Hoffmann's syndrome in subclinical hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder which occurs due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones. Hoffmann's syndrome is a rare complication of hypothyroidism - presenting as hypothyroid myopathy. We describe the case of a 20-year-old lactating female, known to have hypothyroidism (diagnosed during her pregnancy and having discontinued treatment following delivery), presenting with complaints of pain, swelling of bilateral calf muscles with cramps in bilateral lower limbs. Symptoms of muscle pseudohypertrophy with muscle stiffness are relatively rare in subclinical hypothyroidism and it is important to identify and diagnose this rare condition, and initiate appropriate treatment.

Electronic Gadget Screen-time, Perceived Sleep Quality & Quantity and Academic Performance in Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to blue light has been found to affect sleep. Reduced sleep has been found to affect academic performance. However, electronic gadget screen time, sleep quality and quantity and academic performance in undergraduate medical students has not been explored so far. The primary objective of this study was to explore Electronic Gadget Screen time, sleep quality, and sleep quantity and academic performance in Medical students. METHODS: The study was done in JSS Medical College, Mysuru. 400 students fromunder graduate course were selected through clustered random sampling. Data of electronic gadget usage was collected using a pre-tested proforma. Data of sleep quality, quantity was collected using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Data of academic performance was collected from the marks sheet provided by the college authorities. RESULTS: Average screen time overall was 5.13 hours per day. On the whole, total Screen time does not have a direct relationship with sleep quantity or quality or academic performance. Rather than the total screen time, bed time gadget use seems to have a more significant relationship with academic performance. A non-significant relationship has been identified between screen time and quality of sleep with a p value= 0.2. Higher academic performance correlated with better sleep quality and better global PSQI scores. CONCLUSION: Bed time screen exposure plays a significant role in determining sleep quality, quantity and in turn academic performance.

Antifungal and Mechanical Properties of Tissue Conditioner Containing Plant-Derived Component: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanical properties of a novel antifungal tissue conditioner containing Juncus powder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Juncus powder was mixed with GC tissue conditioner at concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% by mass. The cylindrical specimens of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner (dimensions: 10 mm in diameter and 2 and 6 mm in height for antimicrobial and mechanical tests, respectively) were prepared. The specimens placed on the bottom of the 24-well tissue culture plate were cultured with Candida albicans CAD1 for 2 and 4 days. The proliferation of the C. albicans in the wells was determined by measuring the optical density of fungal culture, and the surface of the specimens were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To assess the mechanical properties of the specimens, the fluidity and hardness of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner were measured using the methods certified according to ISO 10139-1. RESULTS: Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner significantly exhibited growth inhibitory effect in a Juncus concentration-dependent manner after both 2- and 4- day cultures. SEM observation showed that the amount of C. albicans on Juncus-mixed specimens drastically decreased, and biofilm formation was markedly inhibited. Moreover, both mechanical properties were found to be within the ranges regulated and specified by ISO. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that the tissue conditioner including Juncus powder has a significant growth inhibitory effect against C. albicans, and it is suggested that the application of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner may prevent denture stomatitis and oral candidiasis in denture wearers.

Primary cavernous haemangioma of the thyroid - a case report.

Primary thyroid haemangioma is extremely rare, with only countable cases having been previously reported. We are reporting a case of 38-year-old male with history of diffuse thyroid swelling in front of the neck, which was firm to hard in consistency. Ultrasonography (USG) displayed an enlarged left thyroid with anechoic / isoechoic nodule and foci of coarse calcification. Preoperative clinical diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule was made. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was inconclusive, due to bloody aspirate. Left hemi-thyroidectomy was performed. Haemangioma was diagnosed, based on histopathological examination findings. Surgical excision would be the treatment of choice, which provides a good prognosis.