Seasonal dynamics and polyphenism of butterfly communities in the coastal plains of central Western Ghats, India.

Long-term socioeconomic progress requires a healthy environment/ecosystem, but anthropogenic activities cause environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Constant ecological monitoring is, therefore, necessary to assess the state of biodiversity and ecological health. However, baseline data are lacking even for ecologically sensitive regions such as the Western Ghats. We looked at the seasonality and polyphenism of butterflies of the central Western Ghats to obtain baseline population patterns on these charismatic taxa. We recorded 43118 individuals (175 species) using fortnightly time-constrained counts for two consecutive years and found the peak abundance (49% of the total individuals) in the post-monsoon period (October to January). Seasonal abundance was correlated with the overall increase in species richness. Habitat differences were stronger than seasonality as samples clustered based on sites. Several species also displayed polyphenism with distinct distributions of wet and dry season forms. Seasonal equitability and indicator species analysis showed distinct inter-species differences in seasonality patterns. This work provides key baseline data on the seasonal dynamics of butterflies of the Western Ghats in the context of climate change and conservation. It will help monitor this ecologically sensitive region using butterflies.

Synthesis of (R)-norbgugaine and its potential as quorum sensing inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

(R)-Bgugaine is a natural pyrrolidine alkaloid from Arisarum vulgare, which shows antifungal and antibacterial activity. In this Letter, we have accomplished the simple synthesis of norbgugaine (demethylated form of natural bgugaine) employing Wittig olefination and cat. hydrogenation as the key steps and its biological studies are reported for the first time. The synthesized norbgugaine was evaluated for inhibition of quorum sensing mediated virulence factors (motility, biofilm formation, pyocyanin pigmentation, rhamnolipid production and LasA protease) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa wherein swarming motility is reduced by 95%, and biofilm formation by 83%.

A novel method of using mini external fixator for maintaining web space after the release of contracture and syndactyly.

Syndactyly and postburn contracture of the digits are the common cases seen in a hand clinic. Their management can be roughly divided into 3 stages. In stage 1, syndactyly/postburn contracture of the digits are surgically released; in stage 2, surgical wound care is provided; and in stage 3, the patient undergoes physiotherapy (rehabilitation). The most common method of immobilizing the digit after the release is by plaster of Paris splints. Its demerit includes loss of correction, painful postoperative dressing, and suboptimal graft uptake due to improper immobilization and maceration. We describe a simple and effective method of mitigating the above-mentioned drawbacks using a mini external fixator, after the release of the contracted fingers. The use of this fixator also helps during the surgery (stage 1) as resurfacing of the raw areas becomes quick because 2 surgeons can perform this simultaneously. The web can be further opened up using the fixator to facilitate the suturing of the FTG/flap, after which it can be brought back to its normal position. As the dimension of the raw area created is fully defined it becomes easier to suture the flap/graft with appropriate tension and tie-over dressing. The postoperative dressings become easier and pain free. The maceration of the skin graft and skin margin is reduced as the compressive dressing can be applied to individual fingers rather than a collective dressing. It is advantageous even in stage 3 as it allows the surgeon to customize the splint for each finger.

Modulation of LPS induced inflammatory response by Lawsonyl monocyclic terpene from the marine derived Streptomyces sp.

In continuing research for compounds with immunosuppressive activity, Lawsonone (1), a novel Lawsonyl derivative isolated from marine-derived bacteria Streptomyces sp. was evaluated for its potent immunosuppressive activity on immune system. The effect of Lawsonone (1) was elucidated on the immune cells (splenocytes and macrophages) collected from BALB/c mice. Study was carried out to find the effect of Lawsonone (1) on Con-A and LPS stimulated splenocyte proliferation, LPS-induced NO, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α production in macrophages. Furthermore, the effect of Lawsonone (1) on T-cell subsets (CD4 and CD8) and total B-cell (CD19) population was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results obtained in the present study showed that Lawsonone (1) inhibited the proliferation of both T and B splenocytes. It inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) production in LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis indicated the prominent inhibition of CD4, CD8 and CD19 cell populations in the spleen of mice treated with the variable doses of Lawsonone (1), with the maximum inhibition at the lowest dose (0.1µM). Taken together, the present results suggest that Lawsonone (1) may act as a potent molecule for immunosuppression and anti-inflammation, supporting its immunopharmacologic application to modify the immune system.

Fermentation products of solvent tolerant marine bacterium Moraxella spp. MB1 and its biotechnological applications in salicylic acid bioconversion.

As part of a proactive approach to environmental protection, emerging issues with potential impact on the environment is the subject of ongoing investigation. One emerging area of environmental research concerns pharmaceuticals like salicylic acid, which is the main metabolite of various analgesics including aspirin. It is a common component of sewage effluent and also an intermediate in the degradation pathway of various aromatic compounds which are introduced in the marine environment as pollutants. In this study, biotransformation products of salicylic acid by seaweed, Bryopsis plumosa, associated marine bacterium, Moraxella spp. MB1, have been investigated. Phenol, conjugates of phenol and hydroxy cinnamic acid derivatives (coumaroyl, caffeoyl, feruloyl and trihydroxy cinnamyl) with salicylic acid (3-8) were identified as the bioconversion products by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These results show that the microorganism do not degrade phenolic acid but catalyses oxygen dependent transformations without ring cleavage. The degradation of salicylic acid is known to proceed either via gentisic acid pathway or catechol pathway but this is the first report of biotransformation of salicylic acid into cinnamates, without ring cleavage. Besides cinnamic acid derivatives (9-12), metabolites produced by the bacterium include antimicrobial indole (13) and ß-carbolines, norharman (14), harman (15) and methyl derivative (16), which are beneficial to the host and the environment.

Rehabilitation of an Infected Eye with an Acrylic Ball Implant and a Custom made Scleral Ocular Prosthesis.

This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with corneal abscess with endophthalmitis of the left eye. Infection with a history of trauma resulted in loss of vision but with intact eye ball movements. Cornea excising evisceration was carried out following placement of poly(methyl methacrylate) ocular ball implant. Later custom made scleral prosthesis was fabricated to maintain functional integrity of the socket and to satisfy patient's aesthetic needs.

Soft tissue coverage in open fractures of tibia.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of Gustilo Anderson type 3B open fracture tibia is a major challenge and it needs aggressive debridement, adequate fixation, and early flap coverage of soft tissue defect. The flaps could be either nonmicrovascular which are technically less demanding or microvascular which has steep learning curve and available only in few centers. An orthopedic surgeon with basic knowledge of the local vascular anatomy required to harvest an appropriate local or regional flap will be able to manage a vast majority of open fracture tibia, leaving the very few complicated cases needing a free microvascular flap to be referred to specialized tertiary center. This logical approach to the common problem will also lessen the burden on the higher tertiary centers. We report a retrospective study of open fractures of leg treated by nonmicrovascular flaps to analyze (1) the role of nonmicrovascular flap coverage in type 3B open tibial fractures; (2) to suggest a simple algorithm of different nonmicrovascular flaps in different zones and compartment of the leg, and to (3) analyze the final outcome with regards to time taken for union and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundered and fifty one cases of Gustilo Anderson type 3B open fracture tibia which needed flap cover for soft tissue injury were included in the study. Ninety four cases were treated in acute stage by debridement; fracture fixation and early flap cover within 10 days. Thirty-eight cases were treated between 10 days to 6 weeks in subacute stage. The rest 19 cases were treated in chronic stage after 6 weeks. The soft tissue defect was treated by various nonmicrovascular flaps depending on the location of the defect. RESULTS: All 151 cases were followed till the raw areas were covered. In seven cases secondary flaps were required when the primary flaps failed either totally or partially. Ten patients underwent amputation. Twenty-two patients were lost to followup after the wound coverage. Out of the remaining 119 patients, 76 achieved primary acceptable union and 43 patients went into delayed or nonunion. These 43 patients needed secondary reconstructive surgery for fracture union. CONCLUSION: open fracture of the tibia which needs flap coverage should be treated with high priority of radical early debridement, rigid fixation, and early flap coverage. A majority of these wounds can be satisfactorily covered with local or regional nonmicrovascular flaps.

Modified bone tie: a new method to achieve interfragmentary compression in unstable oblique metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.

Oblique fractures of the metacarpal and phalanx are inherently unstable especially when there is comminution at the fracture site. Nonoperative management of these fractures requires prolonged immobilization and results in poor outcome. Internal fixation is the preferred method of treatment for these fractures. The various methods used for internal fixation are the Kirschner wires, intraosseous wiring, tension band wiring, minifragment screws and plates. Kirschner wires are the most commonly used fixation device because of their versatility and easy availability. The main disadvantage is lack of rigid fixation as it does not provide interfragmentary compression and pin track infection, if left outside the skin. To overcome these problems intraosseous wiring and tension band wiring were used. The main disadvantage of these procedures is the need for multiple drilling and extensive soft tissue dissection which is detrimental for a comminuted oblique fracture. Minifragment screws and plates provide rigid fixation but the screw can split the small bone fragment and also does not allow any adjustment once it is inserted. Plates tend to be bulky. Bone tie was described as a method of interfragmentary compression with some advantages over the interosseous wiring techniques and tension band wiring. We have modified the original bone tie to make it easier to use and to provide more stable fixation. We present our experience with its use in unstable oblique fractures of the metacarpal and phalanges, which are challenging to treat.

Three unusual factors contributing to compressive median neuropathy in the distal forearm in a single patient.

Although there are varied aetiological factors responsible for compressive neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel syndrome, it is rare to encounter several aetiological factors in a single case. This article reports a case in which three aetiological factors were present.

Current concepts in managing fractures of metacarpal and phalangess.

Fractures of the metacarpal and phalanges constitute 10% of all fractures. No where in the body, the form and function are so closely related to each other than in hand. Too often these fractures are treated as minor injuries resulting in major disabilities. Diagnosis of skeletal injuries of the hand usually does not pose major problems if proper clinical examination is supplemented with appropriate radiological investigations. Proper preoperative planning, surgical intervention wherever needed at a centre with backing of equipment and implants, selection of appropriate anaesthesia and application of the principle of biological fixation, rigid enough to allow early mobilisation are all very important for a good functional outcome. This article reviews the current concepts in management of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures incorporating tips and indications for fixation of these fractures. The advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, anaesthesia, technique and mode of fixation have been discussed. The take-home message is that hand fractures are equally or more worthy of expertise as major extremity trauma are, and the final outcome depends upon the fracture personality, appropriate and timely intervention followed by proper rehabilitation. Hand being the third eye of the body, when injured it needs a multidisciplinary approach from the beginning. Though the surgeon's work appears to be of paramount importance in the early phase, the contribution from anaesthetist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, orthotist and above all a highly motivated patient cannot be overemphasised.

Innovative nerve approximator from external fixator: a quick fix solution.

The outcome of primary and secondary neurorrhaphy depends on the technical precision followed during the procedure. The aim of the surgery is to establish near-anatomic coaptation and to maintain it without tension at the anastomotic site. A nerve approximator can aid in peripheral neurorrhaphy with optimal tension at the anastomotic site and better maintenance of coaptation of fascicles, but their use is limited because of the high price of the commercially available ones. We describe a simple and inexpensive nerve approximator that can be prepared any time, and according to the need using the universal mini external fixator system. This fixator system is almost always available in an orthopedic and hand operation theater. It is an extremely handy, inexpensive, atraumatic, and user-friendly nerve approximator that can be used clinically to aid and augment the final results of peripheral neurorrhaphy. Its use can also be extrapolated for simulated tendon and nerve repair during microvascular laboratory training.