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Objective In contemporary neurosurgical practice, keyhole endoscopic approach has established its role in various neurosurgical pathologies. Intracranial epidermoid is an ideal pathology for endoscopic keyhole approach as epidermoid is well encapsulated, extra-axial, avascular, and easily suckable. The objective of this study is to share our experience of endoscopic keyhole approach for intracranial epidermoids at various locations as a new minimally invasive neurosurgical approach to deal with these lesions. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study on 26 patients who underwent keyhole pure endoscopic excision of intracranial epidermoid between July 2015 and December 2019. Patient's demographics, clinical features, radiological imaging, and postoperative complications were noted. Follow-up outcome of preoperative symptoms and postoperative complications were also analyzed. Results The mean age of the study population was 30.5 years with a mean follow-up of 30 months. The common presenting features were headache, hearing loss, and trigeminal neuralgic pain. Gross total resection was achieved in 73.1% cases, while near total resection and subtotal resection were achieved in 19.2 and 7.7% cases, respectively. In the follow-up, maximal improvement was seen in trigeminal neuralgic pain (83%) and headache (66.7%). Major postoperative complications were facial nerve paresis, lower cranial nerve paresis, and transient facial hypoesthesia, most of which improved over time. None of the patients required resurgery till date. Statistical Analysis Patients' data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM, Chicago, United States). Conclusion This study demonstrates that with careful patient selection, endoscopic keyhole excision of epidermoid is a good alternative to conventional microsurgical excision with comparable surgical and functional outcomes.

Concurrent exposure to a multitude of environmental toxicants pose serious health hazard to humans and animals. The present investigation was conceptualized to determine deleterious effects of concomitant subacute arsenic and quinalphos exposure on antioxidant responses of liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Fifty-four Wistar rats were divided into nine groups with six animals in each. Animals were exposed to either quinalphos (1/100th and 1/10th of LD50) through oral gavage daily or arsenic (50 and 100 ppb) in drinking water alone and in combination for 28 days. While treatment with different toxicants alone also significantly reduced hemoglobin concentration, hepatic biomarkers and levels of antioxidant parameters as compared with control values, concomitant exposure significantly (P

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Juglans regia L. fruit is commonly used as nutraceuticals especially for development of brain tissue. • Isoprenaline administration produces oxidative damage, reduced antioxidant status and cholinergic crisis along with histopathological alterations in rat brain. • Hull extract administration reduced the lipid and protein peroxidation, restored antioxidant status and histopathological changes in brain induced by isoprenaline., The study was aimed at assessing isoprenaline (ISO) induced oxidative damage in brain of Wistar rats and its protection by hydroethanolic hull extract of Juglans regia. Administration of ISO significantly increases catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels and significantly reduced activities of antioxidant status (TAS), total thiols (TTH), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), arylesterase (AE), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in rat brain. Histopathologically, neuronal degeneration, spongiosis and gliosis were seen in cerebral cortex after ISO administration. Pretreatment with hull extract restored TAS, TTH, AChE, CAT and SOD values. Additionally, significant reductions were noted in levels of MDA, AOPP, and severity of histomorphological changes in cerebral cortex following hull extract treatment. Altered antioxidant biomarkers along with histopathological changes indicate oxidative injury in rat brain following ISO administration. Repeated administration of J. regia hull extract demonstrating presence of neuroprotective properties against ISO induced oxidative damage in rat brain.

Background Among the patients of drug-resistant epilepsy, a subset which has focal impaired seizures localizes to the temporal lobe region (TLE). A majority of these cases are surgically amenable with anterior-medial temporal lobe resection or “lesionectomy.” Objective In India, there is scarcity of “specialized centers” providing “comprehensive epilepsy care” and this dearth is further worse in populous states. In this article, we share our single center, observational, and retrospective experience of TLE in background of limited resources and utmost requirement. Methodology Our study is a retrospective analysis medically refractory epilepsy patients (2016–2019). Patients with medically refractory epilepsy were selected based upon our noninvasive protocol (clinical semiology, interictal scalp electroencephalography (EEG), long-term video EEG monitoring data, and magnetic resonance injury [MRI]). The follow-up was noted from the last out-patient visit record or through telephonic conversation (International League Against Epilepsy score). Results Of 23 cases of TLE (n = 7, mesial temporal sclerosis; n = 16 temporal lobe like cavernomas, tumors, or arterio-venous malformations). Single photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography (SPECT/PET) was performed in five cases (three cases of ictal/interictal SPECT and two cases of PET scan) where there was discordance between EEG/clinical and MRI. The median follow-up was of 19 months with 18 cases being seizure free. Five cases were fully off the antiepileptic drug (AEDs) while in 15 cases, the AEDs dosages or the number were reduced. Average number of AEDs reduced from 2.9 in preoperative period to 1.2 postoperatively. Two cases had quadrantanopia and one case of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion A multidisciplinary and holistic approach is required for best patient care. The results of our initial surgical experience are encouraging.

Epidermoids account for1.5% of all intracranial tumors. Overall, the cerebellopontine angle has been the most commonly reported location. In the supratentorial compartment, epidermoids will usually be found in the suprasellar area, sylvian fissure, and intraventricular area. The interhemispheric fissure represents an extremely rare location for supratentorial epidermoids, with limited cases reported previously. Surgery of an interhemispheric epidermoid can be challenging because of its adherence to the anterior cerebral artery branches or the brain parenchyma itself. In the present study, we have reported the largest Series of interhemispheric epidermoid tumors to better understand the clinical behavior, radiological features, and surgical outcomes.In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the data from 22 consecutive patients with interhemispheric epidermoids treated surgically during the past 10 years (2009-2019) at our center. During the same study period, we had treated 2355 patients with brain tumors (both primary and secondary), including 262 patients with intracranial epidermoids. Therefore, interhemispheric epidermoids comprised 0.009% of all brain tumors and 8.4% of all intracranial epidermoids in our experience. These patients all had newly diagnosed tumors and had undergone surgery for the first time at our center. All surgical specimens had been confirmed histopathologically.The mean age of the patients was 31 years (range, 17-61 years), with a male predilection. Seizures and headache were the most common mode of presentation. The average tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 3.5-10 cm). Of the 22 tumors, 21 were in the anterior two thirds of the fissure. Anatomical distortion of the corpus callosum was seen in 13 patients (59%). The extent of excision was total in 17 (77.3%), near total in 3 (13.6%), and subtotal in 2 (9%) patients. The near or subtotal excisions had been necessary because of either tumor adherence to the pericallosal artery (n = 3) or a missed tumor lobule (n = 2). The mean follow-up time was 32 months, with no tumor recurrence.Interhemispheric epidermoids can often reach a large size with substantial lateral extension found at diagnosis. The position of the anterior cerebral Artery branches can help to differentiate interhemispheric epidermoids from radiologically similar corpus callosum, velum interpositum, and cavum septum pellucidum epidermoids. Complete surgical excision with minimal complications is feasible, with good long-term outcomes.

This study was designed to determine alterations in renal biomarkers, antioxidant profile, and histomorphology of renal tissue following subacute exposure to quinalphos alone or in conjunction with arsenic in rats. A total of 54 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups of six rats each and were administered sub-lethal concentrations of quinalphos (1/100th and 1/10th of LD50) orally daily and arsenic (50 and 100 ppb) in drinking water for 28 days. Significantly (p

Background Ependymomas are common intramedullary spinal tumors but there are scattered reports of this tumor presenting with exophytic growth patterns masquerading as intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. Such IDEM ependymomas are seldom suspected preoperatively and it is only during surgery that their existence is revealed. Little is known of such rare growth patterns of an otherwise common intramedullary spinal cord tumor, their characteristics, and their management considerations. Methods We present a case of an exophytic dorsal ependymoma with a stalk like attachment to the spinal cord and the surgical management in a 24-year old woman. An extensive literature search was carried out on all prominent databases to find out similar cases reported earlier. We excluded filum/conus ependymoma, purely extradural spinal ependymoma as well as the extraspinal ependymomas. Details of each case reported before were obtained and tabulated. Results IDEM ependymomas have been reported in 54 patients so far, including the present case. Four patterns of growth emerged from the literature review: intramedullary ependymoma with exophytic component (group I, n = 9), exophytic IDEM ependymoma without intramedullary component (group II, n = 6), IDEM ependymoma arising from nerve roots (group III, n = 7), and pure IDEM ependymoma (group IV, n = 32). Except in group I, IDEM ependymoma affects females more frequently, without any specific age predilection. Thoracic spinal cord/canal is the most common location across all groups. Multifocal disease, craniospinal dissemination, and recurrences tend to be maximum in group IV. Conclusions IDEM ependymomas are more common in thoracic segment of the cord and broadly divisible into 4 subgroups. We suggest a subpial origin of group II IDEM ependymomas. We also advocate proliferation index estimation in grade II ependymomas to enable formulation of an optimal management plan.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The present study assessed whether imidacloprid (IMI) at NOAEL dose to potentiate the arsenic induced oxidative renal damage in Wistar rats. • Elevated renal damage indicators and reduced antioxidant biomarkers following repeated administrations of IMI or arsenic indicate renal damage. • Such renal tissue alterations were more pronounced in co-exposed toxicant groups of rats. • Study indicating the potentiation of arsenic induced renal damage by IMI in wistar rats., The aim of present study was to assess whether No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) of imidacloprid (IMI) potentiates the arsenic induced renal toxicity at its maximum contaminant level in drinking water in Wistar rats. Significant elevation of lipid and protein oxidation with reduced level of total thiols and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase) in renal tissue may have contributed to increased renal plasma biomarkers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) following repeated exposure of IMI and arsenic alone and in-combination. The altered renal biomarkers in co-exposed groups corroborated with histopathological alterations in renal tissue. The observations indicated that altered thiol homeostasis in renal tissue may be associated with increased lipid and protein oxidation in IMI and arsenic administered rats. It is concluded that administration of IMI potentiate the arsenic induced renal damage in Wistar rats.

The study was aimed to determine fluoride levels in plasma, brain, and bones of Wistar rats following chronic administration of fluoride at different dose levels and the consequent oxidative damage inflicted in these tissues. Brain histomorphology and bone radiographs were also evaluated to assess the extent of damage in these organs. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each group. Group I served as control and groups II and III received 50 and 100 ppm fluoride in tap water, respectively for 180 days. A dose-dependent rise in the levels of fluoride in plasma, brain, and bones was observed in rats. Significant (P

Background: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy attributed to low-grade glioma is known for intractable seizures and choice of surgery range from lesionectomy (Lo) to lesionectomy with anteromesial temporal resection (L0 + AMTR) is still debatable. We intend to analyze the seizure outcome after lesionectomy alone or with AMTR. Subjects and Methods: Retrospective analyses of patients operated for medial low-grade temporal lobe tumors with seizures were included in the study. Preoperative records include video-electroencephalographic, magnetic resonance imaging (epilepsy protocol), and neuropsychological evaluation for language, memory, and dominance were assessed. Two groups (Lo [Group I] and Lo + AMTR [Group II]) were assessed after surgery by the international league against epilepsy (ILAE) seizure outcome scale. Results: A total of 39 patients underwent Lo (n = 20) and Lo + AMTR (n = 19) with a mean age of 26.92 ± 12.96 months, and mean duration of seizures was 36.87 46.76 months. A total of 23 patients had long-term intractable seizures for >1 year despite >2 drugs(Group I [n = 10], Group II [n = 13]); remaining 16 had frequent seizures of

Angiography is a way towards picturing the retina of eye. Unfortunately, a specialist has to spend a lot of time to examine the picture. Segmentation is one of the processes to identify eye problems and decrease the specialist time. This paper proposes the performance comparison of vessel segmentation methodologies. Firstly, the fundus image is taken from the openly accessible datahise and pre-processing is done to adjust the contrast of input image so that the vessels are segmented Segmentation is the second step of algorithm that segments the image and post processing is done to enhance the segmented binary image. The methods are involved with ISODATA, adaptive thresholding and vessel location map. The results declare that the method dominates over the prior proposed strategies like segmentation of vessels and recovering edges. Additionally, the evaluated algorithms achieving 94% accuracy of extracting normal fundus vessels.

Objective Tumors with seizures as primary mode of presentation are collectively called Long-term epilepsy associated tumors (LEATs or Epileptomas). The overall survival is good so ‘seizure outcome’ becomes the primary goal rather than neuro-oncological outcome. Methods A retrospective analysis of our surgical database (2015−19) was done to find operated patients of intra-axial brain tumors with age less than 25-years and who had presented with seizures. Results The mean age at presentation was 16.44 years (SD + 6.82 years). Complex partial seizures/focal unaware seizures were the most common type of seizures encountered (n = 22) with mean duration of seizures was 49.50 months (SD + 31.04 months). The most common pathology was glioneuronal tumors (GNTs) (n = 17). Gross total resection (GTR) group had a significantly better seizure outcome as compared with the Subtotal resection (STR) group (p = 0.006). Presence of focal or partial seizure was a significant factor pointing towards a better seizure control (p = 0.005). Conclusion The shorter duration of symptoms, partial/focal seizures and gross total excision were predictors of a good seizure-outcome. Age of the patient and the histopathology of the tumor does not affect seizure-outcome on comparing GNTs with non GNTs.

Background: Insular high-grade gliomas are uncommon and constitute approximately 10% of all intracranial high-grade gliomas. Several publications in the recent years have thrown substantial light in the understanding of insular low-grade gliomas. However, there is a paucity of information concerning the spectrum of high-grade lesions affecting the insula, the mode of presentation vis-à -vis low-grade gliomas, and the survival rates to modern therapy. Aims and Objectives: We aim to highlight various clinical patterns, histo-pathological spectrum and the survival rates in patients with high-grade insular lesions. Also, we explore the factors that govern favourable outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 41 patients operated for high-grade insular tumors at our institute between March 2010 to December 2018 was done to evaluate the clinico-radiological features, surgical nuances, survival rates and seizure outcomes. Results: Raised intracranial pressure was the most frequent clinical presentation (n=28/41, 68.3%). Nearly 60% of the patients (n=25) had involvement of all four Berger-Sanai zones. The high-grade tumors encountered in our series were: glioblastoma (n=15), gliosarcoma (n=3), and embryonal tumor, not otherwise specified in 3 patients, while 21 patients had grade 3 astrocytoma. 33 out of 41 patients (80.5%) in our study showed excellent seizure control (ILAE grade 1A) at follow-up. Clinical presentation with seizures (P = 0.01, HR=0.3), WHO grade IV histopathology (P = 0.04, HR=3.7) and development of recurrence (P = 0.05, HR=5.5) were found to be independent predictors of OS. Conclusion: Insular high-grade gliomas are commoner than thought and nearly half of these are grade IV tumors (51%). A presentation with seizures may indicate precursor low-grade gliomas and portend a better survival. A maximum “safe” surgical resection, keeping the postoperative quality of life in mind, should be the goal.

Background It is an established fact that humans and animals are exposed to more than one chemical concurrently from various sources such as food, air and water. In the past, much emphasis was laid on evaluating the toxic effects of a single chemical. Nowadays an increased attention is being paid to the interaction of xenobiotics with one another. Therefore, a study was aimed to evaluate the potentiating effect of imidacloprid (IMI) on arsenic-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Methods Adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into eight groups with six in each were subjected to daily oral administrations for 28 days. Group I served as control, group II received IMI at the dose rate of 16.9 mg/kg body weight, group III, IV and V received arsenic at the dose rate of 50, 100 and 150 ppb in drinking water whereas group VI, VII and VIII received both arsenic and IMI. Results Repeated oral administrations of IMI or arsenic (150 ppb) alone resulted in a significant (P

Ethnopharmacological relevance Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is a plant growing in the Himalayan region of India where locals use its rhizomes for a variety of disease conditions including wounds and fractures. Although some of its pharmacological benefits have been documented, scientific validation of its wound healing property has not been done so far. Aim of the study To ensure use of this natural remedy as an alternative therapy to the faster wound healing, this study evaluated the wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata rhizome using excision wound model in Wistar rats. Material and methods Four groups (n = 10) of rats were subjected to different topical wound regimens for 14 days. Simple paraffin-lanolin ointment was applied to the control group rats. One group was applied povidone-iodine 10% (w/w) ointment. The other two groups were treated with ointment of ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata at 5 or 10% (w/w) rhizome, respectively. Blood and wound tissue samples were collected on 7th and 14th day of treatment and were correspondingly subjected to histopathology, and the assays of L-hydroxyproline, D-glucosamine, antioxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results Wound histology revealed increased collagenation, re-epithelialization and neovascularization while decreased bacterial colonies in the treatment groups. These histological changes and wound contraction were better in the 10% Bergenia ciliata group. Tissue L-hydroxyproline levels, blood enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were increased in the treatment groups. On 7th day of treatment glucosamine levels increased in the treatment groups, while as a reverse trend was observed on day 14. Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in the treatment groups. Conclusions The results indicate that treatment with Bergenia ciliata extract ointment provides satisfactory wound healing which is comparable to that of the standard wound healing ointment, povidone-iodine and is surpassing simple lanolin-paraffin ointment. The improved wound healing, especially in the 10% Bergenia ciliata groups, can be attributed to satisfactory profile of the above studied parameters in these treatment groups which is also construed by the phytochemical analysis of its extract revealing the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds gallic acid, catechin, quercetin and rutin as the major active components.

The present investigation was aimed to determine the alterations in antioxidant, biochemical and histopathological parameters in cisplatin (cDDP) induced nephrotoxicity and its protection by treatments with aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Alstonia scholaris. Acute nephrotoxicity was induced by single intra-peritoneal administration of cDDP (12 mg kg−1) in wistar rats. Nephrotoxic rats were treated with quercetin (50 mg kg−1), aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts (300 mg kg−1) by oral gavage. Cisplatin treatment elevated (P 0.05) creatinine, albumin, TOS, GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes in blood and renal tissue. Leaf extracts administration also reduced (P

The present study was undertaken to investigate the cisplatin (cDDP) induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissue of wistar rats and mechanisms of protection by quercetin. A total of 24 wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups with six animals in each. Group I served as control, group II received cDDP (12 mg kg−1 body weight) and group III quercetin (50 mg kg−1 body weight) intra-peritoneally. Group IV received quercetin 6 h prior to cDDP administration intra-peritoneally. Administration of cDDP in rats resulted in significant (P

Intercostal nerves (ICN) are often utilized as donors for various neurotization procedures in brachial plexus injuries. ICN to musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer is usually a standard in pan brachial plexus injuries, in order to restore flexion at the elbow. A tensionless co-aptation of the donor-recipient nerves often necessitates either a distal dissection of the ICNs where the number of fascicles is rather low or a proximal dissection, often at the cost of dissection of the serratus anterior digitation with a risk of later fibrosis and adhesion. We report two cases of pan brachial plexus injuries where ICN-MCN transfer was performed to restore elbow function. These patients underwent clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation before surgery. We used the standard technique of harvesting ICNs 3-5, with our technical modification of "undercutting of rib" for increasing the donor length. The procedure was applied in two patients with pan brachial plexus injury (mean age = 23). Mean duration since the injury to surgery was ten months. Both patients underwent tensionless anastomosis with a combination of suture and fibrin glue co-aptation. While one patient had some improvement in elbow flexion, another one was under active rehabilitation protocol during follow-up. We found that undercutting of the ribs near serratus digitations can allow mobilization of the ICN from its groove, which in turn lengthens the donor nerve length without violating the serratus anterior digitations and without too anterior dissection of the nerve. It can be a viable option when a tensionless co-aptation at the axilla is otherwise not feasible intraoperatively.

Background Endoscopy is now a staple of any neurosurgical practice. The versatility of this approach and gratifying results has resulted in its increased popularity. The objective of this paper is to report our experience of managing various cerebellopontine angle (CPA) pathologies by endoscopic keyhole retromastoid suboccipital craniectomy (RMSO) approach. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of patients operated in our department by endoscopic keyhole RMSO approach was done along with a collection of relevant patient particulars. Results Forty-four patients (24 men and 20 women) were operated via an endoscopic keyhole RMSO approach for various lesions in and around the CPA. The craniectomy was of 2.0–2.5 cm in size. An endoscope was used as the sole visualizing tool throughout the procedure in all cases. Primarily 2 kinds of pathologies were approached: neoplasms, mostly benign (n = 33), and vascular loops (n = 11). The extent of excision in 33 tumor cases was gross total (n = 20), near total (n = 12), and subtotal (n = 1). In cases of a vascular loop, microvascular decompression was performed. Anatomic facial nerve preservation was ensured in all cases of vascular loops and in 30 tumor cases. Postoperative complications included new-onset/worsening of facial nerve paresis (n = 12, 27.3%), 9 of which improved in follow-up, transient facial hypoesthesia (n = 2, 4.5%), transient abducens paresis (n = 4, 9%), transient lower cranial nerve paresis (n = 3, 6.8%), pseudomeningocele (n = 1, 2.3%), cerebrospinal fluid leak with meningitis (n = 1, 2.3%) and operative site hematoma (n = 1, 2.3%) which required evacuation. Conclusions Endoscopic keyhole RMSO approach is minimally invasive and yields an excellent outcome in the management of various CPA lesions.

The human calvaria harbors a variety of pathology and majority of them are incidentally noticed as painless swelling. The aim of the present study is to describe the histopathological subtypes of calvarial lesions, their management and factors affecting their surgical outcome at a tertiary care referral center.All patients who underwent excision of the calvarial lesions over the last 15 years (from January 2005 to July 2019) were included in this study. Patients having calvarial pathology of infective origin and recurrent lesions were excluded. Any patient with multiple calvarial lesions who have been operated more than one time for same histopathological diagnosis was counted as one patient. We studied Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores and radiological changes at 3-month follow up.Total 65 patients were recruited in this retrospective observational study. The median age of patients in the study was 29 years (range: 8 years to 68 years). Fibrous dysplasia 20 (30.7%) was the commonest lesion while metastatic thyroid carcinoma 3 (4.6%) was the most common malignant pathology. Complete excision was performed in 51 (78.5%) of patients while in 14 (21.5%) cases, subtotal or near total decompression were achieved. After three months of surgery, there was significant improvement in the KPS score (P0.00001). Duration of follow up ranges from 6 months to 5 years with 4 mortality in the study.Most of the calvarial tumors were benign and surgically addressable. The malignant lesions were scattered with diverse underlying pathology and required individualized holistic approach.

Background and Introduction: Unlocking of the frontotemporal dural fold (FTDF) and extradural removal of the anterior clinoid process (EACP) are challenging but mandatory skills for micro-neurosurgeons. Despite the presence of an extensive body of literature on this subject, the translation of this cadaveric and 3D simulation to a real patient turns out to be a very demanding and difficult task. Objective: This video is aimed to address the surgical nuances and major adjustments necessary in the unlocking of the FTDF and extradural ACP removal in an actual case for an early-career neurosurgeon. Surgical Technique: A 40-year lady presented with features of acromegaly with radiological evidence of significant component of the tumor in the right cavernous sinus along with sellar suprasellar component. To achieve a good hormonal control, a complete tumor excision was required, which was achieved with FTDF and EACP removal. The cavernous sinus was approached through the Parkinson's triangle. Results: The patient had uneventful recovery and good hormonal control at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: FTDF unlocking and EACP are elegant procedures and need to be learned by all neurosurgeons. This article will provide excellent teaching material for young neurosurgeons.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the vertebral artery is an uncommon and one of the most difficult lesions to treat. Posttraumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm is located mostly extracranially, and its intracranial occurrence is exceedingly rare. We report a case of an 18-year-old man who underwent successful treatment of posttraumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysm of V4 segment of the vertebral artery by endovascular embolization. The patient who sustained trauma in a road accident presented with the complaints of headache, giddiness, and vomiting for the last 13 days. On admission, he was conscious but drowsy with no focal neurologic deficit. CT scan of the brain was suggestive of no significant intracranial abnormality. As the patient had headache, vomiting, and drowsiness, the CT was unable to explain his clinical picture, so CT angiography was performed to exclude vascular abnormality. CT angiography of the brain was suggestive of left vertebral artery aneurysm arising from V4 segment of the left vertebral artery. DSA showed a large pseudoaneurysm arising from left V4 segment of the vertebral artery near origin of PICA. Because of its difficult location, surgical treatment is less preferable as compared with endovascular treatment. The patient underwent endovascular coiling of pseudoaneurysm. Postcoiling DSA showed complete occlusion of pseudoaneurysm. The patient had uneventful postoperative period and showed good recovery.

The aim of present study was to unravel the protective role of vitamin C on oxidative stress parameters in lung homogenates of bifenthrin intoxicated rats. Rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as control while group II animals were treated with bifenthrin @ 5.8mg/Kg/day. In group III, vitamin C was orally administered @ 60mg/Kg/day where as group IV received both vitamin C and bifenthrin @ 60mg/Kg/day and 5.8mg/Kg/day respectively. After 30th day of treatment, lung samples were taken and analysed for oxidative stress parameters. Significant (P

Calendula officinalis (Family Compositae) flowers are recognized as safe substance for food use by Food and Drug Administration. Present study was aimed to determine the modulatory effect of floral extracts of C. officinalis administrations on mean blood glucose (MBG), per cent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile [(total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low and high density lipoproteins (LDL, HDL)], antioxidant and renal parameters in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Increased (P < 0.05) levels of MBG and HbA1c fraction indicate the induction of diabetes in rats. Enhanced (P < 0.05) TC, TG, LDL, total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and renal indices were observed in blood of diabetic rats. However, levels of HDL, protein profile, total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione (GSH), total thiols (TTH) and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were significantly reduced in diabetic rats. Repeated administrations of ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis reduced the enhanced levels of MBG, HbA1c and TC while restored OSI, TTH, GSH, CAT, SOD, GST and MDA levels; it also increased activities of G6PDH and GPx in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic rats. Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, restored antioxidant level, and reduced altered renal functions by the floral extract of C. officinalis in diabetic rats. Further, the modulatory effect was better in aqueous as compared to ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis.

Background/aim: Chronic renal disorder is becoming a major health problem worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to investigate alterations in the renal antioxidant system in rats induced by repeated exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF) alone and in conjunction with fluoride. Materials and methods: Wistar rats were randomly allocated to seven groups, each consisting of six rats, and were subjected to different treatment regiments for 28 days. Results: Significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels indicated alterations in renal functions on repeated exposure to CPF or fluoride; moreover, these changes were more pronounced in animals exposed to both toxicants concurrently. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde levels and decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in renal tissue were noted, indicating renal damage on exposure to CPF, fluoride, or the combination of those. Conclusion: Our observations suggested that the concurrent exposure to CPF and fluoride increased the extent of renal damage. These findings indicate that this damage is due to increased free radical formation and a reduced function of the antioxidant system in renal tissue. Thus, the application of CPF as an insecticide should be reduced in areas where the fluoride levels in ground waters are high in order to minimize renal damage in exposed populations.

Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) leaves extracted in aqueous, dichloromethane (DCM), methanolic and ethanolic solvents were assessed for different polyphenolic constituents endowed with antioxidant/antiradical activity. Total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents were significantly (P

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan zoonotic enteric protozoa that is principally responsible for severe necrotizing enteritis in immunocompromised hosts and has been associated with diarrhoea in a wide variety of animal species. The work was carried out on 48 rats which were equally divided into four groups: GI, GII, GIII and GIV. Rats in GI worked as healthy control. Rats in GII were administered C. parvum oocysts orally, GIII received dexamethasone, whereas GIV were given dexamethasone along with C. parvum oocysts. The maximum severity of experimental infection and oocyst shedding was observed on 8th DPI in Group IV rats who exhibited depression, inappetance, poor fur condition, decreased weight gain, bloody diarrhoea and highest mortality rate. Significant increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH concentrations were seen in intestine in GIV rats at 8th DPI indicating the involvement of free radical induced oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of C. parvum infection. Severe necrotizing and haemorrhagic enteritis was seen in Group IV rats, whereas Group II animals had mild enteritis. Pathological examination of intestines in Group IV animals revealed extensive necrosis, blunting, fusion and sloughing of intestinal villi. Severe lymphocytic infiltration in lamina propria and submucosa was also observed. The diarrhoea and oocyst shedding gradually subsided after 8th DPI and completely resolved in GII whereas mild enteritis was still seen in GIV animals at 12thDPI. It was inferred from the present study that C. parvum strains prevalent in Jammu were capable of causing severe enteric infection in immunosuppressed rats.

Oxidative stress inducing potential of bifenthrin was evaluated in the liver, kidney, and lung of rats following its repeated oral administration for 20 and 30 days. Bifenthrin-treated rats showed a significant lipid peroxidation in all three tissues. By 20th day of treatment, there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity of the liver, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity of the liver and lung, and glutathione S-transferase activity of the kidney and lung. By 30th day of exposure, the activities of these enzymes were significantly decreased in all three tissues. The highest oxidative stress, indicated by lipid peroxidation and alteration in antioxidant enzymes, is produced in the liver followed by the kidney and lung. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in the liver, kidney, and lung. The extent of oxidative stress is increased with the duration of exposure.

Imidacloprid (IMI), a newer neonicotinoid insecticide, induces oxidative insult to hepatocytes due to the formation of reactive metabolites during hepatic metabolism. The present study aimed to determine the potentiating effect of arsenic (As) on IMI-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. Rats, randomly divided into eight groups with six in each, were subjected to daily oral administration for 28 days. Group I served as control; group II received IMI at the dose rate of 16.9 mg/kg body weight; groups III, IV, and V received As at the dose rate of 50, 100, and 150 ppb, respectively, in drinking water; groups VI, VII, and VIII received both IMI (16.9 mg/kg) and As in drinking water at the rate of 50, 100, and 150 ppb, respectively. Repeated oral administration of IMI or As resulted in significant ( p < 0.05) elevation of plasma phosphatases, transferases, hepatic malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein product levels, but significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased levels of total proteins, thiols, and activities of antioxidant enzymes that indicate oxidation-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings were further corroborated by histological alterations in hepatic tissue of IMI or As-administered rats. The coadministration of both IMI and As in rats produced more severe alterations in these parameters in hepatic tissue. Reduced antioxidant indices and increased hepatic damage biomarkers with pronounced histopathological alterations in hepatic tissue after combined exposure to toxicants indicate potentiating toxic effect of As on IMI-induced hepatotoxicity.

The present study was aimed to determine the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of plasma and renal tissue in cisplatin (cDDP) induced nephrotoxic rats and its protection by treatments with floral extracts of Calendula officinalis Linn. Treatment with cDDP elevated (p0.05) the levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (CR), TOS, OSI and malondialdehyde (MDA) but lowered (p0.05) total plasma proteins, TAS, total thiols (TTH), blood glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes compared to the control group. Pre- and post-treatments of ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis along with cDDP restored (p0.05) CR, albumin, TOS, GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes in blood and renal tissue. Ethanolic extract treatments reduced (p0.05) MDA level in renal tissue without restoring the erythrocyte MDA level following cDDP treatment. These observations were further supported by the histopathological findings in renal tissue. Observations of the present study have shown that treatments with ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis protect cDDP induced nephrotoxicity by restoring antioxidant system of the renal tissue.

The study evaluated the effect of commercial preparation of deltamethrin, Butox®, and fluoride (F-) co-exposure on the brain antioxidant status and cholinesterase activity in rats. Group A was untreated. Group B was gavaged Butox®, providing deltamethrin at the dose rate of 1.28 mg per kg body weight per day. Group C was administered F-, as NaF, in drinking water providing 20 ppm F-. Group D received both deltamethrin and F- at the same dosages as groups B and C, respectively. Although, glutathione S-transferase activity was induced only in Butox® alone treated group, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were inhibited in all treatment groups when compared to the control group. Elevated lipid peroxidation was observed in the groups exposed to F-. The activity of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was inhibited in Butox® treated groups, whereas brain AChE activity was inhibited in all treatment groups. In conclusion, both deltamethrin (given as Butox®) and F- inhibit AChE activity and produce oxidative stress in brain with F- producing more oxidative damage. However, compared to the individual exposures, the co-exposure of these chemicals does not produce any exacerbated alteration in these biochemical parameters.

Background: Among the dietary polyphenolic, quercetin is the most common compound available in vegetables and fruits. The phytochemicals are used to treat diabetic wounds and diabetes, and specifically dietary polyphenols are being extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and wound healing potential of quercetin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Induction of diabetes was done by intraperitoneally administration of STZ at the dose of 55 mg/kg in Wistar rats. An excision wound was created in diabetic rats that were treated with quercetin (100 mg/kg) orally and quercetin ointment topically to evaluate the antidiabetic and wound healing potential of quercetin. Results: Repeated oral administration of quercetin along with topical application of quercetin ointment in diabetic rats normalized the altered blood glucose, hydroxyproline, and glucosamine levels. Topical application of quercetin ointment alone on the excised wound was sufficient enough to heal the wound area in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The result of the present study indicates that quercetin produces hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats and normalized plasma lipids and protein profiles. Besides, this quercetin also has an excellent wound healing property when applied topically on the wound area in diabetic rats. SUMMARY Quercetin has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic potential in streptozotocin induced diabetes in wistar ratsDermal application along with oral administrations of quercetin has more effective in wound healing in diabetic animalsHistopathological studies of pancreas, skin and liver shows significant reduction in archaeological alterations on quercetin administrations in diabetic rats. Abbreviation used: STZ: Streptozotocin; CMC: Carboxy methyl cellulose; HDL: High density lipoproteins; LDL: low density lipoproteins.

Haemonchus contortus infection in small ruminants is one of the most important causes of reduced growth, mortality of young ones and decreased reproduction of adults. Non-availability of selective chemotherapeutic agents pose huge economic loss to marginal farmers worldwide. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous extract of Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott fruit against H. contortus. Fruit extract shows high concentrations of phytochemical ingredients viz. total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, non-tannin, crude protein contents and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper. The in vitro trial revealed that parasites were sluggish and movement was little at 6 h post exposure of 50 mg ml−1 and very sluggish with little movement at 1 h in 100 mg ml−1 concentration. The extract of S. officinalis shows complete mortality of H. contortus worms at the concentration of 100 mg ml−1 with 4 h post exposure. The mortality was recorded 50–60 % at 50 mg ml−1 concentration with 8 h post exposure. The median lethal concentration at 6 and 8 h were 89.60 mg ml−1 and 48.13 mg ml−1, respectively. Levamisole at concentration of 0.50 mg ml−1 caused 50 % mortality at 2 h post exposure and complete mortality at 4 h post exposure. The observations reveal that aqueous extract of S. officinalis fruits has high phytochemical ingredients and minerals, which may be responsible for the wormicidal effect on adult H. contortus worms of sheep and goats.

Concurrent exposures of more than one environmental contaminants are commonly encountered by human beings and animals. This study investigated the effect of chlorpyrifos alone and in conjunction with fluoride on plasma and tissue acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in wistar rats. Fluoride at 1 or 10 ppm in drinking water produced significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of AChE activity in a dose dependant manner and inhibition was maximum in brain (26.39 %) and least in heart (10.23 %). Similarly repeated oral administration of chlorpyrifos at 1 or 10 mg/kg produced a significant dose dependant inhibition of AChE activity (P < 0.05) which was observed maximum in brain (28.93 %) and least in heart (12.86 %). Co-exposure of chlorpyrifos and fluoride at higher doses produces more pronounced inhibition as compared to chlorpyrifos or fluoride exposed groups. Co-exposure produces maximum inhibition in erythrocyte (37.54 %) and least in plasma (18.26 %) of exposed animals as compared to control group. Observations from the present study suggested that co-exposure of fluoride and chlorpyrifos produces more pronounced inhibition of AChE than the individual exposure of either toxicant. Therefore the applications of chlorpyrifos as a pesticide should be reduced in areas where fluoride level in soil or ground water is high to avoid AChE inhibition.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the changes in oxidative stress parameters on experimental infection with Cryptosporidium parvum in Swiss albino mice. The mice were divided into four groups viz., group I–IV, each group comprising of 15 mice. Group I mice served as healthy control. In Group II mice, C. parvum oocysts @ 104/os were administered, mice of group III were given dexamethasone @ 30 µg/ml in drinking water whereas group IV mice were given dexamethasone @ 30 µg/ml along with C. parvum oocysts @ 104/os. Significant changes were seen in oxidative stress parameters which included significant increase in LPO and decrease in levels of SOD, CAT and GSH in liver and intestine in group IV mice at 10th DPI when compared to others indicating an important role played by free radical induced oxidative stress in the development of C. parvum infection in mice which was clinically characterized by loss of body condition, profuse bloody diarrhoea and peak oocyst shedding intensity occurring at 10th DPI.

Plants have been used for thousands of years as medicine for treating variety of diseases and medical complaints by most of the civilizations. Juniperus communis L. is an evergreen aromatic shrub with high therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases in human and animals. The plant is rich in aromatic oils, invert sugars, resins, catechin, organic acid, terpenic acids, leucoanthocyanidin, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, lignins, wax, etc. Juniper berries or extract of the plant has traditionally been used as diuretic, anti-arthritis, anti-diabetes, antiseptic as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders. The essential oil and extracts of juniper have been experimentally documented to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. Recent studies have also found anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of berries in experimental models. Further, the essential oil incorporation retarded lipid peroxidation in preserved meat due to its high antioxidant effect which not only improved meat product quality but also improved shelf life of the product. Thus natural antioxidant such as juniper can be used in place synthetic antioxidant for the preservation and improving self-life of meat products. New well designed clinical trials in human and animals using well-characterized J. communis extract or oil need to be conducted so that additional information is generated which can support the use of this natural product as a nutraceutical.

Background and objectives Drug induced hepatotoxicity is a major health issue concern by drug regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical industry and health care professionals. Present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanisms of n-hexane and acetone extract of Ageratum conyzoides on oxidative damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP) in Wistar rats. Materials and methods 42 Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Group I and II receive distilled water, CMC respectively. Group III was fed with standard drug silymarin, group IV and V received plant extracts only whereas group VI and VII received pretreatment with acetone and n-hexane extracts for seven days respectively and APAP was administered on the 5th day. Samples were collected on 48 h of post APAP administration and analysis was done using standard protocols. Results Significant (p

The neuropharmacological studies of Paramphistomum cervi were conducted ex vivo by extracellular electrical activity. The instrumentation and methodology described in the experiment, quantitatively measure the extracellular electrical potentials associated with motor activity and provide highly sensitive objective techniques for studying the effects of antitrematodal compounds and for evaluating P. cervi as a model for neuropharmacological investigations. In the present investigation, the effects of various neuropharmacological agents viz. amino acid neurotransmitters [l-glutamate, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), glycine], GABA antagonists (picrotoxin and bicuculline) and glycine antagonist (strychnine) were investigated on the spontaneous muscular activity of P. cervi. l-Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter produced significant increase in amplitude and baseline tension at 10−7–10−5 M concentration, and frequency at 10−4–10−3 M concentration. Glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter on the other hand, produced significant reduction of amplitude at 10−6–10−3 M concentration and baseline tension and frequency at 10−3 M concentration. On the contrary, strychnine an antagonist of glycine produced significant increase of amplitude, baseline tension and frequency at 10−6–10−3 M concentration. Another inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA mediated significant reduction in amplitude and baseline tension at 10−3 M concentration. Picrotoxin, being an antagonist of GABA produced marked significant increase in amplitude (g) and baseline tension (g) at 10−7–10−3 M concentration with an increase in frequency at 10−4 and 10−3 M concentration. In the present study another GABAA antagonist, bicuculline was found to be non responsive in P. cervi.

Coccidiosis is severe disease and important from an economic point of view in poultry industry. So, proper control measures should be followed for its prevention of occurrence. Control measures include good husbandry, as a prime requirement and the use of anticoccidial drugs for both prophylaxis and treatment. For the drug to be effective anticoccidial, it should be used prophylactically instead of therapeutical ly. Most of the anticoccidials show their greatest efficacy against the 1st and 2nd asexual cycle, some inhibits sexual stages of the life cycle. Selection of a n anticoccidial is based on the ability of the drug to improve weight and feed conversion and to suppress the development of lesions. The emergence of drug resistant strains of coccidia presents a major problem. So, to avoid the development of drug resistance a method is used which include switching around different classes of drugs and the ‘shuttle programme’. In present overview, we are discussing about some anticoccidials used for the prevention and control of coccidial infection by affecting different stages of life cycle of coccidia. The common anticocidials/class of anticoccidoals are ionophores, amprolium, sulphonamides, ethopabate, clopidol and quinolones.

The oxidative stress-inducing potential of the pyrethroid insecticide, bifenthrin, was evaluated in rats at 5.8 mg/kg body weight once daily for 20 or 30 days. Bifenthrin treated animals showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation, evidenced by increased blood malondialdehyde levels. Blood glutathione levels and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the bifenthrin treated animals after both 20 and 30 days of treatment, whereas, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase decreased significantly only on the 30th day. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in rats exposed to sublethal concentrations.

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used for pest control in agriculture and as an acaricide in man and animals. This study was undertaken with the objective to investigate the propensity of cypermethrin to induce oxidative stress in rats following repetitive dermal exposure and its possible attenuation by L-ascorbic acid. Results obtained showed that cypermethrin significantly (p < 0.05) increased malonaldehyde levels, activity of catalase in rat erythrocytes and plasma protein levels. Whereas, activities of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the cypermethrin exposed rats as compared to the control. Supplementation of L-ascorbic acid in cypermethrin-exposed rats decreased lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes, total plasma protein and catalase activity significantly (p < 0.05) compared to non-cypermethrin-exposed group. However, L-ascorbic acid did not alleviate the negative effects of cypermethrin on the...

Acetylcholine is the major endogenous classical neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous system of trematodes and mammals. This study investigates the effects of cholinergic drugs on muscle activity in the amphistome, Gastrothylax crumenifer. In the present investigation, acetylcholine (10− 7–10− 3 m) did not produce any marked effect, whereas carbachol (10− 7–10− 3 m) elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in amplitude, baseline tension and frequency of contractions as compared to the control. Nicotine (10− 7–10− 3 m) produced a significant decrease in the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous muscular activity in a concentration-dependent manner, as compared to control amplitude (0.5 ± 0.01 g) and frequency (58.5 ± 3.45 per 5 min). However, the baseline tension was also reduced significantly by 10− 3 m nicotine. Atropine (10− 7–10− 3 m) elicited a concentration-dependent increase in amplitude and baseline tension, whereas there was no significant effect on the frequency of the spontaneous contractions of rumen flukes. These observations indicate that G. crumenifer has an inhibitory cholinergic system and that the inhibitory activity of nicotine is more pronounced than that of carbachol or acetylcholine.

Haemonchus contortus infection is the major hurdle in growth and productivity in small ruminants especially in tropical countries. Indiscriminate and long term use of currently available chemotherapeutic agents lead to development of resistance in microorganisms and residual problems in population. Therefore, present study was undertaken to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seeds against adult H. contortus worms of small ruminants. Proximate analysis of seed powder shows high crude protein, Cu, Zn and Ca concentration. Phytochemical ingredients of extract revealed high total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. In vitro experimental trial revealed complete mortality of H. contortus worms at the concentration of 100 mg/ml at the time exposure of 8 h. At 50 mg/ml concentration the mortality at 6 and 8 h were 45.45 ± 4.55 and 63.64 ± 4.54 %. Median lethal concentration (LC50) at 6 and 8 h were 59.90 and 28.92 mg/ml, respectively. Levamisole at concentration of 0.5 mg/ml caused 50 % mortality at 2 h post exposure and 100 % mortality at 4 h post exposure. The results confirm the cidal effect of the aqueous extract of Z. armatum DC. seeds on adult H. contortus worms.