Exploring the Efficacy of Pellitorine as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Argulus: Impacts on Antioxidant Levels and Immune Responses in Goldfish (Carassius auratus).

INTRODUCTION: Argulus spp. infestation is a significant challenge for aquaculture, currently, there are no approved medications available to efficiently manage this parasite. Consequently, mechanical removal of parasites using forceps and natural substances like herbs are being explored as alternative treatment methods. Pellitorine (PLE) is a naturally occurring compound found in several plant species. It is classified as an alkaloid and belongs to the class of compounds known as amides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PLE in preventing Argulus spp. infestations in goldfish (Carassius auratus) and to determine the optimal dosage of PLE for the detachment of Argulus spp. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that PLE enhanced the immune response of goldfish by promoting superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in Argulus-infected goldfish. Additionally, PLE induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cellular damage in the Argulus. PLE at a dosage of 5 mg/mL was able to detach 80% of the argulus from goldfish within 12 h. Therapeutic index was found to be 5.99, suggesting that PLE is the safest drug. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, our findings suggest that PLE can be a suitable and effective treatment option for preventing Argulus infestations in goldfish. The results of this study can guide the use of PLE at an optimal dosage to control Argulus infestation in goldfish.

Application of Bacillus Coagulans as Paraprobiotic Against Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Shrimp.

Paraprobiotics, known as non-viable or ghost probiotics, have attracted attention for their benefits over live microbial cells. This study was designed to investigate the paraprobiotic effects of heat-killed Bacillus coagulans on the white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The paraprobiotic formulation was prepared in three different concentrations including B. coagulans 1 (107 cells g-1 diet), B. coagulans 2 (108 cells g-1 diet), and B. coagulans 3 (109 cells g-1 diet) through heat inactivation method. Preliminary toxicity assessments revealed that post-larvae shrimps (mean weight ± SE: 0.025 ± 0.007 g) treated with B. coagulans 1, 2 and 3 paraprobiotic formulations exhibited no mortality, confirming the non-toxic nature of the formulated diet. In a 90-day feeding trial involving juvenile shrimps (mean weight ± SE: 0.64 ± 0.05 g), growth parameters and feed conversion ratios improved in all experimental groups. Subsequently, these shrimps were challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, revealing that paraprobiotic-fed shrimps exhibited significant survival rate improvements. Oxidative stress-related enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, increased in paraprobiotic-fed shrimps post-Vibrio challenge, while the challenged control group showed decreased activity (p < 0.001). Nitric oxide levels are also increased in paraprobiotic-treated shrimp, with B. coagulans 3 showing a significant rise in nitric oxide activity (p < 0.001). This study further demonstrated the positive impact of paraprobiotic treatment on digestive enzymes, immune-related parameters (e.g., total hemocyte count, prophenoloxidase, and respiratory burst activity), and overall disease resistance. These findings suggest that B. coagulans paraprobiotics have the potential to enhance antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune-related responses in L. vannamei, making them a valuable addition to shrimp aquaculture.

Sustainable food packaging: Harnessing biowaste of Terminalia catappa L. for chitosan-based biodegradable active films for shrimp storage.

Shrimp, a globally consumed perishable food, faces rapid deterioration during storage and marketing, causing nutritional and economic losses. With a rising environmental consciousness regarding conventional plastic packaging, consumers seek sustainable options. Utilizing natural waste resources for packaging films strengthens the food industry. In this context, we aim to create chitosan-based active films by incorporating Terminalia catappa L. leaves extract (TCE) to enhance barrier properties and extend shrimp shelf life under refrigeration. Incorporation of TCE improves mechanical, microstructural, UV, and moisture barrier properties of the chitosan film due to cross-linking interactions, resulting in robust, foldable packaging film. Active TCE film exhibits high antioxidant property due to polyphenols. These films also exhibited low wettability and showed hydrophobicity than neat CH films which is essential for meat packaging. These biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly end-of-life option when buried in soil. TCE-loaded films effectively control spoilage organisms, prevent biochemical spoilage, and maintain shrimp freshness compared to neat CH films during refrigerated condition. The active TCE film retains sensory attributes better than neat chitosan, aligning with consumer preference. The developed edible and active film from waste sources might offer sustainable, alternative packaging material with a lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based sources.

Acute encephalitis syndrome following scrub typhus infection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to find the incidence of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) secondary to scrub infection and to observe the clinical, biochemical, radiological profile, and outcomes in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 consecutive patients of AES were evaluated for scrub infection using scrub typhus immunoglobulin M enzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay positivity along with the presence or absence of an eschar. Clinical profile, routine laboratory tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and neuroimaging were analyzed. Patients were treated with doxycycline and followed-up. RESULTS: Among 20 consecutive patients with AES, 6 (30%) were due to scrub infection. They presented with acute onset fever, altered sensorium, seizures. Eschar was seen in 50% of patients. CSF done in two of them was similar to consistent with viral meningitis. Magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed cerebral edema, bright lesions in the putamen and the thalamus on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences. Renal involvement was seen in all patients. All patients responded well to oral doxycycline. CONCLUSION: AES is not an uncommon neurological presentation following scrub typhus infection. It should be suspected in all patients with fever, altered sensorium, and renal involvement. Oral doxycycline should be started as early as possible for better outcomes.

Hybridization between threatened freshwater catfish Mystus gulio (Hamilton & buchanan) and Mystus montanus (Jerdon) by artificial fertilization.

Inter-specific hybrids were produced between the threatened catfish species Mystus gulio x Mystus montanus. The differences in percentage of fertilization and hatching between control and interspecies were significant. The survival of hybrid was significantly lower (24.80 +/- 4.3%) when compared to control (95.1 +/- 3.5%). Time difference in yolk absorption by hybrid (73.30 h) was higher than that of control (72 h). When compared to interspecific fertilized egg the hatching time (24-25 h) and viability of larvae of the control were significantly better. In hybrids more deformed hatchlings (52.7 +/- 4.2 %) were noticed than the control (24.80 +/- 4.3%).

Patients' preferences towards antiepileptic drug therapy following first attack of seizure.

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy following first unprovoked seizure is controversial. AIM: To study the patients' preferences towards AED therapy following first unprovoked generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS). DESIGN: Prospective cohorts with one year follow-up study. SETTING: Government teaching hospital, a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient cohort included patients with first attack of unprovoked GTCS within 30 days of onset, aged between 18-60 years and with normal brain CT scan. Counseling was done for all the patients and the relatives regarding seizure recurrence, duration and adverse effects of AED therapy if preferred. Patients were encouraged to make their own decision in preferring or deferring AED with reasons. They were followed up for one year. RESULTS: Of the 73 enrolled (54 males and 19 females) 39 (53%) preferred to go on AED therapy. The reasons for preferring AED therapy were; (a) fear of seizure recurrence, 21 (54%); (b) risky occupation, 14 (36%); and (c) fear of injury, 4 (10%). The reasons for deferring were: (a) fear of adverse effects of long-term AED therapy, 19 (56%) and (b) preferring to wait for the second attack, 15 (44%). All the patients were happy about being involved in the decision-making. CONCLUSION: Following first attack of unprovoked GTCS the decision regarding AED therapy may be taken by the patients and their family members after adequate counseling and such decisions have more relevance from their perspective.

Physical growth and psychomotor development of infants exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluates the physical growth and psychomotor development of infants born to women with epilepsy on regular Anti Epileptic Drugs (AEDs). SETTING: Govt. Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Tertiary care referral centre, Chennai. DESIGN: Open prospective cohort study with a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive women with epilepsy who were on regular anticonvulsants were followed up from their first trimester. Their babies were examined at birth and anthropometric measurements including anterior fontanelle size were noted. They were followed up till one year and periodically evaluated at 1st, 6th and 12th month of age. Development testing using Griffith scale was done at 2nd, 6th and 12th month. An equal number of control babies were also studied using the same scale for one year at the specified intervals. The results in both the groups were compared. RESULTS: 30 babies were enrolled in the case and control group. The AEDs received by the mothers with epilepsy were Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Sodium valproate. At birth and 1st month the weight, head circumference and length of case and control babies were equal. At 6th and 12th month reduction in the above 3 parameters were noted in the case babies ( P < 0.01). Area of anterior fontanelle (AF) was larger in the study group particularly in those exposed to phenytoin in utero (P < 0.001). In the case babies reduction in the sitting, prone and erect progression of the locomotor scores was observed at 2nd month (P < 0.001). Prone progression alone improved by 12th month and other two remained less than the control (P < 0.001). No difference was observed in reaching behaviour and personal/social scores in both groups. Infants exposed to Phenytoin monotherapy had a negative impact on sitting progression. CONCLUSION: Among infants exposed to AEDs in utero physical growth was equal to that of control at birth but reduced at 6th and 12th month probably due to extraneous factors. The Locomotor scores showed reduction in all areas in 2nd, 6th and 12th month except prone progression which alone improved by 12th month. Phenytoin exposure in utero resulted in large AF and it had a negative impact on sitting progression in comparison with Carbamazepine and Sodium valproate.

Acute myositis.

Two cases of acute myositis characterized by intense muscle pain, weakness, myoglobinuria in one and muscle biopsy showing inflammatory changes in both with good recovery are described. It is reported because of the rarity of this condition.

High prevalence of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 in an ethnic Tamil community in India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence, clinical and molecular genetic characteristics of cerebellar ataxia in an ethnic Tamil community in India. METHODS: An epidemiological study of cerebellar ataxia was done in two villages in the Indian state of Tamilnadu where its prevalence was observed to be high. All the people were screened and the clinical characteristics of those with ataxia were recorded. Genetic analysis was done in those with ataxia and in two asymptomatic control groups - group I belonging to the affected community and group II belonging to the unaffected community. The clinical and genetic results are correlated. Measures to help the community are suggested. RESULTS: The total population of the two villages was 378. Among them 345 belonged to Vanniyakula Kshatriyar community and 33 to another. Cerebellar ataxia was found in 25 individuals belonging only to the former community (7.2%). The mean age of onset was 39.8 years and the salient features were ataxic gait (100%), dysarthria (100%), pyramidal signs (72%), slow saccades (48%) and bleeding diathesis (12%). Genetic studies were done in 17 of the study group. All showed pathological expansion of CAG repeats above 40, in chromosome 6p, diagnostic of SCA1. 7 of the 18 in the control group (I) and none in control group (II) had CAG repeats above 40. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SCA1 is high (7.2%) in this ethnic Tamil community with a large asymptomatic group waiting to manifest. The symptomatic individuals need social support and rehabilitation. Appropriate counseling, prenatal evaluation and therapy will prevent the spread of disease to the next generation.

Nonepileptic attack disorder among married women.

AIM: To study the clinical features, precipitating stressful life events and prognosis of nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD) among married women. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up. SETTING: A tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Of the 1020 patients with epilepsy referred to the epilepsy clinic during 2002-2003, 30 were married women with NEAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnostic criteria for NEAD included normal EEG during ictal and post-ictal phase of the generalized 'attack.' The data collected included clinical characteristics, semiology of the attacks, precipitating stressful events, and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The control group included 30 age-matched married women with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The long-term outcome and factors influencing the outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean duration of illness was 18 months, and the pattern of the attack was 'fall and lying still' in 53% and 'fall with generalized motor movements' in 47%. The frequency was one or more per week in 57% and occasionally in 43%. The important stressful events were matrimonial discord following illegal relationship of the husband with another woman (chi2 = 9.02, P = 0.003) and constant quarrel with other family members (chi2 = 5.19, P = 0.02). The prevalence of sexual abuse was low (7%). Co-morbid psychiatric disorder was observed in 70%. At the end of 1 year, 39% were free from the attack. Resolution of the stressful life events (chi2 = 4.52, P = 0.03) and lower frequency of attack at the time of reporting (chi2 = 3.88, P = 0.05) correlated with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Among patients with NEAD in India, the major precipitating factors were matrimonial discord following illegal relationship of the husband with another woman and constant quarrel with other family members and not sexual abuse. Women with low frequency of attack at the time of reporting and the remission of the stressful events had better outcomes.

Prophylactic use of clobazam in hot water epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of intermittent administration of clobazam to prevent hot water epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten adults with 1:1 ratio of hot water epilepsy were administered 10 mg of clobazam about one and half hour before each hot water head bath. They were followed up for nine months. RESULTS: Nine out of 10 patients did not develop recurrence of seizure following regular hot water head bath during nine month follow up period. One continued to get mild giddiness. The adverse effects observed were sleepiness in two and fall in memory in one on the day of drug intake. CONCLUSION: Intermittent oral administration of clobazam before hot water bath alone is effective in preventing hot water epilepsy with 1:1 ratio.

Gabapentin in refractory partial seizures.

We report our preliminary observations on the role of Gabapentin as an add - on therapy in 16 patients with partial or secondary generalised seizures who were resistant to conventional antiepileptic drugs. There was a reduction in the seizure frequency by more than 50 in 11 (69), less than 50 in 3 (18.75), and increase in 1 (6.25). Adverse effects were noted in 9 (56.25 ) of them. The giddiness and sleepiness was seen in 5 (31.25 ); in one it was so severe that he withdrew from the study. Ataxic gait was observed in 1 (6.25). Reduction in the haemoglobin by 2 gms. occurred in 2 (12.5) and asymptomatic eosinophilia in 1 (6.25). As an add - on drug, the efficacy of Gabapentin was good. Regular haematological monitoring is necessary while the patients are on the drug. Further studies involving large number of patients in our country is necessary.

Prognosis in putaminal haemorrhages : clinical and CT correlation.

The prognosis of twenty consecutive patients with acute spontaneous putaminal haemorrhage was studied using clinical and CT scan findings. Patients with haemorrhage of less than 4.5 cms were mostly conscious and had independent activity of daily living (ADL) at the end of 3 months; between 4.6 cms and 6 cms., they were mostly drowsy and had partly independent ADL; above 6 cms., they were in stupor or in coma with a high incidence of mortality. Early surgical intervention is advised in the last group.

Sodium valproate in Sydenham's chorea.

Five patients with a moderate to severe degree of Sydenham's chorea were treated with sodium valproate for their involuntary movements. Within a week of commencement of treatment, the choreic movements disappeared completely. Sodium valproate appears to be a promising drug in the management of Sydenham's chorea.