Successful clinical outcome in complicated monochorionic twins: case series

Monochorionic twins have some unique complications like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS), twin reverse arterial perfusion syndrome (TRAP) and conjoined twins which are otherwise not seen in dichorionic twins. In this case series, we report 3 cases of monochorionic twins who had complications. Our first case had monochorionic twin with a pump fetus and a TRAP. The second case had TTTS stage I and after spontaneous preterm premature rupture of membranes at 32 weeks, delivered both fetuses vaginally at an interval of about 3 hours. Our third case had TTTS stage II and she underwent selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of intertwin anastomotic vessels at about 25 weeks and subsequently multiple episodes of amnioreduction till 31 weeks when she underwent emergency caesarean delivery. Our study highlights the need for constant vigilance in patients with monochorionic twins to look for complications like TTTS and TRAP

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Positive Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been proposed as a potential treatment add-on for positive symptoms in schizophrenia. To summarize the current evidence for its efficacy, we reviewed clinical trials from the last 20 years that investigated TMS for positive symptoms. We performed a search on the PubMed database for clinical trials that used TMS for the treatment of positive symptoms published in peer-reviewed journals. We excluded reviews, case reports, and opinion papers. Of the 30 studies included, the majority (n = 25) investigated auditory verbal hallucinations. Twelve studies found evidence for a positive treatment effect of TMS on positive symptoms, while 18 did not find enough evidence to conclude that TMS is effective for positive symptoms. However, the small sample size of the majority of studies is a limiting factor for the reliability of previous findings. In conclusion, evidence for an effect of TMS on positive symptoms was mixed. Since most of the studies were performed in patients with auditory verbal hallucinations, further research of TMS for other positive symptoms including thought disorder and delusions is warranted

Myco-Biocontrol of Insect Pests: Factors Involved, Mechanism, and Regulation

The growing demand for reducing chemical inputs in agriculture and increased resistance to insecticides have provided great impetus to the development of alternative forms of insect-pest control. Myco-biocontrol offers an attractive alternative to the use of chemical pesticides. Myco-biocontrol agents are naturally occurring organisms which are perceived as less damaging to the environment. Their mode of action appears little complex which makes it highly unlikely that resistance could be developed to a biopesticide. Past research has shown some promise of the use of fungi as a selective pesticide. The current paper updates us about the recent progress in the field of myco-biocontrol of insect pests and their possible mechanism of action to further enhance our understanding about the biological control of insect pests