Modulation of murine anti-SRBC response by carrageenan: possible mechanism

Carrageenan (CGN), a sulphated polygalactant extracted from red algae, induced antigen-specific suppression of secondary antibody response to SRBC. Unlike the previous studies reported in the literature, in the present study no significant difference could be observed in the number of either total or adherent cells in the peritoneal cavity of CGN treated animals when compared to the untreated controls. However, upon immunization with SRBC, the number of IA and IE positive cells of the treated animals was significantly reduced as compared to the untreated controls. From these results, the possible mechanism in the modulation of immune response by CGN is discussed in the present study.     

Diagnosis of typhoid fever: detection of Salmonella typhi porins-specific antibodies by inhibition ELISA.

Porins are highly immunogenic outer membrane proteins of Salmonella. Sera from typhoid patients contained a high level of IgG antibodies directed to porins of Salm. typhi. Since porins are highly conserved proteins, anti-porins antibodies both from typhoid patients and healthy normals reacted with porins from several Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, in order to improve the specificity of detecting Salm. typhi porins-specific antibodies, an inhibition ELISA was developed using enzyme-conjugated MoAbs (MP1 and MPN4) specific to Salm. typhi porins. Sera from typhoid patients with positive haemoculture (16 out of 17) inhibited the binding of MP1 to porins, thus showing a positive test for typhoid, whereas sera from patients with other Gram-negative bacterial infections (n = 7) and from healthy volunteers (66 out of 67) were found to be negative. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this assay were 94.1, 98.7, 97.8, 94.1 and 98.7% respectively. The validity of our inhibition ELISA for typhoid was higher than that of the Widal test. The diagnosis of typhoid fever as early as 3 days after the onset of fever, using a single specimen is possible.     

Effect of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals.     

Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Condylar Head/Diacapitular Fracture of Mandible: Case Series

ObjectiveSurgical management of condylar head is largely deferred due to the lack of appropriate armamentarium or instrumentation, restricted surgical access and risk of iatrogenic complications. Here we delineate open reduction internal fixation of condylar head fracture with various fixation modalities using specialized instrumentation for visualization and providing access for reduction with minimal complications.MethodsA total of 21 patients were reported with condylar head fracture of mandible to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from January 2017 to June 2018. Three patients had bilateral condylar head fracture, making it a total of 24 fractures. All patients had clinical symptoms including deranged occlusion, limited mouth opening, jaw deviation and restricted mandibular movements. The radiological findings were dislocated or displaced condylar head medially or laterally. All patients were treated by open reduction internal fixation using lag screws or standard long screws.ResultsAmong condylar head fractures, 19 of the study population were male and 2 were female. Distribution of age among the condylar head fractures ranges from 19 years to 40 years with the mean being 22 years. At the end of three-month follow-up, all patients had satisfactory results, both clinically and radiologically. The functional outcome of this study was found to be superior.ConclusionWe recommend open reduction internal fixation of condylar head for patients with high risk of ankylosis, and it is possible without complications due to the availability of minimally invasive surgical access system.