sixty one patients (75.4%) were diagnosed with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 20 (24.6%) patients were diagnosed with extra pulmonary TB. Mean CD4 counts of the cohort was 226�0/祃. Eighty percent of patients developed Tuberculosis with CD4 count <250/祃.Conclusions: Author found in this study higher proportions of tuberculosis (80.2%) in patients with HIV infection with CD4 count <200/祃. Author also found higher proportion of pulmonary Koch抯 in patients with low CD4 count (CD4 <200/祃).

Prevalence of Acne Vulgaris in Population of Rural Area in Western Rajasthan

Background: The incidence of acne is different from various countries and ethnic groups. It commonly affects adolescents and young adults and is characterized by open and closed comedones, erythematous papules and pustules, and in severe cases nodules, deep pustules, and pseudocysts. Aim of the study:To assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris in population of rural areas of western Rajasthan. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of department of Dermatology of the Bangur District Hospital, Pali, Rajasthan. For the selection of the study population we selected randomly 100 individuals from the rural area of Western Rajasthan. The subjects were examined for the presence of acne, site and severity, and lesions present were graded as mild, moderate, and severe according to the classification of the American Academy of Dermatology. Results: A total of 100 patients participated in the study. In the study group, acne was present in 38 subjects (38%) and was not present in 62 subjects (62%).We observed that the prevalence of acne in males was 41 % whereas acne in females was 33.33%. Conclusion: The prevalence of rural area of western Rajasthan id 38%. The acne is more prevalent in males as compared to females

Preparation and in vitro & in vivo evaluation of cephalexin matrix tablets

The purpose of the study is to develop cephalexin controlled-release matrix tablets by using lower proportions of release retardant polymer and to establish their in vitro & in vivo correlation. Tablets were compressed by incorporating polymers in a matrix form along with drug which prolong the drug release. Twelve formulations were prepared by mixing ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (three different viscosity grades) in various proportions. F-1 to F-4 formulations were prepared by incorporating drug, HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose in 100 : 5 : 5, 100 : 10 : 5, 100 : 15 : 5 and 100 : 20 : 5; similarly, F-5 to F-8 were prepared with HPMC K15M; and F-9 to F-12 were prepared with HPMC K100M using a wet granulation process maintained same proportions, along with drug and EC. Tablets were evaluated for their pre-compression and post-compression characteristics and they were found to be in limits. From the dissolution testing, F-4 showed 100.34% medicament release in 12 h. In vivo studies were conducted on rabbit and pharmacokinetic parameters of the optimized formulation were evaluated using HPLC method. It was found that matrix tablets showed increased t1/2 and decreased Kel. The design signified that the drug release rate from tablets was influenced by the small proportion (around 7% of a tablet weight) of polymer mixture and it controlled 100% medicament release upto 12 h effectively with the low grade viscosity of HPMC combination, with good in vitro & in vivo correlation.

Intraoperative breakage of Sachse's knife blade: A rare complication of optical internal urethrotomy (one case managing experience)

ABSTRACT Optical internal urethrotomy (OIU) is the most common procedure performed for short segment bulbar urethral stricture worldwide. This procedure most commonly performed using Sachse’s cold knife. Various perioperative complications of internal urethrotomy have been described in literature including bleeding, urinary tract infection, extravasation of fluid, incontinence, impotence, and recurrence of stricture. Here we report a unique complication of breakage of Sachse knife blade intraoperatively and its endoscopic management.

Evaluation of Impact of Voiding Posture on Uroflowmetry Parameters in Men

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of voiding position on uroflowmetry parameters and to assess its potential clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from 2013 to 2015 and included men between 18 and 77 years old who were either healthy volunteers with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≤7 or men with benign prostate enlargement that were on alpha-blocker medication and had an IPSS <10. Participants underwent uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine (PVRU) measurements twice, once in a sitting position and once in a standing position. The participants were divided into 4 groups based on age (35 years or younger, 36 to 50 years, 51 to 60 years, and older than 60 years). RESULTS: A total of 740 men with a mean age of 40.35 years were evaluated. There was no significant difference in uroflowmetry parameters until the age of 50 years between the voiding positions. However, in those older than 50 years, PVRU volume was significantly lower in the sitting position than the standing position, whereas voiding time was significantly higher in the sitting position than the standing position. Other uroflowmetry parameters, including maximal and average urine flow rates, were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: The voiding position plays an important role in the uroflowmetry parameters of elderly men. Voiding in the sitting position was found to be optimal for elderly men, whereas the role of the voiding position in healthy young men could not be determined. More research is needed to further study this issue.

Outcome analysis of holmium laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in the endoscopic management of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients: a prospective study

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse outcomes of holmium laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in treatment of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: Prospective study conducted between August 2013 and July 2015. Inclusion criteria were lower ureteric calculus with stone size ≤1.5cms. Exclusion criteria were other than lower ureteric calculus, stone size ≥1.5cms, congenital renal anomalies, previous ureteral stone surgery. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent pneumatic and group B underwent laser lithotripsy procedure. Patient's baseline demographic and peri-operative data were recorded and analysed. Post operatively X-ray/ultrasound KUB (Kidney, ureter and bladder) was performed to assess stone free status. Results: A total of 76 patients who met the inclusion criteria to ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy were included. Group A and B included 38 patients in each. Mean age was 12.5±2.49 in Group A and 11.97±2.74 years in Group B respectively (p=0.38). Overall success rate was 94.73% in Group A and 100% in Group B, respectively (p=0.87). Conclusion: Holmium Laser lithotripsy is as efficacious as pneumatic lithotripsy and can be used safely for the endoscopic management of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients. However, holmium laser requires more expertise and it is a costly alternative.

Identification of Anticancer and Antioxidant phytoconstituents from chloroform fraction of Solanum nigrum L. berries using GC-MS/MS analysis.

Solanum nigrum is a traditional Indian plant acclaimed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. Among all plant parts fruit berries have shown to be most pharmacologically active part. In the present investigation, we tried to characterize the bioactive principles of chloroform fraction of S. nigrum (CFSn) fruit berries using GC-MS analysis. We could identify 29 compounds belonging to different chemical classes viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, proteins, phenolic compounds, and saponins. More specifically, we found two novel phenolic compounds, benzoiisovanillin and syringic acid (4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxybenzoic acid), which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. Our phytochemical investigation of CFSn was well supported by its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity which we evaluated subsequently. Further, we investigated the anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) as well. Our in vitro results indicated that CFSn exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against both these cell lines and due induction of cancer cell death through apoptosis. Our study emphasizes the need for isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds of CFSn and determination of their mechanism of action responsible for its anticancer activity in breast cancer cells.