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Introduction: Calcaneus or os calcis forms a major component of the skeleton of foot providing posterior pillars for bony arches of the foot. It is largest of seven tarsal bones of foot and forms prominence of heel. Many times anterior to calcaneal tuberosity an osteophytic outgrowth has been observed (calcaneal or heel spur) extending along entire width, for about 2-2.5 cm. The apex of spur seen embedded in plantar fascia, directly anterior to its origin. Hence, the study of calcaneal spurs has been undertaken. Materials and Methods: The material for the study consisted of 200 dry (100 right and 100 left), adult calcanei of unknown age and sex obtained from Department of Anatomy. The calcaneal enthesophytes/spurs were studied in detail and classified according to types of calcaneum. Results: Maximum incidence of calcaneal spurs were found in Type I calcanei (11%) and no calcaneal spurs were found in Type III calcanei. Total incidence of dorsal calcaneal spurs in all types of calcanei was maximal (15.5%). The incidence of plantar spurs was 6.5% being highest in Type I calcanei (4%). The incidence and type of calcaneal spurs were compared with those of previous studies and etiology of heel pain has been discussed. Correlation between type of calcanei and spurs has been studied for the 1st time. Conclusion: Calcaneal spurs are related to type of calcanei with the highest frequency in Type I and least in Type III (no spurs seen in Type III and least in Type IV). Other factors, which contribute toward increase in incidence of spurs, are increasing age and weight, concurrent orthopedic diseases, and heel pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Calcaneus or os calcis forms a major component of the skeleton of foot providing posterior pillars for bony arches of the foot. It is largest of seven tarsal bones of foot and forms prominence of heel. Many times anterior to calcaneal tuberosity an osteophytic outgrowth has been observed (calcaneal or heel spur) extending along entire width, for about 2-2.5 cm. The apex of spur seen embedded in plantar fascia, directly anterior to its origin. Hence, the study of calcaneal spurs has been undertaken. Materials and Methods: The material for the study consisted of 200 dry (100 right and 100 left), adult calcanei of unknown age and sex obtained from Department of Anatomy. The calcaneal enthesophytes/spurs were studied in detail and classified according to types of calcaneum. Results: Maximum incidence of calcaneal spurs were found in Type I calcanei (11%) and no calcaneal spurs were found in Type III calcanei. Total incidence of dorsal calcaneal spurs in all types of calcanei was maximal (15.5%). The incidence of plantar spurs was 6.5% being highest in Type I calcanei (4%). The incidence and type of calcaneal spurs were compared with those of previous studies and etiology of heel pain has been discussed. Correlation between type of calcanei and spurs has been studied for the 1st time. Conclusion: Calcaneal spurs are related to type of calcanei with the highest frequency in Type I and least in Type III (no spurs seen in Type III and least in Type IV). Other factors, which contribute toward increase in incidence of spurs, are increasing age and weight, concurrent orthopedic diseases, and heel pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concept of bioenhancers or biopotentiators was first time reported in 1929 by Bose. A bioenhancer is an agent capable of enhancing bioavailability and efficacy of a drug with which it is co-administered, without any pharmacological activity of its own at therapeutic dose used. Development and consequent isolation of these molecules, such as piperine and quercetin, is considered as scientific breakthrough. A fixed drug combination (Risorine) of rifampicin, isoniazid, and piperine is the result of this research. It contains almost 60% less dose of rifampicin because of its increased bioavailability and it also prevents resistance. This concept is mentioned as yogvahi in ayurveda and was used to increase the effect of medicines by increasing oral bioavailability, decreasing adverse effects and to circumvent parenteral routes of drug administration. More such useful and economically viable drug combinations can be developed by integrating knowledge of time tested ayurveda with modern methods of research. This review is an account of these bioenhancers, available from the natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use and misuse of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and petrochemicals by man is causing havoc with nature, as they persist as such or as their toxic metabolites. These pollutants bioaccumulate in environment, and they ultimately reach man through various means. They are hazardous because of potential toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity. To rejuvenate nature, remediation methods currently available are usually expensive and might convert one toxic pollutant to another. Bioremediation methods use naturally occurring microorganisms to detoxify man-made pollutants so that they change pollutants to innocuous products that make soil fertile in the process. Taking cue from Ayurveda, Gomeya/ cow dung is used as an excellent bioremediation method. Thus, utilizing freely available cow dung as slurry or after composting in rural areas, is a cheap and effective measure to bioremediate the harmful pollutants. Yet, more research in this direction is warranted to bioremediate nonbiodegradable, potentially toxic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study aims to assess different morphometric parameters of condylar and intercondylar surface of tibia and to compile the results, analyze and formulate a baseline data for future studies with relevance to Indian population and also to compare the current data with accessible literature for pertinent surgical utilities. Morphometric parameters of upper end of tibia can be used to guide treatment and monitor outcome of total knee replacement surgeries. Information regarding morphometry of upper end of the tibia is vital as it provides reliable method of assessing knee deformity. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 50 male and 50 female adult human tibiae. Morphometric measurements of medial condyle, lateral condyle and intercondylar area of tibiae were meticulously recorded with digital Vernier calipers with a least count of 0.01 mm. Student's t-test was used with significant level of p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: All measurements were found to be statistically significant when compared between the two sexes on both sides (p-value<0.05). Anteroposterior measurements were found to be greater than transverse measurements for both medial and lateral condyles. Furthermore, both anteroposterior and transverse measurements were greater in medial condyle than in lateral condyle on both sides and sexes. Conclusion: The present study is an endeavor to provide a base line data pertaining to morphometric details of upper end of tibia with reference to unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty in Indian population. The results of the study assume special importance in view of the technical advancements in reconstructive surgical procedures in orthopedic practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Awareness and knowledge of anatomical variations of fissures of lung is required by the disciples of concerned specialties for accurate interpretation on different imaging techniques. This knowledge is necessary for the appreciation of lobar anatomy and thus locating the bronchopulmonary segments. Therefore a cadaveric study was undertaken to report the prevalence of variations involving number of fissures of lung in Punjabi population. Methods: The thoracic cavities of 50 properly embalmed cadavers containing lungs were dissected and morphological features like number, fissures and lobes were observed for the presence of anatomical variations. Results: A total of 100 variant pulmonary fissures appeared in 55 lungs. There were variations in 41 right lungs and 14 left lungs. Five right lungs showed the absence of horizontal fissure, one right lung was without any fissure, fifteen right lungs showed incomplete horizontal fissure. Eleven right lungs and six left lungs had incomplete oblique fissures. In four left lungs oblique fissure was absent. Supernumerary fissure was seen in four left lungs and nine right lungs. Conclusions: Anatomical knowledge of variations of fissures and lobes may be important, and also to academicians in the medical field. The findings regarding the variations seen in fissures of both the lungs were comparable with previous studies. Variations of lung anatomy are important for both the diagnosis by radiologists interpreting X-rays and CT scans and treatment of various lungs diseases by surgeons performing lobectomies and by clinicians involving all the domains of medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Communications between peripheral nerves are important in the light of the fact that these are responsible for a myriad of clinical symptoms. Communication between the median nerve and ulnar nerve (Martin-Gruber anastomosis) is a frequent finding observed anatomically in 10%-30.6% subjects and physiologically in 5-40%. It may lead to exacerbated or attenuated clinical symptoms. Aims & Objectives: To find out the incidence of Martin- Gruber anastomosis in North Indian population by cadaveric dissection. Materials and Methods: The material comprised of 60 upper limbs belonging to 30 cadavers (M:F::28:2) which were dissected to find out incidence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis. Results: Martin-Gruber anastomosis was encountered in 7(11.6%) limbs of the present study. It was seen more frequently unilaterally (16.6%) than bilaterally (3.3%) and only in males. Classification of limbs into various patterns and types was done. Further its ontogeny, phylogeny, genetic inheritance and clinical implications are discussed in detail. Conclusion: To conclude, in North Indian population, the Martin-Gruber anastomosis is encountered in 11.6% limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Paclitaxel is extensively used in the treatment of advanced carcinomas of the breast, ovary and non-small cell lung cancer. In clinical use it is formulated in the non-ionic surfactant polyethoxylated castor oil (Cremophor) and dehydrated alcohol to enhance drug solubility. Cremophor adds to toxic effects of paclitaxel by producing or contributing to the well-described hypersensitivity reactions that commonly occur during its infusion, affecting a large number of patients. This randomized trial was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of novel nanoparticle-based paclitaxel in the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer. Method Patients were randomized to receive either nanoparticle paclitaxel ( NP) 300 mg/m2, ( NP300) or NP220 mg/m2 or Cremophor paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 ( CP 175). NP was administered as a 1-h infusion without premedication and CP as a 3-h infusion with premedication every 3 weeks. Results In total, 194 patients who had been administered at least one dose were included for safety analysis and 170 patients who completed at least two cycles of therapy were analyzed for efficacy. NP showed an overall response rate (complete response + partial response) of 40% in the NP220 and NP300 arms as compared to 31% in the CP arm. The incidence of neutropenia (all grades) was lowest in the NP220 arm (39.4%) compared to the NP300 (55%) and CP arm (50%). Conclusion NP is well tolerated and can be safely administered without any premedication in comparison to conventional paclitaxel, which requires the use of premedication before administration. NP demonstrates promising efficacy with a favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the effectiveness of micafungin versus liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of adult patients with cadidaemia or invasive candidosis. In a double-blind, randomized, multinational non-inferiority study, micafungin treatment was found to be as effective as liposomal amophotericin B treatment and was accompanied by fewer adverse side-effects. The treatment was found to be effective regardless of the presence of a catheter, primary site of infection, and neutropenic status.