Mental Health Programme in India: Has the tide really turned?

Mental disorders in India form a major public health concern and the efforts to tackle these dates back to four decades, by way of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and its operational arm, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). Although the progress of NMHP (and DMHP) was relatively slower till recently, the last 4-5 years have seen rapid strides with several initiatives, including (i) expansion of DMHPs to 90 per cent of the total districts of the country, (ii) the National Mental Health Policy and (iii) strengthening the Mental Health Legislation by way of providing explicit provisions for rights of persons with mental illnesses. Among others, factors responsible for this accelerated growth include the easily accessible digital technology as well as judicial activism. Federal and State cooperation is another notable feature of this expansion. In this review, the authors summarize the available information on the evolution of implementation and research aspects related to India’s NMHP over the years and provide a case for the positive turn of events witnessed in the recent years. However, the authors caution that these are still baby steps and much more remains to be done.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PROXIMAL FIBULAR OSTEOTOMY IN GRADE 2 AND 3 MEDIAL COMPARTMENT ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common musculoskeletal diseases affecting a major population in India. It can impact the individual's functions and activities of daily living. Total knee arthroplasty may raise controversy when treating the younger, athletic patient with arthritis. Arthroscopic debridement, high tibial osteotomy, unicondylar knee arthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty allow younger patients to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle but can take a longer time to rehabilitate. PFO could be used as an alternative procedure. The Proximal Fibular Osteotomy, which provides immediate short term relief in cases with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Resecting a segment of fibula, loosens the lateral side allowing the upper tibia to settle into a more favorable lateral alignment, shifting the mechanical axis towards neutral or valgus. Aims & objectives: Ÿ To assess the functional, clinical and radiological outcome of proximal fibular osteotomy in grade 2 and 3 OA of knee and followed up for 1 year. Ÿ The clinical and functional outcome is accessed by Knee Society Score and VAS observed pre-op , post-op ,3 months ,6 months and 12 months. Ÿ The improvement in radiology is accessed using change in the medial joint space improvements in CP angle, change in the ratio of medial joint space to lateral joint space observed pre-op and post-op Methodology: The patients selected had grade 2 and 3 Osteoarthritis of knee according to Kellgren Lawrence classification between the age groups 20yrs-80yrs and are admitted to RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore. The Sample Size is 30 and is calculated based on previous studies as well as approximate availability of number of cases in the above mentioned duration satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical, functional and radiological outcome were used, Results were calculated using Knee Society Scoring Scale score. This study Conclusion: suggested that Proximal Fibular Osteotomy is an alternative procedure that can be used to treat medial compartment knee Osteoarthritis, if the patients are selected carefully. Patients followed up for one year showed a significant improvement in radiological, clinical and functional outcomes and thereby is an effective method of treatment in younger patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 Osteoarthritis with an average BMI of 26.2.

Comparative study to evaluate retinal changes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in diabetics without diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To elucidate changes in the neuro?sensory retina at the macula, using spectral?domain optical coherence tomography (SD?OCT) in type 2 diabetics without clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy, and compare with healthy subjects. Methods: This was a cross?sectional observational study, conducted at a tertiary eye institute from November 2018 to March 2020. Type 2 diabetics visiting the outpatient department with normal fundus (without any clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy) were taken as Group 1, and healthy subjects as Group 2. Both underwent recording of visual acuity, intraocular pressure (non?contact tonometry), slit?lamp anterior segment examination, fundus examination using an indirect ophthalmoscope, and macular SD?OCT. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20 [IBM SPSS statistics (IBM corp. Armonk, NY, USA released 2011)] was used to perform the statistical analysis of the data entered in the excel sheet. Results: Our study included 440 eyes of 220 subjects, divided equally into two groups. The mean age of patients with diabetes was 58.09 ± 9.42 years, and of controls 57.25 ± 8.91 years. The mean BCVA in group 1 and group 2 was 0.36 ± 0.37 and 0.21 ± 0.24 logMAR, respectively. SD?OCT showed thinning in all areas in group 1 compared to group 2, but statistically significant thinning was seen only in the central subfield (P = 0.0001), temporal parafoveal (P = 0.0001), temporal perifoveal (P = 0.0005), and nasal perifoveal areas (P = 0.023) in group 1. There was a significant inter?eye difference noted between the right and left eyes in nasal and inferior parafovea only in group 1 (P = 0.03). No significant difference was noted between males and females. Conclusion: There was significant macular thinning in diabetics compared with controls, which denotes the occurrence of neuronal damage in these eyes before clinical evidence of diabetic retinopathy.

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW ON ANCIENT ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN INDIA

The Indian Criminal Justice System as we know today isn't a modern development. It finds its origin from ancient times. There exited unique methods to deal with the criminals, with each state having its own different and unique mode of punishment and justice. The Judicial framework manages the organization of the laws through the organization of the courts. The framework gives the apparatus to the settling of the questions because of which the wronged Party moves toward the courts. Nothing annoys in the human heart more than an agonizing feeling of bad form. No general public can permit a circumstance to develop where the impression prevails of there being no change for complaints.

Extent of use of artificial intelligence & machine learning protocols in cancer diagnosis: A scoping review

Background & objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have shown promising results in cancer diagnosis in validation tests involving retrospective patient databases. This study was aimed to explore the extent of actual use of AI/ML protocols for diagnosing cancer in prospective settings. Methods: PubMed was searched for studies reporting usage of AI/ML protocols for cancer diagnosis in prospective (clinical trial/real world) setting with the AI/ML diagnosis aiding clinical decision-making, from inception till May 17, 2021. Data pertaining to the cancer, patients and the AI/ML protocol were extracted. Comparison of AI/ML protocol diagnosis with human diagnosis was recorded. Through a post hoc analysis, data from studies describing validation of various AI/ML protocols were extracted. Results: Only 18/960 initial hits (1.88%) utilized AI/ML protocols for diagnostic decision-making. Most protocols used artificial neural network and deep learning. AI/ML protocols were utilized for cancer screening, pre-operative diagnosis and staging and intra-operative diagnosis of surgical specimens. The reference standard for 17/18 studies was histology. AI/ML protocols were used to diagnose cancers of the colorectum, skin, uterine cervix, oral cavity, ovaries, prostate, lungs and brain. AI/ML protocols were found to improve human diagnosis, and had either similar or better performance than the human diagnosis, especially made by the less experienced clinician. Validation of AI/ML protocols was described by 223 studies of which only four studies were from India. Also there was a huge variation in the number of items used for validation. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this review suggest that a meaningful translation from the validation of AI/ML protocols to their actual usage in cancer diagnosis is lacking. Development of regulatory framework specific for AI/ML usage in healthcare is essential.

A Cross Sectional Study to Assess the Levels of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Objective: In the present study, demographic profile, knowledge and motivation of COPD patients attending tertiary hospital, the level of anxiety and depression is assessed. Methods: This cross - sectional study was carried out on consecutive patients with COPD during their routine out - and in - patient visits in the tertiary care hospital during 4 months (April 2019 to July 2019). Physician confirmed cases of more than 1 - year duration were included in the study. Thus 194 COPD patients were admitted in the ward. They were interviewed by using HADS scale and Modified Morisky scale. The diagnosis of COPD was confirmed by Chest X - ray and Spirometery tes t and a history of exacerbation or hospitalization over past 6 months was also obtained. The chi square - test, t - test and one - way analysis of variance were used in the univariate analyses, whilst regression was used in the multiple variable analyses. Result s: A total of 194 COPD individuals, 124 Males and 70 Females were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 49.16 ± 8.20 (25 - 62) years. The mean scores for anxiety and depression were 19.12± 2.38 and 11.54± 2.50 respecti vely. Both anxiety and depression scores were statistically significant between the gender. Among males 70 % cases were having no comorbid conditions; however, 57.10 % females were having more than two comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Pres ent study illustrates that anxiety and depression are common in patients with COPD, furthermore, patients with depressive disorders have more comorbidities in comparison with patient with anxi

Molecular Characterization, Optimization and Production of PHA by Indigenous Bacteria Using Alternative Nutrient Sources as Substrate

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are renewable, biodegradable biopolymer intracellularly accumulated by wide array of microorganisms as carbon reserve. This study investigates the influence of various cultural conditions on PHA production by a recently isolated local species under submerged fermentation. Six PHA producing strains were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing and strain Priestia flexa OWO1 showed satisfactory PHA productivity. The effects of production parameters were investigated and extraction of PHA was carried out using sodium hypochlorite method and maximum amount was detected after 72h. Maximum PHA production was obtained at incubation period of 48h, pH of 7.0 and temperature of 30oC. Amongst the hydrolysate of agro waste used, brewers spent grain (BSG) gave maximum yield of 3.01g/L while beans bran powder gave the highest PHA yields of 3.9 g/L amongst the organic nitrogen sources tested. Analysis of the crude PHA by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed the presence of methyl, methylene as well as carbonyl functional groups. PHA production was higher after optimizing the production conditions as compared to basal medium therefore the utilization of these cheap renewable resources as alternative substrates for production of PHA make the process cost effective and sustainable.

Social Determinants and Risk Factors Associated with Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Among Tuberculosis Patients in Tamilnadu – A Case-Control Study

Introduction: The emergence of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR- TB) is a challenge for global control and prevention mainly in developing countries. The objective of the study was to identify inde-pendent risk factors for the occurrence of MDR-TB. Methods: An unmatched Case-control study was conducted among tuberculosis patients registered un-der NTEP in Kanchipuram district. ‘Cases’ were consecutive MDR TB patients aged 15 and older. ‘Con-trols’ were patients aged 15 and older, diagnosed with drug susceptible TB. Data was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire with face-to- face interview. Univariate and multi-variate anal-ysis were used to identify associated determinants of MDR-TB. Results: A total of 80 subjects, 20 cases and 60 controls (1:3) were recruited. Mean age of ‘cases’ was 32±9.3 years, and for controls was 31± 8.3 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified five sig-nificant risk factors such as passive smoking [OR = 8.449, 95% CI (6.791–30.27)], overcrowding [OR= 2.062,95% CI (1.004-3.005)], low socio-economic status [OR=8.000,95% CI (2.362-27.099)] and previ-ous TB treatment [OR =13.72 with 95% CI (8.599-35.118)]. Inadequate ventilation [OR=4.643(4.217-13.906)] Conclusion: To reduce the burden of drug-resistance, these risk factors can be used as screening tool in identifying individuals with MDR-TB in resource limited settings.

Estrategia formativa para perfeccionar el autocuidado en pacientes con fractura de cadera / Training strategy to improve self-care in patients with hip fracture

Introducción: Los medios de enseñanzas son los ejes vertebrales de gran parte de las acciones de enseñanzas y aprendizaje desarrolladas en cualquiera de los niveles o modalidades de la educación. Objetivos: Sistematizar y resaltar los fundamentos y ventajas de la guía de autoayuda sobre la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor, como medio de enseñanza en la superación profesional del médico de la atención primaria. Métodos: Analítico ­ sintético, hipotético ­ deductivo, análisis documental y la entrevista. Resultados: Se elaboró una guía de autoayuda sobre fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor, a partir de falencias detectadas en la atención primaria de salud, que limitan el desempeño de los médicos de este nivel en actividades de promoción de salud en este grupo social. La guía de autoayuda fue diseñada y estructurada, como medio de enseñanza de estrategias de superación profesional, determinando las particularidades del contenido que se desea enseñar y las que se necesitan aprender por estos profesionales, para mejorar su desempeño en la promoción de salud en relación con el adulto mayor con fractura de cadera. Su creación fue concebida como elemento dinamizador del contenido unido a los demás componentes del proceso en busca de lograr los objetivos propuestos. Conclusiones: Se presenta una guía de la colección de autoayuda sobre fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor, diseñado, pensado y elaborado como medio de enseñanza a utilizar en la superación profesional del médico de la atención primaria de salud donde se resaltan los fundamentos teóricos que lo sustentan.

Introduction: Teaching media are the backbone of a large part of the teaching and learning actions developed at every educational level or modality. Objectives: To systematize and highlight the rationale and advantages of the self-help guide for hip fracture in the elderly, considered as a teaching tool in the professional improvement of primary health care ( PHC). Methods: Analytical - synthetic, hypothetical - deductive, documentary analysis and interview. Results: A self-help guide for hip fracture in the elderly was developed, based on deficiencies detected on PHC, which limit the performance of doctors at this level in health promotion activities for the mentioned social group. The self-help guide was designed and structured as a means of teaching professional improvement strategies by determining the content particularities to be taught and those to be learned by these professionals, in order to improve their performance in health promotion for the elderly with hip fracture. This self- help guide was conceived as a dynamic element of the content, that relates to the other components of the process in search of achieving the proposed objectives. Conclusions: We present a self-help collection guide for hip fracture in the elderly, designed, conceived, and elaborated as a teaching tool to be used in the professional improvement of the PHC, and we highlight theoretical foundations

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Androgen insensitivity syndrome refers to an inability of the body to respond properly to male sex hormones (androgens) produced during pregnancy. This occurs because of a change (mutation) in a gene involved in the production of the protein inside cells that receives the androgen hormone and instructs the cells in how to use it. This is a genetic disorder that makes XY foetuses insensitive (unresponsive) to androgens, they are born looking externally like normal girls and Internally, there is a short blind pouch vagina and no uterus, fallopian tube or ovaries. There are testes in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal. The CAIS is usually detected at puberty when a girl should but does not begin to menstruate. They are at high risk of osteoporosis so should take oestrogen replacement therapy. Case Report: PAIS results in micropenis with hypospadias and gynaecomastia. We report this rare case of 18yr old female patient with primary amenorrhea. Subsequent investigation including karyotyping revealed that the patient is phenotypically female but genotypically male with testes. Gonadectomy was done with proper counselling and patient was put on hormonal replacement replacement therapy.

Toxic non-inflammatory fungal keratitis

Purpose: To report a new entity called “toxic non?inflammatory fungal keratitis.” Methods: Eyes manifesting infective keratitis with a history of prior administration of topical steroids were included in the study. The details pertaining to the type of injury, duration of injury, and primary treatment for corneal trauma were meticulously documented. The corneal tissues were scraped from the patients and were analyzed for fungal filaments by using a 10% KOH mount under a compound microscope. Moreover, these scraped materials were plated on blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Results: The corneal ulcers displayed a disproportionately reduced intensity of pain and improved visual acuity. Further, 10% KOH revealed profuse fungal filaments with few inflammatory cells in all the patients. The anterior chamber cells and flare were either reduced or entirely absent. There was no evidence of lid edema and surrounding corneal edema in any of the patients. The mean healing period was 28.8 days (standard deviation (SD): 10.05). The KOH mount revealed the presence of confluent fungal hyphae with a few inflammatory cell infiltrates. The Aspergillus species and Fusarium species were found in 47% and 40% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion: Toxic non?inflammatory fungal keratitis following steroid therapy needs to be considered in fungal ulcers with disproportionately less pain and good visual acuity. The fungal ulcers with altered clinical signs of classical inflammation need to be assessed for topical steroid misuse.

Non-granulomatous inflammatory lesions of CNS: Approach to diagnosis

Infections constitute an important and common category of diseases, particularly in less developed countries. Infections present with a broad spectrum of clinical and radiologic features dictated by the cell and tissue tropism and host response elicited, posing a considerable diagnostic challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing mortality and morbidity. Recourse is often made to biopsy for ascertaining the diagnosis, and hence the pathologist plays a vital role in patient management. Therefore, knowledge of the histopathologic changes is necessary to recognize the histological changes and guide the diagnostic workup and management. Each microbial agent elicits a distinctive pattern of inflammatory tissue response, which can serve as a clue to the etiological agent. Based on the causative organism, microbial, and host factors, the inflammatory response may be acute or chronic, necrotic or non-necrotic. The inflammation can be of varied patterns – lymphohistiocytic, granulomatous, inflammatory demyelinating, fibrosing, or showing minimal inflammation. The pattern of necrosis also differs based on the causative organism. Typically, pyogenic bacteria are associated with suppurative inflammation, tuberculosis with caseous granulomatous, and fungi with suppurative granulomatous inflammation. Viral infections are associated with lymphohistiocytic non-necrotizing inflammation and, based on cell tropism, can cause demyelination (e.g., JCV) and/or viral inclusions. Parasitic infections (protozoal or metazoal) display a broad spectrum of inflammatory changes that overlap with other types of infections. This review briefly describes pathological patterns and associated pathogens and provides an algorithmic approach based on pattern recognition that may be useful for the practicing pathologist.

Sustainable control of malaria employing Gambusia fishes as biological control in Jalore and Barmer districts of Western Rajasthan

Sardar Sarovar Irrigation Canal system was constructed by Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) to cater to drinking water as well as for irrigation purposes in Jalore and Barmer districts of Western Rajasthan. To cater to the needs of water for the villagers in the command areas, ‘Diggies’ (surface water tanks) with ‘Sumpwells’ (water supply surface tanks) were installed. In a health impact assessment study of the irrigation canals from December 2010 to February 2016, the breeding of two major malaria vectors. An. culicifacies and An. stephensi were observed in diggies and sumpwells. As a biological control, Gambusia affanis fishes were employed for larval control in such stagnated water sites during the intervention phase viz. February 2012 in 251 diggies and 251 sumpwells. A significant reduction of breeding in diggies (99.54%) and sumpwells (97.81%) was observed. The positivity and larval density (dip index) were monitored in the control from up to February 2016 for their sustainability.

First detection of Babesia sp. in Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus Horsfield) in Sabah, Malaysia

@#The Bornean sun bear, a subspecies of the endangered Malayan sun bear, resides only on Borneo Island and little is known about diseases or parasites that may impact their health. In 2019, blood and ticks were collected from 46 captive bears held at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah, Malaysia during annual health examinations in response to previous blood smear analysis that revealed presumptive haemoparasites in more than half the resident bears. Polymerase chain reaction detected a unique Babesia sp. in one of the bears. Disease surveillance of mosquitoes trapped along the outer perimeter of the bears’ outdoor enclosure did not reveal any malaria parasites. This research marks the first documented case in Bornean sun bears of both a Babesia sp. and the Ixodes tick Haemaphysalis nr koningsbergeri. More research on incriminating the vector and the effects of Babesia infection on the health of Bornean sun bears is needed. Due to the zoonotic nature of babesiosis, mitigative actions should be taken to protect any humans that work with or come into close contact with these captive bears or their enclosures.

Ocurrence enzootic hematuria in buffaloes in Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects

ABSTRACT: It is reported the occurrence of enzootic hematuria (EH) in buffaloes in Brazil after performing an epidemiological survey and clinicopathological analises. To date, EH caused by ingestion of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, a radiomimetic plant popularly known as bracken fern, has not been described in this species in Brazil. Bovine EH is responsible for high economic losses in Brazils Southeast Region not only because of the deaths it causes, but also owing to its negative effect on productivity. In São José do Barreiro County, São Paulo, some farmers in areas with a high incidence of bovine EH have been replacing cattle with buffaloes, based on the premise that the latter would be more resistant to poisoning by ingestion of Pteridium spp. However, even though initial observations indicated that buffaloes are indeed less sensitive than cattle to the toxic principle of Pteridium spp., cases of hematuria in this species have been reported. According to preliminary date, EH only occurs in buffaloes over six years of age. Macroscopic examination revealed a thickened urinary vesicle mucosa, along with multiple foci of ulcerated, exophytic, verrucous, and pedunculated lesions. In one of the buffaloes studied, the bladder wall was ruptured and exhibited marked secondary inflammation. Histologically, neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes similar to those described in cattle poisoned by Pteridium spp. were observed. The neoplasms found included papilloma, carcinoma in situ, urothelial carcinoma (low and high grade), inverted, microcystic, and trabecular variants, urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation (squamous and glandular), squamous cell carcinoma, lymphangioma, hemangioma, and hemangiosarcoma. There was also coexistence of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Bovine papillomavirus particles were not detected by polymerase chain reaction in the bladder samples analyzed.

RESUMO: Descreve-se, através de levantamento epidemiológico e avaliação clínico-patológica, a ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica (HE) em búfalos no Brasil. Essa condição, causada pela ingestão da planta radiomimética Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, conhecida popularmente como samambaia ou samambaia do campo, até então não havia sido descrita nessa espécie no Brasil. Na Região Sudeste, a HE bovina é responsável por elevadas perdas econômicas, devidas não apenas aos óbitos, mas também em função da queda de produtividade. No município de São José do Barreiro/SP, alguns produtores de áreas com alta incidência de HE bovina, vêm substituindo os bovinos por búfalos, com base na premissa de que estes seriam mais resistentes à intoxicação. Embora, de acordo com observações iniciais, os búfalos realmente sejam menos sensíveis que os bovinos ao princípio tóxico de Pteridium spp., ainda assim, tem-se verificado a ocorrência de casos de hematúria nessa espécie. De acordo com o levantamento inicial, a HE só ocorre em búfalos com idade a partir de seis anos. Ao exame macroscópico, verificou-se a mucosa da bexiga espessa, com múltiplos focos de lesões ulceradas, exofíticas, papiliformes, verrucosas, pedunculadas. Histologicamente, foram observadas alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas semelhantes às descritas nos bovinos com HE. Entre as neoplasias foram encontrados papiloma, carcinoma in situ, carcinoma urotelial (baixo e alto grau), variantes invertida, microcística e trabecular, carcinoma urotelial com diferenciação divergente (escamosa e glandular), carcinoma de células escamosas, linfangioma, hemangioma e hemangiossarcoma. Ocorreu também coexistência entre neoplasias epiteliais e mesenquimais. Não foram detectadas partículas de papilomavírus bovino pelo teste PCR nas amostras de bexiga analisadas.

Ocurrence enzootic hematuria in buffaloes in Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects / Ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica em búfalos no Brasil: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos

It is reported the occurrence of enzootic hematuria (EH) in buffaloes in Brazil after performing an epidemiological survey and clinicopathological analises. To date, EH caused by ingestion of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, a radiomimetic plant popularly known as "bracken fern", has not been described in this species in Brazil. Bovine EH is responsible for high economic losses in Brazil's Southeast Region not only because of the deaths it causes, but also owing to its negative effect on productivity. In São José do Barreiro County, São Paulo, some farmers in areas with a high incidence of bovine EH have been replacing cattle with buffaloes, based on the premise that the latter would be more resistant to poisoning by ingestion of Pteridium spp. However, even though initial observations indicated that buffaloes are indeed less sensitive than cattle to the toxic principle of Pteridium spp., cases of hematuria in this species have been reported. According to preliminary date, EH only occurs in buffaloes over six years of age. Macroscopic examination revealed a thickened urinary vesicle mucosa, along with multiple foci of ulcerated, exophytic, verrucous, and pedunculated lesions. In one of the buffaloes studied, the bladder wall was ruptured and exhibited marked secondary inflammation. Histologically, neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes similar to those described in cattle poisoned by Pteridium spp. were observed. The neoplasms found included papilloma, carcinoma in situ, urothelial carcinoma (low and high grade), inverted, microcystic, and trabecular variants, urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation (squamous and glandular), squamous cell carcinoma, lymphangioma, hemangioma, and hemangiosarcoma. There was also coexistence of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Bovine papillomavirus particles were not detected by polymerase chain reaction in the bladder samples analyzed.

Descreve-se, através de levantamento epidemiológico e avaliação clínico-patológica, a ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica (HE) em búfalos no Brasil. Essa condição, causada pela ingestão da planta radiomimética Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, conhecida popularmente como "samambaia" ou "samambaia do campo", até então não havia sido descrita nessa espécie no Brasil. Na Região Sudeste, a HE bovina é responsável por elevadas perdas econômicas, devidas não apenas aos óbitos, mas também em função da queda de produtividade. No município de São José do Barreiro/SP, alguns produtores de áreas com alta incidência de HE bovina, vêm substituindo os bovinos por búfalos, com base na premissa de que estes seriam mais resistentes à intoxicação. Embora, de acordo com observações iniciais, os búfalos realmente sejam menos sensíveis que os bovinos ao princípio tóxico de Pteridium spp., ainda assim, tem-se verificado a ocorrência de casos de hematúria nessa espécie. De acordo com o levantamento inicial, a HE só ocorre em búfalos com idade a partir de seis anos. Ao exame macroscópico, verificou-se a mucosa da bexiga espessa, com múltiplos focos de lesões ulceradas, exofíticas, papiliformes, verrucosas, pedunculadas. Histologicamente, foram observadas alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas semelhantes às descritas nos bovinos com HE. Entre as neoplasias foram encontrados papiloma, carcinoma in situ, carcinoma urotelial (baixo e alto grau), variantes invertida, microcística e trabecular, carcinoma urotelial com diferenciação divergente (escamosa e glandular), carcinoma de células escamosas, linfangioma, hemangioma e hemangiossarcoma. Ocorreu também coexistência entre neoplasias epiteliais e mesenquimais. Não foram detectadas partículas de papilomavírus bovino pelo teste PCR nas amostras de bexiga analisadas.

Specific Learning Disability Assessment and Interpretation: NIMHANS SLD Battery and Beyond

To diagnose Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in India, only ‘NIMHANS Specific Learning Disability Battery (NSB)’ is accepted for assessment and certification of disability. Earlier editions of the NSB used ‘functioning at three standards below the current class of the child’ to arrive at a diagnosis of SLD, and was simple to administer and interpret. Given these, majority of psychologists used it in their routine assessments, and in most of the cases, it was relatively easy to diagnose SLD with this battery. A major limitation faced when using the NSB was that it had test items only till the 7th grade. In the updated NSB, there are test items till the 10th grade, which is definitely a big upgrade. However, as the battery is relatively concise and does not clearly describe the nuances of assessment and interpretation in marginal and complex scenarios, some young psychologists and research scholars might find it difficult to diagnose SLD. Some of these scenarios are, when the child shows problems in academics but does not exactly fulfil the NSB criteria; when the child is having problems with second language instead of the first language; when the child is from an international curriculum; when the child is studying in a class higher than grade 10; when comprehension appears to be impaired; and/or the issue of whether or not to have so many subtypes of SLD. This article highlights some of these issues, discusses and attempts to provide possible solutions with respect to assessment and interpretation.

Parasitism of a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) by Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 and Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 in an Amazon forest area, Rondônia, Brazil / [Parasitismo por Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 e Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 em capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) em área de Floresta Amazônica, Rondônia, Brasil]

Dois carrapatos adultos, sendo um Amblyomma nodosum e um Amblyomma humerale foram encontrados parasitando ativamente uma capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) proveniente da região central do estado de Rondônia, Brasil, na zona rural do município de Ji-Paraná, localizado na Amazônia ocidental. Poucos trabalhos científicos relatam a presença de A. humerale em capivaras. Assim, esta é a primeira vez que A. nodosum é relatado parasitando essa espécie animal. Por não se tratar de um hospedeiro animal conhecido para A. nodosum ou comum para A. humerale, esses achados podem sugerir uma nova relação entre hospedeiros para eles. Portanto, são necessários mais estudos acerca da ecologia desses parasitas, principalmente por serem potenciais transmissores de patógenos de importância em medicina veterinária e saúde pública.(AU)

Poisoning by Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cv. Colonião in horses in the state of Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT: Colic outbreaks in horses have been associated with the grazing of several Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cultivars in the North and Central-West regions of Brazil. In this paper, we report a horse colic outbreak in the Southeast region of Brazil caused by ingestion of the Colonião cultivar of M. maximus, which has not previously been considered as toxic. The five affected horses belonged to the Veterinary Platoon based at the Central Ammunition Deposit of the Brazilian Army in the city of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The horses had access to treated water and commercial concentrate, and were located in a field of M. maximus at the time of the outbreak. All horses exhibited clinical signs of colic and bloat, and three of them died. The extend of the clinical course ranged from four to five days in the three animals that died; in the two animals that recovered from the colic episodes, the extend of the clinical courses were 10 and 15 days. Necropsy findings revealed intestinal and gastric bloating and hemorrhages involving the intestinal wall. Light microscopy showed moderate diffuse lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis with multifocal erosions, in addition to submucosal edema associated with multifocal vasculitis. The pathogenesis of colic caused by M. maximus ingestion in horses has not yet been elucidated. Some authors have suggested that higher starch concentrations in M. maximus during the rainy season may be responsible for the toxicity of this plant. However, the findings of this study do not support this hypothesis. As a prophylactic measure, it is suggested that horses do not graze exclusively M. maximus at the beginning of rainy periods, in which regrowth of this grass occurs. In Brazil, outbreaks of horse colic associated with ingestion of varieties of Megathyrsus can also occur outside the North and Midwest regions, under specific climate conditions.

RESUMO: Surtos de cólica em equinos vêm sendo associados ao pastejo de várias cultivares de Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Neste trabalho relata-se um surto de cólica em equinos determinado pela ingestão da variedade Colonião de M. maximus, cultivar até então não descrita como tóxico. Os cinco equinos, oriundos do Pelotão de Veterinária do Centro de munição do Exército situado no município de Paracambi/RJ, estavam em uma mesma pastagem de M. maximus, tinham acesso à água tratada e ao concentrado comercial para equinos. Todos os equinos tiveram sinais clínicos de cólica por timpanismo e três deles morreram. O curso clínico variou de quatro a cinco dias nos três equinos que morreram e de 10 a 15 dias nos dois equinos que recuperaram-se da cólica. À necropsia, os principais achados foram timpanismo intestinal e gástrico e hemorragias na parede intestinal. À microscopia havia enterite linfoplasmocítica e eosinofílica difusa moderada com erosões multifocais e edema submucoso associado à vasculite multifocal. A patogênese da cólica pela ingestão de M. maximus ainda não foi elucidada, no entanto, alguns autores têm sugerido que uma maior concentração de amido presente na forrageira durante o período de chuvas possa ser responsável pela ação tóxica da planta. Contudo as observações aqui levantadas não dão suporte a essa hipótese. Sugere-se como medida profilática evitar o pastejo exclusivo de M. maximus por cavalos, por meio de pastagens alternativas, principalmente durante o início das chuvas e rebrota da pastagem. Demonstra-se que, no Brasil, os surtos de cólica em equinos associados à ingestão de variedades de Megathyrsus, também podem ocorrer fora das regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste, desde que existam condições climáticas especiais.

Poisoning by Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cv. Colonião in horses in the state of Rio de Janeiro / Intoxicação por Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cv. Colonião em equinos no estado do Rio de Janeiro

Colic outbreaks in horses have been associated with the grazing of several Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cultivars in the North and Central-West regions of Brazil. In this paper, we report a horse colic outbreak in the Southeast region of Brazil caused by ingestion of the "Colonião" cultivar of M. maximus, which has not previously been considered as toxic. The five affected horses belonged to the Veterinary Platoon based at the Central Ammunition Deposit of the Brazilian Army in the city of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The horses had access to treated water and commercial concentrate, and were located in a field of M. maximus at the time of the outbreak. All horses exhibited clinical signs of colic and bloat, and three of them died. The extend of the clinical course ranged from four to five days in the three animals that died; in the two animals that recovered from the colic episodes, the extend of the clinical courses were 10 and 15 days. Necropsy findings revealed intestinal and gastric bloating and hemorrhages involving the intestinal wall. Light microscopy showed moderate diffuse lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis with multifocal erosions, in addition to submucosal edema associated with multifocal vasculitis. The pathogenesis of colic caused by M. maximus ingestion in horses has not yet been elucidated. Some authors have suggested that higher starch concentrations in M. maximus during the rainy season may be responsible for the toxicity of this plant. However, the findings of this study do not support this hypothesis. As a prophylactic measure, it is suggested that horses do not graze exclusively M. maximus at the beginning of rainy periods, in which regrowth of this grass occurs. In Brazil, outbreaks of horse colic associated with ingestion of varieties of Megathyrsus can also occur outside the North and Midwest regions, under specific climate conditions.(AU)

Surtos de cólica em equinos vêm sendo associados ao pastejo de várias cultivares de Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Neste trabalho relata-se um surto de cólica em equinos determinado pela ingestão da variedade Colonião de M. maximus, cultivar até então não descrita como tóxico. Os cinco equinos, oriundos do Pelotão de Veterinária do Centro de munição do Exército situado no município de Paracambi/RJ, estavam em uma mesma pastagem de M. maximus, tinham acesso à água tratada e ao concentrado comercial para equinos. Todos os equinos tiveram sinais clínicos de cólica por timpanismo e três deles morreram. O curso clínico variou de quatro a cinco dias nos três equinos que morreram e de 10 a 15 dias nos dois equinos que recuperaram-se da cólica. À necropsia, os principais achados foram timpanismo intestinal e gástrico e hemorragias na parede intestinal. À microscopia havia enterite linfoplasmocítica e eosinofílica difusa moderada com erosões multifocais e edema submucoso associado à vasculite multifocal. A patogênese da cólica pela ingestão de M. maximus ainda não foi elucidada, no entanto, alguns autores têm sugerido que uma maior concentração de amido presente na forrageira durante o período de chuvas possa ser responsável pela ação tóxica da planta. Contudo as observações aqui levantadas não dão suporte a essa hipótese. Sugere-se como medida profilática evitar o pastejo exclusivo de M. maximus por cavalos, por meio de pastagens alternativas, principalmente durante o início das chuvas e rebrota da pastagem. Demonstra-se que, no Brasil, os surtos de cólica em equinos associados à ingestão de variedades de Megathyrsus, também podem ocorrer fora das regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste, desde que existam condições climáticas especiais.(AU)