Relationship of conventional and fluorescent microscopic technique to assess in vitro semen quality status of murrah buffalo males

In vitro fertility assessment using fluorescent technique is a better predictor of fertility status of bulls as compared to traditional semen quality assessment techniques, therefore, the study was planned to assess in vitro fertility status of bulls based on conventional and fluorescent techniques. Seventy-three ejaculates were collected from 12 Murrah buffalo bulls maintained at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, India for the experiment and subjected to statistical analysis using SYSTAT. The mean values of ejaculate volume [ml], mass activity, individual motility [%], sperm concentration [millions/ml], live sperm [%], total abnormalities [%], HOST [%] and acrosomal integrity [%] were 2.70 +/- 0.28, 2.8 +/- 0.14, 63.8 +/- 2.16, 1749.7 +/- 122.24, 77.3 +/- 2.48, 6.2 +/- 0.51, 75.1 +/- 1.81 and 84.5 +/- 2.26, respectively. The repeatability estimates were significant [P<0.05] for ejaculate volume [0.34 +/- 0.137], acrosomal integrity [0.29 +/- 0.134] and live percentage [0.28 +/- 0.133], indicating sufficient bull to bull variation for the parameters. The mean values of seminal attributes of fluorescent based criteria of CMA3 [Chromomycin A3], SYBR-PI and FITC-PNA [fluorescent isothiocynate-conjugated peanut agglutinin] were 5.25 +/- 0.41, 67.91 +/- 1.24 and 82.00 +/- 1.25 percent, respectively. Bulls were ranked on the basis of expected producing ability [EPA] for semen characteristics assessed by conventional and fluorescent criteria. Rank correlations were found to be significant for FITC with most of the parameters evaluated by conventional methods. In conclusion, among the conventional criteria, individual motility [%] revealed ranking of bulls almost similar to that of fluorescent criteria

Long Term Results of PHILOS Plating and Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation in Proximal Humerus Fractures in The Elderly

This is a report of a study on the long term results of PHILOS plating and percutaneous K-wire fixation in a prospective series of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients. We reviewed a total of 60 patients with proximal humerus fractures in 30 patients (Group 1), who were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System (PHILOS) plate and 30 patients(Group 2) who were treated with percutaneous K-wire fixation. Functional outcome was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Constant-Murley Score. Mean Constant-Murley score was 84.6 points (range: 61-100) in Group 1 and - 76.4 points(range:56-100) in Group2 at final follow up. Values varied depending upon the fracture type with worst in 4-part fractures. Mean VAS Score was 2.6(range:0-10) in Group 1 and 3.8(range:0-10) in Group 2. We obtained satisfactory results in both the groups, with each procedure having its advantages and shortcomings. We found that PHILOS plate fixation provided stable fixation with minimal implant problems and enabled early range-ofmotionexercises to achieve acceptable functional results. Fixation with percutaneous K-wires presented an efficient treatment option with the advantages of minimal invasiveness and soft tissue dissection.

Restorative therapy using autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells infusion intra-arterially in patients with cerebral palsy: An open label feasibility study

Cerebral Palsy is a common and devastating neurological disorder, with no medical treatment apart from physiotherapy regimes to alleviate the functional disability. Regenerative medicine using stem cells has gained momentum in recent years as a possible strategy to repair the injured brain. Present study was undertaken in a open label series to evaluate the safety, feasibility and observe for any benefi cial effects of intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells in patients with cerebral palsy with moderate disability. Functional improvement was assessed using the motor power and spasticity scales, dystonia and abnormal movements scale and the activities of daily living scales by modifi ed Barthel Index and modifi ed Rankin Scores. Serial structural imaging with MRI and functional imaging with FDG-PET scans were done. Of the 30 patients injected with an average of 10-30 million cells into each carotid artery, improvements were observed in all clinical scales, and predominantly in the disability scores. No adverse events were noted on a 12 months follow up.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of pH sensitive oil entrapped polymeric blended gellan gum buoyant beads of clarithromycin

A gastroretentive pH sensitive system has been a frontier approach to release the drug in controlled manner in stomach and duodenum. The aim of this study was to develop buoyant beads of gellan based, wherein, the oil was entrapped, blended with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or carbopol 934 in order to evaluate its potential for targeted sustained delivery of clarithromycin in the gastric region. Buoyant beads of gellan was developed by inotropic gelation technique using calcium carbonate as gas forming agent and the drug polymer dispersion was emulsified with mineral oil. The oil was entrapped and blended with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or carbopol 934. The developed beads were evaluated in terms of diameter,% floating, encapsulation efficiency, In vitro drug release, in vivo gastric residence efficacy and clarithromycine concentration in the mucosa of the experimental animal model. The scanning electron microscope photograph indicated that the prepared beads were spherical in shape and buoyancy, encapsulation efficiency and drug content obtained from all batches were satisfactory. Particle size and percentage buoyancy of the gel beads increased by raising the concentration of calcium carbonate. The formulation exhibited sustained release profile and was best fitted in the Peppas model with n < 0.45. Subsequent coating of microbeads exhibited zero-order sustained pattern of the drug release up to 8 hrs. Batch B4 showed comparatively better residence and the drug concentration in the gastric mucosa of the treated animals. The result provides evidence that the prepared optimized formulation may be used effectively for pH sensitive gastric targeted antibiotic such as clarithromycin

Hyponatremia-a rare and emergency presentation of Sheehan's syndrome

We present the case of a 29 year old female who presented to us with electrolyte abnormality, primarily hyponatremia in a setting of diarrhoea and moderate pallor. She had a significant past history of childbirth complicated with post partum haemorrhage after which she developed secondary amenorrhoea. Workup showed suppressed levels of all pituitary hormones and an empty sella on MRI brain. A diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome presenting as hyponatremia- a rare but emergency presentation was made

Enhanced transdermal delivery of ketoprofen from bioadhesive gels

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the in vitro and in vivo transdermal potential of bioadhesive gels of ketoprofen by using gelling polymers like sodium carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, poloxamer 407 and carbopol 934P as bioadhesive polymer with and without penetration enhancer [oleic acid]. The effect of oleic acid as a penetration enhancer was examined when it was added to the bioadhesive formulations. Gels were evaluated for bioadhesive force and viscosity. To study the in vitro potential of these formulations, permeation studies were performed with Franz diffusion cell using excised rat abdominal skin. Carrageenan induced rat paw edema model was used to investigate their in vivo performance. The commercial formulation of ketoprofen was used as a reference formulation. The in vitro permeation studies indicate that ketoprofen bioadhesive gel of poloxamer 407 with penetration enhancer was superior to gels of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum with penetration enhancer [oleic acid]. The permeation rate of ketoprofen from poloxamer 407 based bioadhesive gel with 15% v/w penetration enhancer was higher [rat abdominal skin flux = 0.421b 0.032 mg/cm2/h] than the permeation rate of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum based bioadhesive gel with 15% v/w penetration enhancer. In the paw edema test poloxamer 407 based bioadhesive gel with 15% v/w penetration enhancer showed the best permeation and effectiveness. The in vitro and in vivo studies showed that bioadhesive gels of ketoprofen could be used for effective therapy

Vermicomposting of domestic waste by using two epigeic earthworms [Perionyx excavatus and Perionyx sansibaricus]

The composting potential of two epigeic earthworms [P. excavatus and P. sansibaricus] was studied in 2002 to breakdown the domestic waste under laboratory conditions. The experimental container with P. sansibaricus showed maximum mineralization and decomposition rate than that of P. excavatus. Except for exchangeable K [it was higher [P = 0.004] in a container with P. excavatus], the domestic waste processed by P. sansibaricus showed about 6% more total nitrogen [P = 0.002] and about 7% more available P [P = 0.269] at the end than by P. excavatus. As compared with the initial level organic C content as well as C:N ratio showed a considerable reduction that was noted higher in substrate with P. sansibaricus than those by P. excavatus [organic C, t-test: P = 0.870; C:N ratio, t-test: P = 0.002]. The growth [biomass increase] and reproduction parameters such as mean individual live weight, maximum individual growth rate [mg wt./worm/day], number of cocoons and reproduction rate [cocoon/worm/day] were higher in bedding with P. sansibaricus. The maximum earthworm mortality was in vermibed having P. sansibaricus [50% higher than by P. excavatus] [t-test: P = 0.423], since both species did not show a drastic difference in waste mineralization rate, but comparatively, P. excavatus exhibited better growth and reproduction performance, which further support the suitability of the species for large scale vermiculture operations

Post treatment effect of Grewia asiatica against radiation induced biochemical changes in brain of Swiss albino mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of Grewia asiatica fruit pulp extract [GAE] on Swiss albino mice exposed to gamma radiation. In the present study radioprotective efficacy of Grewia asiatica [rich in anthocyanin, carotenes, vitamin C, etc.] was studied against radiation induced biochemical alterations in mice cerebrum. For experimental study, healthy Swiss Albino mice were selected from an inbred colony and divided into four groups. Group I [normal] did not receive any treatment. Group II was orally supplemented [GAE] once daily at the dose of 700 mg/kg.b.wt/day for fifteen consecutive days. Group III [control] received distilled water orally equivalent to GAE for fifteen days than exposed to 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Group IV [IR+Drug] was administered orally [GAE] for 15 consecutive days once daily after exposed to single dose of 5Gy of gamma radiation respectively. Mice were sacrificed at different autopsy intervals viz. 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days and brain were removed for various biochemical estimations viz. glutathione [GSH], lipid peroxidation [LPO] and protein. GAE post treatment renders protection against various biochemical changes in mice brain. Radiation induced augmentation in the levels of LPO was significantly ameliorated by GAE post-treatment. Radiation-induced depletion in the level of GSH, protein was checked significantly by GAE administration. These results indicate that Grewia asiatica fruit extract [GAE] is able to protect the brain of Swiss albino mice against radiation induced biochemical alterations

Marjolins ulcer developing in electric burns: a rare case report

Marjolin's ulcer is defined as a malignant, ulcerating neoplasm occurring in cicatricial tissue, and is thought to be more aggressive than the other more common varieties of skin cancers. It has been reported in chronic scars of diverse origins. Here we describe a patient who suffered extensive electric burns 25 years ago and has now presented as squamous cell carcinoma of the trunk

Induction-intubation response - smokers vs non-smokers

Tobacco smoking has been established to be a hazardous activity. Changing social attitude is bringing a decline in tobacco consumption but a significant proportion of patients presenting for surgery still continues to smoke, putting themselves at risk of perioperative complications. We evaluated induction-intubation response in 40 male patients [ASA-I] divided into two groups of 20, each consisting of smokers and non-smokers. All patients received standard premedication and general anesthesia. Heart rate, blood pressure and rate-pressure product were measured prior to induction, just before intubation and at 1,3,5 and 10 minutes after intubation. Continuous electrocardiography [EKG lead II] monitoring was done. Carboxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin were estimated at the time of securing venous access. Arterial blood gases were analyzed 5 minutes before and after the tracheal intubation. Incidence of arrhythymias [30%] was higher in smokers compared to non-smokers [10%]. Mean carboxyhemoglobin [COHb] level in smokers was 3.81 +/- 2.17 gdL[-1] as compared to 2.95 +/- 1.33 gdL[-1] in non-smokers. Four patients who continued to smoke till the day of surgery had higher COHb levels [8.2, 5.9, 6, 8.8 gdL[-1]]. PaO[2] and PaCO[2] levels were comparable in both groups. During induction-intubation period, heart rate; systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure and rate-pressure product showed more pronounced fluctuations in smokers than in non-smokers [p<0.05]

Ileocaecal Burkitt's Lymphoma in a 14 year old male: a case report and review of literature

Burkitt's lymphoma is a high grade B cell neoplasm, classified under the category of small non-cleaved cell lymphoma [SCNL]. Outside Africa, it accounts for less than 2% of all cases of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is presumably the fastest growing human malignancy. Cyclophosphamide based combination chemotherapy is the main stay of treatment, and the patients are prone to develop tumor-lysis syndrome. Here we present the interesting case of a 14 year old boy who presented with the clinical picture of subacute intestinal obstruction, underwent iliocaecal resection, and was found to have Burkitt's lymphoma

Antifungal Activity of Methanolic of Centella asiatica and Andrographis panicuiata

The antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Centella asiatica and Andrographis paniculata leaves was observed against fourteen fungi, viz., Alternaria alternata, A. brassicae, A. brassicicola, A. solani, A. tenuissima, Cercospora blumae, Curvularia lunata, C. penniseti, and Drechslera monoceras, D. oryzae, D. turitica, Fusarium albizziae and F. udum. Different concentrations of the methanolic extract (1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 7000, 10000ppm) were used. The effect of mixed leaf extract (1500 ppm of C. asiatica + 1500 ppm of A. paniculata) and its 1:2 ad 1:4 dilutions were also studied. The individual extracts of both the plants showed significant inhibitory effect on spore germination of all the fungi tested. F. udum, F. albizzae, D. oryzae, D. turtica, and D. monoceras were particularly sensitive to these extracts. In general, the extract of C. asiatica showed a higher inhibitory effect in all concentrations against all the fungi as compared to A. paniculata, except for A. brassicae A. solani, D. oryzae, D. penniseti and Curvularia sp. The inhibitory effect of extracts increased when they were used in combination with or without dilutions against A. brassicicola, A. solani A. brassicae, A. alternata, A. tenussima, C. blumae, C. lunata, C. penniseti and Curvularia species. Higher efficacy of active ingredient of these extracts under field condition is envisaged against plant pathogens.

Lipids in biliary lithogenesis

Serum and biliary lipoproteins, total cholesterol [Tc] and triglycerides [TG] were measured in patients with gallstones and in those without gallstones. Serum and biliary LDLc, TG and Tc were significantly higher [P < 0.001] in cases having gall stones than those without stones while HDLc were low [P < 0.001] in those with stones. No difference was found in very low density lipoproteins [VLDLc] in the two groups. Present data showed that there is a statistically significant correlation of serum and biliary lipoproteins specifically LDLc and HDLc [r = +.67 and r = +.56]. This report shows that serum HDLc [67.42%] and LDLc [70.28%] play a more critical role in comparison to total cholesterol [59.43%] and triglyceride [57.15%] levels in the formation of gallstone