Dental Negligence: Accidental Administration of Formalin Instead of Local Anesthetic.

A solution like formalin used as a fixative has to be handled with lot of care and needs to be stored with utmost care. Negligence on part of the dental professional by accidentally injecting formalin instead of the local anesthetic can lead to permanent tissue damage and also may induce a life threatening situation. The operating dentist injected formalin accidentally instead of the local anesthetic and the patient experienced severe pain and burning sensation. The general practice of formalin being stored in the local anesthetic bottles and being assisted by untrained assistant is the most common reason for mishaps to happen. The dentist operating should be careful and aware of the drugs and chemicals being available in the operatory and re-check the solution being injected in the patient as to not land up in complications because of the negligence.

An exploratory study into the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI metrics as predictors of response in head and neck cancers.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) in prediction of the response to treatment in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-one patients with advanced HNC, suitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy underwent DCE MRI, for the quantification of blood flow (BF) and volume (BV). All the patients received radical doses of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy up to a dose of 70 Gy along with concurrent weekly cisplatin. RESULTS: The values of BV and BF were higher in complete responders as compared to partial responders at primary as well as nodes. Both BF and BV were found to be significantly higher in patients with high T-stage as compared to patients with lower T-stage. CONCLUSIONS: DCE metrics can be used as a predictor of response to treatment in locally advanced HNCs after validation of these observations in a larger number of patients.

Malnutrition modifies the response to multimodal prehabilitation: a pooled analysis of prehabilitation trials.

Patients with colorectal cancer are at risk of malnutrition before surgery. Multimodal prehabilitation (nutrition, exercise, stress reduction) readies patients physically and mentally for their operation. However, it is unclear whether extent of malnutrition influences prehabilitation outcomes. We conducted a pooled analysis from five 4-week multimodal prehabilitation trials in colorectal cancer surgery (prehabilitation: n = 195; control: n = 71). Each patient's nutritional status was evaluated at baseline using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA; higher score, greater need for treatment of malnutrition). Functional walking capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD) at baseline and before surgery. A multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model evaluated the potential modifying effect of PG-SGA on a clinically meaningful change of ≥19 m in 6MWD before surgery. Multimodal prehabilitation increased the odds by 3.4 times that colorectal cancer patients improved their 6MWD before surgery as compared with control (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6 to 7.3; P = 0.001, n = 220). Nutritional status significantly modified this outcome (P = 0.007): Neither those patients with PG-SGA ≥9 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.23 to 7.2, P = 0.771, n = 39) nor PG-SGA <4 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.5 to 3.8, P = 0.574, n = 87) improved in 6MWD with prehabilitation. In conclusion, baseline nutritional status modifies prehabilitation effectiveness before colorectal cancer surgery. Patients with a PG-SGA score 4-8 appear to benefit most (physically) from 4 weeks of multimodal prehabilitation. Novelty: Nutritional status is an effect modifier of prehabilitation physical function outcomes. Patients with a PG-SGA score 4-8 benefited physically from 4 weeks of multimodal prehabilitation.

Correlation of phase values with CT Hounsfield and R2* values in calcified neurocysticercosis.

PURPOSE: To correlate phase and R2* derived from susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography-Hounsfield (CT-HU) values in calcified neurocysticercosis and to evaluate phase imaging in the assessment of calcified neurocysticercosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with 52 calcified lesions underwent both CT and MRI. Phase and R2* were calculated from multi-echo 3D-T2-star-weighted-angiography data. MRI and CT data were coregistered using mutual information. Spearman's correlation was performed between quantitative phase and CT-HU and R2* values. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to see differences between CT-HU and R2* values from corresponding positive and negative phase regions. RESULTS: The median values of CT-HU and R2* from regions with positive and negative phase were found to be 142.10 (range: 41.89-491.75) and 68.5/sec (range: 20-110/sec) and 137.30 (range: 30.83-458.88) and 69/sec (range: 0-110/sec), respectively. There was a significant correlation of positive phase values with corresponding CT-HU and R2* values. In addition, there was a significant correlation of R2* and CT-HU with negative phase values. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there is a significant correlation between negative and positive phase with CT-HU and R2* values, suggesting that the CT hyperdense lesion may have both calcium and other minerals, which can be differentiated using phase imaging. Conventional MRI should include phase imaging to detect calcified neurocysticercosis.

Comparative study on the effect of chemicals on Alternaria blight in Indian mustard--a multi-location study in India.

High severity of Altemaria blight disease is a major constraint in production of rapeseed-mustard in India. The aim of this study was to investigate the suppressive potential of chemicals viz., zinc sulphate, borax, sulphur, potash and calcium sulphate, aqueous extracts viz., Eucalyptus globosus (50 g l-1) leaf extract and garlic (Allium sativum) bulb (20 g l-1) extract, cow urine and bio-agents Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescence in comparison with the recommended chemical fungicide (mancozeb), against foliar disease Alternaria blight of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss] under five different geographical locations of India. Mancozeb recorded the lowest mean severity (leaf: 33.1%; pod: 26.3%) of Alternaria blight with efficacy of garlic bulb extract alone (leaf = 34.4%; pod = 27.3%) or in combination with cow urine (leaf = 34.2%; pod = 28.6%) being statistically at par with the recommended chemical fungicide. Chemicals also proved effective in reducing Alternaria blight severity on leaves and pods of Indian mustard (leaf = 36.3-37.9%; pod = 27.5-30.1%). The effective treatments besides providing significant reduction in disease severity also enabled increase in dry seed yield of the crop (mancozeb = 2052 kg ha-1; garlic = 2006 kg ha-1; control = 1561 kg ha-1).

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's Disease: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health concern owing to its complexity, which often poses a great challenge to the development of therapeutic approaches. No single theory has yet accounted for the various risk factors leading to the pathological and clinical manifestations of dementia-type AD. Therefore, treatment options targeting various molecules involved in the pathogenesis of the disease have been unsuccessful. However, the exploration of various immunotherapeutic avenues revitalizes hope after decades of disappointment. The hallmark of a good immunotherapeutic candidate is not only to remove amyloid plaques but also to slow cognitive decline. In line with this, both active and passive immunotherapy have shown success and limitations. Recent approval of aducanumab for the treatment of AD demonstrates how close passive immunotherapy is to being successful. However, several major bottlenecks still need to be resolved. This review outlines recent successes and challenges in the pursuit of an AD vaccine.

Cerebellar ataxia following snake bite.

Neurotoxic snake envenomations are frequently encountered in medicine emergencies. Here we report a case of snakebite who presented with neuromuscular paralysis and respiratory failure, showed full recovery after effective treatment. Patient however developed cerebellar ataxia possibly due to delayed neurotoxicity of venom.

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, literature review of a rare presentation and a case report.

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a rare condition, found mainly in larger joints, where as it is particularly rarer in small joints especially the metatarsophalangeal joint. We report the case of a 45-year-old man with primary synovial osteochondromatosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Following surgical intervention, the diagnosis was confirmed with histological examination. The patient had successful management and is completely symptom free on 12-month review. A summary of the case and review of the current literature with the incidence of this condition and risks involved are discussed.

Placenta accreta.

Total placenta accreta is a rare condition. Its management is a dilemma. Attempted separation of the placenta in placenta accreta can cause torrential blood loss. Therefore an antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta permits advance planning of delivery. Two alternatives are caesarean section through the fundus with subsequent immediate hysterectomy, which has traditionally been the treatment of choice or if the patient wishes more children, leaving the placenta in place and managing conservatively. We present a 38 year old lady who was diagnosed to have placenta accreta while performing a caesarean section for a breech presentation. We had to proceed with a total hysterectomy.

Biphasic solitary fibrous tumour: a report of two cases with epithelioid features.

We present two cases of solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) showing biphasic morphology with a spectrum of malignant epithelioid components. Slides prepared from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue from both cases were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and by immunohistochemistry. Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridisation studies were performed in both cases using paraffin-embedded tissue to look for the t(X;18) translocation, thereby to exclude synovial sarcoma. Both cases showed biphasic morphology with some areas having typical benign spindled SFT morphology (including CD34 expression) and other areas having a malignant epithelioid appearance. In one of the cases, the epithelioid area, which was well circumscribed and showed packeting of cell groups, demonstrated expression of cytokeratin and epithelial cadherin but not of CD34. In the second case, the immunophenotype of the epithelioid component was similar to that of the benign SFT component. These findings suggest that epithelioid change in SFT shows a range of differentiation at one end, similar to that of a standard SFT, and at the other end, possibly acquiring epithelial characteristics.

Severe haematoma of the vulva--a report of two cases and a clinical review.

Haematoma of the vulva may occur following blunt trauma due to its highly vascular structure. We present two cases of haematoma of the vulva caused by domestic violence, following a kick on the perineum and falling astride on the perineum. Evacuation of the haematoma and repair of lacerated tissues were successfully performed.

Benign mixed tumour of the skin with extensive ossification and marrow formation: a case report.

Benign mixed tumour of the skin (chondroid syringoma) is an uncommon skin adnexal tumour, usually presenting as a slow growing solitary painless nodule. The morphological appearances are similar to those of a pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland. Hair matrix and sebaceous differentiation can be seen in some lesions. Focal ossification is a rare finding. This report presents a case of a similar tumour arising in the cheek of a 43 year old white man, showing extensive ossification. Clinical, radiological, and pathological correlation and diagnosis proved to be difficult preoperatively. Only two cases of a benign mixed tumour with pronounced ossification have been reported so far, both in Japanese patients. This is the first reported case seen in a white man. Awareness of these lesions will avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses in primary hypertension.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential responses (BAEPs) were recorded from CZ-A1 and CZ-A2 scalp regions in 23 hypertensive and 14 normotensive subjects. Hypertension was graded depending upon the extent of raised blood pressure. BAEPs in patients of grade I and II hypertension did not show any change when compared to normotensive subjects. However, grade III hypertensive case showed significant prolongation of absolute peak latencies of wave I, II, V and interpeak latency of wave III-V indicating involvement of brainstem auditory pathways. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlation of rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with absolute peak latencies of BAEPs in hypertensive patients.

Extrapyramidal syndrome in falciparum malaria.

Three unusual cases of falciparum malaria with extrapyramidal syndrome are reported. Two of these cases had extrapyramidal features at admission and the other one developed them after quinine therapy.

TREATMENT UNRELATED PREGNANCIES IN INFERTILE COUPLES.

We analysed 227 infertile couples to determine the frequency of pregnancies occurring without any specific treatment. Pregnancy occurred in 44 of 104 (42%) couples who were actually treated and 43 of 123 (35%) couples who formed treatment independent pregnancy group. Treatment independent pregnancy group accounted for 43 of total 87 pregnancies occurring in this study. The study demonstrates that the potential for spontaneous cure for infertility is high and many patients respond favourably to just attending infertility clinic rather than specific treatment.

Assessment of Uterine Factor in Infertile Women : Hysterosalpingography vs Hysteroscopy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of hystero-salpingography (HSG) in detecting uterine cavity abnormalities in infertile patients, with reference to hysteroscopy as the gold standard method. 60 infertile women were investigated with both HSG and hysteroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed. As a test for the detection of uterine cavity abnormalities, HSG in comparison with hysteroscopy had 60% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 10% false positive value and 40% false negative value. HSG is not able to diagnose polyps, septum and submucous fibroids with significant accuracy. Therefore hysteroscopy is indicated for confirmation.

ROLE OF INTRA-UTERINE INSEMINATION AND SPERM PREPARATION TECHNIQUES IN TREATMENT OF UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY AND MALE INFERTILITY.

Role of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in infertile couples is evaluated. Patients selected for the study belonged to two categories-Unexplained infertility(34 patients) and Male infertility (30 patients). In all the patients selected for IUI ovarian hyperstimulation was carried out with clomiphene citrate. Two techniques of sperm preparation were used - swim-up technique and mono-percoll gradient separation technique. Pregnancy rates of 15.6% per patient and 7% per cycle respectively were achieved which are comparable with other studies. Mono-percoll sperm separation technique was found more effective in treatment of Male infertility (oligo-asthenospermic semen sample).

INDUCTION OF LABOUR WITH MISOPROSTOL - A PROSTAGLANDIN E1 ANALOGUE.

The purpose of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol versus existing hospital protocol of intracervical dinoprostone and oxytocin for cervical ripening and induction of labour. 200 patients with indication for induction of labour were randomly assigned to receive either intravaginal misoprostol or dinoprostone/oxytocin combination. In first group twenty five micrograms of misoprostol was placed intravaginally every 6 hours till the patient reached active stage of labour. In second group dinoprostone gel 0.5 mg was placed in the endocervix at night and oxytocin induction was started in the early morning. The average interval from start to induction of vaginal delivery was shorter in misoprostol group (1315±811 minutes) compared to dinoprostone/oxytocin group (1512±712 minutes) (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in route of delivery. 18% of misoprostol treated patients and 23% of dinoprostone/oxytocin treated patients required Caesarean section. Complications such as uterine tachysystole were significantly higher in misoprostol group (p < 0.01) but it was not associated with increased incidence of uterine hyperstimulation. Perinatal outcome was similar in both groups.

T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced MR evaluation of different stages of neurocysticercosis and its relationship with serum MMP-9 expression.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epileptogenesis in NCC is associated with perilesional inflammation and disruption in BBB. We quantified BBB in different stages of NCC by using DCE-MR imaging to look for the differences in perfusion indices and to correlate these indices with serum MMP-9 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DCE-MR imaging along with conventional MR imaging was performed in 57 single cysticercous brain lesions to quantify the kep, K(trans), and ve around the lesions, which were in different stages of evolution. There were 6 lesions in the vesicular stage and 17 lesions each in the colloidal, granular-nodular, and calcified stages. Serum MMP-9 was quantified from all patients, whereas perfusion indices were quantified from all stages except for the vesicular stage. RESULTS: We observed significant differences among the 3 stages of NCC in serum MMP-9 expression as well as DCE-derived kep values. In addition, kep showed a strongly significant positive correlation with MMP-9 expression when modeled with the individual stage of the disease as well as with all stages when pooled together. Other DCE-derived hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters showed inconsistent differences with each stage of the disease. The correlation of DCE-derived parameters with serum MMP-9 expression and edema volume also showed inconsistency with the stage of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that kep correlates best with serum MMP-9 expression among the pharmacokinetic indices and most closely represents the degree of BBB breakdown, which is highest in the colloidal stage and lowest in the calcified stage. kep may be used as a noninvasive image biomarker of BBB breakdown in different stages of NCC.

Biochemical and physiological responses of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by Trichoderma harzianum under drought stress.

Rice is one of the most important food crops drastically affected by drought in lowland rice ecosystems. In the present study, the impact of drought tolerant isolates of endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum on rice response to drought was investigated. Out of 43 Trichoderma isolates studied, only five isolates viz., Th 56, Th 69, Th 75, Th 82 and Th 89 were selected to be drought tolerant as these were able to colonize well on cow dung at low moisture content of 10-20 percent, though two isolates, Th 56 and Th 75, grew even at 5 percent moisture content. Trichoderma-colonized rice seedlings were slower to wilt in response to drought. Colonization delayed drought induced changes like stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis and leaf greenness. Drought conditions varying from 3 to 9 days of withholding water led to an increase in the concentration of many stress induced metabolites in rice leaves and decrease of MSI, while Trichoderma colonization caused a decrease in proline, MDA and H2O2 contents, and increase in phenolics concentration and MSI. Among test isolates, Th 56 induced maximum drought tolerance as treated plants recorded only 20-40 percent wilting even at 9 DDS. With or without exposure to drought, colonization by Trichoderma promoted seedling growth, with Th 56 giving the most consistent effect. The primary direct effect of Trichoderma colonization was promotion of root growth, regardless of water status, which caused delay in the drought responses of rice plants.