The distal radio-ulnar joint

The distal radio-ulnar joint can be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The complex anatomy in this region of the wrist can make diagnosis of distal radio-ulnar joint problems challenging. An understanding of the anatomy can aid an accurate diagnosis. An overview of the anatomy, biomechanics and conditions of the distal radio-ulnar joint is provided, together with other common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain.     

Role of omega-3 ethyl ester concentrate in reducing sudden cardiac death following myocardial infarction and in management of hypertriglyceridemia: An Indian consensus statement

IntroductionSudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most lethal manifestation of heart disease. In an Indian study the SCDs contribute about 10% of the total mortality and SCD post ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes for about half of total deaths.ObjectiveGiven the limitations of existing therapy there is a need for an effective, easy to use, broadly applicable and affordable intervention to prevent SCD post MI. Leading cardiologists from all over India came together to discuss the potential role of n-3 acid ethyl esters (90%) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 460 mg & docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 380 mg in the management of post MI patients and those with hypertriglyceridemia.RecommendationsHighly purified & concentrated omega-3 ethyl esters (90%) of EPA (460 mg) & DHA (380 mg) has clinically proven benefits in improving post MI outcomes (significant 15% risk reduction for all-cause mortality, 20% risk reduction for CVD and 45% risk reduction in SCD in GISSI-Prevenzione trial) and in reducing hypertriglyceridemia, and hence, represent an interesting option adding to the treatment armamentarium in the secondary prevention after MI based on its anti-arrhythmogenic effects and also in reducing hypertriglyceridemia.     

Long-term single procedure efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background Two important limitations of the data regarding the outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) are the short-term follow-up used in most published studies and the lack of single-procedure outcomes.Objective The objective was to report the long-term single-procedure outcomes at our center.Materials and methods The patient population was comprised of 200 consecutive patients who underwent ablation (133 men; age 56 ± 11 years). Atrial fibrillation was paroxysmal in 92 (46%). Success was defined as absence of symptomatic AF, off antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) after a single procedure.Results After a follow-up of 26 ± 11 months, the single-procedure long-term success rate was 28% with an additional 7% of patients demonstrating improvement. After including repeat procedures in 64 patients, the overall long-term success rate was 41% with 11% demonstrating improvement. Further subgroup analysis of 48 paroxysmal AF patients considered to be optimal candidates for the procedure, revealed a long-term success rate of 69% with an additional 4% demonstrating improvement. A major complication occurred in 7.9% of patients.Conclusion The results reveal that the long-term single-procedure success rate of catheter ablation of AF in a cohort of patients with predominantly non-paroxysmal AF is less than 40%. The inclusion of redo procedures resulted in an improvement in outcomes. A much higher success rate of 69% was achieved in patients with paroxysmal AF considered to be optimal candidates for this procedure. These results make it clear that further advances in the technique of catheter ablation of AF are needed to improve the safety and efficacy of this procedure. In order to be able to compare outcomes of various techniques in differing patient populations, we urge investigators to report long-term single procedure outcomes.This study was supported by The Norbert and Louise Grunwald Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Fund.     

Mucosal Integrity Testing Can Detect Differences in the Rectums of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Compared to Controls: A Pilot Study

Digestive Diseases and Sciences - While the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is incompletely understood, disruption of epithelial integrity is suspected to play a prominent role in...     

Suppression of Leaf Blight of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ocimum sanctum</Emphasis> L. Using Lactic Acid Bacteria as Novel Bio-control Agent

Fungal pathogens causing leaf blight of Ocimum sanctum L. have been isolated from the lateritic belt of Birbhum district of West Bengal, India and were identified as species of Alternaria. The pathogen not only destroys the mesophyll tissues of the leaves but also decreases the antibacterial potential and antioxidant activity of Ocimum plants. Two strains of Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae, viz., LABW1, LABW3 and a strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LABW4, isolated from high quality fermented milk product (homemade buttermilk), were able to produce significant zones of inhibition against the pathogen on dual culture overlay plates. A maximum of 4.5 ± 0.2 cm zone of inhibition was produced by LABW4. Cell free supernatant of LABW4 (50%) was also effective to inhibit more than 89% of conidial germination of Alternaria sp. VBOS17. Antifungal action of LABW4 was responsible for prominent mycelial deformations and breakages of pathogen as evident from scanning electron microscopic studies. During in vivo greenhouse experiment only 14.57 ± 1.99% leaf blight was noticed after 60 days of bacterial application even upon treatment with high concentration of Alternaria conidia (1.6 × 10⁴ conidia/ml), as compared to pathogen treated set (87.95 ± 2.14%). Efficacy of LABW4 to control the disease was also noticed during field experiment. In addition, LABW4 also increased the antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of the plant. L. lactis subsp. lactis LABW4 can be used as a prospective agent to control leaf blight disease of Ocimum plant and to increase its medicinal properties.