Antidiabetic and Free Radicals Scavenging Potential of Euphorbia hirta Flower Extract

The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and in vitro free radicals scavenging effects of flower extract of Euphorbia hirta. The ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally tested for 21 days in alloxan induced diabetic mice and blood glucose level was measured with glucometer. Administration of extract resulted in significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase levels but high density lipoprotein levels and total proteins were found to be increased after treatments. Free radicals scavenging effect of ethanolic extract was also evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, and reducing power assay. It was compared with standard antioxidants compounds such as butylated hydroxyl anisole and ascorbic acid. All the extracts showed antioxidant activity in all the tested methods.

In vitro target validation and in vivo efficacy of p38 MAP kinase inhibition in established chronic collagen-induced arthritis model: a pre-clinical study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, namely GW856553X and GSK678361, in murine models of arthritis.

METHODS

The effect of p38 MAPK inhibitors was tested in 2 variants of the collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, acute arthritis induced by heterologous collagen and chronic relapsing arthritis induced by homologous collagen. Animals were treated after onset of arthritis. Furthermore, post-onset disease efficacy of GSK678361 was tested in the chronic model, so as to determine the effects on established arthritis. In vitro studies were carried out with GW856553X, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, to determine potential effects of GW856553X on the vasculature.

RESULTS

In both acute and chronic arthritis, GW856553X reduced signs and symptoms of disease, and protected joints from damage. The effect of GW856553X in chronic CIA was confirmed using an alternative compound, GSK678361. Importantly, treatment with GSK678361 from 14 days post-onset of chronic arthritis completely reversed signs of established disease and joint destruction. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that GW856553X inhibited endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro, with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of murine CIA by the p38 MAPK inhibitors GW856553X and GSK678361 suggests that they may have therapeutic potential for future use in RA if safe clinical dosing achieves adequate compound exposure.

Utilizing paramedical worker for screening visual status of adults in a village of Delhi

A community based study in a village of Delhi was carried out during February 2004-May 2005 to assess visual outcomes in population more than 40 years age utilizing a paramedical worker. About 24% of them had sup-optimal vision and were referred to a health centre visited by an ophthalmologist. 78% of those referred, attended the centre and got spectacles/cataract operation as advised indicating effectiveness of screening by a paramedical worker followed by referral. Since the specialist referral service was also available within the same village, very high success rate in the current study may not be replicated to the same extent in other settings.

Lacrimal gland uptake of gallium (67Ga) citrate in patients without ocular pathology

PURPOSE

To report a series of patients with bilateral lacrimal gland uptake of Gallium (67Ga) Citrate in patients without ocular pathology and to assess the degree to which this can be a normal phenomenon.

METHODS

We present an index case of lacrimal gland uptake of Gallium (67Ga) Citrate in a patient without lacrimal pathology and a subsequent retrospective review of all Gallium scans performed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK from 2002 to 2008. Patients who demonstrated Ga67 uptake within the lacrimal glands were identified and case notes from all scans were retrieved and reviewed. The notes were analysed to determine the rationale for the gallium investigation as well as whether there was any preexisting ocular pathology.

RESULTS

Retrospective review demonstrated that 21 gallium scans were performed from 2002 to 2008, from which 4 patients demonstrated bilateral lacrimal gland Ga67 uptake with no evidence of past or current lacrimal/ocular pathology. On the basis of our review, we report that bilateral gallium uptake is not a specific finding, occurring in normal individuals with no history or symptoms of ocular or orbital pathology.

Immunomodulatory activity of a methionine aminopeptidase-2 inhibitor on B cell differentiation

Methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2) inhibitors have potent anti-angiogenesis activity and are being developed for the treatment of solid tumours. The recently observed specific expression of MetAP-2 in germinal centre B cells suggests that it has a role in regulating B cell function. We have demonstrated a potent MetAP-2-dependent inhibitory effect on the antibody secretion from B cell receptor and CD40 co-stimulated primary human B cells in the presence of interleukin-21. The effect of MetAP-2 inhibition on antibody secretion was due to a block in differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of germinal centres from human, mouse and marmoset spleen showed a similar expression pattern of MetAP-2 in the marmoset and man, whereas mouse spleen showed no detectable expression. In a marmoset, T dependent immunization model, the MetAP-2 inhibitor suppressed an antigen-specific antibody response. Furthermore, histological analysis showed loss of B cells in the spleen and disrupted germinal centre formation. These results provide experimental evidence to support a novel role for MetAP-2 in immunomodulation. These effects of MetAP-2 are mediated by disruption of the germinal centre reaction and a block in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells.

Superior oblique myositis as an early feature of orbital Wegener's granulomatosis

A 66-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of increasing right-sided facial pain and diplopia. Right ocular movements were restricted in adduction and downgaze. Superior oblique (SO) enlargement was seen on an initial MRI scan, and subsequent diffuse infiltration was seen on a repeat scan. An elevated cANCA and biopsy of SO confirmed Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). We report a case of SO myositis as a predominant early feature of WG granulomatosis and review the literature regarding extraocular muscle involvement in WG. To our knowledge, early SO involvement has not been reported.

Femoral revision using long hydroxyapatite-coated interlocking stem

INTRODUCTION

Cementless femoral revision has become increasingly popular because the cementless implants provide the potential for long-term biologic implant fixation. The IOTA interlocking femoral stem is a hydroxyapatite-coated stem with the option of interlocking the stem distally. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the short-term results of IOTA interlocking stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the results of 18 total hip arthroplasties in 17 patients performed between July 2002 and 2004 using the IOTA interlocking stem. In-patient records were retrieved and in addition to demographic data the indication for revision, the preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip scores, need for allografts were noted. The bone deficiency was classified based on the AAOS classification. Intraoperative complications and problems if any were retrieved from the authors' operative notes. Radiographs at the final follow up were evaluated by the criteria described by Engh et al. (Clin Orthop 257:107-128, 1990)

RESULTS

Average age at the time of revision was 57 years. Preoperatively five femora showed type I deficiency, type II deficiency was seen in three, type III in nine and type IV deficiency in one femur. In five hips the calcar replacing prosthesis was implanted to manage the proximal calcar defect, in one hip allograft was used to reconstruct the calcar. One patient sustained intraoperative fracture of the shaft of the femur while implanting the trial prosthesis and one patient had a perforation of the posterior cortex of femur while trying to remove the cement. The mean follow up period was 33.5 months (range 27-45 months). The mean preoperative Harris Hip score was 36 (range 23-50), which improved to 77 (range 68-92) at the time of final follow up. None of the stems required revision and at minimum 27 months follow up, bony ingrowth was noted in 83.33% of the stems.

CONCLUSION

IOTA interlocking stem has shown promising short-term results for femoral revisions. The advantages are initial axial and rotational stability and consistent bony in growth owing to hydroxyapatite coating. Intraoperative fracture is a potential drawback because of the straight nature of the stem. The calcar replacing option of the stem is especially useful in patients with deficient calcar as a substitute for the allograft.

Awareness and perception about tuberculosis in the general population of Delhi

The present study was conducted to assess awareness and perception regarding tuberculosis among the general population of Delhi. A total of 1008 adults, selected by multistage stratified systematic sampling, were interviewed using a pre-tested proforma. The majority had heard about tuberculosis (99.1%) and most (89.2%) perceived it to be an infectious disease. The correct mode of transmission i.e. airborne (coughing/sneezing) was known to 71.8% study subjects. The majority (90.1%) knew cough as a symptom. Nearly all (98.2%) perceived Tuberculosis to be a preventable disease, citing the treatment of patients as the mainstay of preventing spread of the disease. However, responses like separation of utensils or hospitalisation of the patient to prevent the spread of the disease indicate persistence of stigma and discrimination in a small proportion of the population. There is a need to widen the scope and intensify the information and education being provided to the population based on gaps identified.

Treatment of flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children

PURPOSE

To assess the results of treatment for flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children.

METHODS

The treatment of 14 children with flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture was reviewed. Severity was classified according to the Gartland system for extension-type fractures. Type-I fractures were treated with immobilisation in an extension cast. For type-II and -III fractures, closed reduction was first attempted followed by percutaneous pinning. If closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation was performed.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for at least one year (range, 14-36 months). Treatment results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 4, fair in 3, and poor in none. Patients were pain-free and satisfied and none suffered any activity restriction.

CONCLUSION

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a good treatment option for type-II and -III flexion-type supracondylar humeral fractures.

Small incision subperiosteal and trans-blepharoplasty forehead and browlift

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-endoscopic, small-incision subperiosteal forehead and browlift in patients undergoing associated upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This is a retrospective, non-comparative case series of 14 consecutive patients in 12 months. Eleven patients underwent bilateral and three unilateral surgery. Unilateral surgery was performed in patients with facial palsy and was augmented with cable suspension. The technique involves five small scalp incisions to create a single subperiosteal and deep temporal cavity. Superior arcus marginalis release and direct visualisation of the supraorbital nerve was achieved via a trans-blepharoplasty approach. All patients achieved a desirable browlift and contour. Follow up ranged from 2 to 40 weeks. Minor complications included transient diplopia (1), reduced upper eyelid sensation (1), and brief postoperative bleeding from one of the small incision sites (1). Small incision and trans-blepharoplasty forehead and browlift is a safe and effective method to achieve a cosmetically desirable browlift in patients that require associated upper eyelid blepharoplasty, using standard oculoplastic equipment without the need for an endoscope.

Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: A short-term comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR) with open CTR in patients with idiopathic Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients with CTS were enrolled in a prospective randomized study from May 2003 to December 2005. All patients had clinical signs or symptoms and electro-diagnostic findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome and had not responded to nonoperative management. Sixty-one cases were available for follow-up. Endoscopic CTR was performed in 30 CTS patients and open CTR was performed in 31 wrists (30 patients). Various parameters were evaluated, including each patient's symptom amelioration, complications, operation time, time needed to resume normal lifestyle and the frequency of revision surgery. All the patients were followed up for six months.

RESULTS

During the initial months after surgery, the patients treated with the endoscopic method were better symptomatically and functionally. Local wound problems in terms of scarring or scar tenderness were significantly more pronounced in patients undergoing open CTR compared to patients undergoing endoscopic CTR. Average delay to return to normal activity was appreciably less in group undergoing endoscopic CTR. No significant difference was observed between the endoscopic CTR group and open CTR group in regard to symptom amelioration, electromyographic testing and complications at the end of six months.

CONCLUSION

Short-term results were better with the endoscopic method as there was no scar tenderness. Results at six months were comparable in both groups.

Comparison of total knee arthroplasty in stiff and ankylosed knees

We compared the results of total knee arthroplasties in patients with stiff or ankylosed knees. We retrospectively reviewed 90 total knee arthroplasties in 52 patients with minimum 2 years followup who had less than a 50 degrees arc of flexion preoperatively. Preoperative and intraoperative data were retrieved from a computerized database. Patients were followed for an average of 6.5 years at an outpatient department. Knee Society knee scores improved from 34.6 points preoperatively to 89.5 points postoperatively in the stiff knees and from 47 points preoperatively to 75 points postoperatively in the ankylosed knees. The arc of flexion improved from 35 degrees -69 degrees preoperatively to 1 degrees -94 degrees postoperatively in the stiff knees and from 0 degrees to 3 degrees -77 degrees in the ankylosed knees. There were major complications in four of the 26 ankylosed knees and in two of the 64 stiff knees. The data suggest results of total knee arthroplasty are better in patients with stiff knees than in patients with ankylosed knees.

Complications of keratosis obturans

Three patients with extensive keratosis obturans were treated during a 12-month period. One presented with an idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss and was found to have keratosis obturans in the contralateral, asymptomatic ear. The disease process had resulted in a horizontal semicircular canal fistula in what was now, effectively, the only hearing ear. The second patient had an extensive dehiscence of the tegmen tympani. The third presented with a facial palsy. An automastoidectomy cavity was present, with circumferential skeletonization of the descending facial nerve over a length of 1.5 cm and dehiscence of the temporomandibular joint and jugular bulb. All three patients were successfully treated by surgical formalization of their automastoidectomy cavities. They appeared to represent cases of keratosis obturans rather than external auditory canal cholesteatoma, on the basis of previously published reports.

These complications and patterns of bone erosion have not previously been described in keratosis obturans. The third patient is believed to have the most extensive case of keratosis obturans yet described.

Linear basal cell carcinoma: A distinct clinical entity

The purpose of the study is to describe linear basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as a distinct clinical entity, and highlight its existence to the plastic surgery literature. A Medline and PubMed literature search was conducted, and 33 reported cases of linear BCC were analysed. Of these 33 cases, the most common site for linear BCC was the periocular region, accounting for 49% (n= 16). The most common histologic subtype, was nodular BCC, accounting for 50% (n= 17). Of the 33 reported cases the postoperative defect size was mentioned in five cases only. None of these would have been completely excised if a 2 mm margin was applied, and only one out of five if a 4 mm margin was applied. Linear BCC is a distinct clinical entity. Presence of the tumour along relaxing skin tension lines, increase in subclinical extension, and aggressive tumour behavior are reported observations. Because of these observations it is suggested that margin-controlled excision should be considered for linear BCC.

An unusual presentation of eosinophilic granuloma in an adult: a case report

Eosinophilic granuloma is the most common and benign form of a rare proliferative disorder: Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Spinal involvement is rare and only 15 adult cases have been reported. We present an unusual variant of eosinophilic granuloma in a 25-year-old woman with radiological evidence of vertebra plana. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scan, and blood tests were carried out, and a specimen was taken from L4 using computed tomography-guided biopsy. Gram staining, acid fast bacillus smear, bacterial and fungal cultures were negative. Histological examination of the biopsy showed features of eosinophilic granuloma with aggregates of Langerhans histiocytes. The patient was treated with low-grade radiotherapy at 150 cGy per day for 7 days. She was asymptomatic at one-year follow-up although the radiological picture was unchanged.