Freshwater Fish Diversity in the River Ken of Ganga Basin: Abundance,Threats and Their Management

Systematic surveys were conducted to explore the diversity of freshwater fishes, distribution, abundance, trophic ecology and current threats of the fishes at different spatial scale of the river Ken, planned for interlinking in India. Altogether, 57 species representing 42 genera and 20 families were recorded for the first time from the studied river. Of the 57 species, seven belong to the ‘endangered’ category and 13 belong to the vulnerable category. Apart from Indian major carps, Tor tor, Bagarius bagarius, Chitala chitala, Pangasius pangasius, Sperata aor, Wallago attu, Ompok pabda, Ompok bimaculatus, Labeo calbasu, Channa marulius, and Macrognathus pancalus were the other important species. All the species have been reported for the first time in this river. Presence of a protected area and forest cover on the upper stretches of the river tends to have positive effect on the aquatic habitat which is reflected in high fish diversity as compared to lower stretches which is subjected to several anthropogenic activities. The distribution pattern, community dominance index, evenness index, similarity index and trophic ecology have been discussed. Some segment of the river showed the most diversified environmental structure and had the different fish communities. The results of this study would be useful to develop baseline information for a river, planned for river interlinking which enables predictions on the change/loss of the fish diversity in the post interlinking phases.     

Comparison of treatment of unstable intra articular fractures of distal radius with locking plate versus non-locking plate fixation

Introduction

Unstable intra articular fractures of distal radius are frequently being managed with open reduction and internal fixation. Of late in some biomechanical studies locking plates have been shown to be better in terms of maintenance of radiological parameters in comparison to non-locking plates. We conducted this study to know whether this biomechanical superiority of locking plates is converted in to better clinical outcomes.

Materials and methods

A study was conducted in 60 patients (30 in each group) with unstable intra articular fractures of distal radius who were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with locking plates and non-locking plates. Patients were evaluated for radiological parameters (intra articular step off, radial height, radial tilt, volar tilt) and functional parameters (flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, pronation, supination grip strength) at two year follow up. Overall outcome was evaluated by scoring systems of Gartland and Werley and modified Green O'' Brien.

Results

The change in radiological parameters from immediate post op to latest at two year in locking plate group was not significant for radial height, radial tilt, volar tilt, but ulnar variance whereas in non-locking plate there was significant change in radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance but no significant change in radial inclination. In clinical and functional outcome no significant difference was found at two year follow up.

Conclusions

Locking plates maintain the radiological parameters better than non-locking plates but functional outcome are same for both plates at two year after surgery.     

Intravenous lidocaine suppresses fentanyl-induced coughing: a double-blind, prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study

IV lidocaine is effective in suppressing the cough reflex of tracheal intubation, extubation, bronchography, bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy. We investigated this effect of lidocaine on fentanyl-induced cough in 502 patients of ASA physical status I and II scheduled for elective surgery. The patients were assigned to 2 equal groups to receive either lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg or placebo (0.9% saline) over 5 s 1 min before the administration of fentanyl 3 mug/kg in a randomized and double-blind fashion. Coughs were classified as coughing and graded as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5 or more). The results of the study suggest that IV lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg, when administered 1 min before fentanyl, is significantly effective in suppressing fentanyl-induced cough compared to placebo (0.9% saline) (218 versus 165 patients) (P < 0.002) but without affecting the severity of cough (P > 0.05).     

Acupressure for prevention of pre-operative anxiety: a prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study

Pre-operative anxiety is associated with many unwanted effects such as increased analgesic and anaesthetic requirement, postoperative pain and prolonged hospital stay. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acupressure on pre-operative anxiety and bispectral index (BIS) values. Seventy-six adults, ASA grade I and II, undergoing elective surgery, were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group 1 (control) received acupressure at an inappropriate site and group 2 (acupressure) received acupressure at extra 1 point. The study was conducted during the pre-operative period and the duration of the study was 40 min (acupressure was applied for 10 min and thereafter patients were observed for another 30 min). Anxiety was recorded on a visual stress scale (VSS) at the start of the study and thereafter at 10 and 40 min. BIS was recorded at 0, 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 30 and 40 min. The VSS decreased in both groups following pressure application for 10 min: median VSS (interquartile range) were 5 (1) vs. 8 (1) in the acupressure and 7 (0) vs. 8 (1) in the control groups (p < 0.001). Both pre-operative anxiety and BIS decreased significantly during acupressure application at extra 1 point (p < 0.001). Acupressure is effective in decreasing both pre-operative anxiety and BIS; however, these effects are not sustained 30 min following release of acupressure. Further studies are needed to elucidate the duration for which acupressure is effective.     

A case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Cast syndrome, Wilkie''s syndrome, or duodenal ileus, is a rare condition involving compression of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA, primarily attributed to loss of the intervening mesenteric fat pad. Clinical symptoms include postprandial epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, emesis, and weight loss. At-risk individuals include those with rapid weight loss, debilitating illness, malignancy, malabsorption syndromes, trauma, neurologic injury, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Here, we present a case of SMA syndrome in a 24-year-old woman presenting with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain who improved with conservative management.