Effects of Aroclor 1254 on femoral bone metabolism in adult male Wistar rats

Environmental pollutants that disrupt endocrine system might also affect the modeling and remodeling of bone. Environmental factors, irrespective of age and sex contribute for the development of secondary osteoporosis. Polychlorinated biphenyls have adverse effects on various organs including bone. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of PCB (Aroclor 1254) on femur bone and the ameliorative role of vitamin C or E. In this regard, four groups of adult male albino rats were used as control, PCB (2mg/kgb.wt.), PCB+vitamin C (100mg/kgb.wt.) and PCB+vitamin E (50mg/kgb.wt.). The bone formation markers (ALP, Collagen), bone resorption marker (TRAP), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX and GST) and lipid peroxidation in the femur were studied. Aroclor 1254 treatment decreased the ALP activity and collagen, but increased the TRAP activity and lipid peroxidation. While it decreased the SOD and GPX activity, GST was unaltered. Interestingly, simultaneous administration of vitamin C or E prevented the adverse effects of Aroclor 1254 in the femur. In conclusion, the present investigation suggests that Aroclor 1254 induced oxidative stress affects femoral bone metabolism. However, vitamin C or vitamin E protected the femur from the oxidative stress.     

Evaluation of behavioural and antioxidant activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cytisus scoparius</Emphasis> Link in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress

Background  

Various human diseases have oxidative stress as one of their component. Many herbs have been reported to exhibit properties that combat oxidative stress through their active constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds etc. Cytisus scoparius (CS) Link, (Family: Leguminosae), also called Sarothamnus scoparius, has been shown in invitro experiments to be endowed with anti-diabetic, hypnotic and sedative and antioxidant activity. Therefore this study was carried out to evaluate CS for its anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-oxidant activity in stressed rats.     

Obstetric anaesthesia outcome in obese and non-obese parturients undergoing caesarean delivery: an observational study

BackgroundMaternal obesity is increasing in prevalence and is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications. This study evaluates the impact of obesity on perioperative outcomes in parturients undergoing caesarean delivery.MethodsIn this prospective observational study of 1477 consecutive caesarean deliveries, data collected included body mass index, co-morbidities, anaesthetic technique, perioperative complications and patient satisfaction. Outcome measures included obesity prevalence, association of obesity with caesarean delivery, co-morbidities, perioperative complications and patient satisfaction and were compared between the obese and non-obese groups.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity was 54.3%, including 7.2% morbidly obese. About 61% of parturients who underwent caesarean delivery because of failure to progress in labour or previous caesarean were obese. The overall prevalence of co-morbidity was 10.2% of whom 57.3% were obese. Neuraxial anaesthesia was used in 73.4% and general anaesthesia in 26.6%, similar in obese and non-obese. The epidural failure rate was 4.3% and the spinal failure rate 2.9%. Difficulty in performing neuraxial anaesthesia was greater in obese patients (P = 0.004). There was no association between obesity and laryngoscopy grades. Patient satisfaction was similar in the obese and non-obese groups. Postoperative complications were minimal and similar.ConclusionsNeuraxial anaesthesia was effective for caesarean deliveries in obese and non-obese, in elective and emergency cases. Maternal obesity is associated with increased difficulty in performing neuraxial anaesthesia, but not with increased failure rate. Our study found no differences between obese and non-obese parturients in rate of caesarean deliveries, co-morbidities, indications for delivery or anaesthesia complications.     

Chlamydia on children and flies after mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma

There are various approaches to control trachoma. These include the elimination of the ocular strains of Chlamydia trachomatis that cause the disease and to decrease the spread of infection by other measures such as fly control. Here, we examined how these two are related (i.e., how treating children with antibiotics affects carriage of Chlamydia by flies). Flies were collected in villages that had received mass oral azithromycin distribution and were compared with flies in untreated villages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect chlamydial DNA on the flies. Conjunctival swabs were also taken to assay for chlamydial prevalence in the children. Chlamydia was found on 23% of the flies in the untreated villages but only 0.3% in treated villages. Prevalence of trachoma in children proved to be an excellent predictor of the prevalence on flies (correlation coefficient, 0.89). Thus, treating children with antibiotics may drastically reduce the role of flies as a vector.     

A Young Child with Eosinophilia,Rash, and Multisystem Illness: Drug Rash,Eosinophilia, and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome After Receipt of Fluoxetine

Drug rash, eosinophilia, and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction that usually occurs within 6 weeks of exposure to the offending drug. Diagnosis is usually straightforward in patients with pyrexia, skin rash, hepatitis, and eosinophilia with a preceding history of exposure to agents often associated with DRESS syndrome, such as aromatic anticonvulsants and sulfa drugs, but diagnosis of DRESS may still be a challenge. We report a 4‐year‐old child with probable DRESS syndrome complicated by multiple hematologic complications that developed 1 month after exposure to fluoxetine, a drug not known to be associated with such severe reactions.     

Oral potentially malignant disorders – An assessment of knowledge and attitude to future education in undergraduate dental students

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and clinical experience of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in undergraduate dental students in six European countries (Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom) and assess student’s attitude and preference to future education on the topic. A secondary aim was to identify gaps in student’s knowledge and clinical practice. The study was a part of the Erasmus+ project “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Healthcare Professionals Training“ (Grant No: 2020-1-UK01-KA202-078917).

Materials and Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed to all final-year students in six partner universities. This consisted of four parts assessing: (1) knowledge on OPMDs, (2) clinical experience with this group of patients, (3) self-rated competence in the management of OPMDs and (4) preferences with regard to future education.

Results

Two hundred and sixty final-year dental students from six partner universities responded to the questionnaire. Response rates varied from 12% to 92% between partner universities. Significant differences in clinical experience and knowledge were found between students. Students with more clinical exposure to OPMDs rated their knowledge and competence in the management of OPMDs higher than students with less clinical experience. The majority of students were interested in future education on OPMDs, preferably via short educational videos.

Conclusion

The majority of students have received theoretical knowledge of OPMDs during their undergraduate studies, however, not all had clinical exposure to this group of patients. Students were open to further education on OPMDs. Important deficiencies in knowledge were identified that need to be addressed and it is anticipated that the e-learning platform and e-book that are in development by partner institutions will help to improve overall knowledge of OPMDs.     

‘Burr holes in the bush’: Clinician preparedness for undertaking emergency intracranial haematoma evacuation surgery in rural and regional Queensland

Objectives

Delayed inter-hospital transfers of deteriorating neurotrauma patients from rural and regional hospitals to tertiary centres have seen the need for non-neurosurgeons to undertake emergency intracranial haematoma evacuation surgery locally. In the present study, the authors contributed to the paucity in the literature regarding the widespread availability of cranial access equipment in non-tertiary centres and patient outcomes in Queensland.

Methods

We surveyed delegates (senior theatre nurses or surgical service directors) from rural and regional Queensland hospitals if they were located outside the local catchment of a tertiary centre and had a CT scanner. Questions regarded availability, location and storage conditions of mechanical cranial access kits, as well as last usage, and associated patient outcomes.

Results

Twenty-six delegates from eligible hospitals responded. Eighteen hospitals offered surgical services. Eleven hospitals housed complete mechanical cranial access kits. Five hospitals housed incomplete kits. Thirteen hospitals housed their equipment sterile in the operating theatre or ED. Eleven hospitals reported using the equipment, with last usage ranging from 4 months to over 30 years. Two hospitals reported using the equipment within 12 months while a further five reported using it within 10 years. Two hospitals reported ‘good’ outcomes, two ‘ok’ and one ‘poor’.

Conclusions

The availability of cranial access equipment outside Queensland tertiary centres has been limited. Inter-hospital transfers are likely to persist in Queensland and haematoma evacuation surgery has been a life-saving endeavour, so improving access to cranial access equipment in hospitals where it is currently lacking is highly warranted.