EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF TAPENTADOL IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidepressant activity of tapentadol using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) experimental models.Methods: A total of 36 Swiss albino mice (18 for each experimental model) were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. In both the experimental models, Group I received normal saline – 10 ml/kg (Control group), Groups II and III given tapentadol 20 mg/kg and tapentadol 40 mg/kg, respectively, for 7 days, intraperitoneally. On day 7, the drugs were given 40 minutes before conducting the experiment. The duration of immobility was noted and compared among all the 3 groups. The observations were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test.Results: The duration of immobility was significantly decreased in both the experimental models. Tapentadol groups when compared to control group showed statistically significant values, and better results were obtained with tapentadol 20 mg/kg groups in both the models. The mean duration of Immobility was 34.67 seconds in FST model and 101.00 seconds in TST model when treated with tapentadol 20 mg/kg compared to 102.33 seconds in FST control and 141 seconds in TST control groups. FST model demonstrates greater antidepressant efficacy of tapentadol (p<0.00) than with TST model (p<0.04).Conclusion: Tapentadol showed significant antidepressant activity at the dose of 20 mg/kg. The results should be further confirmed by animal studies with different experimental models for the evaluation of depression and by human clinical studies, and if found effective, tapentadol can be preferred for patients with chronic pain, such as cancer pain

Conceptual study of Dooshivisha (Cumulative toxicity) w.r.t. Ancient classics and Modern science

Ayurveda describes the vast turnover of beauty aid products. More and more new synthetic substances are introduced every day. Many of these are not adequately tested for safety, in particular for routes other than oral or parenteral. Increased incidence of skin conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis after using newer cosmetics suggest that this may be due to local toxic effects or toxic effects manifested on this phenomenon as Dooshivisha. They are relevant to the current way of life considering the prevalence of pollution, occupational hazards and extent of exposure to toxins in food and other articles used in daily life. Present generation is much more likely to consume junk foods-cold drinks, to have unhealthy travelling habits, working late nights, working with computers in A.C rooms. This is referred to by terms like Hetusatatya, Vegavarodha, Diwaswapa, Viparit Chesta, Virudhannasevana which in turn hamper the normal physiology of human body. Same thing is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts also under the topic of Pradnyaparadh which is the basic cause for all diseases. This Pradnyaparadha is responsible to disturb the daily routine life and person has to face with the complaints of ill-health

Atrial and placental melanoma metastasis: a case report and literature review

Malignant melanoma can metastasize to virtually any organ of the body. The aggressiveness is determined by the primary site, depth of dermal invasion, presence or absence of ulceration, lymphovascular infiltration and regional lymph node involvement. We report a case of a pregnant woman with a previous history of stage 3 melanoma who presented with cardiac metastasis and placental melanoma infiltration. A review of literature on cardiac and placental involvement of melanoma is also provided

Bias in the physical examination of patients with lumbar radiculopathy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>No prior studies have examined systematic bias in the musculoskeletal physical examination. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of bias due to prior knowledge of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging findings (MRI) on perceived diagnostic accuracy of the physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a cross-sectional comparison of the performance characteristics of the physical examination with blinding to MRI results (the 'independent group') with performance in the situation where the physical examination was not blinded to MRI results (the 'non-independent group'). The reference standard was the final diagnostic impression of nerve root impingement by the examining physician. Subjects were recruited from a hospital-based outpatient specialty spine clinic. All adults age 18 and older presenting with lower extremity radiating pain of duration ≤ 12 weeks were evaluated for participation. 154 consecutively recruited subjects with lumbar disk herniation confirmed by lumbar spine MRI were included in this study. Sensitivities and specificities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated in the independent and non-independent groups for the four components of the radiculopathy examination: 1) provocative testing, 2) motor strength testing, 3) pinprick sensory testing, and 4) deep tendon reflex testing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The perceived sensitivity of sensory testing was higher with prior knowledge of MRI results (20% vs. 36%; p = 0.05). Sensitivities and specificities for exam components otherwise showed no statistically significant differences between groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Prior knowledge of lumbar MRI results may introduce bias into the pinprick sensory testing component of the physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy. No statistically significant effect of bias was seen for other components of the physical examination. The effect of bias due to prior knowledge of lumbar MRI results should be considered when an isolated sensory deficit on examination is used in medical decision-making. Further studies of bias should include surgical clinic populations and other common diagnoses including shoulder, knee and hip pathology.</p

Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis leading to acute renal failure following multiple hornet stings

BACKGROUND: Hornet stings are generally associated with local and occasionally anaphylactic reactions. Rarely systemic complications like acute renal failure can occur following multiple stings. Renal failure is usually due to development of acute tubular necrosis as a result of intravascular haemolysis, rhabdomyolysis or shock. Rarely it can be following development of acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a young male, who was stung on face, head, shoulders and upper limbs by multiple hornets (Vespa orientalis). He developed acute renal failure as a result of acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis and responded to steroids. CONCLUSION: Rare causes of acute renal failure like tubulo-interstitial nephritis should be considered in a patient with persistent oliguria and azotemia following multiple hornet stings. Renal biopsy should be undertaken early, as institution of steroid therapy may help in recovery of renal functio

Genome-wide meta-analysis of 158,000 individuals of European ancestry identifies three loci associated with chronic back pain

Back pain is the #1 cause of years lived with disability worldwide, yet surprisingly little is known regarding the biology underlying this symptom. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of ch

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec

Integration of 3D Concrete Printing in the Construction Industry: A Short Review

Over the past decade 3D printing technology has completely changed the face of manufacturing industry. However, the full potential of this paradigm-shifting technology has not been fully seen yet. When used in large scale, 3D printing can have many applications in the construction industry. The perceived benefits of such implementation primarily include the ease of construction, as formworks are not required, which can consequently lead to smaller construction times, greater flexibility for complex designs and potentially reduced waste. Upon discussing the main benefits, applications of 3D printed concrete structures are presented and the printing process is briefly reviewed. To allow for cost and time efficiency and sufficient printing quality, past research has focused on concrete’s workability and mechanical properties. Reported data from recent experimental studies on 3D printed concrete materials are collated and results in terms of mix proportion design, compressive strength, speed rate are discussed. Finally, the potential of future applications is summarised