To Study the Effect of Vitamin D and E on Sodium-Fluoride-induced Toxicity in Reproductive Functions of Male Rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: Fluorosis is an endemic problem in many countries of world. This study was designed to see the effect of fluoride on the reproductive system and to see the role if any of vitamin D or E supplementation on it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rabbits were divided into six equal groups. Group I was fed on standard diet, Group II vehicle treated control, Group III on sodium fluoride (NaF) 20 mg/kg body weight, Group IV on NaF + Vitamin D, Group V on NaF + vitamin E, and Group VI on NaF + vitamin D + vitamin E. RESULTS: In Group III (fed on sodium fluoride) significant decrease in sperm count (P<0.001), motility (P<0.001), progressive motility (P<0.01), and epididymal weight (P<0.05) compared to control was seen that was also evident on testicular histology. With vitamin D supplementation, there was a significant improvement in the sperm count (P<0.001), motility (P<0.01), and progressive motility (P<0.05) but remained significantly lower than the control values. With vitamin E supplementation there was significant improvement in the sperm count near normal. With vitamin D and E combined supplementation there was significant improvement in both sperm count and motility near to normal. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that combined vitamin D and E treatment showed a significant improvement in reproductive functions affected by fluoride.

Effect of lacidipine pre-treatment on diabetic neuropathy in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was planned to evaluate the effects of lacidipine on STZ induced diabetic neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in rats was monitored by measuring blood sugar levels, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nociception and histopathology of tibial nerve. Forty rats were divided in to four groups of 10 each. Group I: Control (vehicle). Group II: STZ (50mg/kg, iv, single injection). Group III: Lacidipine (0.5 mg/kg, po, daily + STZ). Group IV: STZ + insulin (4 unit/kg, sc, bid). Similar protocol was used for other parameters also. RESULTS: Lacidipine pre-treatment failed to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats but prevented deterioration of motor nerve conduction velocity as compared to STZ diabetic rats. Hyperalgesia induced by STZ was antagonized by lacidipine. Histology of nerve showed less structural damage in lacidipine pre-treated group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Thus, lacidipine prevents the development of neuropathic changes induced by STZ in rats.

Thoracopagus parasites in two sets of twins: evidence for the fusion theory.

We report two sets of parasitic twins attached in the thoracic region. Exomphalos major in the autosite was present in both cases. While in case 1, the autosite could be salvaged after easier dissection, in case 2, the autosite could not be salvaged due to the presence of the life-threatening anomalies. The presence of a right-angled communication between the gastrointestinal tracts of the autosite and the independent tactile responses of the parasite from that in the autosite supports the 'fusion theory' to explain the fusion of the embryos that could have led to this defect. The presence of the ano-rectal malformation and common bile duct dilatation exclusively in the parasite appears to be the result of the abnormalities in the endodermal-mesodermal interactions, probably due to the relative positioning of the parasite with respect to the autosite.

Majocchi's granuloma of the face in an immunocompetent patient.

Majocchi's granuloma is a condition with chronic erythematous and indurated plaques that is a result of the rupture of a dermatophyte-infected infundibulum as a result of trauma. It is frequently seen on the anterior aspect of the legs of women. Herein, we present a case of Majocchi's granuloma of face, a site rarely involved, in an immunocompetent patient. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological and mycological examination. Histological examination revealed hyphae and arthrospores in the hair follicles and in the dermis with a diffuse dermal infiltrate consisting of lymphoplasmacytic cells, and focal collections of epithelioid cells, neutrophils and mild interstitial edema. Mycological examination confirmed the presence of fungus, Trichophyton rubrum, and the diagnosis of Majocchi's granuloma of the face was made. No concrete predisposing factor was found to be associated with the occurrence of the lesions on the face. However, the history of prolonged veiling of the face by a cloth by the patient, perhaps contributing to the occurrence of lesions on face, is a point of dubious significance.

Comparison of human pulp response to total-etch and self-etch bonding agents.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pulp reactions in terms of pulp inflammation, leakage involving bacteria and reactionary dentin formation to total-etch adhesive, Prime & Bond NT and self-etch adhesive, Xeno III in 2 mm deep class V cavities prepared in human teeth. STUDY DESIGN: 2 mm deep class V cavities were prepared on buccal surface of 40 human premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups based on the application of a total-etch adhesive system, Prime and Bond NT after acid etching or a self-etching adhesive system, Xeno III. The teeth were extracted after 7 and 30 days and prepared according to routine histological techniques. RESULTS: All teeth were asymptomatic. Both the adhesives showed moderate to severe inflammatory reactions in few cases initially at seven days, but the response was generally minimal at 30 days. Leakage involving bacteria was detected in 42.5% of restorations and 40% of the specimens were associated with various grades of pulp inflammation. The cavity remaining dentin thickness influenced the grade of inflammatory activity. A significant correlation was detected between inflammatory cell response and the presence of bacteria. Pulp response to self-etching adhesive, Xeno III was minimally different from that of the total-etch adhesive, Prime & Bond NT (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A self-etching adhesive system, Xeno III showed similar pulp response and leakage involving bacteria to a total-etch adhesive, Prime & Bond NT. Both adhesives showed an acceptable biological compatibility with human pulps at 30 days.