Undenatured collagen type II for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a review

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide with rising rates in elderly people. Both mechanical and immunological factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis resulting in destruction of the articular cartilage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, are associated with several adverse events and also do not affect the underlying disease process. Clinicians and patients both seek options which are safe and effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Collagen derivatives represent a suitable option in such cases. Collagen is the most abundant component of the cartilage. Collage derivatives have shown to have disease modifying action in osteoarthritis. Depending on the degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight, collage derivatives are classified into undenaured collagen, gelatin and collage hydrolysate. Collagen derivatives are well tolerated without major safety concerns. Undenatured type II collagen has shown to provide significant improvement in patients with osteoarthritis. In this article we discuss, the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis with focus on immunological factors and evidence for the use of undenatured collagen type II in osteoarthritis.

Essential amino acids in total knee and hip joint replacement: a narrative review

The increasing availability of total joint replacement especially for knee and hip joints has increased their rates substantially across the globe. It is associated with increased risk of sarcopenia with loss of muscle mass and strength in the postoperative period. The supplementation of proteins along with exercises have been mainframe strategy to improve the functional ability after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. However, supplementation of proteins necessitates effective proteolytic digestion and conversion to amino acids for exerting substantial effects. In overcoming this challenge, supplementation with essential amino acids can be an attractive approach In this article, we review the clinical evidence with use of essential amino acids in patients undergoing TKA and THA. In the nine studies included in the review, seven assessed EAAs in TKA and two in THA. In TKA studies, improvement in muscle mass, muscle strength and functional recovery has been significant over 6 weeks postoperatively in majority of the studies. Over long term (2 years), improved recovery of rectus femoris and quadriceps had been reported. In THA as well, significant improvement in hip function and stability has been reported. Thus, EAAs in addition to the existing rehabilitation program are helpful to improve sarcopenia and enhances the recovery to perform activities of daily living. We propose from current evidence that administration of EAAs 7 to 10 days prior to planned TKA or THA and continued for 14 to 20 days in the postoperative period along with rehabilitation program is optimal in enhancing the muscle strength and help in physical functional recovery. Current evidence indicates supplementation with EAAs should be a part of routine management protocol in patients undergoing TKA or THA

Basic aspects of the pharmacodynamics of tolperisone, a widely applicable centrally acting muscle relaxant

Tolperisone (2-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-piperidin-1-ylpropan-1-one hydro-chloride) was introduced in the clinical practice more than forty years ago and is still evaluated as a widely applicable compound in pathologically elevated skeletal muscle tone (spasticity) and related pains of different origin. In the present review, basic pharmacodynamic effects measured on whole animals, analyses of its actions on cell and tissue preparations and molecular mechanism of action on sodium and calcium channels are summarized as recently significantly new data were reported

Catatonia as presenting clinical feature of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Catatonia is not a usual clinical presentation of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), especially in the initial stages of illness. However, there is only one reported case of SSPE presenting as catatonia among children. In this report, however, there were SSPE-specific changes on EEG and the catatonia failed to respond to lorazepam. We describe a case of SSPE in a child presenting as catatonia that presented with clinical features of catatonia and did not have typical EEG findings when assessed at first contact. He responded to lorazepam and EEG changes emerged during the course of follow-up

STUDIES FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS, FOOD PREFERENCE AND FEEDING MECHANISM IN THE MILLIPEDE JONESPELTIS SPLEDIDUS VERHOEFF IN CAPTIVITY

The adults of J. splentidus Verhoeff when offered leaf litter in different stages of decay, accepted only the litter in its advanced stage of decay. They showed preference to a few species of litter from the ten different species of plants offered, specifically the litters of Artocarpus, Terminalia and Macaranga. The litter of plants tested include Anacardium and Eucalyptus which contains well known secondary plant substances. When sugar and poly phenol content of fresh litter was estimated, it was found that the preferred litter was having comparatively a very low polyphe­nol content and high percentage of sugar. The morphology of mouth parts and the feeding mechanism of the animal were also noted

Profile of female patients seeking in-patient treatment for prescription opioid abuse from a tertiary care drug dependence treatment centre from India

Background & objectives: There has been a limited focus on prescription drug abuse among women in the country. Choice of psychoactive substance, reasons for initiation and co-occurring disorders have been found to be different among men and women. The current study was aimed at studying the profile of female patients seeking in-patient treatment for prescription drug use over a period of five years at a tertiary care drug dependence treatment centre in India. Methods: Case records of all female patients admitted with substance use disorder at a national level drug dependence treatment centre in north India across five years (between January 2008 and December 2012) were reviewed retrospectively to study their socio-demographic and clinical profile. The information was gathered using a semi-structured proforma and detailed case records. Abstinence, relapse and retention rates were calculated. Results: Over the five years, 31 female patients were admitted with prescription drug abuse. Of them, 12 (39%) used prescription opioids and 11 (36%) used prescription opioid along with benzodiazepines. Commonest prescription opioid was pentazocine used by 87 per cent of the women. Twenty two (71%) women were introduced to opioid by medical practitioners and commonest reason for introduction was pain (among 48%). Common co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses were depressive disorder (26%), cluster B traits/disorder (19%) and somatoform disorder (13%). Eight women did not complete treatment and left against medical advice. Thirteen women were advised maintenance treatment, and 70 per cent of them were retained for at least six months. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings revealed a link between mental illness, pain and non-medical use of prescription opioids among women. Majority of these women received opioids as a legitimate prescription form physician. Therefore, these legitimate prescribers should be trained for pain management to facilitate proper treatment of pain and to prevent the subsequent misuse of these medicines. Female patients with frequent pain complaints should be assessed for psychopathology while prescribing opioids

Two new Records of Soil Collembola from South India

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