CARNIVORE PROTOPARVOVIRUS 1 (PARVOVIRUSES) AT THE DOMESTIC-WILD CARNIVORE INTERFACE IN INDIA.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CP1, earlier called Feline panleukopenia virus) variants such as canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline parvovirus (FPV) are significant, emerging, multihost pathogens of domestic and wild carnivores. The diversity of CP1 variants was studied between 2008 and 2014 in Wayanad, India, where flagship wildlife species such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus) coexist alongside domestic carnivores, including dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus). Using polymerase chain reaction, FPV and CPV sequences were obtained from the heart blood of a necropsied leopard individual for the first time in the world and from rectal swabs of three sympatric and clinically ill domestic dogs. CP1 amplicons were also detected in a tiger. Cross-species transmission possibilities were identified, as the closest relatives to the leopard FPV sequence were found in domestic cats from a neighboring state.

Microbial diversity in dairy manure environment under liquid-solid separation systems.

In dairy manure, a wide array of microorganisms, including many pathogens, survive and grow under suitable conditions. This microbial community offers a tremendous opportunity for studying animal health, the transport of microbes into the soil, air, and water, and consequential impacts on public health. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of manure management practices on the microbial community of manure. The key novelty of this work is to identify the impacts of various stages of manure management on microbes living in dairy manure. In general, the majority of dairy farms in California use a flush system to manage dairy manure, which involves liquid-solid separations. To separate liquid and solid in manure, Multi-stage Alternate Dairy Effluent Management Systems (ADEMS) that use mechanical separation systems (MSS) or weeping wall separation systems (WWSS) are used. Thus, this study was conducted to understand how these manure management systems affect the microbial community. We studied the microbial communities in the WWSS and MSS separation systems, as well as in the four stages of the ADEMS. The 16S rRNA gene from the extracted genomic DNA of dairy manure was amplified using the NovoSeq Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. The sequencing data were used to perform the analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) and multi-response permutation procedure (MRRP) statistical tests, and the results showed that microbial communities among WWSS and MSS were significantly different (p < 0.05). These findings have significant practical implications for the design and implementation of manure management practices in dairy farms.

Physico-chemical assessment of on-farm bioconversion of organic waste in dairy farms in context to sustainability and circular bioeconomy.

On a milk-producing dairy farm, milk production is correlated with manure production and the number of cattle, and manure is widely used as a soil fertilizer. However, excessive dairy manure production is linked with greenhouse gas emissions and water quality issues. On-farm planning of manure storage and application to enhance soil nutrients are essential in a circular economy to reduce environmental impact, where manure is not landfilled and incinerated. Instead, it creates a nutrient resource for crops and soil. Dairy manure, which is rich in nutrients, is a valuable fertilizer that contains many nutrients such as nitrogen (N), organic matter (OM), phosphorous (P), Potassium (K) and micronutrients. In this work, a pilot field research was conducted between 2016 and 2018 in various parts of California, USA (San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, Shasta Cascade, and the North Coast of California) to assess physio-chemical characteristics of solid fractions of dairy manure among various dairy farms. A total of 156 samples were collected from the gut (n = 107) and toe (n = 49) of the manure piles across California for determining total solid (TS), volatile solid (VS), temperature, moisture content and carbon-nitrogen ratio (C: N). Here, using the observations of field study and analysis, we show that C: N, OM and MC of solid fractions of dairy manure vary significantly among dairy farms. The average C: N ratio of manure (26-32) among various regions was close to an ideal C: N value of 24:1 for soil microbes to stimulate nutrient release to crops. Manure pH ranged between 7.0 and 8.0, which was close to an optimal pH range for common crops (6.0-8.0). Moreover, considering less cost and surplus availability, manure will likely continue providing a cost-effective organic fertilizer resource compared to commercial chemical fertilizers.

An evaluation of dentofacial changes in Angle's class II division 1 patients using AdvanSync 2.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is as follows: To evaluate the dental and skeletal changes of the AdvanSync 2 appliance.To evaluate the soft tissue changes of the AdvanSync 2 appliance using photometric analysis. METHODS: The sample size consisted of 15 patients who reported to the Department of Orthodontics, seeking fixed orthodontic treatment. The effects of the AdvanSync 2 appliance were measured at two intervals. RESULTS: After the nine months, P values were observed to be less than 0.5, therefore statistically significant for parameters such as Sella-Nasion-Point A (SNA), Condylion-Point A (CO-A), University of Witwatersrand, Condylion-Gnathion (C0-Gn), point A-Nasion-Point B (ANB), Upper incisor-Point A (UI-A) (degree), LI-B (mm), Lower lip to Esthetic plane (LL-E plane), nasolabial angle, mentolabial angle, facial angle, and L lip to the chin. P values were however observed to be greater than 0.5, therefore statistically insignificant for parameters such as sella-Nasion-Point B (SNB), Condylion -gonion (C0-Go), UI A (mm), LI B (mm), UL-EPL, H LINE, Frankfurt mandibular plane (FMA), nose tip angle, nasofrontal angle, nasomental angle, upper lip angle, and U lip to the chin. CONCLUSIONS: AdvanSync 2 appliance brought about a change in Class II malocclusions through Co-Gn, Co-Go, ANB, FMA, UI-A (degree), UI A (linear) LI B (linear), Upper lip to Esthetic plane, LL-E plane, Holdaway LINE, nose tip angle, nasolabial angle, mentolabial angle, nasofrontal angle, nasomental angle, facial angle, upper lip angle, U lip to chin, L lip to the chin after nine months of appliance delivery. MAIN POINTS: AdvanSync 2 normalized class II by an increase in the length and body of the mandible.AdvanSync 2 has a restraining effect on the growth of the maxilla.AdvanSync 2 brings about positive soft tissue changes.The major disadvantage is the proclination of the lower incisors.

Effect of periostin in peri-implant sulcular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid: A comparative study.

Background: Various similarities have been observed between gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF). This has resulted in research that has evaluated similar biological fluid markers that are similar to those present within the gingival sulcus. These biomarkers have high sensitivity and are a reliable biological tool when compared to clinical and/or radiographic examination and aid in diagnosis as well as monitoring the progression of periodontal disease surrounding teeth as well as the implants. Aim: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of periostin in peri-implant sulcular and gingival crevicular fluids. Materials and Methods: This experimental prospective in vitro analysis was done following clearance by the institutional ethical committee. A total of 100 patients were selected. They were categorized into two groups: (I) Group A patients had peri-implant disease (n = 50), whereas (II) Group B patients had periodontitis (n = 50). Clinical loss of attachment score was noted in six sites around natural teeth and four sites around the implants. Presterilized filter paper strips were inserted within the sulcus/pocket till pressure was felt for 60 s. Periostin concentration levels in GCF and PISF samples were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical analysis of data collected was performed using Shapiro-Wilk statistical tool for normally distributed numerical data. . Results: Mean ± standard deviation concentration of periostin in gingival crevicular fluid from periodontitis cases was recorded as 20.15 ± 2.76 ng/30sn, whereas in PISF was 19.23 ± 1.89 ng/30sn. On statistical analysis, no statistically significant differences were seen after comparing the concentration of periostin in periodontitis as well as peri-implantitis groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study analyzed periostin levels in gingival crevicular fluid obtained from patients diagnosed with periodontitis and sulcular fluid obtained from the sulcus around implants. Early biological markers or indicators of inflammation should be studied to determine the prognosis of treatment apart from the clinical assessment for the patient's benefit.

Résumé Contexte: Diverses similitudes ont été observées entre le fluide sulculaire gingival (GCF) et le fluide sulculaire péri-implantaire (PISF). Ce a abouti à des recherches qui ont évalué des marqueurs fluides biologiques similaires à ceux présents dans le sillon gingival. Ces les biomarqueurs ont une sensibilité élevée et sont un outil biologique fiable par rapport à l'examen clinique et/ou radiographique et aident à diagnostic ainsi que le suivi de la progression de la maladie parodontale entourant les dents ainsi que les implants. Objectif: L'étude visait à comparent l'efficacité de la périostine dans les fluides péri-implantaires sulculaires et gingivaux. Matériels et Méthodes: Ce test expérimental une analyse prospective in vitro a été effectuée après autorisation par le comité d'éthique de l'établissement. Au total, 100 patients ont été sélectionnés. Ils étaient classés en deux groupes: (I) les patients du groupe A avaient une maladie péri-implantaire (n = 50), alors que (II) les patients du groupe B avaient une parodontite (n = 50). Le score clinique de perte d'attache a été noté dans six sites autour des dents naturelles et quatre sites autour des implants. Bandes de papier filtre préstérilisées ont été insérés dans le sulcus/poche jusqu'à ce que la pression soit ressentie pendant 60 s. Les niveaux de concentration de périostine dans les échantillons GCF et PISF ont été mesurés par la technique de dosage immuno-enzymatique. L'analyse statistique des données recueillies a été effectuée à l'aide de la méthode statistique de Shapiro-Wilk. outil pour les données numériques distribuées normalement. Résultats: concentration moyenne ± écart-type de périostine dans le liquide gingival les cas de parodontite ont été enregistrés à 20,15 ± 2,76 ng/30sn, alors que dans le PISF, ils étaient de 19,23 ± 1,89 ng/30sn. Sur l'analyse statistique, pas statistiquement des différences significatives ont été observées après avoir comparé la concentration de périostine dans les groupes parodontite et péri-implantite (P > 0,05). Conclusion: La présente étude a analysé les niveaux de périostine dans le liquide créviculaire gingival obtenu chez des patients diagnostiqués avec une parodontite et fluide sulculaire obtenu à partir du sulcus autour des implants. Les marqueurs ou indicateurs biologiques précoces de l'inflammation doivent être étudiés pour déterminer le pronostic du traitement en dehors de l'évaluation clinique au bénéfice du patient. Mots-clés: Créviculaire, liquide, gingival, péri-implantaire, parodontite, périostine, pronostic, sulculaire.

Intrabony defect management with a bone graft (hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate) alone and in combination with a diode laser: A randomized control trial.

Objectives: The current research was conducted to evaluate the use of a diode laser and a bone graft (hydroxyapatite [HA] + ß-tricalcium phosphate [ß-TCP]) in healing of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: In this split-mouth evaluation, 40 patients with bilateral intrabony defects were treated with, Group I (control) - bone graft alone (HA + ß-TCP) and Group II, (test) - bone graft with a diode laser. The clinical and radiologic parameters of all patients, such as plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GR), and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were recorded at baseline, after 3 months and after 6 months. Results: Reductions in PI, PD, GI, GR, and RCAL were found after 6 months. Furthermore, significant differences were displayed in the intra-group comparison while those of the inter-group evaluation (P > 0.05) were insignificant. Conclusion: In both groups, considerable decrease in intrabony pockets was discovered; however, the inter-group comparison was insignificant in relation to GR and RCAL.

Dietary supplementation of clinically utilized PI3K p110α inhibitor extends the lifespan of male and female mice.

Diminished insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling extends the lifespan of invertebrates1-4; however, whether it is a feasible longevity target in mammals is less clear5-12. Clinically utilized therapeutics that target this pathway, such as small-molecule inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110α (PI3Ki), provide a translatable approach to studying the impact of these pathways on aging. Here, we provide evidence that dietary supplementation with the PI3Ki alpelisib from middle age extends the median and maximal lifespan of mice, an effect that was more pronounced in females. While long-term PI3Ki treatment was well tolerated and led to greater strength and balance, negative impacts on common human aging markers, including reductions in bone mass and mild hyperglycemia, were also evident. These results suggest that while pharmacological suppression of insulin receptor (IR)/insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR) targets could represent a promising approach to delaying some aspects of aging, caution should be taken in translation to humans.

Cytotoxicity of dental cement on soft tissue associated with dental implants at different time intervals.

Background: To investigate and compare the effect of four commercially used dental cement at 24 hours, 48 hours,72 hours (h) and 6 days on the cellular response of human gingival fibroblast (HGF). Methods: 3 cement pellet samples were made for each 4-test cement (n=12). The cement used for this study were zinc phosphate (ZP), zinc oxide non-eugenol (ZOE), RelyX U200 (RU200), and glass ionomer cement (GIC). The cytotoxicity of peri-implant tissues was investigated using one commercial cell line. All processing was done following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods 10993-5 and 10993-12 (MTT assay Test). Cell cultures without dental cement were considered as control. Standard laboratory procedures were followed to permit cell growth and confluence over 48 hrs after sub-cultivation. Before being subjected to analysis, the cells were kept in direct contact with the cement samples for the suggested time period. To validate the results the specimens were tested three times each. Cell death and inhibition of cell growth were measured quantitatively. Results were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA (a=0.05) followed by Tukey B post hoc test. Results: The study showed the dental cement test material was cytotoxic. ZOE, ZP, GIC, and RU200 were cytotoxic in decreasing order, respectively, significantly reducing cell viability after exposure to HGF (p <0.001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in-vitro cellular study, results indicated that HGF were vulnerable to the test the dental cement. The highest cytotoxicity was observed in ZOE, followed by ZP, GIC, and RU200.

Meckel-Gruber syndrome (dysencephalia splanchnocystica).

Meckel-Gruber syndrome is a rare lethal autosomal recessive condition which was first described by Johann Friedrich Meckel in 1822 and GB Gruber in 1934. More than 200 cases have been reported worldwide with an incidence ranging from 1:13,250 to 1:140,000 live births. A 21-year-old female with G3 A2 L0, presented with twin pregnancy with history of previous two anencephalic pregnancies. The present pregnancy was a preterm vaginal delivery of female twins by face presentation at 35 weeks of gestation (diamniotic dichorionic twin gestation). Neonatal autopsy revealed classical triad of occipital encephalocele, polycystic kidneys and lungs with postaxial polydactyly. This case is presented for its rarity and its documented occurrence in Gujarati Indians.

Legal terrorism in domestic violence -- an Indian outlook.

Marriage in India is a voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. It is a social association where the husband has the responsibility to take care of and maintain his wife and not to neglect his duties. But in relation to this great institution, the problem of the "dowry" still persists. Women are ill-treated, harassed, killed or divorced for the simple reason that they do not get a dowry or do not get a sufficiently large one. To safeguard the interest of women against the cruelty they face within the four walls of their matrimonial home, the Indian Penal Code 1860 was amended in 1983 and section 498A was added. This deals with "Matrimonial Cruelty" to a woman. Matrimonial Cruelty in India is a cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence. Notwithstanding that the practice of demanding dowries was made illegal in India over 50 years ago, the (London) Times on 18 January 2012 reported that a study in 2007 concluded that "there is a dowry-related death in India every four hours". Official statistics in India show there were 8,391 dowry-related deaths in 2010, and there may well have been more. Why has leglislation that criminalises these appalling practices failed to stop them?

The Mangalore aircrash of 22 May 2010: practical problems related to identification of the dead in a populous developing country.

It was a sad and emotional moment for the citizens of Mangalore, India when the "Dubai to Mangalore" Air India Express Boeing 737-800 flight IX-812 crashed at the Mangalore International Airport on 22 May 2010, killing 158 people on board. Identification of the victims was difficult as most of the bodies were charred beyond easy recognition. The practical problems faced by the legal authorities in identifying the charred victims in a populous and developing country like India are discussed in this paper.

Predicting Escherichia coli levels in manure using machine learning in weeping wall and mechanical liquid solid separation systems.

An increased understanding of the interaction between manure management and public and environmental health has led to the development of Alternative Dairy Effluent Management Strategies (ADEMS). The efficiency of such ADEMS can be increased using mechanical solid-liquid-separator (SLS) or gravitational Weeping-Wall (WW) solid separation systems. In this research, using pilot study data from 96 samples, the chemical, physical, biological, seasonal, and structural parameters between SLS and WW of ADEM systems were compared. Parameters including sodium, potassium, total salts, volatile solids, pH, and E. coli levels were significantly different between the SLS and WW of ADEMS. The separated solid fraction of the dairy effluents had the lowest E. coli levels, which could have beneficial downstream implications in terms of microbial pollution control. To predict effluent quality and microbial pollution risk, we used Escherichia coli as the indicator organism, and a versatile machine learning, ensemble, stacked, super-learner model called E-C-MAN (Escherichia coli-Manure) was developed. Using pilot data, the E-C-MAN model was trained, and the trained model was validated with the test dataset. These results demonstrate that the heuristic E-C-MAN ensemble model can provide a pilot framework toward predicting Escherichia coli levels in manure treated by SLS or WW systems.

Fatal captive tiger attack - A case report with review of literature.

The attacks on humans by big captive felids has been an issue of concern for the administration of zoological parks and wildlife conservationists. The theme of human-animal conflict takes a new dimension for the wild animals kept in zoos, circuses, exotic animal farms, and private custody. Despite the potential dangers involved, the zookeepers have to closely interact with the captive tigers for catering to the needs of food, general health, and wellbeing. The literature has described cases of attacks by captive tigers resulting in the death of the primary caretaker. The injuries present on such bodies include multiple punctured lacerations, traumatic amputations, damage to the vital organs of the neck, fracture-dislocation of cervical vertebrae, and abrasions secondary to the dragging of the body. We present a rare fatal case of an attack of a tiger on keeper during the night hours while he entered the cage to look after the tiger who was suffering from gastroenteritis for a few days and was not taking his feed aptly. The keeper had a twelve-year long relation with the tiger, and the discovery of his death was an astonishment for zoo administration. This case describes the autopsy findings emphasizing the distribution of injuries, along with inquiring into the scene of the incident. The details about the predatory behaviour of tigers and stereotypic behaviours in captivity have been discussed.

Violence against healthcare personnel in India: Covid-19 prompts stricter laws.

During the past 10 years, the "Prevention of Violence Against Medicare Persons and Institutions Act" has failed to achieve its object. With the advent of the pandemic, stricter measures were taken and on 22 April 2020, all acts of violence against healthcare personnel confronting the Covid-19 pandemic became "cognizable and non-bailable offences" by means of the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, a direct statement from the Government of India that there would be zero tolerance for violence against its health care workers. The Amendment aims to fill gaps in the previous law which did not protect healthcare workers against occupational violence at the workplace and at home. The amendment of the Ordinance will have a positive impact on the medical community which is much needed, particularly during the pandemic.

Extrinsic interactions in the microenvironment in vivo activate an antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant phenotype in CLL.

The Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has yielded exceptional clinical responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, de novo resistance can result in failure to achieve negative minimal residual disease and predicts poor treatment outcomes. Consequently, additional proapoptotic drugs, such as inhibitors of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, are in development. By profiling antiapoptotic proteins using flow cytometry, we find that leukemic B cells that recently emigrated from the lymph node (CD69+/CXCR4Low) in vivo are enriched for cell clusters simultaneously overexpressing multiple antiapoptotic proteins (Mcl-1High/Bcl-xLHigh/Bcl-2High) in both treated and treatment-naive CLL patients. These cells exhibited antiapoptotic resistance to multiple BH-domain antagonists, including inhibitors of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL, when tested as single agents in a flow cytometry-based functional assay. Antiapoptotic multidrug resistance declines ex vivo, consistent with resistance being generated in vivo by extrinsic microenvironmental interactions. Surviving "persister" cells in patients undergoing venetoclax treatment are enriched for CLL cells displaying the functional and molecular properties of microenvironmentally induced multidrug resistance. Overcoming this resistance required simultaneous inhibition of multiple antiapoptotic proteins, with potential for unwanted toxicities. Using a drug screen performed using patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured in an ex vivo microenvironment model, we identify novel venetoclax drug combinations that induce selective cytotoxicity in multidrug-resistant CLL cells. Thus, we demonstrate that antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant CLL cells exist in patients de novo and show that these cells persist during proapoptotic treatment, such as venetoclax. We validate clinically actionable approaches to selectively deplete this reservoir in patients.

Histopathological Evaluation and Analysis of Immunohistochemical Expression of Bcl-2 Oncoprotein in Colorectal Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy with high mortality rate, necessitating markers that predict survival and guide the treatment. Previous studies have examined the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2, an apoptotic marker, in colorectal carcinoma, but results have been contradictory. To evaluate the histopathological features of colorectal carcinoma, immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 must be analyzed to find out statistical association of Bcl-2 expression with certain prognostic factors histopathologic type, grade and TNM staging. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on the colectomy specimens of colorectal carcinoma, over a period of two years. The tumor morphology and Bcl-2 status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in each case. RESULTS: The study included 58 cases, with mean patient age of 47.07 years and male: female ratio of 1.89:1. Bcl-2 positivity was seen in 32.7% of the cases. Weak, moderate, and strong expression of Bcl-2 was seen in 12.1%, 12.1%, and 8.5% of cases respectively. Even though early stages of colorectal carcinoma showed greater frequency of Bcl-2 expression than advanced stages (36.3% versus 28%), however this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Lack of statistically significant correlation between Bcl-2 immuno-histochemical expression and prognostic parameters like tumor grade and stage, suggests that Bcl-2 immunoexpression may not be a significant prognostic marker in colorectal carcinoma.

Approximation of Height of an Individual Using Somatometry of Human Male Skull.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous population specific studies conducted on skeletal remains have aimed to standardize the identification process. Known for ethnic and sexual variations, skull bone can also assist the identification process by estimating stature of the individual. The present study focuses on estimation of stature from skull bone using uni-variate and multi-variate regression models in south Indian population. METHODS: Stature and maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, bi-pterion breadth, parietal cord and upper facial breadth were measured in wet skulls of 113 males, autopsied at Government Hospital of Kudla, Karnataka. RESULTS: All five measurements showed significant correlation with stature (P value <0.001). MCL showed the highest (r=0.77) and UFB the lowest (r=0.42) degree of correlation. Standard error of estimate was lowest for MCL (4.90 cm) in the derived uni-variate regression models. In the regression model obtained from the multi-variate analysis using all five skull measurements the ß-coefficients were significant (P value <0.001) and the Standard Error of Estimation of the model was observed to be 4.45 cm. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to explore the agreement between the actual length and the estimated lengths from the multivariate regression model. The mean of difference was 0.105 with a standard deviation of 4.3 and the upper and lower limits of agreement were 8.5 and -8.3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that stature can be estimated from skull measurements with reasonable accuracy, observations of multi-variate regression models being more precise than the uni-variate regression models. Data collected from South India was compared with data available for Nepalese population and validates the use of data of Indian population for extrapolation in Nepalese population.

Effect of Centella asiatica L (Umbelliferae) on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing in Wistar Albino rats.

Centella asiatica is a reputed medicinal plant used in the treatment of various skin diseases in the Indian system of medicine. The objective of the study presented in this article was to evaluate the wound-healing potential of the ethanolic extract of the plant in both normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing. The study was done on Wistar albino rats using incision, excision, and dead space wounds models. The extract of C asiatica significantly increased the wound breaking strength in incision wound model compared to controls (P < .001). The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelize faster, and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased as compared to control wounds (P < .001). Wet and dry granulation tissue weights, granulation tissue breaking strength, and hydroxyproline content in a dead space wound model also increased at statistically significant levels as shown. The extract of the leaves had the effect of attenuating the known effects of dexamethasone healing in all wound models (P < .001, P < .05). The results indicated that the leaf extract promotes wound healing significantly and is able to overcome the wound-healing suppressing action of dexamethasone in a rat model. These observations were supported by histology findings.

Accidental ligature strangulation due to electric grinder.

A young girl was accidentally strangled when her chunni (a piece of cloth worn around the neck by most Indian women) was caught in a moving electrical grinder. She was taken to the nearest hospital where she died within the next 9h, remaining unconscious throughout the hospital stay. Accidental strangulation of this kind due to household devices or machinery is extremely uncommon and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind to be reported. The findings are presented.