Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Mscs) To Functional Neuron On Graphene-Polycaprolactone Nanoscaffolds

Spinal cord is an important part of the central nervous system that controls all activities of the body. It is a tubular bundle of nerve fibers and tissues connecting brain to nearly all parts of the body. Nerve cells in an adult human body do not divide and make copies of themselves. Therefore, in case of an injury or damage to any part of spinal cord causes permanent changes to strength, sensation and other body functions. The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine which aims to replace and repair damaged tissues, organs or cells entails for effective methods for fabricating biological scaffolds. Here we present synthesis of fibrous scaffolds by a process called electrospinning that can provide a microenvironment in-vitro for differentiation and proliferation of functional neurons from mesenchymal stem cells. These nanofibrous PCL scaffolds with graphene as filler materials are engineered in such a way so as to provide topological, biochemical as well as electrical cues that can enhance neurite extension and penetration. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a FDA approved synthetic biodegradable polyester extensively used in biomedical applications. Graphene, a single layer carbon crystal, based nanomaterials have recently gained considerable interest for tissue engineering applications including osteogenic, neural and differentiation in other lineages due to their favorable chemical, electrical and mechanical properties. Our final aim is that the functional tissues or organs developed in vitro shall be implanted inside body to rehabilitate the biological function that was lost due to injury, abnormality or loss

Dissecting the Shared Genetic Architecture of Suicide Attempt, Psychiatric Disorders, and Known Risk Factors

Background Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and nonfatal suicide attempts, which occur far more frequently, are a major source of disability and social and economic burden. Both have substantial genetic etiology, which is partially shared and partially distinct from that of related psychiatric disorders. Methods We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 29,782 suicide attempt (SA) cases and 519,961 controls in the International Suicide Genetics Consortium (ISGC). The GWAS of SA was conditioned on psychiatric disorders using GWAS summary statistics via multitrait-based conditional and joint analysis, to remove genetic effects on SA mediated by psychiatric disorders. We investigated the shared and divergent genetic architectures of SA, psychiatric disorders, and other known risk factors. Results Two loci reached genome-wide significance for SA: the major histocompatibility complex and an intergenic locus on chromosome 7, the latter of which remained associated with SA after conditioning on psychiatric disorders and replicated in an independent cohort from the Million Veteran Program. This locus has been implicated in risk-taking behavior, smoking, and insomnia. SA showed strong genetic correlation with psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression, and also with smoking, pain, risk-taking behavior, sleep disturbances, lower educational attainment, reproductive traits, lower socioeconomic status, and poorer general health. After conditioning on psychiatric disorders, the genetic correlations between SA and psychiatric disorders decreased, whereas those with nonpsychiatric traits remained largely unchanged. Conclusions Our results identify a risk locus that contributes more strongly to SA than other phenotypes and suggest a shared underlying biology between SA and known risk factors that is not mediated by psychiatric disorders.Peer reviewe

Eruption status of third molars in South Indian city

Aim : The aim of the present study is to determine the number of third molars per person, angulation, level, amount of space for eruption of third molar between ramus of mandible and second molar status of root and also to study the difficulty index. Objective: To study the eruption status of third molar in South Indian population. Materials and methods: The study conducted at Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Maratha Mandals NG Halgekar College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre. Belgaum, Karnataka, India A total of 150 patients (54 females and 96 males) visiting outpatient department between the age group of 17 and 30 with a mean age of 23.5 years were selected- Before starting the study, ethical concern taken from the ethical committee and informed consent from each patent who underwent radiographic examination. Results: The results showed approximately 94.66% of the subjects had all four third molars, 8.6% had three third molars, 4.6% had two third molars and 2% had one third molars with 3.3% having agenesis of all third molars. Third molar agenesis showed predilection for upper jaw with higher proportion in females (5 5%) than males (2%). Angular position seen maximum with vertical position (66.16%) with least being horizontal impactions. Level of occlusal plane of third molar similar to that of adjacent tooth seen in 52.65%. Below the occlusal plane in 19.61 %, totally impacted teeth noted in 27.73%. More than 75% of the teeth had complete root formation. Among total number of teeth, 518 (91.51 %) teeth were easy to extract and remaining 33 (5.8%) were difficult to extract. Conclusion: Radiological and clinical findings have correlated to assess whether teeth were easy to extract or difficult. Because of the increasing incidence of unerupted third molars and the association of numerous complications with these retained teeth, assessment of germ position and prognosis of third molar eruption is necessary for better patient management

Entomophagy and coprophagy in alcohol use disorder: a rare psychopathology

Behavioural presentations can vary in psychiatric disorders. Entomophagy, i.e. insect eating and coprophagy, i.e. eating of faeces are not only socially inept but also uncommon. These are also considered a variant of pica. The variations in psychopathology, especially the uncommon presentations are worth exploring. Here, we discussed a case with presentation of entomophagia and coprophagia along with alcohol dependence. Possible aetiological hypotheses were considered like pica, oral fixation, thiamine deficiency, and role of amygdala. This case report highlights the need to pursue and explore the aetiological reasons, so as to improve management strategies

Urodynamic profile in patients with Bladder outflow obstruction: Predicting outcomes

Purpose: To access bladder functions or exact degree of outflow obstruction in patients undergoing TURP. Material and Methods: PF studies performed in 100 patients undergoing TURP between Aug 2012 to Aug 2014 before and 3 months after TURP. Results:The mean age of the patients was 70.29 (45-84) years. All patients enrolled in the study were having Serum PSA below 4 ng/ml with average being 1.3 ng/ml. Out of 100 patients, 42 presented with refractory retention and 58 with high AUA score. All patients with refractory retention had stable filling phase; Pdet@Qmax> 79 cm/H2O, with average Qmax -8ml/sec and AG No. >40. 35 patients were happy with outcomes of surgery. Out of 58 patients with high AUA Score, 29 patients were having predominant voiding symptoms, 17 patients were having predominant storage symptoms and 12 patients were having both storage and voiding symptoms. Patients with predominant voiding symptoms and both storage and voiding symptoms had urodynamically stable filling phase with high detrusor pressure and reduced flow rate. All of these had good surgical outcome.13 patients with predominant storage symptoms had detrusor over activity of which 3 were happy with outcomes of surgery; 7 patients had persistent LUTS, 3 lost to follow up. Conclusions: Patients having high AUA symptom score with predominant storage symptoms had detrusor instability (85%) and 45% were unhappy and hence in these patients PF studies could help us to counsel about the results of TURPKeywords:,

Use of ileum for complex ureteric reconstruction: Assessment of long-term outcome, complications, and impact on renal function

Introduction: Defect in ureteral continuity can be due to various etiologies. The surgical options for management of complex long-segment ureteric defects are limited. Use of ileum is indicated in these cases; however, the technique is challenging and outcomes need to be assessed in detail. Material and Methods: It is an observational study conducted over 4 years. After preoperative optimization, ureteric reconstruction was performed using standard techniques of ileal interposition in cases of unilateral and bilateral long-segment ureteric defects. Patients were followed up at regular interval to assess outcomes and see for complications. Results: A total of 14 patients were studied. Two most common indications for performing ileal ureter were iatrogenic injury and radiation-induced strictures (5–5 cases). Most common site of ureteric involvement was lower and midureter seen in 6 cases. The mean length of the ileum used was 11.2 cm. Mean preoperative nadir creatinine level was 1.57 mg/dL in this study. Average postoperative creatinine level at 4-week follow-up was 1.75 mg/dL and 1.45 mg/dL and 1.37 mg/dL, at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The most common short-term complication was paralytic ileus and long-term complication was recurrent urinary tract infection UTI. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Ileal ureter is found to be relatively easy and safe surgery even in patients with borderline high creatinine. There was no worsening of renal function attributable to the conduit in this study. In patients with limited surgical options, it is a suitable alternative, rather than keeping patient on permanent percutaneous nephrostomy or regular stent change. Metabolic acidosis and mucous-associated complications such as pain, infection, and stone formation can be minimized by adherence to strict protocol

Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy in chronic kidney disease patients with ectopic pelvic kidney

Purpose: Patients with deranged renal functions have a number of associated factors which can impair healing of wound and increase postoperative morbidity. This study was conducted to assess the problems while managing ectopic pelvic kidney calculi using laparoscopic approach for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in chronic kidney disease patients. Subjects and Methods: Patients with calculi in ectopic kidney with increased serum creatinine level secondary to obstruction were included in the study. Initially, obstruction was relieved. Patients later underwent laparoscopic-assisted PCNL. Patients were monitored postoperatively. Results: Three patients with large renal calculi in ectopic pelvic kidney had presented in 2 years. Laparoscopic-assisted PCNL was done to remove the stone. Patients had persistent urine leak post-operatively. Mean duration for removal of nephrostomy tube and drain removal were 4.67 days and 6.67 days, respectively. These patients also had paralytic ileus for prolonged duration. Conclusion: Although laparoscopic assisted PCNL is an option in the management of patients with stone disease in ectopic pelvic kidney, prolonged time for healing of tract may increase postoperative morbidity in these patients with impaired renal function