Complications of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty – A retrospective interventional study at a tertiary eye care center in Southern India

Purpose: To analyze the visual outcome and complications of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) with their management in 256 eyes at a tertiary eye care center in southern India. Methods: This is a retrospective interventional study of 62 months duration conducted at a tertiary eye care center in southern India. Two hundred and fifty?six eyes of 205 patients were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent from the patients. All cases of DSEK were performed by a single experienced surgeon. In all cases, donor dissection was performed manually. A Sheet’s glide was inserted through the temporal corneal incision and donor button was placed on the Sheet’s glide with the endothelial side down. The lenticule was separated and inserted into the anterior chamber by pushing the lenticule into the anterior chamber using Sinskey’s hook. Any complication, either intraoperative or postoperative, was recorded and managed either medically or by appropriate surgical means. Results: The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery was CF?1 m, which improved to 6/18 after surgery. Intraoperative donor graft perforation during dissection was seen in 12 cases, thin lenticule in three eyes, and repeated artificial Anterior Chamber (AC) collapse in three eyes. Dislocation of lenticule was the most common complication seen in 21 eyes, which was managed by graft repositioning and rebubbling. Eleven cases had minimal separation of the graft and seven cases had interface haze. Pupillary block glaucoma was seen in two cases that resolved with partial release of bubble. Surface infiltrate was seen in two cases, which was managed with topical antimicrobial agents. Primary graft failure was seen in two cases. Conclusion: DSEK is a promising alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for corneal endothelial decompensation, but it also has its own merits and limitations, and most often, merits overweigh limitations.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Coronary Artery Lesions in Children With Kawasaki Disease

Background: Coronary artery lesions (CAL) are a specific feature of Kawasaki disease (KD), and develop during the second week of illness. This study was conducted to determine whether Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), assessed between the fourth and sixth day of fever onset in children with KD, can predict coronary artery lesion (CAL) development. Methods: In this review of hospital records, data of patients with KD admitted at our center between January, 2016 and January, 2020 was retrieved. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of CAL, and clinical characteristics of patients were compared between the two groups. Results: Out of the 79 patients enrolled, CAL was found in 40 (50.6%) patients and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) resistance was seen in 13 (16.5%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed NLR as an independent predictor of CAL [OR (95% CI) 2.0 (1.2-3.1); P<0.001], and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [OR (95% CI) 1.03 (1.001-1.1) P=0.04], as an independent predictor of IVIg resistance. NLR ?2.08 was 82% sensitive and 80% specific in predicting CAL. ESR ?88 mm/h was 85% sensitive and 64% specific in predicting IVIg resistance. Conclusions: NLR is an independent predictor of CAL in KD. NLR ?2.08 done between the fourth and sixth day of fever onset may identify children with KD at risk of CAL.

Management of Bronchomalacia in Infants Post?Cardiac Surgery Using Synchronized Nasal DuoPAP: A Novel Technology

Background:Tracheo?bronchomalacia (TBM) is the weakness in the structural integrity of the cartilaginous ring and arch. It may occur in isolation with prematurity or secondarily in association with various congenital anomalies. Bronchomalacia is more commonly associated with congenital heart diseases. The conventional treatment options include positive pressure ventilation with or without tracheostomy, surgical correction of external compression and airway stenting. Aim: To use “synchronized” nasal Dual positive airway pressure (DuoPAP), a non?invasive mode of ventilation as an alternative treatment option for bronchomalacia to avoid complications associated with conventional treatment modalities. Study Design: Prospective observational study conducted in Army Hospital Research and Referral from Jul 2019 to Dec 2020. Material and Methods: We diagnosed seven cases of TBM post?cardiac surgery at our institute, incidence of 4.2%. Four infants were diagnosed with left sided bronchomalacia, 2 were diagnosed with right sided bronchomalacia and one with tracheomalacia. Those infants were managed by “synchronized” nasal DuoPAP, a first in ventilation technology by Fabian Therapy Evolution ventilator (Acutronic, Switzerland). Results: All seven infants showed significant improvement with synchronized nasal DuoPAP both clinically as well as radiologically. None of the infant required tracheostomy and discharged to home successfully. Conclusion: The synchronized nasal DuoPAP is a low cost and effective treatment option for infants with TBM. It could be attributed to synchronization of the breaths leading to better tolerance and compliance in paediatric age group

Serum Ferritin for Predicting Outcome in Children With Severe Sepsis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic ability of serum ferritin when estimated within 5 days of onset of illness in children with severe sepsis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: This observational study enrolled children aged 1 month to 12 years with severe sepsis. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were measured within five days of illness. Final outcomes were recorded in all enrolled children. Results: 70 children with median (IQR) age of 27 (8,108) months were enrolled during the study period (July, 2019 to August, 2021). 28 (40%) of these had poor outcome (nonsurvival). The median (IQR) level of serum ferritin was 1369 (558-5607) ng/mL in nonsurvivors and 282 (129-680) ng/mL in survivors (P<0.05). A significant correlation was seen between serum ferritin and Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) score (r=0.364 P=0.002) and pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) score (r=0.246 P=0.04) at 48 hours of admission. 54 (77.1%) children were anemic. Serum ferritin levels in children with anemia also had a good predictive ability for poor outcome [AUC: 0.764, 95% CI: 0.634, 0.894]. Conclusions: Serum ferritin levels, within five days of onset of illness, predicted poor outcome in critically ill children with severe sepsis and in children with microcytic anemia.

Avaliação da Senescência de Células Sanguíneas Mononucleares Periféricas e na Disfunção Endotelial entre Adultos com Alto Risco Cardiovascular / Assessment of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Senescence and Endothelial Dysfunction among Adults with High Cardiovascular Risk

Resumo Fundamento Doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são uma das principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade em todo o mundo. O envelhecimento biológico tem sido associado à ocorrência de resultados cardiovasculares. Entretanto, o mecanismo subjacente desse processo ainda é desconhecido. Objetivos Buscamos avaliar se a senescência das células sanguíneas mononucleares periféricas (CSMP) e biomarcadores endoteliais poderiam influenciar o risco cardiovascular (CV) e ser marcadores adequados para a detecção precoce de doenças cardiovasculares em adultos. Métodos Neste estudo transversal, pacientes livres de DCV foram classificados como baixo (n=32) e alto (n=28) escore de risco intracardaco (IHR) A senescência das CSMP foi avaliada estimando-se a atividade de telomerase (AT) e detectando-se a presença de células senescentes e disfunção endotelial, estimando-se a concentração de nitrito e nitrato e a capacidade antioxidante total (CAT). A análise estatística foi realizada com o software SPSS, versão 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Todos os p-valores <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados A senescência de CSMP de 0,95 [p-valor = 0,0001; 95% IC (0,874-1,026)] foi um indicador significativo de pacientes com escore de IHR mais alto, com um valor de corte de 21,65, com sensibilidade e especificidade de 92% e 88% respectivamente. Identificou-se que a senescência de CSMP, nitrito e nitrato, e AT eram independentemente associadas a um escore de IHR alto. Conclusão Os status de nitrito e nitrato e AT, e a senescência de CSMP são medidas adequadas para prever o alto risco cardiovascular em adultos com risco CV. Entretanto devem ser realizados estudos de acompanhamento de longo prazo para confirmar esses achados. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):37-47)

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Biological aging has been associated with the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes; however, the underlying mechanism of this process remains unknown. Objectives This study sought to evaluate if peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) senescence and endothelial biomarkers could influence cardiovascular (CV) risk and be suitable markers for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases in adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study patients free of CVD were classified as lower (n=32) and higher Interheart Risk (IHR) scores (n=28). PBMC senescence was assessed by estimating the telomerase activity (TA) and detecting the presence of senescent cells and endothelial dysfunction by estimating the concentration of nitrite and nitrate and of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). All p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results PBMC senescence 0.95 [p-value = 0.0001; 95% CI (0.874-1.026)] was a significant predictor of patients with higher IHR scores with a cut-off value of 21.65 with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 88% respectively. PBMC senescence, nitrite and nitrate and TA were found to be independently associated with high IHR scores. Conclusion PBMC senescence, TA and nitrite, and nitrate status are suitable measures to predict high cardiovascular risk in adults with CV risk. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):37-47)

Effect of Seminal Zinc, Calcium, Oxidative Stress and Protein Profile on Semen Quality of Crossbred Bulls

The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of endogenous minerals (Zn and Ca), seminal proteins and oxidative stress on semen quality of crossbred bulls. Two crossbred bulls with history of good initial quality, high sperm motility percentage, and freezable ejaculates and poor initial quality, low sperm motility percentage, and donating mostly non-freezable ejaculates (Bull B), respectively were utilized. Six ejaculates from each bull were used and categorized into high progressive motile as good quality and low progressive motile as poor quality ejaculates groups. Total 24 ejaculates were taken during entire period of study. The level of Zn, Ca in seminal plasma and Ca in sperm pellets was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in good quality ejaculates of Bull A compared to poor quality ejaculates of Bull B; however, the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde was significantly higher (P<0.05) in poor quality ejaculates of Bull B compare to good quality ejaculate of Bull A. The 25 kDa protein band was prominent only in good quality ejaculate of Bull A. It was concluded that several proteinaceous antioxidant enzymes which may be present in 25 kDa band and minerals like Zn and Ca as a cofactors of these enzymes could be responsible for good quality semen ejaculates of Bull A

Comparative Efficacy of PercollTM Discontinuous Density Gradient Centrifugation and Glass Wool Filtration Techniques for Spermatozoa Selection in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Dead and damaged spermatozoa cells present universally in the ejaculates of all eutherian mammals exert toxic effect on contemporary healthy cells mostly through generation of excessive free radicals. This is much more evident during extended period of processing, resulting in poor ejaculate quality. The solution lies in depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from the neat ejaculates itself. Thus the objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of the protocols such as discontinuous PercollTM density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) and glass wool filtration (GWF) for depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from fresh semen in buffalo. Random ejaculates (n=6) of Murrah buffalo bulls were divided into two aliquots after quality assessment: PDGC and GWF protocols (Group I and II, respectively). At the end of the purification protocol, efficiency of the protocols in depleting dead/damaged spermatozoa as reflected by certain quality parameters were evaluated. The mean efficiency (%) of purification protocols based on recovery of spermatozoa was 44.68 and 40.02% for PDGC and GWF, respectively. Moreover significantly (p<0.05) greater values for quality parameters was observed in the Group II (26.4+6.8 vs 68.8+4.4 for acrosome integrity (%); 12.68+6.6 vs 57.7+7.5 for functional plasma membrane integrity (%); 20.3+5.8 vs 80.75+6.7 for viability (%) in Group I and II, respectively). It was concluded that GWF is a better technique than PGDC to filter out dead/damaged spermatozoa from fresh semen with improvement in semen quality and can be a valuable tool in assisted reproductive technology

A study of serum zinc levels in children with febrile convulsions in comparison with normal and febrile children

Background: A seizure is a paroxysmal time-limited change in motor activity and or behavior that results from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are common in the pediatric age group and occur in approximately 10% of children. Most seizures in children are provoked by somatic disorders originating outside the brain such as high fever, infection, syncope, head trauma, hypoxia, or toxins. To determine whether children with febrile convulsion have decreased serum zinc level when compared to normal children and children with fever without convulsions.Methods: The study included children admitted with bronchiolitis in between during the period of September 2018 to January 2019 at Department of Pediatrics, Raja Muthiah Medical College and Hospital. It is a case-control study. A sample size of 50 was selected for each group Totally 3 Groups, 1. Children with febrile convulsions,2. Children with fever without convulsions, 3. Normal Children.Results: The mean serum zinc level in children with febrile convulsions was 42.9 mcg/dl. The serum zinc level in children with fever and normal children was 70 mcg/dl and 71 mcg/dl respectively. On comparing the serum zinc level among the three groups statistical significance was obtained between children with febrile convulsions and the other two groups namely normal children and children with fever alone. Thus, decreased serum zinc level is a significant predisposing factor for febrile convulsions. By using Posthoc Multiple comparisons test we came to know that the Fever convulsion group is significantly different from fever and normal group. There is no significant difference between fever and normal group.Conclusions: This study shows that serum zinc levels are decreased in children with febrile convulsions, thus indicating that zinc deprivation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.

Prospective study of clinical profile and outcome of children presenting with poisoning

Background: Childhood poisoning covers the entire gamut from accidental ingestion in toddlers and preschool children to intentional overdosage in adolescents. To find the clinic- epidemiological profile of poisoning regarding age, sex, type of poison, manner of poisoning, common clinical features, duration between poisoning and presentation to hospital, duration of hospital stay, to find out the different agents involved duration of ICU stay, pre-referral treatment and treatment given.Methods: All children below 12 years of age admitted during the one-year study period with a history of poisoning were included. Animal bites, snake and scorpion envenomation, chronic poisoning, drug allergy was excluded. All children were examined, investigated and treated according to hospital policy. The outcome of poisoning was recorded.Results: There were 143 cases of children with poisoning admitted. Accidental poisoning constituted 88.1% cases (n126),7.7% (n11) was suicidal and the remaining 4.2%(n6) was homicidal. In most cases, poisoning was due to hydrocarbons followed by pesticides. kerosene oil was the most common substance followed by OPC.Conclusions: The highest incidence of poisoning was observed in children below 5 years of age and from the lower middle socio-economic group. Most of the poisons were household products and the most common nature of exposure was accidental in most of the cases, recovery was complete.

An Observational Study To Validate The Symptomatology And To Evolve The Diagnostic Methodology Of Sirakkamba Vatham Through Siddha Diagnostic Tools

Sirakamba vatham is a clinical entity described by Sage Yugi in his treatise Yugi Vaithiya Chinthamani- 800, as one among the 80 types of Vatha diseases described in Siddha system of medicine. The study was aimed at in depth analysis of the clinical features mentioned under Sirakamba vatham of Siddha literature and to evolve standard Siddha diagnostic methods for management for Sirakamba vatham. This study was an observational, single center study with the sample size of 26, divided into Group I (control group) having normal individuals and group II (cases with Sirakkamba vatham). At the end of the study, it was concluded, that the symptoms of Sirakkamba vatham closely resembled the symptoms of Cerebro Vascular Accident especially of posterior circulation stroke.

Validation Of Siddha Pathological Concepts Of Sirakambavatham And Its Parallel Analysis With Cerebro Vascular Accidents (stroke)

The Siddha system of medicine is widely practiced in South India and consists of an enormous classical literature that emphasize on pathological basis of disease. Contrary to conventional pathological basis of diseases, the Siddha pathology is solely based on the humoral makeup of individuals and rests on the conceptual framework formed by 96 Thathuvams (philosophies). These concepts connect the physical and inert energies of human body facilitating its existence at subtle and gross levels. Sirakkambavatham is one among the 80 Vatha diseases mentioned in the Siddha literature Yugivaithiyasinthaamani. The present literature survey has been conducted to provide an updated integrative framework of information about the pathological concepts of Sirakkambavatham from Siddha literature and its parallel analysis with Cerebrovascular accidents (Stroke).Validating the traditional text in the limelight of modern literature unveils the traditional wisdom of ancient saints of South India and provides a better approach for disease diagnosis, prevention and its management.

Clinical implementation of brass mesh bolus for chest wall postmastectomy radiotherapy and film dosimetry for surface dose estimates

Objective: This study presents the dosimetric data taken with radiochromic EBT3 film with brass mesh bolus using solid water and semi-breast phantoms, and its clinical implementation to analyze the surface dose estimates to the chest wall in postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients. Materials and Methods: Water-equivalent thickness of brass bolus was estimated with solid water phantom under 6 megavoltage photon beam. Following measurements with film were taken with no bolus, 1, 2, and 3 layers of brass bolus: (a) surface doses on solid water phantom with normal incidence and on curved surface of a locally fabricated cylindrical semi-breast phantom for tangential field irradiation, (b) depth doses (in solid phantom), and (c) surface dose measurements around the scar area in six patients undergoing PMRT with prescribed dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Results: Water-equivalent thickness (per layer) of brass bolus 2.09 ± 0.13 mm was calculated. Surface dose measured by film under the bolus with solid water phantom increased from 25.2% ±0.9% without bolus to 62.5% ± 3.1%, 80.1% ± 1.5%, and 104.4% ± 1.7% with 1, 2, and 3 layers of bolus, respectively. Corresponding observations with semi-breast phantom were 32.6% ± 5.3% without bolus to 96.7% ± 9.1%, 107.3% ± 9.0%, and 110.2% ± 8.7%, respectively. A film measurement shows that the dose at depths of 3, 5, and 10 cm is nearly same with or without brass bolus and the percentage difference is <1.5% at these depths. Mean surface doses from 6 patients treated with brass bolus ranged from 79.5% to 84.9%. The bolus application was discontinued between 18th and 23rd fractions on the development of Grade 2 skin toxicity for different patients. The total skin dose to chest wall for a patient was 3699 cGy from overall treatment with and without bolus. Conclusions: Brass mesh bolus does not significantly change dose at depths, and the surface dose is increased. This may be used as a substitute for tissue-equivalent bolus to improve surface conformity in PMRT

Morbidity profile of truck drivers: a South Indian cross-sectional study

Background: Recent studies have shown that workers on the transport industry are more predisposed to cardiovascular morbidity and other health morbidities due to their improper diet and sedentary lifestyle. This study was aimed at assessing the common morbidity profile among the truck drivers and associated demographic and clinical parameters considered relevant to the development of cardiovascular disease.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 175 truck drivers aged 18-60 years at the Walayar check post, Coimbatore, southern India. After getting informed consent, a detailed physical examination was conducted. Socio demographic information was also elicited.Results: It was observed that 50% of the truck drivers were overweight and obese. Hypertensives were 41.1% and diabetics were 12%. About 27.4% had raised systolic blood pressure (BP) and 29.1% had raised diastolic BP. Low back pain was observed in 34.3%, hip pain in 24.6%, knee pain in 9.7%, shoulder pain in 5.4%, diminished vision in 4.6%, giddiness in 2.3% and hearing defects in 1.1% of the truck drivers.56.6% were current smokers and 66.3% were taking alcohol consumption more than 4 times a month. Older age was found to be a significant independent predictor [odds ratio OR 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.05)] for the total number of cardio vascular disease morbidities.Conclusions: We observed a higher morbidity among the truck drivers and observed that periodic health appraisals are needed

Diagnostic Significance Of Serum Ascites Cholesterol In Malignant And Non Malignant Ascites

INTRODUCTION: Ascites is a very common clinical problem. However, the ability to distinguish malignant from non-malignant and tubercular causes of ascites using various biochemical techniques would obviate the need of many expensive and time-consuming diagnostic studies on patients presenting with ascites of unknown etiology. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate usefulness of ascitic uid albumin, protein, SAAG and ascitic uid cholesterol level in diagnosis of malignant, non-malignant and tubercular ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in Department of medical gastroenterology, Madras Medical College from time period of January 2018 to December 2018. All cases of ascites of unknown etiology were evaluated and were grouped into malignant and benign ones. Patient having peritonitis were excluded from the study. In this groups, serum albumin,ascitic uid albumin, cholesterol were done. The data was processed in MS Excel and analysis was carried out using SPSS Ver. 23. RESULTS: Out of 80 patients, 30 were malignant (37.5%) and 50 were benign (62.5%).Cirrhosis was the most common cause of benign ascites and carcinoma stomach was the most common cause of malignant ascites. Ascitic uid cholesterol above the level of 100mg/dl has a specicity of 100% in detecting malignant ascites. CONCLUSION: SAAG, ascitic uid cholesterol having high specicity, can be used for differentiating between non-malignant and malignant ascites. It can also be used to differentiate tubercular ascites from malignant ascites.

Estimation of interleukin 1β levels in acute gout patients before and after colchicine

Gout is a debilitating condition that affects millions across the world. In gout, hyperuricemia results in the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in joints and soft tissues. IL-1β, an interleukin has been shown to be the most prominent inflammatory marker in the pathogenesis of gout. This study was conducted to assess the IL-1β lowering effect of oral colchicine in gout patients. Forty gout patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and one group was treated with oral colchicine while the other group was treated with NSAIDs for a period of 2 months. Their serum IL1β levels were estimated before and after treatment. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. It was found that IL-1β levels in the colchicine group were significantly lower than the IL-1β levels of the NSAID group. They also had better symptomatic relief. This study concluded that serum IL-1β was elevated in gout patients and colchicine was effective in lowering it.

Fabrication and Validation of Gyro-Dot-Optomotor Response Device using Gold Fish to Study Drugs Affecting Visual Perception.

An appropriate model to predict the effect of xenobiotics on the vision perception in neuropsychopharmacological studies is of great importance in drug development and toxicity studies. The present study evaluated the effect of CNS stimulant, depressant and therapeutic agents known to have ocular toxicity on optomotor response (OMR) using goldfish in a newly developed device. A digital light processing aided gyrating poly-chromatic dotted pattern-OMR (Gyro-dot-OMR) analyzer was developed and standardized for this study in our laboratory. Goldfishes were exposed to varying concentrations of caffeine and pentobarbitone sodium to evaluate the effect of CNS stimulation and depression on OMR in white light. Ethambutol induced ocular toxicity was evaluated by intravitreal injection into both eyes of goldfishes. They were subjected for polychromatic Gyro-dot-OMR in both clock and anticlockwise directions. At the low concentration (5, 10 and 20 ng/mL) caffeine exposed animals showed significant (p<0.05) stimulant effect and the EC50 of caffeine in goldfish was found to be 4.806 ng/mL. In contrast, pentobarbitone sodium treated fishes showed significant (p<0.05) depressant effect with increasing the concentration. Ethambutol toxicity was reflected by the color discrimination in the Gyro-dot-OMR pattern. For the first time, this model proved the possibility of running Irwin profile test on goldfish using Gyro-dot-OMR. This model successfully predicted ethambutol induced toxicity with poor discrimination of red-green color. This model can be used for predicting toxicity of drugs affecting vision perception.

Population Status Andconservation Prioritization of Some Threatened Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Himalayas.

Himalaya is credited all over the world as a treasure of medicinal and aromatic plants, which in turn prove as treasures of bioactive agents. These medicinal plants taking refuge in the sub alpine and alpine zones are facing the brunt of varied threats. Strategies have been proposed by various environmentalists to conserve biodiversity at regional, national and global levels. Assessment of plant populations is one of the basic activities of conservation biology that can be mainly valuable for sustaining species with minor populations. In the present study, threat status of the 6 medicinal plant species (Arnebia benthamiI Wall. Ex G. Don, Meconopsis aculeate Royle, Rheum webbianum Royle, Aconitum heterophyllum Wallish Ex Royle, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle and Aquilegia fragrans Benth.) have been assessed in accordance with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria 2010 version 8.1 following Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels 2003 version 3.0criteria. Out of 6 species, 2 were categorized as vulnerable, 3 species as endangered and 1 species as critically endangered. The three factors of over exploitation, overgrazing and habitat degradation have been known as main threats to the medicinal plants. Consequently, monitoring of population and habitats, development of conservative protocol and establishment of species in-situ conditions has been proposed.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of cuts and wounds by Kuruma tribes, Wayanadu districts of Kerala, India

Objective: To study the ethnomedicinal uses by the Kuruma tribals for discovering new drugs to cure cuts and wounds so as to provid the data scientifically evaluated.Methods:A survey was conducted during May 2008–September 2009 to collect information on medicinal plants used by the Kuruma tribes and queries were made on the various species of plants used regularly and occasionally to cure cuts and wounds.Results:The present study of the knowledge on the folklore uses of the medicinal plants 25 families used by Kuruma tribe of Wayanad district of Kerala for the treatment of cuts and wounds.Conclusions:The present study includes information on 34 plant species belonging to 32 genera and used by Kuruma tribes leads to effective utilization of herbal medicines in the future.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of cuts and wounds by Kuruma tribes, Wayanadu districts of Kerala, India

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the ethnomedicinal uses by the Kuruma tribals for discovering new drugs to cure cuts and wounds so as to provid the data scientifically evaluated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A survey was conducted during May 2008-September 2009 to collect information on medicinal plants used by the Kuruma tribes and queries were made on the various species of plants used regularly and occasionally to cure cuts and wounds.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The present study includes information on 34 plant species belonging to 32 genera and 25 families used by Kuruma tribe of Wayanad district of Kerala for the treatment of cuts and wounds.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study of the knowledge on the folklore uses of the medicinal plants used by Kuruma tribes leads to effective utilization of herbal medicines in the future.</p>