Spray-dried porcine plasma enhances feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, and immune response of broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis.

Re-emergence of enteric diseases in the postantibiotic era has imposed severe loss to the poultry industry leading to the urgent need for appropriate additives to maintain gut health. Recently, more attention has been paid to animal plasma due to its high concentrations of active components such as albumins and globulins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) supplementation during the starter phase (d 0-10) on growth performance, intestine health, and immune response of broilers under necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. A total of 720 day-old male broiler parental line chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to a 2 (NE challenge: no, yes) × 2 (SDP: 0, 2%) factorial arrangement with 12 replications of 15 chicks each. To induce NE, birds were inoculated with live Eimeria vaccine on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14. The body weight of birds and feed consumption were measured per pen on d 8, 10, 24, and 29 to calculate performance parameters. On d 16, three birds per pen were sampled to analyse the intestinal lesion score, gut permeability, villi morphology, relative weight of organs, and immune response. Results showed that SDP improved (P < 0.001) FCR in the pre-challenge phase (d 0-8). The results indicated that supplementing SDP lowered (P < 0.01) FCR at the end of the experiment (d 29). Dietary SDP decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of FITC-d in serum samples of challenged broilers, although it did not affect the intestinal morphology and lesion score. Birds fed with SDP had a higher (P < 0.05) relative weight of bursa (g/kg live body weight) compared to non-supplemented birds. Supplementing SDP reduced the concentration of interleukin-6 (P < 0.05) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (P = 0.051) in serum samples of broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of SDP in the starter phase enhanced feed efficiency and gut integrity in NE challenged broilers, possibly through manipulating the immune response, while further studies targeting intestinal microflora and key genes are required to explore the mode of action.

Synergistic antibacterial and mosquitocidal effect of Passiflora foetida synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles are opted to have various applications in different fields ranging from traditional medicines to culinary items. It is toxic and most effective against bacteria, fungi viruses, parasites, parasite carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and their larvae and other eukaryotic microorganisms at low concentration without any side effects and toxicity to humans. In view of these data, the present research has been investigated by synthesizing silver nanoparticles using 1mM silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Passiflora foetida. The variation of nanoparticles in size and shape concerning the concentration of extract prepared were analysed. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by colour changing from yellowish green to reddish-brown implicating the surface plasmon resonance. Further, it was concluded by obtaining an absorbance peak at 420 nm using UV-Visible spectrophotometer analysis. FTIR analysis was used to identify the capping ligands, which included alkanes, aromatic groups and nitro compounds. The average grain size of ~12 nm to 14 nm with crystalline phase was revealed by X-ray Diffraction studies. The SEM images depicted the surface morphology with agglomeration; TEM studies showed the shape of nanoparticles as spherical and hexagonal with sizes ranging from 40 nm to 100 nm and EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of elemental silver as the principal constituent. The characterized silver nanoparticles were then tested for synergistic antibacterial effects with tetracycline, and the results show that they are more active against E. coli and S. aureus, but moderately effective against B. cereus and K. pneumoniae . It also had a strong larval and pupal toxic effects on the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti with the highest mortality. As a result, silver nanoparticles could be a viable alternative for a variety of applications.

Intra-operative pain and patient satisfaction during lichtenstein repair under local anesthesia versus spinal anesthesia: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare pain during surgery among patients undergoing Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) under local anaesthesia (LA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA). METHOD: Patients were randomized to undergo LIHR under LA or SA. Both intra-operative and postoperative pain was measured by NRS (numerical rating scale). Postoperative pain was managed similarly in both groups using intravenous diclofenac and paracetamol. Postoperative recovery, time to discharge, and early complications were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed at 2, 6 and 24 h from the time of skin incision. Patient satisfaction was recorded on 5-point Likert scale 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Data of 30 patients of each group were analyzed. All patients successfully underwent operation using anaesthesia technique allocated. Median intra-operative pain was 0 (0,3) in SA and 2.5 (0,5) in LA group. In SA group, intra-operative pain did not exceed NRS 3, while in LA, pain greater than NRS 3 was reported in 30% patients. No patient required tramadol in either group during postoperative period. Minor postoperative complications were reported 9/30 (30%) in SA compared to 1/30 (3.33%) in LA group. The satisfaction rate was 67% in LA group, whereas 37% in SA group. CONCLUSION: LA should be strongly considered for all patients with unilateral inguinal hernia undergoing open repair. In spite of a slightly more severe pain during surgery, patient satisfaction was higher using LA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was conducted as a part of a postgraduate thesis research work. The protocol was submitted to the University of Delhi after approval of the IEC. Registration with the Clinical Trials Registry of India was not successfully done.

Terbinafine resistance in dermatophytes: Time to revisit alternate antifungal therapy.

Resistant superficial dermatophytic infections of the skin and its appendages have emerged as a major health problem in India. Mutations in Squalene epoxidase gene have led to increasing incidence of resistance to terbinafine in dermatophytic isolates. We examined six patients with recalcitrant dermatophytosis attending Dermatology OPD at a tertiary care hospital and demonstrated terbinafine resistance by molecular method. Immediate hyperitivity (IH) reaction to Trichophytin antigen was highlighted in these patients. The patients were treated with alternate antifungals after demonstration of resistance to terbinafine based on the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). On follow up the patients responded well to the substitute but the duration of therapy had to be prolonged beyond six weeks.

Cryopreservation of pollen of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. subsp. moschatus as an aid to overcome asynchronous flowering for wide hybridization with cultivated Okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench].

BACKGROUND: Asynchronous flowering is one of the major constraints for hybridization between Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. moschatus, a wild species closely related to cultivated okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench]. Availability of viable pollen is a prerequisite to facilitate breeding in these species. OBJECTIVES: Pollen cryopreservation was attempted in A. moschatus subsp. moschatus, to overcome the asynchronous flowering barrier during wide hybridization with A. esculentus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Viability of fresh pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus was assessed using acetocarmine and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test and in vitro germination by sitting drop culture method. Pollen of 10 accessions were stored at four temperatures (25, 4, -20 and -196 degree C), in the dark and periodically monitored for viability. The standardized cryopreservation protocol was applied to 24 accessions of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus over three months. In vivo pollen germination of 24 accessions of cryopreserved pollen and its efficacy on fertilizing A. esculentus cv 'Pusa Sawani' were recorded and pollen was utilized for hybridization with A. esculentus. RESULTS: Brewbaker and Kwack medium with 15% sucrose was optimal for in vitro pollen germination. Pollen viability assessed by in vitro germination (60-90 %) was more reliable compared to acetocarmine (90-99 %) and TTC (85-99 %) staining tests. Significant negative correlation was found between pollen germination, storage time and temperature (25, 4 and -20 degree C) in all the accessions. Cryopreserved (-196 degree C) pollen showed significantly higher viability compared to all the other storage conditions, without viability loss. Successful pollination, fruit and seed set was observed in four out of 24 cross combinations attempted. CONCLUSION: The cryopreservation of pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus and its fertilizing ability offers great potential for a successful wide hybridization programme in okra.

New cytochalasin from Rosellinia sanctae-cruciana, an endophytic fungus of Albizia lebbeck.

AIM: To explore the potential of Rosellinia sanctae-cruciana an endophytic fungus associated with Albizia lebbeck for pharmaceutically important cytotoxic compounds. METHODS AND RESULTS: One novel cytochalasin, named jammosporin A (1) and four known analogues (2-5) were isolated from the culture of the endophytic fungus R. sanctae-cruciana, harboured from the leaves of the medicinal plant A. lebbeck. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance data along with MS data and by comparison with literature reports. In preliminary screening the ethyl acetate extract of the fungal culture was tested for cytotoxic activity against a panel of four cancer cell lines (MOLT-4, A549, MIA PaCa-2 and MDA-MB-231), and found to be active against MOLT-4 with an IC50 value of 10 µg ml-1 . Owing to the remarkable cytotoxic activity of the extract the isolated compounds (1-5) were evaluated for their cytototoxicity against the MOLT-4 cell line by MTT assay. Interestingly, compounds 1-2, 4 and 5 showed considerable cytotoxic potential against the human leukaemia cancer cell line (MOLT-4) with IC50 values of 20·0, 10·0, 8·0 and 6·0 µmol l-1 , respectively, while compound 3 showed an IC50 value of 25 µmol l-1 . This is the first report of the existence of this class of secondary metabolites in R. sanctae-cruciana fungus. CONCLUSION: This study discovered a novel compound, named jammosporin A, isolated for the first time from R. sanctae-cruciana, an endophytic fungus of A. lebbeck with anticancer activity against the MOLT-4 cell line. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Rosellinia sanctae-cruciana represents an interesting source of a new compound with bioactive potential as a therapeutic agent against a human leukaemia cancer cell line (MOLT-4).

Enhanced plant growth promoting role of phycomolecules coated zinc oxide nanoparticles with P supplementation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

This report focuses on application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) carrying phycomolecule ligands as a novel plant growth promoter aimed at increasing the crop productivity. The present investigation examined the effect of ZnONPs on plant growth characteristics, and associated biochemical changes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following growth in a range of concentrations (25-200 mg L-l ZnONPs) in combination with 100 mM P in a hydroponic system. Treated plants registered an increase in growth and total biomass by 130.6% and 131%, respectively, over control. Results demonstrated a significant increase in the level of chlorophyll a (141.6%), b (134.7%), carotenoids (138.6%), and total soluble protein contents (179.4%); at the same time, a significant reduction (68%) in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves with respect to control. Interestingly, a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD, 264.2%), and peroxidase (POX, 182.8%) enzyme activities followed by a decrease in the catalase (CAT) activity, in response to above treatments. These results suggest that bioengineered ZnONPs interact with meristematic cells triggering biochemical pathways conducive to an accumulation of biomass. Further investigations will map out the mode of action involved in growth promotion.

Effect of narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy on T helper 17 cell specific cytokines (interleukins-17, 22 and 23) in psoriasis vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is mediated by a T helper 17 (Th17) cell inflammatory process. This study describes the changes in serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 in patients of psoriasis vulgaris treated with narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB). METHODS: The serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 were compared with a control group (n = 30) before and after NBUVB. In addition, post-NBUVB levels were compared with healthy controls. Psoriasis Area Severity Score (PASI) and Body Surface Area scoring were used to evaluate severity of disease. RESULTS: When compared with the non-psoriasis control group, IL-17, 22 and 23 were higher in psoriasis patients (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The serum levels of all three interleukins strongly correlated with severity of disease. Although IL-17, 22 and 23 decreased after NBUVB, decline in IL-17 was not significant after phototherapy as compared to controls (p = 0.634). IL-22 and 23 continued to remain elevated post-phototherapy when compared with control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 decrease after phototherapy in psoriasis. Post-phototherapy only the IL-17 levels decrease to that of non-psoriasis controls. Our study supports the role of T helper 17 cell specific cytokines in psoriasis and a possible mechanism of action of NBUVB via inhibition of these cytokines.

Identification of a KIR antisense lncRNA expressed by progenitor cells.

Human NK cells express cell surface class I MHC receptors (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, KIR) in a probabilistic manner. Previous studies have shown that a distal promoter acts in conjunction with a proximal bidirectional promoter to control the selective activation of KIR genes. We report here the presence of an intron 2 promoter in several KIR genes that produce a spliced antisense transcript. This long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcript contains antisense sequence complementary to KIR-coding exons 1 and 2 as well as the proximal promoter region of the KIR genes. The antisense promoter contains myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF-1)-binding sites, a transcription factor found in hematopoietic progenitors and myeloid precursors. The KIR antisense lncRNA was detected only in progenitor cells or pluripotent cell lines, suggesting a function that is specific for stem cells. Overexpression of MZF-1 in developing NK cells led to decreased KIR expression, consistent with a role for the KIR antisense lncRNA in silencing KIR gene expression early in development.

Effectiveness of a baking soda toothpaste delivering calcium and phosphate in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this controlled clinical trial was to determine the effectiveness and safety of a single-phase dentifrice that delivers calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to the tooth surface (Arm & Hammer Enamel Care for Sensitive Teeth toothpaste, United Kingdom) in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. METHODS: Two-hundred and eight qualifying subjects were randomly assigned to either the Enamel Care dentifrice group or a control dentifrice group, and brushed twice daily with their assigned dentifrice for eight weeks. Pain/discomfort in response to a thermal stimulus was assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; primary outcome variable) and the Schiff Thermal Sensitivity Scale (STSS; secondary outcome variable). After eight weeks, volunteers from the Enamel Care group were switched to the control dentifrice and participated in a second eight-week study to determine the degree of persistence of pain reduction. RESULTS: Both groups had statistically significant VAS score reductions from baseline at weeks 4 and 8, with mean VAS scores in the Enamel Care group decreasing by 45.6% at week 4 and 61.1% at week 8 (p < 0.0001). Enamel Care was statistically significantly more effective than the control at weeks 4 and 8, with respective mean VAS reductions of 63% (p < 0.0001) and 33% (p = 0.0004) greater than the control. Consistent with the VAS score results, the Enamel Care group had respective statistically significant STSS score reductions of 77% and 58% greater than the control group (p < 0.0001). The reductions in dentinal hypersensitivity seen in the Enamel Care group at week 8 persisted for an additional eight weeks, during which the subjects discontinued use of Enamel Care and brushed with the control dentifrice. CONCLUSION: Enamel Care for Sensitive Teeth toothpaste (United Kingdom) is an effective dentifrice for the management of dentinal hypersensitivity, and its efficacy persists for a least eight weeks following discontinued product use.

The Lanindar test: a method of evaluating patient suitability for cataract surgery using assisted topical anaesthesia.

AIM: To evaluate an office-based Lanindar (light and nociceptive interaction noting distress and response) test to assist in the assessment of patient suitability for assisted topical anaesthesia (ATA) during phacoemulsification. METHODS: The Lanindar test was carried out at the preoperative assessment of 716 consecutive patients in the office of one of the authors (ICF). A standard desk lamp was shone in each patient's eye after pupillary dilation, while simultaneously elevating the upper eyelid digitally. A negative test indicated patient hypersensitivity to the light and aversion to digital pressure on the upper eyelid. A positive test was indicated by the patient feeling comfort and lack of blepharospasm and withdrawal in response to the light and digital pressure. chi (2) and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the association between Lanindar results and suitability for ATA. The positive predictive value and specificity of the test as an indicator of patient suitability for ATA were calculated. Visual acuities at 1 and 4 weeks post-operative periods were compared between the ATA and ALA/GA (assisted local anaesthesia/general anaesthesia) group of patients. RESULTS: About 86.7% were Lanindar positive and 98.9% of these patients tolerated ATA. chi (2) and Fisher's exact tests demonstrated a significant association of a positive Lanindar test with successful ATA (chi (2)=660, P<0.001, Fisher's: P<0.001). The positive predictive value and specificity of the test were 98% (95% CI=98.04-99.7%) and 93.14% (95% CI=88.23-98.04%), respectively. Visual acuity outcomes were similar in the ATA and ALA/GA groups. CONCLUSION: The Lanindar is a simple, highly specific, office-based test to determine patient suitability for phacoemulsification under ATA.

Hepatoprotective activity of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Family Lythraceae are used in variety of diseases in traditional Indian system of medicine including hepatic ailments. AIMS OF STUDY: The aim of present study was to validate hepatoprotective activity of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Petroleum ether (WF1), chloroform (WF2), ethyl alcohol (WF3) and aqueous (WF4) extracts of the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using biochemical markers, hexobarbitone sleep time, bromosulphalein (BSP) clearance test and effect on bile flow and bile solids. RESULTS: The aqueous extract (WF4) was most potent among the four extracts studied in detail. WF4 showed significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity as evident by restoration of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and triglycerides. The restoration of microsomal aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase activities indicated the improvement in functional status of endoplasmic reticulum. Restoration of lipid peroxidation and glutathione contents suggests the antioxidant property of WF4. The recovery in bromosulphalein clearance and stimulation of bile flow suggested the improved excretory and secretary capacity of hepatocytes. Light microscopy of the liver tissue further confirmed the reversal of damage induced by hepatotoxin. CONCLUSION: Present study showed that the aqueous extract of Woodfordia fruticosa significantly restores physiological integrity of hepatocytes. WF4 did not show any sign of toxicity up to oral dose of 2g/kg in mice.

Variability in cytogenetic adaptive response of cultured human lymphocytes to mitomycin C, bleomycin, quinacrine dihydrochloride, Co60 gamma-rays and hyperthermia.

Adaptive response (AR) is a well-documented phenomenon by which cells or organisms exposed to low dose of a genotoxicant become less sensitive to subsequent high-dose exposure to the same or another genotoxicant. AR, if induced can modify the efficacy leading to drug or radio-resistance, during anti-neoplastic drug or radiation treatment. Contradictions exist in AR induction by different genotoxicants with respect to the biomarkers, time schedules, and inter-individual variability, reflecting the complexity of AR in eukaryotic cells. In order to further ascertain these factors, AR induced by anti-neoplastic agents mitomycin C (MMC), bleomycin (BLM) and chemosterilant quinacrine dihydrochloride was examined in different donors and time schedules using cytogenetic biomarkers chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei (MN). BLM- and hyperthermia (HT)-induced cross-resistance to gamma rays and MMC/BLM, respectively, was also studied. Difference between MMC- and BLM-induced protective effects in biomarkers examined in the same donors was noticed. Adaptation to BLM and HT showed cross-resistance to chromosome damage induction by gamma rays and BLM/MMC, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated that adaptation is not caused by change in the rate of cell proliferation after challenge dose. MN as a chromosomal biomarker in large-scale population studies on AR is advocated, based on similar AR induced in all donors by MMC/BLM and rapid assessment in binucleated cells. Influence of certain genotypes on chromosomal biomarkers used in AR studies and role of AR in radiation and chemotherapy need to be further deciphered.

Patient perceptions of second eye clear corneal cataract surgery using assisted topical anaesthesia.

AIM: To assess patient recall of intraoperative pain, anxiety, fear, and sensory (visual and auditory) perceptions during second eye clear corneal cataract surgery using assisted topical anaesthesia (ATA), in comparison with first eye cataract surgery using the same technique. METHODS: This prospective, consecutive, observational study was conducted in a free-standing dedicated ophthalmic day surgery centre. A voluntary questionnaire was distributed to 129 consecutive patients who underwent clear corneal cataract surgery using ATA. Two patients had to be converted to block anaesthesia, and were excluded. Patients were asked to rate intraoperative pain, anxiety, and fear using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and recollection of intraoperative visual and auditory perceptions. Results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: There were 70/127 (55%) patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery and 57/127 (45%) undergoing second eye surgery. There was no significant difference in mean pain, anxiety, and fear scores between those undergoing the second eye operation compared with those undergoing their first eye operation. Similarly, there was no significant difference in sensory perceptions between the two cohorts. Overall, there was a small but significant positive correlation between recall of visual and auditory perceptions and combined pain, fear, and anxiety scores (r=0.33, P=0.0002). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in levels of intraoperative pain, anxiety, fear, and sensory perceptions experienced by patients between the first eye and second eye surgeries. We recommend that preoperative counselling for a patient's second eye be as comprehensive as for the first eye surgery.

Study of association between use of complementary and alternative medicine and non-compliance with modern medicine in patients presenting to the emergency department.

CONTEXT: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are extensively used by the public. Noncompliance is an important cause of therapy failure. AIM: This study was done to determine prevalence of emergency admission due to noncompliance with modern medicine following switching over to CAM and to identify any significant association for CAM use among noncompliers. SETTING AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency unit of a tertiary healthcare institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic factors and system affected were compared between compliers and noncompliers. Prevalence, reasons and nature of noncompliance were determined. Age, gender, outcome, relation strength and potential preventability of noncompliance, precipitating and previous disease and noncompliant drugs were compared for significant association between CAM using and other noncompliers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's 't' test, Chi square test and odds ratio were used. RESULTS: Of the 506 patients interviewed 168 (33%) were noncompliant. In 160 (95%) patients noncompliance was due to under-dosing. Lack of knowledge and CAM use constituted 144 (86%) noncompliance-related admissions. Thirty-three (7%) admissions were strongly related to noncompliance and CAM use. Age, gender, outcome, drug use and diseases except chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma showed no association while relation strength and potential preventability of emergency admission was less with CAM-using noncompliers. Noncompliance was observed for hypertension, diabetes, COPD and asthma, seizure disorder, tuberculosis and hemophilia besides hepatic and renal failure. The CAM noncompliers used CAM more for modern medicine incurable or unaffordable than curable diseases. CONCLUSION: Advice for regular treatment and frequent monitoring can decrease CAM use-related noncompliance admissions.

Isolation, structure elucidation and in vivo hepatoprotective potential of trans-tetracos-15-enoic acid from Indigofera tinctoria Linn.

The bioassay guided fractionation of the dried aerial part of Indigofera tinctoria Linn. led to the identification of an active fraction labelled as indigotin. On further chemical analysis, a compound isolated from indigotin was identified and characterized as trans-tetracos-15-enoic acid (TCA). The chemical structure of this compound was established on the basis of physical properties and spectral data, including NMR. It afforded significant hepatoprotection against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models. Silymarin, a well known plant based hepatoprotective agent, and N-acetylcysteine, which has proven efficacy as a replenisher of sulfhydryls, were used for relative efficacy. TCA was found to reverse the altered hepatic parameters in experimental liver damage. In the safety evaluation study the oral LD50 was found to be more than 2000 mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality for the 15 day period of observation after administration of a single dose of drug in mice. The studies revealed significant and concentration dependent hepatoprotective potential of TCA as it reversed the majority of the altered hepatic parameters in experimental liver damage in rats and mice and may be useful in the management of liver disorders.

Adaptogenic activity of glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten (part II).

Anti-stress activity was carried out on glyco-peptido-lipid (AF) fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten and demonstrated against a battery of tests in rats and mice. AF exhibited significant anti-stress activity in dose-related manners in all the parameters studied against different models used to induce non-specific stress viz physical and chemically. The major parameters studied were immobilization induced gastric ulceration, adjuvant-induced trauma (Stress); humoral antibody synthesis in normal and immuno-suppressed mice and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, chemically stress-induced alteration in hepatic function and anti-oxidant activity. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally, Dabur India ltd.) was used to compare the results. In the safety evaluation study the maximum tolerance dose (MTD) and oral LD50 were found to be more than 3000 mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 15 days period under observation after single dose of drug administration. Feeding behaviour and fecal output were normal.

Adjunctive benefit of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly: a six-month study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical methods of oral hygiene can be complemented by the use of chemotherapeutic mouthrinses. The authors sought to quantify the additional benefit provided by an essential oil-, or EO-, containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly. METHODS: The authors randomly assigned patients with gingivitis to one of three treatment groups: brushing and rinsing with a control mouthrinse, or BC; brushing, flossing and rinsing with a control mouthrinse, or BFC; or brushing, flossing and rinsing with an EO-containing mouthrinse, or BFEO. Patients received a dental prophylaxis at baseline, and the authors followed them for six months. RESULTS: Of 246 enrolled subjects enrolled in the study, 237 subjects were evaluable at the study's conclusion. After six months, the subjects using the BFEO regimen had statistically and clinically significant lower mean Modified Gingival Index, or MGI, scores and Plaque Index, or PI, scores than did subjects in the BC group (29.9 percent and 56.3 percent, respectively; P < .001). Subjects in the BFC group had statistically significantly lower mean MGI and PI scores than did subjects in the BC group (11.2 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively; P < .001). Subjects in the BFEO group exhibited statistically and clinically significantly lower mean scores for MGI and PI than did subjects in the BFC group (21 percent and 51.9 percent, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that for patients with gingivitis who brush and floss routinely, the adjunctive use of an EO-containing mouthrinse provides a clinically significant and meaningful additional benefit in reducing plaque and gingivitis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An EO-containing mouthrinse is an effective adjunct to regular brushing and flossing. Therefore, the BFEO regimen can be beneficial for patients with gingival inflammation.

Cutaneous sporotrichosis: an unusual clinico-pathologic and therapeutic presentation.

This report presents a number of unusual clinico-histopathologic and therapeutic features in a culture proven case of cutaneous sporotrichosis. These include lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis involving face; its dissemination in an otherwise healthy patient; its histology mimicking cutaneous cryptococcosis; two episodes of severe purulent inflammatory reaction bordering the lesion during therapy with saturated solution of potassium iodide; no therapeutic response to potassium iodide therapy and rapid healing of lesion with high-dose of fluconazole.

The effect of auricular acupuncture on anaesthesia with desflurane.

In most acupuncture studies it is difficult or even impossible to conduct a truly double-blind trial. However, this is possible when treatments are carried out on anaesthetised patients. Because acupuncture provides analgesia, we tested the hypothesis that needle stimulation of a combination of four ear acupoints would significantly reduce anaesthetic requirement. Ten healthy volunteers were anaesthetised with desflurane and randomly assigned to no treatment or acupuncture; the alternative treatment was given on a subsequent study day. Auricular acupuncture was performed with needles placed at the Shen Men, Thalamus, Tranquiliser and Master Cerebral Points on the right ear. Anaesthetic requirement, determined by the Dixon up-and-down method, was defined by the average desflurane concentration that prevented purposeful movement of the extremities in response to noxious electrical stimulation. Volunteers required a greater desflurane concentration to prevent movement on the control than on the acupuncture day: 4.9 (0.7; SD) vs. 4.4 (0.8) vol. %, p = 0.003. Acupuncture thus reduced anaesthetic requirement by 8.5 (7)%.