The efficacy of lining materials in the reduction of microleakage in class II composite resin restoration using the sandwich technique: A stereomicroscopic study.

Background: The sealing ability of different liners under composite restorations in the reduction of microleakage. Aim: To evaluate the effects of three different liners in sandwich techniques on gingival microleakage of class II composite restorations. Materials and Methods: Standardized Class II box cavities were prepared on forty premolar teeth and randomly divided into four groups, n = 10: Group A, no liner (control); Group B, Polofil NHT Flow; Group C, Ionolux; and Group D, Fuji VII. The etching, bonding, and process for restoring the whole remaining mass of the cavities with G-aenial composite were the same, with the sandwich material expectations. Dye penetration was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Statistical Analysis: Duncan's Post hoc analysis and Friedman's test. Results: Group A showed the highest microleakage followed by Group D, Group C, and Group B. Conclusion: Polofil NHT Flow seems to be a promising liner for gingivally deep class II cavities.

Computational and experimental pharmacology to decode the efficacy of Theobroma cacao L. against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity in EAC-mediated solid tumor-induced mice.

Background and objective: Doxorubicin is extensively utilized chemotherapeutic drug, and it causes damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys through oxidative stress. Theobroma cacao L (cocoa) is reported to possess protective effects against several chemical-induced organ damages and also acts as an anticancer agent. The study aimed to determine whether the administration of cocoa bean extract reduces doxorubicin-induced organ damage in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) without compromising doxorubicin efficacy. Methodology: Multiple in vitro methods such as cell proliferation, colony formation, chemo-sensitivity, and scratch assay were carried out on cancer as well as normal cell lines to document the effect of cocoa extract (COE) on cellular physiology, followed by in vivo mouse survival analysis, and the organ-protective effect of COE on DOX-treated animals with EAC-induced solid tumors was then investigated. In silico studies were conducted on cocoa compounds with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase to provide possible molecular explanations for the experimental observations. Results: In vitro studies revealed potent selective cytotoxicity of COE on cancer cells compared to normal. Interestingly, COE enhanced DOX potency when used in combination. The in vivo results revealed reduction in EAC and DOX-induced toxicities in mice treated with COE, which also improved the mouse survival time; percentage of lifespan; antioxidant defense system; renal, hepatic, and cardiac function biomarkers; and also oxidative stress markers. COE reduced DOX-induced histopathological alterations. Through molecular docking and MD simulations, we observed chlorogenic acid and 8'8 methylenebiscatechin, present in cocoa, to have the highest binding affinity with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase, which lends support to their potential in ameliorating oxidative stress. Conclusion: The COE reduced DOX-induced organ damage in the EAC-induced tumor model and exhibited powerful anticancer and antioxidant effects. Therefore, COE might be useful as an adjuvant nutritional supplement in cancer therapy.

Effect of Theobroma cacao L. on the Efficacy and Toxicity of Doxorubicin in Mice Bearing Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Doxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that causes oxidative stress leading to cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In contrast, Theobroma cacao L. has been recorded as an anticancer agent and found to be protective against multiple chemical-induced organ injuries, including heart, liver, and kidney injuries. The present study investigated the possible role of extracts from T. cacao beans for organ-protective effects in doxorubicin-induced toxicity in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). METHODOLOGY: After survival analysis in rodents, cocoa bean extract (COE) was investigated for its efficacy against EAC-induced carcinoma and its organ-protective effect against doxorubicin-treated mice with EAC-induced carcinoma. RESULTS: Significant reductions in EAC and doxorubicin-induced alterations were observed in mice administered the COE, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Furthermore, COE treatment significantly increased the mouse survival time, life span percentage, and antioxidant defense system. It also significantly improved cardiac, hepatic, and renal function biomarkers and markers for oxidative stress, and it also reduced doxorubicin-induced histopathological changes. CONCLUSION: COE acted against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity; potent antioxidant and anticancer activities were also reflected by the COE itself. The COE may therefore serve as an adjuvant nutraceutical in cancer chemotherapy.

Network pharmacology and in vitro testing of Theobroma cacao extract's antioxidative activity and its effects on cancer cell survival.

Theobroma cacao L. is a commercially important food/beverage and is used as traditional medicine worldwide against a variety of ailments. In the present study, computational biology approaches were implemented to elucidate the possible role of cocoa in cancer therapy. Bioactives of cocoa were retrieved from the PubChem database and queried for targets involved in cancer pathogenesis using BindingDB (similarity index ≥0.7). Later, the protein-protein interactions network was investigated using STRING and compound-protein via Cytoscape. In addition, intermolecular interactions were investigated via molecular docking. Also, the stability of the representative complex Hirsutrin-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complex was explored using molecular dynamics simulations. Crude extract metabolite profile was carried out by LC-MS. Further, anti-oxidant and cytotoxicity studies were performed in Chinese hamster ovary (normal) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (cancer) cell lines. Herein, the gene set enrichment and network analysis revealed 34 bioactives in cocoa targeting 50 proteins regulating 21 pathways involved in cancer and oxidative stress in humans. EGFR scored the highest edge count amongst 50 targets modulating 21 key pathways. Hence, it was selected as a promising anticancer target in this study. Structural refinement of EGFR was performed via all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. A complex EGFR-Hirsutrin showed the least binding energy (-7.2 kcal/mol) and conserved non-bonded contacts with binding pocket residues. A stable complex formation of EGFR-Hirsutrin was observed during 100 ns MD simulation. In vitro studies corroborated antioxidant activity for cocoa extract and showed a significantly higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells compared to normal cells. Our study virtually predicts anti-cancer activity for cocoa affected by hirsutrin inhibiting EGFR. Further wet-lab studies are needed to establish cocoa extract against cancer and oxidative stress.

Potential ameliorative effect of Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats: Restoration of cholinergic and antioxidant pathways.

AIM: The present study explored Cynodon dactylon hydro-ethanolic extract (CDE) effect on scopolamine-induced amnesic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C. dactylon extract was subjected to antioxidant (DPPH and H2O2) and acetylcholinesterase enzyme tests by in vitro methods. Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to rats except for normal control. Donepezil (3 mg/kg, p.o), CDE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o) were administered to treatment groups. Behavioral paradigm: Morris water maze (MWM), elevated plus maze (EPM), and passive avoidance test (PAT) were conducted. Later, rats were sacrificed and brain homogenate was tested for levels of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidase. Histopathology examination of cortex and hippocampus of all the groups was done. STATISTICAL METHOD: The statistical methods used were ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: CDE antioxidant activity was demonstrated by decreasing DPPH and H2O2 levels confirmed through in vitro analysis. Treatment group rats reversed scopolamine induced amnesia by improvement in spatial memory, decreased transfer latency and increased step through latency significantly (P<0.001) in behavior models such as morris water maze, elevated plus maze and passive avoidance task respectively. CDE modulated acetylcholine transmission by decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level (P < 0.001) and scavenging scopolamine-induced oxidative stress by increased reduced glutathione levels and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in the rat brain. CDE and donepezil-treated rats showed mild neurodegeneration in comparison to scopolamine-induced severe neuronal damage on histopathology examination. CONCLUSION: C. dactylon extract provides evidence of anti-amnesic activity by the mechanism of decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level and increased antioxidant levels in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats.

Integration of network and experimental pharmacology to decipher the antidiabetic action of Duranta repens L.

OBJECTIVE: Duranta repens is reported to contain a wide array of secondary metabolites, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, and - has potent antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the network pharmacology of D. repens (whole plant) with targets related to diabetes mellitus and assessed its outcome by evaluating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. METHODS: Phytoconstituents of D. repens were retrieved from an open-source database and published literature, and their targets were predicted for diabetes mellitus using BindingDB and the therapeutic target database. Protein-protein interaction was predicted using STRING, and pathways involved in diabetes mellitus were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway browser. Druglikeness, ADMET profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and cytotoxicity of compounds modulating proteins involved in diabetes were predicted using MolSoft, admetSAR2.0 and CLC-Pred, respectively. The interaction network among phytoconstituents, proteins and pathways was constructed using Cytoscape, and the docking study was performed using AutoDock4.0. The hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens was evaluated using streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus animal model for 28 d, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. At the end of the study, biochemical parameters like glycogen content, hepatic enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers and lipid profiles were quantified. Further, the liver and pancreas were collected for a histopathology study. RESULTS: Thirty-six different secondary metabolites from D. repens were identified to regulate thirty-one targets involved in diabetes mellitus, in which protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was primarily targeted. Enrichment analysis of modulated proteins identified 12 different pathways in diabetic pathogenesis in which the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway was chiefly regulated. The docking study found that durantanin I possessed the highest binding affinity (-8.9 kcal/mol) with PTP1B. Similarly, ADMET profiling showed that the majority of bioactive constituents from D. repens had higher human intestinal absorptivity and minimal cytotoxicity to normal cell lines, than tumor cell lines. Further, an in vivo animal study reflected the efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens to lower the elevated blood glucose level by stimulating insulin secretion, maintaining pancreatic ß cell mass, regulating glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and enhancing the glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. CONCLUSION: The present study reflected the probable network interaction of bioactive constituents from D. repens, their targets and modulated pathways, which identified the prime regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and PTP1B protein. Modulation of PTP1B protein and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway could contribute to enhancing glucose uptake, insulin production and glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis in diabetes, which was evaluated via the experimental study.

Electrode and dielectric layer interface device engineering study using furan flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole-dithienothiophene polymer based organic transistors.

We successfully demonstrated a detailed and systematic enhancement of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) performance using dithienothiophene (DTT) and furan-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor-acceptor conjugated polymer semiconductor namely PDPPF-DTT as an active semiconductor. The self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) treatments at interface junctions of the semiconductor-dielectric and at the semiconductor-metal electrodes has been implemented using bottom gate bottom contact device geometry. Due to SAM treatment at the interface using tailored approach, the significant reduction of threshold voltage (Vth) from - 15.42 to + 5.74 V has been observed. In addition to tuning effect of Vth, simultaneously charge carrier mobility (µFET) has been also enhanced the from 9.94 × 10-4 cm2/Vs to 0.18 cm2/Vs. In order to calculate the trap density in each OFET device, the hysteresis in transfer characteristics has been studied in detail for bare and SAM treated devices. Higher trap density in Penta-fluoro-benzene-thiol (PFBT) treated OFET devices enhances the gate field, which in turn controls the charge carrier density in the channel, and hence gives lower Vth = + 5.74 V. Also, PFBT treatment enhances the trapped interface electrons, which helps to enhance the mobility in this OFET architecture. The overall effect has led to possibility of reduction in the Vth with simultaneous enhancements of µFET in OFETs, following systematic device engineering methodology.

Cervical Microleakage in Giomer Restorations: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of different composite placement techniques on gingival microleakage of giomer restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty class II preparations were created in 30 extracted molar teeth with cervical margins 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were divided into three groups of 10 teeth each. In group I, teeth were restored with open sandwich technique using Beautifil II and Beautifil II Flow. In group II, teeth were restored with snowplow technique using Beautifil II and Beautifil Flow. In group III, teeth were restored with oblique increment technique using Beautifil II. After thermocycling and immersion in 2% methylene blue, the teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction in microleakage was found along the gingival walls in snowplow restorations compared to sandwich restoration and oblique increment restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Microleakage was reduced along the gingival walls in snowplow restorations. CONCLUSION: Microleakage was significantly lower in the snowplow restorations.

Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of Composite Restorations Reinforced with Novel Enamel Inserts (Biofillers) in Class V Cavities.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the marginal adaptation at the tooth-restoration interface at enamel and cementum margins using composite restoration reinforced with novel enamel inserts/biofillers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized class V box-shaped cavities were prepared in 40 extracted maxillary first premolar teeth which were divided randomly into four experimental groups consisting of 10 samples each. Group I: Bulk placement. Groups II: Horizontal incremental technique. Group III: Restoration with precured composite balls (megafillers). Group IV: Restoration with biofillers. All the cavities were restored with visible light-activated direct restorative nanocomposite. The specimens were thermocycled for 24 hours. After thermocycling, the samples were immersed in a 1% methylene blue for 4 hours and subsequently evaluated for microleakage. Microleakage scores (0-4) were obtained from gingival margins of class V restorations and analyzed by statistical analysis. Evaluation of the data was performed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Microleakage scores have indicated restorations with biofillers showed best results followed by megafillers, incremental horizontal build-up, and bulk filling. CONCLUSION: Biofillers provide a novel approach in improving microleakage and marginal adaptability of composite resin restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Incorporation of inserts, which are capable of adequate bonding to resin and tooth, may provide improved marginal adaptability and reduce microleakage around restorative margins.

In vitro and in silico anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity and biological activities of Ficus benghalensis and Duranta repens.

Objective: To report in vitro anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus benghalensis (bark) and Duranta repens (whole plant), and present the probable biological spectrum of major anti-oxidants from both plants. Methods: The coarse powder of both plants was first extracted with 70% ethanol (maceration) followed by 99% ethanol (Soxhlet-extraction). Anti-oxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH, H2O2, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), NO scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and metal chelating assay. Cytotoxicity of both extracts was evaluated using MTT assay in both tumor and normal cell lines i.e. Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and A549 cells. Biological activity of individual anti-oxidants from both medicinal plants was identified using prediction of activity spectra for substances and a docking study was performed by using autodock4.0. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis and D. repens showed the highest free radical scavenging (ABTS) and chelating capacity respectively. Both extracts showed minimum cytotoxicity in normal cell lines compared to tumor cell lines. Computer imitation hits reflected the multiple biological activities agreeing with the folk use and some scientific reports. Further, we found the binding affinity of predicted anti-oxidant compounds with multiple protein molecules involved in oxidative stress. Conclusion: The present study reports the probable anti-oxidant mechanism for two folk agents and also presents probable pharmacological activities via computer simulations.

Vinylene and benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole: effect of the π-spacer unit on the properties of bis(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-benzodifuran-dione containing polymers for n-channel organic field-effect transistors.

Two polymers based on (3E,7E)-3,7-bis(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (BIBDF) coupled with (E)-2-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)vinyl)thiophene (TVT) or dithienylbenzothiadiazole (TBT), namely PBIBDF-TVT and PBIBDF-TBT were synthesized via the Stille coupling reaction. The effect of benzothiadiazole or vinylene-π spacer of the copolymers on optical properties, energy levels, electronic device performance and microstructure were studied. It was found that PBIBDF-TBT based OFET devices, annealed at 180 °C, showed better performance with the highest electron mobility of 2.9 × 10-2 cm2 V s-1 whereas PBIBDF-TVT polymer exhibited 5.0 × 10-4 cm2 V s-1. The two orders of magnitude higher electron mobility of PBIBDF-TBT over PBIBDT-TVT is a clear indicator of the better charge transport ability of this polymer semiconductor arising from its higher crystallinity and better donor-acceptor interaction.

Apical Closure of Nonvital Permanent Teeth: 15 Months Follow-up Study of Four Cases.

Obtaining a complete seal of the root canal system is a major problem in performing root canal treatment in nonvital teeth with incomplete root development and wide open apices. The aim was to study apexification using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), clinically and radiographically over a period of 15 months. MTA was used in four cases of teeth with incomplete root development in order to achieve an apical seal and the remaining canal was obturated with gutta-percha. Clinical and radiographic assessments of teeth were done. The clinical and radiographic results indicated that apexification procedure was predictable by using MTA. The total number of patients' visits and the total time duration required to obtain an apical barrier using MTA was markedly less than that of conventional techniques using calcium hydroxide.

Post-Obturation pain following one-visit and two-visit root canal treatment in necrotic anterior teeth.

BACKGROUND: To investigate and compare the post-obturation pain after one-visit and two-visit root canal treatment in non-vital anterior teeth. MATERIALS & METHODS: One hundred forty eight patients requiring root canal therapy on permanent anterior non-vital teeth with single root were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to either the one-appointment or the twoappointment group. The standardized protocol for all the teeth involved local anesthesia, isolation and access, engine-driven rotary nickel-titanium canal instrumentation with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation and obturation. Teeth in group 1 (n = 74) were obturated during the first appointment by using laterally condensed gutta-percha and resin sealer. Teeth in group 2 (n = 74) were given closed dressing and were obturated during the second appointment, 7 to 14 days later. A modified Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure pain after 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days after the treatment. Statistical analysis was done to compare groups at each interval by using an independent-samples t test. RESULTS: The incidence and intensity of post-obturation pain in both Group 'A' and Group 'B' gradually reduced over the study period. When the incidence of pain was compared in the single and two visit group, it was found that the single-visit group experienced slightly less pain than the two-visit group during all study intervals, but the difference found was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in postoperative pain between patients treated in only one appointment and patients treated in two appointments. The majority of patients in both groups reported no pain or only minimal pain after 7 days of treatment. How to cite the article: Rao KN, Kandaswamy R, Umashetty G, Rathore VP, Hotkar C, Patil BS. Post-Obturation pain following one-visit and two-visit root canal treatment in necrotic anterior teeth. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):28-32.

Nonsurgical management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth using different calcium hydroxide formulations: case series.

This case series evaluates the effectiveness of different calcium hydroxide formulations with various vehicles in management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth. This will help clinicians to make informed judgments about which formulations of calcium hydroxide should be used for specific endodontic procedures.

Iron deficiency in young children: a risk marker for early childhood caries.

AIM: Evaluate the coexistence of iron deficiency and early childhood caries.Evaluate whether iron deficiency can be considered as a risk marker for early childhood caries.Estimate the incidence of iron deficiency in children with early childhood caries.To evaluate and compare the iron status of children with and without severe early childhood caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty children of age 2 to 6 years in whom blood investigations are advised by pediatricians are selected for the study and are divided into early childhood caries (ECC) and control groups according to the def index. After obtaining the informed consent from parent, blood investigations are carried out in these children for the estimation of iron status. RESULTS: All the values depicting the iron status are found to be decreased in the clinical trial group (ECC group) and they are statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency is observed definitely in children having ECC. How to cite this article: Koppal PI, Sakri MR, Akkareddy B, Hinduja DM, Gangolli RA, Patil BC. Iron Deficiency in Young Children: A Risk Marker for Early Childhood Caries. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(1):1-6.

Comparative evaluation of self-etching primers and phosphoric acid effectiveness on composite to enamel bond: an in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the one total-etch self-priming adhesive, one two-step self-etching primer adhesive, and one 'all-in-one' self-etching adhesive system on the adhesion of a resin composite to enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six freshly extracted human mandibular molars were selected for this study. A fat area about 5 mm in diameter was created on the exposed mesial surface of enamel of each tooth by moist grinding with 320, 420 and 600 grit silicon carbide paper. Twelve teeth were randomly assigned into three groups. In group 1, Adper Easy One (3M ESPE), a one step self-etching primer adhesive was applied and light curing unit for 10 seconds. In group 2, Adper SE Plus, a two-step self-etching primer with bottle A containing the aqueous primer and bottle B containing the acidic adhesive was applied and light cured for 10 seconds. Group 3 (control)-etchant 37% phosphoric acid is applied to the surface for 15 seconds and rinsed with water and air dried and adhesive (single bond 2) is applied to the surface and tube is placed and light cured for 20 seconds. Composite material (Z350) was placed in the tube and light cured for 40 seconds in all the groups. Bond strength testing was done using universal testing machine at the enamel-composite interface. The debonded enamel surface was evaluated in stereomicroscope to assess the cohesive, adhesive or mixed fracture. Data was statistically analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Group 1 performed least among all groups with a mean score of 19.46 MPa. Group 2 had a mean score of 25.67 MPa. Group 3 had a mean score of 27.16 MPa. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this in vitro study, the bond strength values of the two-step self-etching primer systems tested were similar to the total-etch. And, one step self-etching primers have lower bond strength compared to the total-etch.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of Indian dental surgeons towards tobacco control: advances towards prevention.

AIMS AND METHODS: We assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of dental surgeons in the city of Bangalore, Karnataka, concerning use of tobacco in their patients. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to all dental surgeons prior to a sensitization program on nicotine dependence. RESULTS: The dental surgeons who responded (n=100) reported a need for increasing sensitization on the issue of tobacco especially among health professionals. Only 33% knew that nicotine is the most addictive drug and knowledge was poor about pharmacological as well as non pharmacological methods of treatment of nicotine dependence. Only 52% asked all their patients about tobacco use. However, almost all dental surgeons agreed that there should be a ban on public use of tobacco. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study call for sensitizing health professionals on a larger scale on the issue of tobacco use and its treatment.

Neurobrucellosis: a rare cause for spastic paraparesis

A 41 year old man presented to the outpatient department with a three month history of difficulty in walking. He also had a history of positive sensory symptoms in the form of pins and needle sensation mostly below the waist. His symptoms had been progressive and there was no significant family history. He demonstrated a spastic gait and could only walk with assistance and support. DTR were hypertonic and sensory deficit was observed below twelfth dorsal vertebra. Sphincter abnormalities were present. Plantars were extensor bilaterally. Cerebral and spinal MRI with contrast was unremarkable. Brucella antigen titers were significantly high. CSF report was consistent with neurobrucellosis. After detailed analysis of his history, clinical picture and investigations the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was made. Combined antimicrobial therapy was started, his neurologic condition gradually improved and he was able to walk without help after three months of treatment. Hence this case showed that neurobrucellosis may present as acquired progressive spastic paraparesis and it should always be borne in mind in patients with spastic paraparesis.

Involvement of nitric oxide in 5-HT(3) receptor agonist-induced fluid accumulation in jejunum and colon of anesthetized rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of nitric oxide in 5-HT(3) receptor agonist-induced fluid accumulation in jejunum and colon of anesthetized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluid movement in jejunum and colon were determined simultaneously in the same rat, by modifying the Beubler method. Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 20 mg/kg, s.c) alone and in combination with L-arginine (L-Arg, 150 mg/kg s.c) or D-arginine (D-Arg, 150 mg/kg, s.c) were administered 30 min before administration of 1-PBG (18.5 mug/kg, i.v). RESULTS: Intravenous administration of 1-phenylbiguanide (1-PBG) induced a net secretion of fluid in both jejunum and colon. 1-PBG had a more prominent secretory effect in the colon, causing a three-fold increase in volume of fluid secreted/g of colon than in the jejunum. Pretreatment with (L-NNA) prevented the 1-PBG-induced fluid accumulation in both jejunum and colon. The inhibitory effect of L-NNA on 1-PBG-induced fluid accumulation was reversed by L-Arg but not by D-Arg. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that nitric oxide plays an important role in 5-HT(3) receptor agonist-induced fluid accumulation in jejunum and colon of anesthetized rats.

Neurobrucellosis: a rare cause for spastic paraparesis.

A 41 year old man presented to the outpatient department with a three month history of difficulty in walking. He also had a history of positive sensory symptoms in the form of pins and needle sensation mostly below the waist. His symptoms had been progressive and there was no significant family history. He demonstrated a spastic gait and could only walk with assistance and support. DTR were hypertonic and sensory deficit was observed below twelfth dorsal vertebra. Sphincter abnormalities were present. Plantars were extensor bilaterally. Cerebral and spinal MRI with contrast was unremarkable. Brucella antigen titers were significantly high. CSF report was consistent with neurobrucellosis. After detailed analysis of his history, clinical picture and investigations the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was made. Combined antimicrobial therapy was started, his neurologic condition gradually improved and he was able to walk without help after three months of treatment. Hence this case showed that neurobrucellosis may present as acquired progressive spastic paraparesis and it should always be borne in mind in patients with spastic paraparesis.