Evaluation of Anthropometric Measurements of the Aspect Ratio of Knee in Indian Population and its Correlation with the Sizing of Current Knee Arthroplasty System

BackgroundMost of the commercially available TKR implants are designed for western populations, which are known to have larger build and stature compared to Asian counterparts often leading to mismatch between resected bony surfaces and implant components. There is paucity of morphometric data of distal femur and proximal tibia in the Indian population. Thus, it becomes important to obtain anthropometric data to achieve the best stability and long-term success of implant.Materials and MethodsIntraoperative morphological measurements of 100 knees (59 female and 41 males) were done using vernier calliper during TKR. The anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) dimensions of cross-section of the femur and tibia were noted before bony resection. The aspect ratios were calculated and compared with that of implant used (DePuy, Stryker, Maxx).ResultsWe have found that Indian males have larger dimensions of distal femur as well as proximal tibia than females. There exists some degree of mismatch in patients’ dimensions and the sizes of all the three commercially available implant system as well their aspect ratios.ConclusionSpecific designing of implants with dimensions in accordance with the morphometric measurements of Indian population should be done. Also gender specific implant designing should be done.     

Molecular characterization of human and animal Echinococcus granulosus isolates in Isfahan, Iran

Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in different parts of Iran. While it causes major health problem, there is limited information about its transmission cycles and reservoirs of human infection. Therefore we aimed to characterize the existence Echinococcus granulosus cysts in humans and animals in the province of Isfahan, central region of Iran. We collected hydatid cysts from the liver and lungs of patients who underwent surgery procedure and also cysts were obtained from domestic animals at slaughterhouses. DNA was extracted from the protoscoleces and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of rDNA internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1-PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, fragments of the genes coding for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) were sequenced. Among the two different identified strains/genotypes (sheep and camel), the sheep strain was shown to be the most common genotype of E. granulosus affecting humans, sheep, cattle, goats and occasionally camels. Nine out of 26 camel samples were infected with sheep strain. However the camel genotype was observed in humans, camels and cattle. Seventeen out of 26 camel isolates, 6 out of 31 human and 5 out of 14 cattle samples were infected with the camel genotype. The camel genotypes had PCR and RFLP patterns which were different from the PCR and RFLP patterns of the rest of isolates (sheep strain). The results of this study showed that the ‘camel’ strain was actual source of infection to humans which circulates between intermediate hosts including camels and cattle, and it confirms the camel–dog transmission cycle in Isfahan.     

A comparison between monocanalicular and pushed monocanalicular silicone intubation in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

AIM: To compare the success rate of monocanalicular versus pushed monocanalicular silicone intubation (PMCI) of the nasolacrimal duct for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial 53 eyes of 49 patients with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation (MCI) (n=28 eyes) or PMCI (n=25 eyes). All procedures were performed by 1 oculoplastic surgeon. Treatment success was defined as the complete resolution of epiphora at 3mo after tube removal.Results: The surgical outcome was assessed in 20 eyes with MCI and 20 eyes with PMCI. The mean age of treatment was 26.25±10.08mo (range, 13-49mo) for MCI and 26.85±12.25mo (range, 16-68mo) for PMCI. Treatment success was achieved in 18 of 20 eyes (90.0%) in the MCI group compared with 10 of 20 eyes (50%) in the PMCI group (P=0.01). In the PMCI group, the tube loss (30%) was greater than the MCI group (5%), however the differences between the 2 groups proved to be not significant (P=0.91).CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that MCI has higher success rate in CNLDO treatment compared with PMCI in this small series of patients.     

Predictive Factors of Cholelithiasis After Prophylactic Administration of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: Tehran Obesity Treatment Study

Obesity Surgery - Cholelithiasis is a well-known consequence of obesity as well as rapid weight loss especially after bariatric surgery. A routine postoperative course of ursodeoxycholic acid...     

The effect of total extract of Securigera securidaca L. seeds on serum lipid profiles,antioxidant status,and vascular function in hypercholesterolemic rats

Aim of the study

Seeds of Securigera securidaca are used for the treatment of disorders such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and epilepsy in Iranian folk medicine. The possible hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. securidaca seeds as well as the effect of the extract on vascular reactivity were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Materials and methods

High-fat fed wistar rats received orally different doses of the extract for 20 days. At the end of the experiment vein blood and liver were collected to measure the lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative enzyme activities. The thoracic aorta was excised and used for isolated vessel preparation and histological study.

Results

The extract produced significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride with concomitant reduction in lipid deposition in the liver. The extract also suppressed markedly (p < 0.001) the hypercholesterolemia-induced elevation of malondialdehyde levels both in serum and liver. In hypercholesterolemic rats the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was improved significantly (p < 0.05) by 100 mg/kg/day of the extract. However, in histological study no atherosclerotic lesion was observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that S. securidaca seed in addition to decrease lipid levels and peroxidation, is able to improve vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation in hypercholesterolemia.     

Saffron as a promising therapy for diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: mechanistic insights

The prevalence of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus is increasing with the societies' aging and has become an essential social concern worldwide. Accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of tau proteins in the brain are hallmarks of AD. Diabetes is an underlying risk factor for AD. Insulin resistance has been proposed to be involved in amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation in the brain. It seems that diabetic conditions can result in AD pathology by setting off a cascade of processes, including inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) synthesis. Due to the several side effects of chemical drugs and their high cost, using herbal medicine has recently attracted attention for the treatment of diabetes and AD. Saffron and its active ingredients have been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-AD properties. Therefore, in the present review paper, we take account of the clinical, in vivo and in vitro evidence regarding the anti-diabetic and anti-AD effects of saffron and discuss the preventive or postponing properties of saffron or its components on AD development via its anti-diabetic effects.