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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neuronal damage. The present study investigated the effect of chronic intra-hippocampal agmatine administration on β-Amyloid (Aβ) induced memory impairment in mice. Aβ1-42 peptide injected mice demonstrated impairment of cognitive abilities evaluated as reference memory error and working memory error in radial arm maze (RAM) and decreased exploration time for novel object as well as recognition index in novel object recognition (NOR) test along with elevation in Aβ1-42 peptide, β-Site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE 1), microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPt), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and reduction in neprilysin and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunocontent within hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Importantly, this was associated with a reduction in the agmatine levels following Aβ1-42 peptide administration. Chronic administration of agmatine from day 8-27, prevented the memory impairment in mice and normalized the neurochemical alteration within prefrontal cortex and hippocampus induced by Aβ1-42 peptide administration. However, it did not modulate the amyloid precursor protein and BACE expression. This study suggests that agmatine improves learning and memory impairment possibly through the down regulation of neuroinflammatory pathways in AD.

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) originating from extrahepatic bile duct are an extremely rare entity. They are typically slow growing tumours with malignant potential. Commonly presenting as obstructive jaundice, preoperative clinico-radiologic differentiation between extrahepatic biliary tract neuroendocrine tumours and cholangiocarcinoma is difficult and the final diagnosis is usually established after surgical histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination. R0 resection offers the only curative option with good long term outcomes for Well differentiated NETs (grade1, grade2 and grade3) whilst the aggressive poorly differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC) needs multimodality approach. We present our experience of management of four cases including three cases of grade II NET and one case of NEC undergoing surgical resection at a single centre with a short review of available literature.

Background Locomotor sensitization to repeated ethanol (EtOH) administration is proposed to play a role in early and recurring steps of addiction. The present study was designed to examine the effect of agmatine on EtOH-induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Methods Mice received daily single intraperitoneal injection of EtOH (2.5 g/kg, 20 v/v) for 7 consecutive days. Following a 3-day EtOH-free phase, the mice were challenged with EtOH on day 11 with a single injection of EtOH. Agmatine (10 to 40 μg/mouse), endogenous agmatine enhancers (l-arginine [80 μg/mouse], arcaine [50 μg/mouse], aminoguanidine [25 μg/mouse]), and imidazoline receptor agonist/antagonists were injected (intracerebroventricular [i.c.v.]) either daily before the injection of EtOH during the 7-day development phase or on days 8, 9, and 10 (EtOH-free phase). The horizontal locomotor activity was determined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11. Results Agmatine (20 to 40 μg/mouse) administration for 7 days (development phase) significantly attenuated the locomotor sensitization response of EtOH challenge on day 11. Further, the agmatine administered only during EtOH-free period (days 8, 9, and 10) also inhibited the enhanced locomotor activity on the 11th day to EtOH challenge as compared to control mice indicating blockade of expression of sensitization. Daily treatment (i.c.v.) with endogenous agmatine enhancers like l-arginine (80 μg/mouse) or arcaine (50 μg/mouse) and aminoguanidine (25 μg/mouse) restrained the development as well as expression of sensitization to EtOH. Imidazoline I1 receptor agonist, moxonidine, and I2 agonist, 2-BFI, not only decreased the development and expression of locomotor sensitization but also potentiated the effect of agmatine when employed in combination. Importantly, I1 receptor antagonist, efaroxan, and I2 antagonist, idazoxan, blocked the effect of agmatine, revealing the involvement of imidazoline receptors in agmatine-mediated inhibition of EtOH sensitization. Conclusions Inhibition of EtOH sensitization by agmatine is mediated through imidazoline receptors and project agmatine and imidazoline agents in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol addiction.

In today’s world, chronic diseases are a crucial reason for death. The chronic disease is gradually taking the patient into control and then take over. Chronic start slowly and continues for a long time. There is a need to predict chronic disease at early stages before it reaches an uncontrolled situation so timely treatments can resist it. Prediction system effectively controls chronic disease at early stages. Our study aims to cover various prediction models for chronic disease and techniques for the development of prediction models. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the predictions system and implemented techniques for basic chronic disease. We go through prediction models are developed for basic chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease with a different set of techniques. The survey paper discusses an overview of different chronic disease prediction models and its implementation techniques. The survey shows that machine learning approach is efficient to design a prediction system for chronic diseases in the welfare of health organizations and ultimate benefit to patients. This paper reviews basic chronic disease prediction models and suggested that to achieve accurate results of chronic disease prediction system machine learning is promising.

Nicotine abstinence following chronic exposure is associated with impairments in memory and variety of cognitive functions. Daily nicotine (2 mg/kg, sc, four times daily) administration for 14 days and its abrupt withdrawal significantly impaired avoidance learning in inhibitory avoidance task as indicated by a significant decrease in the step through latency. Animals injected with agmatine (10-40 μg/rat, icv) from day 7 to 14 before the first daily dose of nicotine (2 mg/kg, sc) showed increased step through latencies during retrieval test. Similarly Intracerebroventricular injection of l-arginine (25-100 μg/rat), a biosynthetic precursor of agmatine and arcaine (50 μg -100 μg/rat), an agmatinase inhibitor, also increased the step through latency during retrieval test in nicotine withdrawn animals. In separate experiments, α2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (0.5-1 μg/rat, icv) not only demonstrated significant increase in the step through latency as in nicotine withdrawn rats but also potentiated the pharmacological effect of agmatine. In contrast, pre-treatment of α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.5 μg/rat, icv) antagonized the memory enhancing effect of agmatine (20 μg/rat, icv) in nicotine withdrawn rats. In addition, brain agmatine analysis carried out at 72 h time point of nicotine withdrawal showed marked decrease in basal brain agmatine content as compared to control. Overall, the data indicate that agmatine attenuates nicotine withdrawal induced memory impairment through modulation of α2adrenergic receptors. Thus, agmatine might have therapeutic implications in the treatment of cognitive deficits following nicotine withdrawal.

Superior mesentery artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare vasculo-anatomic occlusive pathologic entity for which a period of conservative medical management is advocated with surgery reserved for nonresponsive cases. We present our management plan that entails a single admission approach and complete rendering of medical and surgical treatment to the patient on a background of the socioeconomic and cultural trends prevalent in this geographic region. A retrospective analysis of 22 cases of SMAS admitted in our health care system who underwent a period of preoperative conditioning followed by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy from September 2009 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were followed up at regular intervals. The mean follow-up of the cohort was 41.2 months (2–108 months). The median length of stay was 6 days. The mean postoperative stay was 4.13 days. A subgroup of six patients who had severe physiological depletion required a period of preoperative optimisation. Five of the 22 (22.7%) patients suffered from postoperative complications in the form of delayed return of bowel functions. None of the patients had complications more than Clavien–Dindo grade 2 with no mortality. Long-term data are available for 19 patients (86.3%) which showed no symptom recurrence. Management of SMAS that entails an antecedent medical therapy followed by surgery can be accomplished in a single admission with good to excellent results in the intermediate and long-term follow-up. Physiologically depleted patients do require a period of intensive preconditioning but on long-term follow-up, they have excellent results.

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common problems experienced by 70% of cancer patients during and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Psychological problems like depression, anxiety and mood variations follow the diagnosis of cancer and subsequent treatment with chemotherapy. The incidence of psychologic problems is found to be greater when cancer is associated with activity limitations. Psychological problems such as fatigue, anxiety and depression are assessed using unidimensional and multi-item unidimensional tools. Clinical trials have shown that physical activity in the form of brisk walking is beneficial in minimizing the effect of psychological effects by reducing the fatigue levels, depression, anxiety and enhancing the quality of life in cancer survivors.

A series of novel thiazolidinones, that is, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-((aryl)-diazenyl)phenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, have been synthesized by reaction of various Schiff bases 2-(4-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)-4-(aryl)diazenyl)phenol with ethanolic thioglycolic acid. Schiff bases were obtained by the reactions of 4-amino phenol with 2-hydroxy-5-((aryl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra, and C, H, N elemental analysis. The thiazolidinone derivatives were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Bartter syndrome is rare genetic disorder of kidney characterized by hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis, hyponatremia, hypercalciuria, hyperreninemia, hyperaldosteronism with normal blood pressure. Here we report a case of 3 year old girl born of consanguious marriage, with complaints of not gaining weight with history of polyuria, polydipsia, having clinical and laboratory features of Bartter syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Energy expenditure (EE) is the total energy cost of maintaining homeostasis. Therefore, it is important to adjust the individual’s nutritional supply and physical activities. Numerous studies suggest evaluation of energy expenditure in various Caucasian and few studies in Asian population. However there is dearth of literature relating to evaluation of components of energy expenditure in Indian physiotherapy student population. Hence, the present study was taken up to evaluate EE in terms of basal metabolic rate, resting metabolic rate, thermic effect of exercise, total daily calorie expenditure in Indian physiotherapy students and to find the correlation between anthropometric measurements and components of EE. Materials and methodology: A total of 100 Physiotherapy students who participated were subjected to anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist-hip ratio). Energy expenditure was calculated using Harris-Benedict’s and Mifflin’s equation. RMR and TEE were also calculated as per FAO guidelines. Results: Miffin’s equation demonstrated statistically significant differences (p

Series of new substituted pyrazolone derivatives via Betti's condensation reaction of pyrazolone and different aldehydes has been reported successfully under ambient reaction conditions. The structural elucidation of newly synthesized compounds was done using analytical and spectroscopic tools such as elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Physicochemical parameters, toxicity profiles and drug likeness properties were studied using various bioinformaticals tools like Osiris and molinspiration. These results viz., the good correlations between the inhibitory activities and the computational values make the molecules available for future protein–ligand interaction studies. It further provided useful information in understanding the structural and chemical features of the drug in designing and finding new potential inhibitors.

Smoking cessation exhibits an aversive withdrawal syndrome characterized by both increases in somatic signs and affective behaviors including anxiety and depression. In present study, abrupt withdrawal of daily nicotine injections (2mg/kg, s.c., four times daily, for 10 days) significantly increased somatic signs viz. rearing, grooming, jumping, genital licking, leg licking, head shakes with associated depression (increased immobility in forced swim test) as well as anxiety (decreased the number of entries and time spent in open arm in elevated plus maze) in nicotine dependent animals. The peak effect was observed at 24h time point of nicotine withdrawal. Repeated administration of agmatine (40-80µg/mouse, i.c.v.) before the first daily dose of nicotine from day 5 to 10 attenuated the elevated scores of somatic signs and abolished the depression and anxiety like behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal in dependent animals. However, in separate groups, its acute administration 30min before behavior analysis of nicotine withdrawal was ineffective. This result clearly shows the role of agmatine in development of nicotine dependence and its withdrawal. In extension to behavioral experiments, brain agmatine analyses, carried out at 24h time point of nicotine withdrawal demonstrated marked decrease in basal brain agmatine concentration as compared to control animals. Taken together, these data support the role of agmatine as common biological substrate for somatic signs and affective symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This data may project therapies based on agmatine in anxiety, depression and mood changes associated with tobacco withdrawal.

Anorexia nervosa is a debilitating eating disorder characterized by hypophagia, body weight loss, amenorrhea and intense fear of weight gain. In present study, the effect of subchronic agmatine treatment on development of activity based anorexia (ABA) in female rats has been investigated. Animals were injected with saline or agmatine (10-40 mg/kg, ip) just before the onset of dark phase and shifted to experimental cage with wheel for ABA test for 10days. A pre-weighed quantity of food pellets (10g) was placed daily for a restricted period of only 2h (1700-1900h) and food intake was monitored (g) manually by weighing the leftover food. Rats restricted to ABA paradigm, showed greater wheel running, suppressed food consumption, disrupted estrous cycle and weight loss. On the other hand, subchronic agmatine (10-40mg/kg, ip, for 10days) treatment decreased wheel running activity, pronounced increased in food intake and restored body weights as compared to saline treated animals. Further, agmatine treatment decreased corticosterone levels in ABA rats, thereby stabilizing HPA axis in ABA rats. Subchronic agmatine treatment also prevented the disruptions of estrous cycle. Considering the common resistance of anorexia nervosa to current pharmacotherapy, the preliminary data on reduction of physical activity by agmatine, may have potential therapeutic importance. Thus, the role of agmatine in feeding behavior is likely to provide insight into the circumstances that facilitate treatment in eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

INTRODUCTION: Pheochromocytoma is a potentially lethal catecholamine secreting tumor of chromaffin tissues of the adrenal medulla and sympathetic chain . [ 1 ] Incidence across the globe is around 1 to 2 per million population . [ 2 ] Reported incidence in the United States is 1.55 to 2.1 per million populations per year . [ 3 ] This tumour is also rare in Indian population n but its actual incidence is not yet reported. The perioperative management of pheochromocytoma remains a complicated anaesthesia challenge requiring intensive preoperative preparation and vigilant intraoperative and postoperative care. The provision of implantable pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to treat abnormal heart rhythms is increasing and as a consequence more patients with these devices are likely to present for elective or emergency surgery. Currently more than 5,00,000 patients in the United States have pacemakers and nearly 1,15,000 new devices are implanted each year . [ 4 ] Although, no definite figures are available the number is also increasing in India. Both the above conditions individually present great problems in perioperative period. We are presenting a case of anaesthetic management of a patient of both these co morbidities i.e. pheochromocytoma in a patient of implanted permanent pacemaker.

In the present study, modulation of anxiolytic action of agmatine by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) is evaluated employing Vogel's conflict test (VCT) in rats. The intra-CeA administration of agmatine (0.6 and 1.2 µmol/rat), NPY (10 and 20 pmol/rat) or NPY Y1/Y5 receptors agonist [Leu 31 , Pro 34 ]-NPY (30 and 60 pmol/rat) significantly increased the number of punished drinking licks following 15 min of treatment. Combination treatment of subeffective dose of NPY (5 pmol/rat) or [Leu 31 , Pro 34 ]-NPY (15 pmol/rat) and agmatine (0.3 µmol/rat) produced synergistic anxiolytic-like effect. However, intra-CeA administration of selective NPY Y1 receptor antagonist, BIBP3226 (0.25 and 0.5 mmol/rat) produced anxiogenic effect. In separate set of experiment, pretreatment with BIBP3226 (0.12 mmol/rat) reversed the anxiolytic effect of agmatine (0.6 µmol/rat). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal injection of agmatine (40 mg/kg) on NPY-immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), lateral part of bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTl) and CeA. While agmatine treatment significantly decreased the fibers density in BNSTl, increase was noticed in AcbSh. In addition, agmatine reduced NPY-immunoreactive cells in the AcbSh and CeA. Immunohistochemical data suggest the enhanced transmission of NPY from the AcbSh and CeA. Taken together, this study suggests that agmatine produced anxiolytic effect which might be regulated via modulation of NPYergic system particularly in the CeA.

Background: PROM, a condition that occurs when fetal membranes are ruptured at least one hour before onset of labor. While PROM is observed in 10% of all pregnancies, 60-80% of PROM is observed in term and 20-40% in pregnancies less than 37th gestational week. PROM is the most significant reason for preterm labor. The three causes of neonatal death associated with PROM are prematurity, sepsis and pulmonary hypoplasia. Infants born with sepsis have a mortality rate four times higher than those without sepsis. Objective of the study was correlation of blood and gastric culture positive sepsis in PROM newborns. It helps to find out the incidence of PROM in our locality.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 90 neonates born to healthy mothers with history of PROM more than 18 hours duration, admitted in SNCU/ward at a tertiary care hospital for six months duration from 1st January 2017 to 30 June 2017. Clinical profile of these Newborn with history of PROM was noted such as birth weight, gender, gestation, duration of membrane rupture, history of maternal fever. For all newborns with PROM, sepsis screen had been sent. The neonatal outcome was also recorded, and the data was collected and analyzed by using frequency and percentages.Results: Gram negative bacilli were the commonest cause of neonatal sepsis and male neonates were more prone to infection. PROM and low birth weight especially, ELBW and VLBW are the common high-risk factors for early onset sepsis. Most common organisms isolated in blood and gastric culture were Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus respectively.Conclusions: PROM is a high-risk obstetric condition. Active management is needed to enable delivery within 24 hours of PROM as it offers better neonatal outcome. Morbidity and mortality increase as the duration of PROM increases. This can be reduced by early diagnosis, specific treatment and strict infection control practices in neonatal units.

Although bupropion has been widely used in the treatment of depression, the precise mechanism of its therapeutic actions is not fully understood. The present study investigated the role of agmatine in an antidepressant like effect of bupropion in mouse forced swim test. The antidepressant like effect of bupropion was potentiated by pretreatment with agmatine (10-20mg/kg, ip) and by the drugs known to increase endogenous agmatine levels in brain viz., l-arginine (40 μg/mouse, icv), an agmatine biosynthetic precursor, ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, dl-α-difluoromethyl ornithine hydrochloride, DFMO (12.5 μg/mouse, icv), diamine oxidase inhibitor, aminoguanidine (6.5 μg/mouse, icv) and agmatinase inhibitor, arcaine (50 μg/mouse, icv) as well as imidazoline I1 receptor agonists, moxonidine (0.25mg/kg, ip) and clonidine (0.015 mg/kg, ip) and imidazoline I2 receptor agonist, 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride, 2-BFI (5mg/kg, ip). Conversely, prior administration of I1 receptor antagonist, efaroxan (1mg/kg, ip) and I2 receptor antagonist, idazoxan (0.25mg/kg, ip) blocked the antidepressant like effect of bupropion and its synergistic combination with agmatine. These results demonstrate involvement of agmatine in the antidepressant like effect of bupropion and suggest agmatine and imidazoline receptors as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depressive disorders.

A simple, versatile, accurate, precise and economic method for simultaneous determination of sitagliptin phosphate and simvastatin in fixed dose combination products was developed. The absorbance values at 267 nm and 239 nm for sitagliptin phosphate and simvastatin. The combination is also estimated by AUC method it involved measurement of area under curve in the wavelength range is 264-270 nm (λ1 -λ2 ) and 236-242 nm (λ3 -λ4 ) sitagliptin phosphate and simvastatin respectively. This method obeyed Beer’s law in the concentration range of 10-60 μg /mL for sitagliptin phosphate and 2-12 μg /mL for simvastatin. The results of analyses have been validated statistically for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ of the proposed method.

Avoidance of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome as well as the positive subjective effects of nicotine is the major predisposing factor to motivate nicotine abuse. However, its underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms remain perplexing. In the present study, we investigated the influence of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO; 0.5–2 mg/kg) on the development of nicotine withdrawal in mice. Chronic nicotine injections (2 mg/kg, four times daily, 10 days) followed by its withdrawal, elicited severe somatic signs, anxiety and marked reduction in locomotion. However, these withdrawal signs were not evident in animals pretreated with ALLO or progesterone (Day 8–10) daily before 1st injection of nicotine. This effect of neurosteroid on the nicotine withdrawal signs was reversed by indomethacin and finasteride the inhibitors of neurosteroid biosynthesis. On the contrary, single or repeated dose administration of ALLO or progesterone during nicotine withdrawal (Day 11) did not affect the expression of nicotine withdrawal signs. Thus, compounds that modulate endogenous neurosteroid ALLO are likely to have therapeutic potential for treating various aspects of nicotine dependence and withdrawal.

Tropical bovine theileriosis, a tick borne disease, caused by, Theileria annulata with marked clinical signs of pyrexia (102–105 °F), enlargement of lymphnodes etc., causes heavy economic losses in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates. Diagnosis of theileriosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and microscopic examination of stained blood smears and lymph node biopsy smears but limitations of these methods against Theileria sp. limits the specificity. Hence, to overcome the limitations, the present study reports the detection of T. annulata in blood samples of cattle by polymerase chain reaction. The study was conducted on 155 cattle having typical clinical symptoms and blood smear after staining with Giemsa stain was examined for the presence of T. annulata in RBC. The Primer sequences were used as per d’Oliveira et al. The assay employs primers specific for the gene encoding the 30-kDa major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata and the amplification of 721 bp was done. Out of the total 155 animals, 34 were positive for T. annulata by blood smear method whereas 134 samples were positive by PCR. So diagnosis of blood samples by PCR is found to be the most sensitive and specific methodology as compared to cytological blood smear examination. The sensitivity was 23.88 % and specificity was 90.47 % of blood smear method considering PCR as gold standard and it was found that PCR is more sensitive than the conventional method of examination.

In an attempt to synthesize antibacterial agents effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, the efficient synthesis of novel bis-azetidinones (3a–j) has been established. Thus, cycloaddition reaction of substituted bis-imines with chloroacetylchloride under microwave irradiation in the presence of zeolite yielded bis-azetidinones (3a–j). Structures of the synthesized compounds have been elucidated on the basis of their elemental analysis and spectral data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectra). The synthesized bis-azetidinones were screened for their antibacterial activity against five microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. They were found to exhibit good to moderate antibacterial activity.

The present study investigated the pharmacological effect of agmatine in Complete Freud Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis and cachexia in rats. The rats were injected with CFA (0.1ml/rat) to induced symptoms of arthritis. Day 8 onwards of CFA administration, rats were injected daily with agmatine for next 7days, and arthritis score, body weights and food intake were monitored daily (g). Since cachexia is known to produce severe inflammation, malnutrition and inhibition of albumin gene expression, we have also monitored the total proteins, albumin, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in arthritic rats and its modulation by agmatine. In the present study, CFA treated rats showed a progressive reduction in both food intake and body weight. In addition analysis of blood serum of arthritis animals showed a significant reduction in proteins and albumin and significant elevation in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Interleukins (IL)-6. Chronic agmatine (20-40mg/kg, ip) treatment not only attenuated the signs of arthritis but also reverses anorexia and body weight loss in CFA treated rats. In addition, agmatine restored total protein and albumin and reduces TNF-α and IL-6 levels in arthritis rats. These results suggest that agmatine administration can prevent the body weights loss and symptoms of arthritis via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.

A simple, practical, and efficient approach to synthesize new series of 2-(3-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-ylamino)-N-arylacetamide by Staudinger [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. The titled compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against eight microorganisms. All the newly synthesized compounds are characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, and mass spectroscopic data.

Aim To determine microbial prevalence in the mucous membrane and prosthesis of denture wearers with and without denture stomatitis and to study its relationship with potential clinical cofactors. Materials and methods Saliva was collected from 200 patients (100 female and 100 male) wearing dental prosthesis for measurement of pH. Oral samples of the mucous membrane and of dentures were taken with sterile swab for microbiological analysis. Medical and dietary history of the subjects was recorded. Chi-square test and analysis of varience were used for statistical analysis. Results Diabetes, hypertension and high carbohydrate ingestion was observed in majority of patients. The pH average in saliva was of 5.1. The presence of C. albicans, S. aureus and S. mutans in the mucous membrane was of 55.4, 56.4 and 63.6% respectively. C. albicans was isolated in 69.7% from the prosthesis, whereas S. aureus and S. mutans were isolated in 45.3%. The isolation of C.albicans was more frequent in patients with deture stomatitis. Conclusion C. albicans, S. aureus and S. mutans frequently colonize the oral mucous of denture wearers. This is more frequently observed in patients with denture stomatitis. Clinical significance Denture stomatitis is associated to Candida albicans, different bacteria and other cofactors, such as salivary pH, carbohydrate ingestion, systemic illnesses and medication. How to cite this article Chopde N, Jawale B, Pharande A, Chaudhari L, Hiremath V, Redasani R. Microbial Colonization and their Relation with Potential Cofactors in Patients with Denture Stomatitis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(4):456-459.

The effect of agmatine in preclinical behavioral tests of schizophrenia has been examined in rodents. Agmatine at the doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg blocked conditioned avoidance responding, attenuated apomorphine induced climbing, diminished amphetamine and ketamine hyperlocomotor activity and augmented plasma prolactin levels. Pretreatment of animals with 20 mg/kg of agmatine potentiated the inhibitory effect of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, ip) and olanzepine (0.5 mg/kg, ip) in conditioned avoidance response test and apomorphine induced climbing. Agmatine alone at the doses tested here did not induce any cataleptic behavior in mice. However significant catalepsy was exhibited when agmatine (80 mg/kg, ip) was injected to mice pretreated with 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY100, 635. These results indicate that agmatine via regulation of brain dopaminergic signaling modulates dopamine mediated behaviors. The alteration in the levels of endogenous agmatine may contribute to the genesis of psychosis and development of drugs that enhance endogenous agmatine content may be better therapeutic approach to treat schizophrenia with low incidences of extra pyramidal side effects.

The objective of this study was evaluation of the shelf life of reconstituted kheer packed in previously sterilized cups and stored at 10± 1°C for 3 days. During period of studies the samples were examined for sensory evaluation after the first, second and third day using five treatments T1 (Pumpkin flesh kheer), T2 (1 per cent pumpkin powder + 43 per cent skim milk powder), T3 (2 per cent pumpkin powder + 42 per cent skim milk powder), T4 (3 per cent pumpkin powder + 41 per cent skim milk powder) and T5 (4 per cent pumpkin powder + 40 per cent skim milk powder). Samples were studied for sensory properties viz. colour, flavour, body texture, appearance and overall acceptability. Statistical analysis for shelf life studies revealed that both the treatments and storage period had significant effect on sensory qualities of the product. The scores for colour, flavour, body and texture, appearance and overall acceptability of all kheer samples decreased with the advancement of storage period. The rate of decline in the flavour score of T3 was more as compared to all other treatments. The score for T3 was (7.12) on first day which dropped to (6.05) on third day. The rate of decrease of scores for body and texture was more in treatment T5 than T1, T2, T3 and T4. There was a statistically significant difference in the appearance of reconstituted kheer samples for all the treatments on the day of preparation. The difference between all treatments was non-significant on second and third day of storage. The overall acceptability for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 samples decreased with the progress of storage period.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Agmatine, a multifaceted neurotransmitter, is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Our aim was to assess (i) the effect of agmatine on feeding behaviour and (ii) its association, if any, with neuropeptide Y (NPY). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Satiated rats fitted with intra-PVN cannulae were administered agmatine, alone or jointly with (i) α2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, or antagonist, yohimbine; (ii) NPY, NPY Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY, or antagonist, BIBP3226; or (iii) yohimbine and NPY. Cumulative food intake was monitored at different post-injection time points. Furthermore, the expression of hypothalamic NPY following i.p. treatment with agmatine, alone or in combination with yohimbine (i.p.), was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. KEY RESULTS Agmatine robustly increased feeding in a dose-dependent manner. While pretreatment with clonidine augmented, yohimbine attenuated the orexigenic response to agmatine. Similarly, NPY and [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY potentiated the agmatine-induced hyperphagia, whereas BIBP3226 inhibited it. Moreover, yohimbine attenuated the synergistic orexigenic effect induced by the combination of NPY and agmatine. Agmatine increased NPY immunoreactivity in the PVN fibres and in the cells of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and this effect was prevented by pretreatment with yohimbine. NPY immunoreactivity in the fibres of the ARC, dorsomedial, ventromedial and lateral nuclei of the hypothalamus was not affected by any of the above treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The orexigenic effect of agmatine is coupled to increased NPY activity mediated by stimulation of α2-adrenoceptors within the PVN. This signifies the importance of agmatine or α2-adrenoceptor modulators in the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat feeding-related disorders.

As a part of systematic investigation on synthesis and biological activities, some new derivatives of 2-ethyl-3-(substituted benzothiazole-2′-yl)–[3H]-quinazolin-4-ones 3 have been synthesized, and the structures of the compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral data. The newly synthesized derivatives are then screened for anticonvulsant activity by maximal electroshock method. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).

5-((3-Aminophenyl)diazenyl)quinolin-8-ol (1) was synthesized by diazotization reaction and coupled with 8-hydroxyquinoline moiety. This amine on facile condensation with aromatic aldehydes in presence of glacial acetic acid and ethanol affords anils (2). These anils on cyclocondensation reaction with thioglycolic acid (i.e., mercaptoacetic acid) yield the titled compound (3). The structure of the newly synthesized anils (2) and thiazolidinones (3) has been confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral analysis. The titled compounds have been screened against different bacterial and fungal strains. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).

In this study, one-pot rapid and efficient series of phenylazetidin-2-ones were synthesized from N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, different substituted aromatic amines and phenylacetyl chloride in the presence of zeolite catalyst under microwave irradiation. We also reported schiff bases (1a–j) by classical and conventional microwave technique. The titled compounds are evaluated for their antimicrobial properties. The activities are due to CO, CN, linkages in 2-azetidinones. All the compounds have shown comparable antibacterial activities. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).

Dexmedetomidine a highly selective α2 agonist has become a frequently used drug in anesthesiologists’s armamentarium due to its sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, neuroprotective and anesthetic sparing effects and a favorable side effect profile. Dexmedetomidine–lignocaine combination has been used recently to provide Bier’s block and was shown to improve quality of anesthesia, to reduce tourniquet pain and to reduce postoperative anesthetic requirement in patients undergoing forearm or hand surgeries. Hypotension and bradycardia are the commonly seen side effects. Only one case of dexmedetomidine skin allergy has been reported till date in literature. We present a case of dermatological allergy to dexmedetomidine, in a patient administered Bier’s block with dexmedetomidine–lignocaine combination for implant removal surgery of forearm.

Agmatine [2-(4-aminobutyl)guanidine] is an endogenous amine proposed as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator that binds to multiple target receptors in brain. Besides, many central and peripheral functions, agmatine have been implicated in the process of drug addiction. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of centrally injected agmatine on nicotine induced locomotor sensitization in Swiss male mice. Our data shows that repeated injections of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc, twice daily for 7 days) gradually increased locomotion during 7 days development period or after 3 days (nicotine) withdrawal phase challenged with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) on day 11. Mice were pretreated with agmatine (40-80 microg, icv) or agents known to increase endogenous brain agmatine levels [e.g. an agmatine biosynthetic precursor, L-arginine (80 microg, icv), ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, difluoromethyl-ornithine (50 microg, icv), diamine oxidase inhibitor, aminoguanidine (25 microg, icv) and agmatinase inhibitor, arcaine (50 microg, icv)] 30 min before daily first nicotine injection or during nicotine withdrawal phase. All these treatments attenuated the development as well as incubation of locomotor sensitization to nicotine. Coadministration of agmatine (20 microg, icv) and alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors agonist, clonidine (0.1 microg, icv) evoked synergistic inhibition of nicotine sensitization. Conversely, prior administration of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (5mg/kg, ip) or idazoxan (0.4 mg/kg, ip) reversed the inhibitory effect of agmatine on nicotine sensitization. There was no significant difference in activity between mice injected with any of these agents/saline alone and saline/saline groups. These data indicate that agmatine attenuates nicotine induced locomotor sensitization via a mechanism which may involve alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors. Thus, agmatine might have therapeutic implications in the treatment of nicotine addiction and deserve further investigations.

Background: Childhood obesity and hypertension are on the rise and limited data are available regarding the profile of childhood obesity and hypertension from India. We studied the prevalence of childhood obesity and hypertension in a representative sample of school children to find out the relationship between obesity and hypertension in study population.Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in Department of Pediatrics, Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India and data were collected from urban and rural primary schools of Yavatmal from 1489 children between ages 6-12years, selected randomly. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate BMI and blood pressure was taken. Data was analyzed using CDC guidelines and statistically using contingency coefficient. Overweight and obesity were defined by body mass index for gender and age. Gender, age and height were considered for determining hypertension. The hypertensive children were followed up at 3 monthly intervals, 3 times, to look for persistent hypertension.Results: Amongst the 1489 children, prevalence of hypertension was 4.49% and that of pre-hypertension was 1.47% and that of overweight was 1.74% and obese was 0.87%. In girls and boys both, increasing BMI was associated significantly (p

Present study investigated the role of agmatine in ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety using elevated plus maze (EPM) test in rats. The anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol was potentiated by pretreatment with imidazoline I(1)/I(2) receptor agonist agmatine (10-20 mg/kg, i.p.), imidazoline I(1) receptor agonists, moxonidine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) and clonidine (0.015 mg/kg, i.p.), imidazoline I(2) receptor agonist, 2-BFI (5 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as by the drugs known to increase endogenous agmatine levels in brain viz., L-arginine, an agmatine biosynthetic precursor (100 microg/rat, i.c.v.), ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, DFMO (125 microg/rat, i.c.v.), diamine oxidase inhibitor, aminoguanidine (65 microg/rat, i.c.v.) and agmatinase inhibitor, arcaine (50 microg/rat, i.c.v.). Conversely, prior administration of I(1) receptor antagonist, efaroxan (1 mg/kg, i.p.), I(2) receptor antagonist, idazoxan (0.25mg/kg, i.p.) and arginine decarboxylase inhibitor, D-arginine (100 microg/rat, i.c.v.) blocked the anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol. Moreover, ethanol withdrawal anxiety was markedly attenuated by agmatine (10-20 mg/kg, i.p.), moxonidine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), clonidine (0.015 mg/kg, i.p.), 2-BFI (5 mg/kg, i.p.), L-arginine (100 microg/rat, i.c.v.), DFMO (125 microg/rat, i.c.v.), aminoguanidine (65 microg/rat, i.c.v.) and arcaine (50 microg/rat, i.c.v.). The anti-anxiety effect of agmatine in ethanol-withdrawn rats was completely blocked by efaroxan (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and idazoxan (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.). These results suggest that agmatine and imidazoline receptor system may be implicated in ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety and strongly support further investigation of agmatine in ethanol dependence mechanism. The data also project agmatine as a potential therapeutic target in overcoming alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety.

We investigated the involvement of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) following acute, chronic and withdrawal treatments of ethanol with reference to depression. The degree of depression was evaluated using Porsolt's forced swim test. While intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) alpha-MSH (100-400 ng/rat) dose-dependently increased the immobility, opposite response was observed following administration of selective MC4 receptor antagonist HS014 (0.01-0.07 ng/rat, i.c.v.). The anti-immobility effect of acute ethanol (1-2 g/kg), injected via intra-peritoneal route (i.p.), was suppressed by central administration of alpha-MSH (100 ng/rat, i.c.v.), but was enhanced following pretreatment with HS014 (0.01 ng/rat, i.c.v.). Chronic ethanol resulted in increased immobility time, while further augmentation in immobility was noticed following ethanol withdrawal. However, concomitant HS014 (0.01 ng/rat, i.c.v.) treatment prevented tolerance as well as attenuated enhanced immobility in ethanol-withdrawn rats. Acute administration of HS014 (0.01-0.03 ng/rat, i.c.v.), at 24h post-withdrawal time point, also antagonized the ethanol withdrawal immobility in rats. The profile of alpha-MSH-immunoreactivity in the paraventricular (PVN), arcuate (ARC), paraventricular thalamic (PVT), dorsomedial hypothalamic-dorsal (DMNd) and -ventral (DMNv) nuclei, lateral hypothalamus (LH) and central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) was investigated with immunocytochemistry. Acute ethanol significantly reduced the alpha-MSH-immunoreactivity in the cells and fibers of ARC, and fibers in the PVN, DMNd, DMNv and CeA. While chronic ethanol treatment significantly increased the alpha-MSH-immunoreactivity as compared to the pair-fed control group, further augmentation was noticed following 24 h ethanol withdrawal. However, the alpha-MSH-immunoreactive profile in the PVT and LH did not respond. alpha-MSH in discrete areas may play a role in ethanol-induced antidepressant-like response and withdrawal-induced depression.

A simple reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for determining the concentration of metformin in rat plasma. The method employs C(18) column (300 mm x 2.4 mm i.d.), ammonium acetate (0.15 M) and acetonitrile (90:10; pH-5.5; 1.0 ml/min) as mobile phase and ultraviolet detection at 236 nm. Acetonitrile was used to simultaneously deproteinize rat plasma and extract metformin. The assay was linear in the concentration range of 0.33 mug-16.6 mug/ml with co-efficient of correlation 0.994. The retention time was 4.7 min. The method was found to be precise (% CV15%), accurate and suitable for pharmacokinetic study of orally administered metformin in rats.

Etifoxine (6-chloro-2-ethylamino-4-methyl-4-phenyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazine hydrochloride), a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, potentiates GABA(A) receptor function perhaps through stimulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis. However, the exact mechanism of etifoxine action is not fully understood. In this study, we have assessed the possible role of GABAergic neurosteroid like allopregnanolone (ALLO) in the anxiolytic-like effect of etifoxine in rats using elevated plus maze test. Selective GABA(A) receptor agonist, muscimol, ALLO or neurosteroidogenic agents like progesterone, metyrapone or mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptor (MDR) agonist, FGIN 1-27 significantly heightened the etifoxine-induced anxiolysis. On the other hand, GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline or neurosteroid biosynthesis inhibitors like finasteride, indomethacin, trilostane or PBR antagonist, PK11195 significantly blocked the effect of etifoxine. Bilateral adrenalectomy did not influence anti-anxiety effect of etifoxine thereby ruling out contribution of adrenal steroids. Thus, our results provide behavioral evidence for the role of neurosteroids like ALLO in the anti-anxiety effect of etifoxine.

We have recently shown that the neurosteroid allopregnanolone modulates anxiolytic effect of ethanol. In the present report, we attempted to examine whether neurosteroids progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), which modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor function, affects development of tolerance to ethanol anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety. Rats on ethanol (6% v/v in nutritionally balanced liquid diet) for prolong period (10 days) were injected twice daily either with vehicle, progesterone (a precursor of allopregnanolone, positive GABA(A) receptor modulator), finasteride (5alpha-reductase inhibitor) or DHEAS (negative GABA(A) receptor modulator). During this period, rats were acutely challenged periodically with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p., 8% w/v) and subjected to the elevated plus maze test. For withdrawal studies, similar treatment protocols (except ethanol challenge) were employed and on day 11, rats were subjected to the elevated plus maze test at different time intervals post-ethanol withdrawal. While progesterone significantly advanced the development of tolerance to ethanol anxiolysis and enhanced withdrawal anxiety, DHEAS and finasteride prevented such behavioral alterations. These data highlight the important role played by GABAergic neurosteroids progesterone and DHEAS in the development of tolerance to ethanol anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety in rats. Moreover, it points to the potential usefulness of specific neurosteroids as targets in the treatment of alcoholism.

Although recent reports underscore a close association between the ethanol consumption and the central melanocortin (MC) system in rats, neurobehavioral component of this association has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the role of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in ethanol (1.5-2 g/kg, i.p.) induced anxiolysis and anxiety-like behavior following withdrawal from prolonged ethanol (9% v/v ethanol, 15 days) consumption, using elevated plus maze (EPM) test in rats. While alpha-MSH (1-5 microg/rat, i.c.v.) showed dose-dependent anxiogenic-like effect, the MC4 receptor antagonist HS014 (1-10 nM/rat, i.c.v.) or antiserum against alpha-MSH (1:500-1:50 dilution, 5 microl/rat, i.c.v.) failed to produce any effect in the EPM test. The anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol was suppressed by central administration of alpha-MSH (0.5 microg/rat, i.c.v.). On the other hand, pretreatment with either HS014 (5 nM/rat, i.c.v.) or antiserum against alpha-MSH (1:100 dilution, 5 microl/rat, i.c.v.) enhanced anxiolytic action of ethanol. Moreover, ethanol withdrawal anxiety was markedly blocked by HS014 (1-10 nM/rat, i.c.v.). These results suggest that alpha-MSH may be implicated in ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety. These findings also suggest MC4 receptors as possible therapeutic target for development of drugs to address the ethanol withdrawal-related conditions.

Although the role of orexins in sleep/wake cycle and feeding behavior is well established, underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. An attempt has been made to investigate the role of GABAA receptors and their benzodiazepine site on the orexinA induced response to feeding. Different groups of rats were food deprived overnight and next day injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with vehicle (artificial CSF; 5 ml/rat) or orexin-A (20e50 nM/rat) and the animals were given free access to food. Cumulative food intake was measured during light phase of light/dark cycle at 1-, 2-, 4- and 6-h post-injection time points. Orexin-A (30e 50 nM/rat, icv) stimulated food intake at all the time points (P ! 0.05). Prior administration of GABAA receptor agonists muscimol (25 ng/rat, icv) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, ip) at subeffective doses significantly potentiated the hyperphagic effect of orexin-A (30 nM/rat, icv). However, the effect was negated by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (1 mg/kg, ip). Interestingly, benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (5 ng/rat, icv), augmented the orexin-A (30 nM/rat, icv) induced hyperphagia; the effect may be attributed to the intrinsic activity of the agent. The results suggest that the hyperphagic effect of orexin-A, at least in part, is mediated by enhanced GABAA receptor activity. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) have been implicated in pathophysiology of feeding and certain mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Both the peptides are abundantly present in CNS, especially in the hypothalamus and amygdala. Although they are known to exert opposite effects, particularly with reference to anxiety, the underlying mechanisms are not known. We were interested in studying the interaction between these two peptides in the regulation of anxiety, within the framework of amygdala. We administered agents like NPY, alpha-MSH, selective melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) antagonist HS014 and NPY Y1 receptor agonist [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY, alone and in combinations, unilaterally in right amygdala of rats and measured the response using elevated plus maze test. While NPY and [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY increased the time spent and number of entries in the open arms suggesting anxiolytic-like effects, alpha-MSH resulted in opposite responses. Anxiolytic-like effect of NPY (10 nM) or [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY (5 nM) was significantly reduced following prior alpha-MSH (250 ng) administration. Co-administration of HS014 (1 nM) and NPY (5 nM) or [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY (1 nM) at subeffective doses evoked synergistic anxiolysis. Since the closed arm entries displayed by animals of all the groups were in a similar range, the effects might not be ascribed to the changes in general locomotor activity. These results suggest that endogenous alpha-MSH and NPY containing systems may interact in the amygdala and regulate exploratory behavior in an animal model of anxiety.

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is known to increase the cortical content of allopregnanolone (ALLO) without altering the level of other neurosteroids. In contrast to the proconvulsant effect of many antidepressants, fluoxetine exhibits anticonvulsant effects. The present study was undertaken to examine the role of ALLO in the anticonvulsant action of fluoxetine against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice. Prior administration of GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol or neurosteroid ALLO or progesterone, a precursor of ALLO or neurosteroidogenic drugs like FGIN 1-27, an agonist at the mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptor (MDR) or metyrapone, an 11beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of fluoxetine. In contrast, the effect of fluoxetine was counteracted by inhibition of the neurosteroid biosynthesis using drugs like 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride; 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, trilostane; 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, indomethacin; MDR antagonist, PK 11195; or the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Further, bilateral adrenalectomy had no significant effect on the anticonvulsant action of fluoxetine, suggesting negligible contribution from peripheral steroidogenesis. The anticonvulsant effect of fluoxetine was partially abolished in 5,7-DHT treated mice, indicating that the effect may also, in part, be dependent on serotonergic transmission. Thus, our data indicate that increased synthesis of ALLO in CNS is a major factor that ultimately leads to anticonvulsant effects of fluoxetine against PTZ-induced seizures.

Olanzapine increases brain allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels sufficiently to modulate neuronal activity by allosterically regulating GABAA receptors. Recently, we reported the antipsychotic-like profile of ALLO in rodents. The present study examined the hypothesis that olanzapine-induced elevation of endogenous neurosteroid ALLO is vital for its neuroleptic-like action. The conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and apomorphine-induced climbing behavioral paradigms were used in rodents. Administration of ALLO (1 microg, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)) or neurosteroidogenic agents such as the mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptor agonist, FGIN 1-27 (0.5 microg, i.c.v.) or the ALLO precursor, progesterone (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated olanzapine-induced blockade of CAR and apomorphine-induced climbing. In contrast, these agents failed to alter the antipsychotic-like effect of risperidone and haloperidol. On the other hand, inhibition of the endogenous biosynthesis of neurosteroids by the 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, trilostane (30 mg/kg, i.p.), the 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.p.), or the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (1 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the effect of olanzapine, but not of risperidone and haloperidol. Socially isolated animals, known to exhibit decreased brain ALLO and GABAA receptor functions, displayed a shortening in the muscimol-induced loss of righting reflex and an increased susceptibility to apomorphine-induced climbing. Administration of olanzapine, but not of haloperidol and risperidone, normalized the duration of muscimol-elicited loss of righting reflex. Although all three antipsychotics proved capable of antagonizing the apomorphine-induced climbing, a dose almost five times higher of olanzapine was required in socially isolated animals. The data obtained suggest that enhancement of the GABAergic tone plays a key role in the antipsychotic-like effect exerted by olanzapine in rodents, likely as a consequence of augmented levels of neuroactive steroids, in particular ALLO, in the brain. The present findings provide the first specific behavioral evidence in support of the hypothesis that neuroactive steroid ALLO- mediated GABAergic modulation is essential for the antipsychotic-like action of olanzapine.

Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a hypothalamic peptide believed to play a tonic inhibitory role in feeding and energy homeostasis. Systemic administration of alpha-MSH is known to produce anorexia and anxiety. Since synaptic contacts between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic terminals and alpha-MSH neurons in the hypothalamus have been reported, the present work was undertaken to refine our knowledge on the role of GABAergic systems in anxiety and anorexia induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of alpha-MSH in rats. The anxiety was assessed by elevated plus maze, and spontaneous food consumption was monitored during dark cycle. Prior administration of diazepam and muscimol that promote the function of GABA(A) receptors reversed the anxiogenic response and decreased food intake elicited by alpha-MSH. In contrast, bicuculline, the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, not only enhanced the effects of alpha-MSH but also prevented the influence of GABAergic drugs on alpha-MSH-induced anorexia and anxiety. These findings suggest that alpha-MSH-induced anxiety and anorexia are due to its negative influence on GABAergic system.

The bioassay-guided fractionation of dried flowers of Butea monosperma (BM) was carried out to isolate the active principle responsible for its anticonvulsant activity. The petroleum ether extract was fractionated by column chromatography using solvents of varying polarity such as n-hexane, n-hexane:ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The anticonvulsive principle of B. monosperma was found to be a triterpene (TBM) present in the n-hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) fraction of the petroleum ether extract. TBM exhibited anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by maximum electroshock (MES) and its PD(50) was found to be 34.2+/-18.1 mg/kg. TBM also inhibited seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), electrical kindling, and the combination of lithium sulfate and pilocarpine nitrate (Li-Pilo). However, TBM was not effective against seizures induced by strychnine and picrotoxin. TBM exhibited depressant effect on the central nervous system. After repeated use for 7 days, the PD(50) (MES) of TBM increased to 51.5+/-12.1 mg/kg. Similarly, after repeated use of TBM, the duration of sleep induced by pentobarbital was not reduced significantly. Further studies are required to investigate its usefulness in the treatment of epilepsy.

Background: Incisional hernia is the most frequent postoperative complication following abdominal surgery. Several studies have shown that incisional hernias have different etiologies which are related to the patient, the surgical technique, the suture material, and experience of the surgeon. Aim of present study was to assess the magnitude of problem, analyse various factors leading to development of this condition, different modalities of treatment practiced, postoperative complications, various factors affecting surgical outcome in these patients.Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Solapur, Maharashtra, India from January 2014 to December 2016. All the patients, regardless of age and gender, admitted with diagnosis of incisional hernia were included in the study. Depending upon the size of defect treatment was carried out. Postoperatively patients were followed up for detection of possible complications and their treatment.Results: Total 50 patients of incisional hernia were studied. Mean age was 46 years with male to female ratio 4.5:1 wound infection in the post-operative period was the commonest etiology noted followed by obesity.Conclusions: Wound infection following previous surgery was the most important risk factor associated with incisional hernia. The other risk factors were obesity and COPD. Polypropylene mesh repair is superior to anatomical repair as it has less recurrence.

An outbreak of pasteurellosis with 15% mortality was recorded in buffaloes in central India. The presence of Pasteurella multocida in samples collected from dead buffaloes was detected by smear examination and isolation, and later by P. multocida specific polymerase chain reaction (PM-PCR). P. multocida was detected in all the samples. All the isolates were positive by PM-PCR, capsular type B (CAPB) and toxigenic gene (toxA). Histopathologically, sections from lung revealed severe pneumonia and deposition of fibrin in cardiac muscles. The PCR assay used in this study has been shown to be useful diagnostic tool for P. multocida detection.