Protocol paper: kainic acid excitotoxicity-induced spinal cord injury paraplegia in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxicity-induced in vivo injury models are vital to reflect the pathophysiological features of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The duration and concentration of chemical treatment controls the extent of neuronal cell damage. The extent of injury is explained in relation to locomotor and behavioural activity. Several SCI in vivo methods have been reported and studied extensively, particularly contusion, compression, and transection models. These models depict similar pathophysiology to that in humans but are extremely expensive (contusion) and require expertise (compression). Chemical excitotoxicity-induced SCI models are simple and easy while producing similar clinical manifestations. The kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity model is a convenient, low-cost, and highly reproducible animal model of SCI in the laboratory. The basic impactor approximately cost between 10,000 and 20,000 USD, while the kainic acid only cost between 300 and 500 USD, which is quite cheap as compared to traditional SCI method. METHODS: In this study, 0.05 mM KA was administered at dose of 10 µL/100 g body weight, at a rate of 10 µL/min, to induce spinal injury by intra-spinal injection between the T12 and T13 thoracic vertebrae. In this protocol, detailed description of a dorsal laminectomy was explained to expose the spinal cord, following intra-spinal kainic acid administration at desired location. The dose, rate and technique to administer kainic acid were explained extensively to reflect a successful paraplegia and spinal cord injury in rats. The postoperative care and complication post injury of paraplegic laboratory animals were also explained, and necessary requirements to overcome these complications were also described to help researcher. RESULTS: This injury model produced impaired hind limb locomotor function with mild seizure. Hence this protocol will help researchers to induce spinal cord injury in laboratories at extremely low cost and also will help to determine the necessary supplies, methods for producing SCI in rats and treatments designed to mitigate post-injury impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Kainic acid intra-spinal injection at the concentration of 0.05 mM, and rate 10 µL/min, is an effective method create spinal injury in rats, however more potent concentrations of kainic acid need to be studied in order to create severe spinal injuries.

A Rare Case of Patella Rotational Dislocation and Incarceration in Femoral Condyle Fracture: A Case Report

@#This is a rare case report of medial femoral condyle fracture with irreducible incarcerated patella dislocation. Following the literature search, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. In this case, the patient had undergone open reduction and screw fixation of the femoral condyle, augmented with a distal femoral locking plate (LCP). Postoperatively patient was immobilised with an above knee backslab for a month. After removing the backslab, physiotherapy was commenced to improve the range of motion and strengthening the quadriceps muscle. After 18 months of follow-up, the patient recovered well with a satisfactory bone union, no episode of patella dislocation, full weight bearing with an acceptable range of motion of his left knee about 0° to 90°. He could squat, climb stairs, and walk without any walking aid and returned to work as a food deliverer.

Covid-19 in Nigeria: where are we

With students still at home for more than 5 months, international flights yet to resume, businesses not operating in full capacity and the claim by even some Nigerians that coronavirus does not exist, there is a need to look into where this country stands in her response to this pandemic ravaging the world. Objective: To investigate the situation of covid-19 in Nigeria, the level of the virus transmission and its mode of transmission. Materials and Method: The study made use of secondary data collated by the Nigeria Centre for disease control (NCDC) available at https://ncdc.gov.ng/reports/weekly. Results: Nigeria accounted for 4.4% of all the confirmed cases in Africa and 4.3% of recovery rate. The total number of coronavirus test done in Nigeria at the time of study was 391,501, of which 53,021 (13.5%) were found to be positive. Majority of the confirmed cases 53,021 (76%) have recovered and were discharged from isolation with 1,010 (1.9%) deaths leaving only 11,730 (22%) active cases. Almost half 25,261 (47.6%) of all the confirmed cases were from South-Western region of the country followed by North-Central which accounted for 17.7%. For confirmed cases, males were more compared to females with 64% and 36% respectively. Conclusion: The present situation revealed that the rate of contracting the virus in Nigeria is relatively low, which could be as a result of implementation of preventive measures or the actual number of cases is more than reported as a result of inadequate testing facilities.

Hematological changes in cord blood of anemic and hypertensive pregnant women

Background: Infant and maternal mortality has raised serious concerns since ages. Ongoing researches in this field aim to develop insights into successful maternal and infant health-care programs. Objective: A comparative study of hematological changes in cord blood in anemic and hypertensive pregnant women with normal pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This study was undertaken in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with the Department of Pathology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Government Medical College, Kannauj, after taking permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Sample size included 150 third trimester pregnant women of 20–40 years. Group I (normal) included subjects (n = 50) with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration more than 11 gm/dl and blood pressure (systolic range = 100–139 mmHg; diastolic range = 60–89 mmHg). Group II (anemic) included subjects (n = 50) with Hb concentration <11 gm/dl and blood pressure (systolic range = 100–139 mmHg; diastolic range = 60–89 mmHg). Group III (hypertensive) included Hb concentration of more than 11 gm/dl and blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. Hematological parameters (Hb concentration, total red blood cell (RBC) count, blood indices, total platelets count, total white blood cells count, and differential leukocyte count in maternal blood and cord blood) were duly studied. Results: Hb concentration, RBC count, mean cell volume of red blood, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and MCH concentration were observed significantly lower in anemic mothers, but there were no statistically significant differences noted between mother’s and her cord blood investigations. Absolute neutrophil count (1000/mm3), absolute lymphocyte count (1000/mm3), and platelets count (lacs/mm3) were significantly decreased in cord blood of hypertensive mothers (Group III). Conclusion: Conditions such as anemia and hypertension in pregnancy influence hematological changes in cord blood which, in turn, adversely affect the perinatal outcome.

Successful outcome after radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with choroidal metastasis: A case report and review of literature

Choroid metastasis from esophageal carcinoma is rare; reports addressing the effectiveness of treatment strategies are limited. We report a case of a 51-year-old man with metastatic esophageal carcinoma who had a 1-month history of blurred vision in his left eye. An ophthalmologic examination revealed a choroidal mass in his left eye. Adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil was initiated; however, visual acuity did not improve. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was initiated, resulting in near complete regression of the mass. EBRT is an effective therapeutic modality and should be considered in patients with choroidal metastasis of esophageal carcinoma.

Analysis of serum microRNA expression in male workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a prevalent occupational disorder that impairs auditory function in workers exposed to prolonged noise. However, serum microRNA expression in ONIHL subjects has not yet been studied. We aimed to compare the serum microRNA expression profiles in male workers of ONIHL subjects and controls. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed that four serum microRNAs were differentially expressed between controls (n=3) and ONIHL subjects (n=3). Among these microRNAs, three were upregulated (hsa-miR-3162-5p, hsa-miR-4484, hsa-miR-1229-5p) and one was downregulated (hsa-miR-4652-3p) in the ONIHL group (fold change >1.5 and Pbon value <0.05). Real time quantitative PCR was conducted for validation of the microRNA expression. Significantly increased serum levels of miR-1229-5p were found in ONIHL subjects compared to controls (n=10 for each group; P<0.05). A total of 659 (27.0%) genes were predicted as the target genes of miR-1229-5p. These genes were involved in various pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-1229-5p dramatically inhibited the luciferase activity of 3′ UTR segment of MAPK1 (P<0.01). Compared to the negative control, HEK293T cells expressing miR-1229-5p mimics showed a significant decline in mRNA levels of MAPK1 (P<0.05). This preliminary study indicated that serum miR-1229-5p was significantly elevated in ONIHL subjects. Increased miR-1229-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of ONIHL through repressing MAPK1 signaling.

Breast cancer with dermatomyositis as initial presentation

Patients with breast cancer normally present with breastlump or abnormal mammogram. Dermatomyositis is rarelythe first presentation. We present a case of a 63-year-oldwoman who had generalised dermatitis, progressive fatigueand muscle weakness. She was first diagnosed asdermatomyositis and subsequently breast cancer. Her rashand muscle weakness progressed drastically over a month.Tumescent mastectomy and axillary surgery was performed,which led to gradual regression of her dermatomyositis oversix months. This case report emphasized in the benefit ofearly diagnosis and treatment of dermatomyositis andbreast cancer. Pros and cons of tumescent mastectomy isdiscussed as well.

Prevalence And Determinants Of Perceived Stress Among Undergraduate Students In A Malaysian University

Introduction: Studying in a university can be stressful for any undergraduate student, and the excessive stress is associated with physical and mental health problems. The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of perceived stress among undergraduate students in a Malaysian university. Methods: 456 undergraduate students participated in this study. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Student Stress Survey ( SSS) were implemented as indicators; PSS as a global measure of perceived stress, and the SSS for the identification of the sources of stress. Results: The prevalence rate of perceived stress among the undergraduate students was 37.7%. The overall PSS mean score was 27.5 ( SD 4.763), with a cut-off value of perceived stress at 28. Multivariate logistic regression model identified that the female student (OR 1.995, 95% CI 1.313-3.031) and the first year student (OR = 2.383, 95% CI 1.047-5.422) perceived more stress than the others.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence rate of perceived stress among undergraduate students in general, and the female and the first year undergraduate students in particular. There is a need for further studies on the borderline stress of the undergraduate students and the sources of stress.

Specific alterations in plasma proteins during depressed, manic, and euthymic states of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common psychiatric mood disorder affecting more than 1-2% of the general population of different European countries. Unfortunately, there is no objective laboratory-based test to aid BD diagnosis or monitor its progression, and little is known about the molecular basis of BD. Here, we performed a comparative proteomic study to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in various BD mood states (depressed BD, manic BD, and euthymic BD) relative to healthy controls. A total of 10 euthymic BD, 20 depressed BD, 15 manic BD, and 20 demographically matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Seven high-abundance proteins were immunodepleted in plasma samples from the 4 experimental groups, which were then subjected to proteome-wide expression profiling by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic results were validated by immunoblotting and bioinformatically analyzed using MetaCore. From a total of 32 proteins identified with 1.5-fold changes in expression compared with healthy controls, 16 proteins were perturbed in BD independent of mood state, while 16 proteins were specifically associated with particular BD mood states. Two mood-independent differential proteins, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and Apo L1, suggest that BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism. Moreover, down-regulation of one mood-dependent protein, carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA-1), suggests it may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes in BD. Thus, BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism that are independent of mood state, while CA-1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes.

More than 10 years survival with sequential therapy in a patient with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Although radical nephrectomy alone is widely accepted as the standard of care in localized treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), it is not sufficient for the treatment of metastatic RCC (mRCC), which invariably leads to an unfavorable outcome despite the use of multiple therapies. Currently, sequential targeted agents are recommended for the management of mRCC, but the optimal drug sequence is still debated. This case was a 57-year-old man with clear-cell mRCC who received multiple therapies following his first operation in 2003 and has survived for over 10 years with a satisfactory quality of life. The treatments given included several surgeries, immunotherapy, and sequentially administered sorafenib, sunitinib, and everolimus regimens. In the course of mRCC treatment, well-planned surgeries, effective sequential targeted therapies and close follow-up are all of great importance for optimal management and a satisfactory outcome.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in disabled older patients with chronic diseases: a screening tool of older persons' potentially inappropriate prescriptions versus beers 2012 criteria

Objective: To evaluate the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications [PIM], using the Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions [STOPP] and Beers criteria, to disabled older people

Subjects and Methods: One hundred and forty-one patients aged >/= 65 years with Barthel scale scores

Results: Of the 141 patients, 94 [66.7%] and 94 [66.7%] had at least one PIM identified by the STOPP and Beers criteria, respectively. In multivariate analysis, PIM identified by the Beers criteria were associated with the prescription of multiple medications [p = 0.013] and the presence of psychiatric diseases [p < 0.001], whereas PIM identified by the STOPP criteria were only associated with the prescription of multiple medications [p = 0.008]. The optimal cutoff for the number of medications prescribed for predicting PIM by using the STOPP or Beers criteria was 6. After adjustment for covariates, patients prescribed >/= 6 medications had a significantly higher risk of PIM, identified using the STOPP or Beers criteria, compared to patients prescribed <6 medications [both p < 0.05]

Conclusion: This study revealed a high frequency of PIM in disabled older patients with chronic diseases, particularly those prescribed >/= 6 medications

A radiologia odontológica e o meio ambiente / The dental radiology and the environment

O descarte irregular de resíduos de saúde, especialmente o odontológico, está se tornando um um grande motivo de preocupação. O lixo proveniente de rejeitos no processo radiográfico não é diferente, uma vez que, além de resíduo contaminado, há rejeitos químicos, metais pesados e plásticos. Sendo eles: invólucro do filme radiográfico, soluções processadoras, lâminas de chumbo, películas dos filmes radiográficos - todos eles capazes de causar grande impacto no meio ambiente, se descartados de forma incorreta. Por esse motivo, é imprescindível conscientizar os cirurgiões-dentistas do impacto prejudicial no meio ambiente e, consequentemente, na saúde da população, atentando para a correta forma de descarte de cada rejeito do processo radiográfico

The irregular disposal of health waste, especially dental care, is becoming a great concern. The waste tailings from the radiographic process is not different, since, apart from contaminated waste, there are chemical waste, heavy metals and plastics. Namely: casing radiographic film, processing solutions, blade lead, radiographic films - all they with large capacity to cause impact on the environment if disposed incorrectly. For this reason it is essential to educate dentists in the harmful impact on the environment and consequently on the health of people, paying attention to the correct way to dispose of each reject of the radiographic process

Putative role of ischemic postconditioning in a rat model of limb ischemia and reperfusion: involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor-1? expression

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is one of the most potent angiogenic growth factors. It improves angiogenesis and tissue perfusion in ischemic skeletal muscle. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ischemic postconditioning is effective for salvaging ischemic skeletal muscle resulting from limb ischemia-reperfusion injury, and that the mechanism involves expression of HIF-1α. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=36 each): sham-operated (group S), hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (group IR), and ischemic postconditioning (group IPO). Each group was divided into subgroups (n=6) according to reperfusion time: immediate (0 h, T0), 1 h (T1), 3 h (T3), 6 h (T6), 12 h (T12), and 24 h (T24). In the IPO group, three cycles of 30-s reperfusion and 30-s femoral aortic reocclusion were carried out before reperfusion. At all reperfusion times (T0-T24), serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, were measured in rats after they were killed. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were used to assess the skeletal muscle damage and HIF-1α expression in skeletal muscle ischemia. In groups IR and IPO, serum LDH and CK activities and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations were all significantly increased compared to group S, and HIF-1α expression was up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In group IPO, serum LDH and CK activities and TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were significantly decreased, IL-10 concentration was increased, HlF-1α expression was down-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the pathological changes were reduced compared to group IR. The present study suggests that ischemic postconditioning can reduce skeletal muscle damage caused by limb ischemia-reperfusion and that its mechanisms may be related to the involvement of HlF-1α in the limb ischemia-reperfusion injury-triggered inflammatory response.

Screening of efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for Azadirachta indica under nursery condition: a step towards afforestation of semi-arid region of western India

To optimize nursery practices for efficient plant production procedures and to keep up to the ever growing demand of seedlings, identification of the most suitable species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), specific for a given tree species, is clearly a necessary task. Sixty days old seedlings of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) raised in root trainers were inoculated with six species of AMF and a mixed inoculum (consortia) and kept in green house. Performances of the treatments on this tree species were evaluated in terms of growth parameters like plant height shoot collar diameter, biomass and phosphorous uptake capabilities. Significant and varied increase in the growth parameters and phosphorous uptake was observed for most of the AMF species against control. Consortia culture was found to be the best suited AMF treatment for A.indica, while Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae were the best performing single species cultures. It is the first time in the state of Gujarat that a wide variety of AMF species, isolated from the typical semi-arid region of western India, were tested for the best growth performance with one of the most important tree species for the concerned region.

Immunosuppressive effects of rifampicin on a tuberculosis patient after renal transplant

Rifampicin is a semisynthetic derivative of rifamycin B and inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria. Rifampicin causes an increase in corticosteroid clearance, and a decrease in the blood concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors by inducing Cytochrome P[450] 3A4 in the liver. It is generally acknowledged that a substantial increase in the dosage of calcineurin inhibitors is required to achieve the efficacious target concentrations and avoid graft rejection. We report a case of patient who received a living-related donor renal transplant with stable renal function during the rifampicin based anti-tuberculosis treatment, even the blood concentration of tacrolimus [FK506] decreased. Interestingly, acute rejection was observed at the end of anti-tuberculosis treatment, even the blood concentration of FK506 was reduced to target level

Polytene chromosomes of Simulium arakawae, a pest species in the Simulium venustum group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Japan

The chromosomal relationships of Simulium arakawae, a black fly of medicalveterinary importance, are resolved relative to other members of the Simulium venustum species group and to the standard reference map for the subgenus Simulium. Simulium arakawae differs from the subgeneric standard by eight fixed inversions, apparently none of which are shared with any of the other 17 chromosomally studied nominal members of the group. The chromosomal features that indicate group membership might have been lost in S. arakawae, particularly if they were polymorphic in an ancestor.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of two dosing of oral methotrexate in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Background: Methotrexate has been widely used as an effective systemic therapy for psoriasis. Retrospective data showed efficacy rate of 70-80% but recent RCTs using PASI 75 as primary endpoint showed wide variations in efficacy. Different dosing regimens for methotrexate may explain this variation. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two different dosing regimes of oral methotrexate in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted from October 2009 to June 2010. Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to receive either a ‘step-up dose’ regime (starting dose 7.5mg) or a ‘step-down dose’ regime (starting dose 20mg) of oral methotrexate for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was PASI 75. Tolerability and safety were assessed. Results: Forty patients received oral methotrexate with equal numbers in each arm. After 16-week, 55% (11) of patients in ‘step-up dose’ group and 65% (13) of patients in ‘step-down dose’ group achieved PASI 75 (p > 0.05). Significantly higher number of patients in ‘step-down dose’ group achieved PASI 75 at week 4 and week 8 (p < 0.05) compared to ‘step-up dose’ group. One patients from ‘step-down dose’ group discontinued study prematurely due to adverse effect but no significant difference in rate of adverse events was noted. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in efficacy between both regimes at the end of 16 weeks but significant efficacy was observed in patients on ‘step-down dose’ regime as early as week 4. The side effect profile and tolerability were similar.

Prevalence of schistosoma intercalatum and S. haematobium infection among primary schoolchildren in capital areas of democratic republic of Sao Tome and principe, west Africa

A parasitological survey of Schistosoma haematobium and S. intercalatum infection among primary schoolchildren in capital area of Democratic Republic of Sao Tom‚ and Pr¡ncipe [DRSTP] was undertaken. Subjects with positive infection were confirmed by the detection of S. haematobium ova in the urine or S. intercalatum ova in the stool by using centrifugation concentration or merthiolate-iodineformalin concentration method. Totally, 252 urine and stool samples, respectively, were obtained from apparently healthy schoolchildren, of which 121 from boys [9.8 +/- 1.4 yr] and 131 from girls [9.7 +/- 1.3 yr]. None of participating schoolchildren were found having S. haematobium ova in the urinary specimen. While, among 4 primary schools studied, only schoolchildren from Saint Mar‡al were detected with S. intercalatum ova in the fecal specimen, making the overall prevalence of S. intercalatum infection among schoolchildren was 2.4% [6/252] and girls had insignificantly higher prevalence [3.1%, 4/131] than that [1.7%, 2/121] in boys [chi [2] = 0.5, P = 0.5]. Water control and sanitation as well as snails eliminated by molluscicides are urgently needed to reduce S. intercalatum infection in DRSTP inhabitants