A cross-sectional study on clinical correlates of post-stroke depression in a tertiary health-care system of India

Objectives: The aim of our study is to determine the relation of the type of stroke and site of lesion and medical comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension with the severity of depression, HAM-D scores as well as age and gender of these patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months that included 61 patients from neurology OPD of IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. Purposive sampling was done. The patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were first assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain the sociodemographic data. Clinical psychiatric evaluation and detailed mental state examination were done. Based on the clinical findings and using ICD 10-DCR criteria, the 61 patients with CVA were segregated as depressive and non-depressive categories. HAM-A and HAM-D scales were applied on both the groups. MRI findings done at the time of the attack were obtained. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms of depression and why antidepressants lead to improved physical and cognitive recovery and decreased mortality. Results: Age of onset, gender, type of stroke and hemispherical involvement do not show any correlation with PSD. However, we found that the HAM-D scores were much higher in PSD patients with lacunar lesions as compared to non-depressive post stroke patients. Conclusion: Lacunar lesions may be involved in the psychopathology of depressive illness among stroke survivors. This could help us predict the occurrence of depressive illness among stroke patients with lacunar lesions. HAM-D and HAM-A may be used to detect anxiety and depressive symptoms among these patients.

In vitro studies of Bacopa monnieri--an important medicinal plant with reference to its biochemical variations.

Micropropagation of Bacopa monnieri was achieved on MS and B5 medium supplemented with BAP and NAA using leaf explants and nodal segments. Best results were found on MS medium in both the explants with BAP (2.0 mg/l) showing higher percentage of regeneration. Besides that the biochemical parameters, like chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein, of leaves both in vivo and in vitro have also been carried out in order to establish the sustainability of plants.