Modulatory effect of coffee on platelet function

Blood platelets play a major role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and thrombosis. Conflicting information exists regarding the effect of coffee consumption on the cardiovascular system. We have investigated whether the consumption of moderate amount of coffee affect platelet functions and primary hemostasis in vivo in normal and high fat diet fed rats. Coffee fed group showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean platelet volume, platelet crit and platelet distribution width as compared to high fat diet (HFD) group. The concentration of malondialdehyde in platelets increased in atherosclerotic group indicates the increased thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production from membrane arachidonic acid and it was decreased in coffee treated group. Platelet aggregation studies with ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid and epinephrine showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in aggregation in coffee fed group. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that platelet aggregation tendency increased in HFD group and was reduced in coffee fed group. These results indicate that coffee is active in inhibiting platelet aggregation, a critical step involved in thrombosis.     

A Bacoside containing Bacopa monnieri extract reduces both morphine hyperactivity plus the elevated striatal dopamine and serotonin turnover

Bacopa monnieri (BM) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a nootropic, anxiolytic, antiepileptic and antidepressant. An n-butanol extract of the plant (nBt-ext BM) was analysed and found to contain Bacoside A (Bacoside A3, Bacopaside II and Bacopasaponin C). The effects of the BM extract were then studied on morphine-induced hyperactivity as well as dopamine and serotonin turnover in the striatum since these parameters have a role in opioid sensitivity and dependence. Mice were pretreated with saline or nBt-ext BM (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg, orally), 60 min before morphine administration and locomotor activity was subsequently recorded. Immediately after testing, striatal tissues were analysed for dopamine (DA), serotonin (5HT) and their metabolites using HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. The results indicated that nBt-ext BM significantly (p < 0.001) decreased locomotor activity in both the saline and morphine treated groups. Additionally, nBt-ext BM significantly lowered morphine-induced dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-H1AA) upsurges in the striatum but failed to affect DA, 5-HT and their metabolites in the saline treated group. These findings suggest that nBt-ext BM has an antidopaminergic/serotonergic effect and may have potential beneficial effects in the treatment of morphine dependence.     

Ultrasonography of non-endocrine neck masses

Though clinical examination is usually adequate for making a probable diagnosis in neck swellings, yet in a good number of situations this doesn’t happen. The useful modality of ultrasonography was applied in thirty such cases. The use of this investigative techneque helped n;ot only to determine the true nature of the swellings and its relation to vital adjacent structures, but also aided in making decision regarding early surgical treatment of inflammatory swelling.     

A Sledgehammer on the Brachial Plexus: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Subclavius Posticus Muscle, and Traction in Aggregate

Özçakar L, Güney M?, Özda? F, Alay S, K?ralp MZ, Görür R, Saraço?lu M. A sledgehammer on the brachial plexus: thoracic outlet syndrome, subclavius posticus muscle, and traction in aggregate.Reported here is a 30-year-old man who was seen because of pain and weakness in the upper extremities after a tractional injury. Physical examination revealed significant atrophy in the left deltoid and right intrinsic hand muscles, generalized hypoesthesia, decreased deep tendon reflexes bilaterally, and decreased strength in various muscle groups. Roos (right) and hyperabduction (bilateral) tests were positive. Electrodiagnostic studies were consistent with bilateral brachial plexopathy. Cervical radiographs showed long transverse process of C7 on the right side and a small rudimentary rib articulating with C7 on the left side. Brachial plexus magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an aberrant muscle and compressive brachial plexus injury on the left side. Surgery via transaxillary approach was performed on the left side. The occurrence of traumatic brachial plexopathy in the presence of underlying thoracic outlet syndrome and subclavius posticus muscle is discussed for the first time in the literature.     

Thymoquinone Inhibition of Acquisition and Expression of Alcohol‐Induced Behavioral Sensitization

Repeated low doses of alcohol have been shown to progressively enhance locomotor activity in mice, and this phenomenon is designated as behavioral sensitization. Thymoquinone, a major active component of Nigella sativa oil has been investigated in a number of studies for its neuroprotective effects against a variety of ailments. This study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone on the acquisition and expression of alcohol‐induced behavioral sensitization. Mice treated with alcohol (2.2 g/kg/day) or saline for 13 days and subsequently challenged with an acute alcohol dose (2.2 g/kg) 5 days later were orally administered acute doses of thymoquinone (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg). Thymoquinone subacute treatment with all doses throughout alcohol exposure significantly inhibited both the development and expression phases of alcohol behavioral sensitization in a dose‐dependent manner. However, acute treatment with thymoquinone (30 mg/kg) only reversed the expression phase of sensitization. These findings are explained in terms of the known GABA promoting action of thymoquinone in relation to the motive circuit within the limbic component of the basal ganglia. It is concluded that thymoquinone may be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment and prevention of alcohol induced behavioral sensitization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage grafts in type 1 tympanoplasty in elderly patients

Objective

To investigate the success rates and hearing outcomes of temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage grafts used for type-1 tympanoplasty in the elderly (³65 years)