Ureteroscopic stone management in prepubertal children

Ureteroscopy for treating ureteric stones in prepubertal children has become more common with the advent of smaller endoscopes. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ureteroscopy for ureteric stone in this cohort of patients. During the period Jan 2001 and June 2005, we performed 22 ureteroscopic procedures in 20 children. Ureteroscopy was done in a manner similar to that in adults. Ureteral dilatation was done in all cases. A stent was placed postoperatively if there was significant stone burden, ureteral trauma, impaction and edema of ureteric orifice. Of the 20 children, 18 were male and 2 were females. Average age was 5.2 years (range 3–9). Stones were 4–14 mm in size (average 6 mm). Overall 90% of the children were rendered stone free after one procedure and 100% after two procedures. Ureteroscopy for ureteric stones in prepubertal children is safe and effective first line treatment in whom conservative therapy fails. Routine ureteral stent placement postoperatively is not always necessary.     

Curcumin as inhibitor of mammalian Cathepsin B,Cathepsin H,acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase: a correlation with pharmacological activities

Curcumin, a polyphenol, an important constituent of turmeric is used as dietary spice and herbal remedy. In the present work, we aim to assess the effect of curcumin on some physiologically significant enzymes such as lysosomal cysteine proteases—Cathepsin B, Cathepsin H and Phosphatases—acid and alkaline phosphatases. Elevated levels of these enzymes have been reported in various diseased conditions. The in vitro enzyme inhibition studies emphasizes on the pharmacological basis of various therapeutic uses of turmeric. The enzymes were first purified using the techniques of acetone powder preparation, homogenisation, (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionation, molecular sieve chromatography and cation exchange chromatography. Thereafter, the inhibitory effect of curcumin was evaluated on Cathepsin B [3.4.22.1], Cathepsin H [3.4.22.16], acid phosphatase [3.4.3.2] and alkaline phosphatase [3.4.3.1] using well characterized substrates for particular enzymes. The study showed that curcumin effectively inhibited these enzymes. In addition, the results were correlated with the in silico docking studies.     

Integrative studies to design and validate wearable footwear among neuropathic patients

Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels leads to diabetic neuropathy, which is usually develops slowly. Damaged nerves stop sending messages or may send message slowly at the wrong times. The propsed model is an insole for individuals with peripheral neuropathy conditions, where the peak plantar pressure value is measured at specified locations of the foot by means of a pressure sensor, which can be accessed via a mobile applications; Simultaneously, a stimulation is given at acupressure points of the foot to relieve pain at definite intervals of time, based on the signals from the controller. A controller is being used to perform these operations which will be transmitted to the mobile application via Bluetooth terminal.