Analysis of Helkimo index for temporomandibular disorder diagnosis in the dental students of Faridabad city: A cross-sectional study

Aim and Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) by the use of Helkimo's index (anamnestic [Ai] and clinical dysfunction [Di] component) in the nonpatient population (dental students) of Faridabad college.

Settings and Design:

A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among students of dental college for signs and symptoms of TMD and also clinical examination was done. The results were scored and according to scoring severity of TMD were assessed in the specified population.

Materials and Methods:

About 580 students were assessed for TMD by the use of Helkimo's index (Ai and Di component). Descriptive statistical analysis was done.

Results:

Among the study group, 15% were found to have TMDs. Out of the affected students, 79% females and 21% males were having symptoms. Out of the signs and symptoms present, 7% students were found to have sound in temporomandibular joint followed by pain in 3% and fatigue in 2% of students. On clinical examination, limited mouth opening was found in 6% students followed by locked mandible in 1%, deviation of jaw in 0.6%, and jaw rigidity of mandible in 0.6% of individual.

Conclusion:

To summarize, Helkimo index is a well-founded index to assess TMD in a specified population. Signs and symptoms of TMD were present among students although low prevalence of TMD was found in the students.

Seasonal plasticity in the peptide neuronal systems: potential roles of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, gonadotrophin-inhibiting hormone, neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the regulation of the reproductive axis in subtropical Indian weaver birds

Two experiments examined the expression of gonadotrophin-releasing and inhibiting hormones (GnRH-I, GnRH-II and GnIH), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in subtropical Indian weaver birds, which demonstrate relative photorefractoriness. Experiment 1 measured peptide expression levels in the form of immunoreactive (-IR) cells, percentage cell area and cell optical density in the preoptic area (GnRH-I), midbrain (GnRH-II), paraventricular nucleus (GnIH), mediobasal hypothalamus [dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), infundibular complex (INc), NPY and VIP] and lateral septal organ (VIP) during the progressive, breeding, regressive and nonbreeding phases of the annual reproductive cycle. GnRH-I was decreased in the nonbreeding and VIP was increased in INc in the breeding and regressive states. GnRH-II and NPY levels did not differ between the testicular phases. Double-labelled immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed a close association between the GnRH/GnIH, GnRH/NPY, GnRH/VIP and GnIH/NPY peptide systems, implicating them interacting and playing roles in the reproductive regulation in weaver birds. Experiment 2 further measured these peptide levels in the middle of day and night in weaver birds that were maintained under short days (8 : 16 h light /dark cycle; photosensitive), exposed to ten long days (16 : 8 h light /dark cycle; photostimulated) or maintained for approximately 2 years on a 16 : 8 h light /dark cycle (photorefractory). Reproductively immature testes in these groups precluded the possible effect of an enhanced gonadal feedback on the hypothalamic peptide expression. There were group differences in the GnRH-I (not GnRH-II), GnIH, NPY and VIP immunoreactivity, albeit with variations in immunoreactivity measures in the present study. These results, which are consistent with those reported in birds with relative photorefractoriness, show the distribution and possibly a complex interaction of key neuropeptides in the regulation of the annual reproductive cycle in Indian weaver birds.

Iatrogenic Perforation of Stomach--A Case Report

Gastric lavage is a routine procedure done in many cases of poisoning and it has been advocated by many as a lifesaving procedure. There may be some instances, where it might be unnecessary, ineffective or even detrimental to life. A 35 year old man walked into a casualty, 2 hours after having ingested 15 benzodiazepine tablets. Lavage was done by an unqualified person using Ewald's tube, leading to iatrogenic perforation. The unwarranted use of the procedure proved to be fatal.

Life at a different pace: annual itineraries are conserved in seasonal songbirds

The duration of life history state (LHS) reflects the adaptive strategy a species has evolved to cope with a changing environment. Inhabitants at different latitudes may thus have significant differences in the rates of metabolic and physiological processes underlying LHSs. Birds, in order to maximize their fitness in the environment in which they live, seasonally switch from one LHS to another during the year. The present study investigated whether an annual itinerary of a species would determine its rate of reaction to inductive long days. We compared the photoinduced cycles of changes in body mass and testes, as indices of migratory and reproductive LHSs, between two long day breeding species, the migratory redheaded bunting and non-migratory Indian weaverbird. Changes in body mass and testis size were measured in photosensitive buntings and weaverbirds (n = 7 each) on short days (LD 8:16) subjected first to 0.5 h weekly light increments until the light period was 13 h per day, and then maintained on LD 13:11 for another 32 weeks. A similar observation was recorded on a group of buntings (n = 14) and weaverbirds (n = 9) maintained on increasing natural day lengths (NDL; Lucknow, 26°55' N, 80°59' E) for 47 weeks. As predicted, the rates of induction of seasonal cycles under an identical inductive photoperiod were significantly faster in temperate buntings with five annual LHSs than in the subtropical weaverbirds with three annual LHSs. This suggests that annual itineraries of songbirds with which they may have evolved with at their breeding latitudes, determine their response to the external photoperiodic environment.

Topographical anatomy of the profunda femoris artery and the femoral nerve: normal and abnormal relationships

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Femoral nerve (FN) is the largest branch of lumbar plexus. It lies lateral to femoral artery (FA) and it is located outside the femoral sheath. Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is a branch of the FA. The present study aimed to observe the topographical anatomy and relationship of the PFA and the FN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 12 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs (7 lefts and 5 rights) were taken and the thighs were dissected in detail. The relationship of PFA and FN were observed. Appropriate measurements were taken and the specimens were photographed.

RESULTS

The PFA originated from the FA in all the 12 specimens (100%). In 10 specimens (83.3%), the PFA was found to originate lateral to the FA while in 2 specimens, the origin of PFA was posterior to the FA (16.7%). The PFA originated from the FA at a distance of 6.5 + 1.5 cm with regard to the midinguinal point. All FN were found to lie outside the femoral sheaths. Out of the 12 specimens, only 2 specimens (16.7%) exhibited the FN to lie posterior to the PFA, while in 10 specimens (83.3%), the FN was found to lie anterior to the PFA.

CONCLUSION

Prior anatomical knowledge of structures in the anterior compartment of thigh may be helpful for surgeons performing nerve block, cannulation and catheterization. Knowledge of abnormal anatomy of the FN and PFA is important in order to prevent any inadvertent injury to the PFA or FN.

Cytological evaluation of Apiaceae Lindl. from Western Himalayas

The present paper deals with cytological studies on 31 populations covering 17 species belonging to 10 genera of Apiaceae from Western Himalayas. The chromosome numbers in the two species as Chaerophyllum capnoides (n = 11) and Heracleum brunonis (n = 11), along with additional cytotypes for Pimpinella acuminata (n = 9) and Sium latijugum (n = 12) have been reported for the first time on world-wide basis. The genus Pleurospermum, although cytologically worked out earlier from outside India, its species densiflorum (n = 11) makes first representation of the genus from India. Besides, the chromosome number in Chaerophyllum aromaticum (n = 11) have been worked out for the first time from India. The course of meiosis varies from normal to abnormal in different populations of Chaerophyllum villosum, Pimpinella achilleifolia and Sium latijugum while abnormal meiotic course has been observed in all the studied populations of Chaerophyllum acuminatum, C. aromaticum, C. capnoides, Pimpinella acuminata, P. diversifolia, Pleurospermum densiflorum and Vicatia coniifolia. Such taxa are marked with meiotic abnormalities in the form of cytomixis, chromatin stickiness, formation of laggards and bridges resulting into abnormal microsporogenesis. The occurrence of structural heterozygosity has been recorded in the Chaerophyllum acuminatum and C. aromaticum. The effect of these abnormalities is clearly seen on the pollen size and fertility.

An appraisal of service users' structured activity requirements in an Irish forensic setting

Participating in purposeful and structured daily activities is an important factor contributing to the health and well-being of forensic service users. A survey was carried out in an Irish forensic mental health setting to identify whether service users meet the standard of 25-h weekly activities, a standard set by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, London. The findings indicate that 57 (61%) out of 93 service users fully meet the criteria. Furthermore, service users within the medium- and low-security environments appear to be engaging to an increased number of structured activities in comparison to those in acute units.

Exosomes are involved in mediating radiation induced bystander signaling in human keratinocyte cells

There is much evidence supporting the existence of bystander effects in cells that were never exposed to radiation. Directly irradiated cells and bystander cells can communicate with each other using gap junctional intercellular communication or by releasing soluble factors into the surrounding medium. Exosomes and microvesicles are also known to mediate communication between cells. The main aim of this study is to establish whether exosomes and microvesicles are involved in radiation induced bystander signaling. Human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, were irradiated (0.005, 0.05 and 0.5 Gy) using γ rays produced from a cobalt 60 teletherapy unit. After irradiation, the cells were incubated for 1 h and the irradiated cell conditioned medium (ICCM) was harvested. Exosomes were isolated from the ICCM using ultracentrifugation. Exosomes were characterized using light scattering analysis (LSA) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species assays and real time calcium imaging were performed either with ICCM from which exosomes and microvesicles were removed or with the exosome fraction resuspended in cell culture media. The characterization data showed a particle size distribution indicative of both exosomes (30-100 nm) and microvesicles (>100 nm) and the light scattering analysis showed increased concentration of both exosomes and microvesicles with increasing dose. Western blotting confirmed the presence of an exosomal protein marker, TSG 101. Treatment of unirradiated cells with ICCM in which exosomes and microvesicles were removed resulted in abrogation of ICCM induced effects such as reduction in viability, calcium influx and production of reactive oxygen species. Addition of exosomes to fresh media produced similar effects to complete ICCM. These results suggest a role for exosomes and microvesicles in radiation induced bystander signaling.

To investigate antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of safrole in rodents by in-vivo and in-vitro study

In the present investigation anti-diabetic and in-vitro antioxidant potential of safrole were evaluated (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) in acute and chronic Streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ) induced antihyperglycemic rat model. The oral administration of safrole for 30 days affects the level of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids, high density lipoprotein (HDL), body weight, insulin level, liver glycogen content, antioxidant parameters, lipase, α-amylase in normal and STZ induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of safrole at dose 100 & 200 mg/kg p.o. significantly improve the diabetic condition in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In enzymatic assay, the IC50 value of the safrole for α-amylase and lipase was found to be 702.78 and 861.35 μg/ml respectively which was found comparable with the standard drug (ascorbic acid) as 252.12 μg/ml. Further studies can be performed on safrole for mechanistic and toxicological aspects so that it can be investigated as a new substance for the management of various diseases.

Anomalous structures of the liver: an anatomical insight

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anomalous structures of the liver are incidentally detected during autopsies or during routine cadaveric dissection. The present study aimed to observe the abnormal shapes of quadrate lobe, accessory sulci and ligamentum teres of the liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 formalin fixed cadaveric livers (n=20), irrespective of the sex, were taken for this study. These specimens belonged to cadavers of unknown origins. The presence of accessory sulci and abnormalities related to the quadrate lobe and ligamentum teres were studied in detail. Morphometric measurements were taken for the abnormal accessory sulci and abnormal quadrate lobes.

RESULTS

Variable shapes of the quadrate lobes were observed with 8 (40%) being rectangular, 6 (30%) being pear-shaped, 4 (20%) being triangular and another 2 specimens (10%) which were square in shape. The presences of accessory sulci on the diaphragmatic surface of the liver were observed in 2 specimens (10%). Ligamentum teres traversed the groove in 18 (90%) while in 2 (10%) specimens, the ligamentum teres was embedded in the groove and it was covered by parenchymatous tissue of the liver it from the side of the quadrate lobe.

CONCLUSION

Prior anatomical knowledge of the presence of the anomalous structures in the liver with may be helpful for the radiologist and surgeons for correct interpretation of radiographs and planning appropriate hepatobiliary surgeries.

Cytological studies of Brassicaceae burn. (Cruciferae juss.) from Western Himalayas

Cytological studies have been carried out on 12 species of Brassicaceae Burn. on population basis from different geographical areas of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas. Variable chromosome reports for Barbaraea intermedia (n = 16), Cardamine loxostemonoides (n = 8), Nasturtium officinale (n = 8), Sisymbrium orientale (n = 14) on world-wide basis have been added to the previous reports of these species. The chromosome numbers in seven species as Barbaraea intermedia (n = 8), B. vulgaris (n = 8), Capsella bursa-pastoris (n = 8), Descuriania sophia (n = 10), Rorippa islandica (n = 8), Sisymbrium strictum (n = 7) and Thlaspi alpestre (n = 7) have been worked out for the first time from India. The meiotic course in the populations of seven species such as Barbaraea intermedia, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Coronopus didymus, Descuriania sophia, Nasturtium officinale, Sisymbrium orientale and S. strictum varies from normal to abnormal while all the populations of two species Barbaraea vulgaris and Sisymbrium irio show abnormal meiotic course. Meiotic abnormalities are in the form of cytomixis, chromosomal stickiness, unoriented bivalents, inter-bivalent connections, formation of laggards and bridges, all resulting into abnormal microsporogenesis. Heterogenous sized fertile pollen grains and reduced reproductive potentialities have invariably been observed in all the meiotically abnormal populations. However, the meiotic course in all the populations of Cardamine loxostemonoides, Rorippa islandica and Thalspi alpestre is found to be normal with high pollen fertility.

A multi-method evaluation of a training course on dual diagnosis

A training course on dual diagnosis was developed within the Irish forensic mental health service, to bridge the gap in the lack of training on dual diagnosis in Ireland. The course was designed for service providers within mental health and addiction services. Twenty participants involving nursing, social work, police and social welfare disciplines attended the first training course. A mixed methodology research design was adapted to describe participants' evaluation of the training course. Data were collected using multiple methods: pre- and post-test, daily evaluation and focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the spss Version 16.0 and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings from the pre- and post-test suggest an increase in participants' knowledge of dual diagnosis and an increase in confidence in conducting groups. Daily evaluation indicates that the course content largely met participants' needs. Finally, three themes emerged from the focus group interview: increased confidence, the training course/teaching methods and personal/organizational challenges. This study implies that service providers within mental health and addiction services benefit from inter-professional, needs and skills based courses incorporating a variety of teaching methods. The way forward for future dual diagnosis training course developments would be working in partnership with service users and carers.

Service user involvement in mental health practitioner education in Ireland

In recent years, there is an ever increasing call to involve people who use mental health services in the development, delivery and evaluation of education programmes. Within Ireland, there is very little evidence of the degree of service user involvement in the educational preparation of mental health practitioners. This paper presents the findings on service user involvement in the education and training of professionals working in mental health services in Ireland. Findings from this study indicate that in the vast majority of courses curricula are planned and delivered without consultation or input from service users. Currently the scope of service user involvement is on teaching, with little involvement in curriculum development, student assessment and student selection. However, there is evidence that this is changing, with many respondents indicating an eagerness to move this agenda forward.