The basal ganglia and thalamus of the long-tailed macaque in stereotaxic coordinates. A template atlas based on coronal, sagittal and horizontal brain sections

A stereotaxic brain atlas of the basal ganglia and thalamus of Macaca fascicularis presented here is designed with a surgical perspective. In this regard, all coordinates have been referenced to a line linking the anterior and posterior commissures (ac–pc line) and considering the center of the ac at the midline as the origin of the bicommissural space. The atlas comprises of 43 different plates (19 coronal levels, 10 sagittal levels and 14 horizontal levels). In addition to ‘classical’ cyto- and chemoarchitectural techniques such as the Nissl method and the acetylcholinesterase stain, several immunohistochemical stains have been performed in adjacent sections, including the detection of tyrosine hydroxylase, enkephalin, neurofilaments, parvalbumin and calbindin. In comparison to other existing stereotaxic atlases for M. fasicularis, this atlas has two main advantages: firstly, brain cartography is based on a wide variety of cyto- and chemoarchitectural stains carried out on adjacent sections, therefore enabling accurate segmentation. Secondly and most importantly, sagittal and horizontal planes are included. Sagittal planes are very useful for calculating oblique trajectories, whereas, clinical researchers engaged in neuroimaging studies will be more familiar with horizontal sections, as they use horizontal (also called “axial”) brain images in their daily routine of their clinical practices

Physicochemical, preliminary phytochemical and powder microscopical studies of “M-Swadishta virechana churna†–An Ayurvedic poly herbal formulation

Ayurvedic formulation M-Swadista virechana churna is known to be an effective laxative in diseases like Arsha (heamorrhoids), Amasangraha (accumulation of Ama-undigested toxic substance) and Vibandha (constipation). Literature reviews revealed that there are no reports available on the physicochemical standardization & Powder microscopy of   “M-Swadishta virechana churna. Hence, analytical studies have been taken up to derive the Pharmacopoeial standards for quality control. The ayurvedic compound formulation, M-Swadishta virechana churna contains Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Madhuka (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Ikshu Sarkara (cane sugar- Saccharam officinarum). The present communication deals with the physico chemical, preliminary phyto chemical and chromatographic with powder microscopical studies gave valuable parameters for laying down Pharmacopoeial standards of the compound formulation

Aggressive approach in a case of cancer cervix with uremia

Carcinoma of cervix is the most common cancer in developing countries. Majority of them present in locally advanced stages. A 36-year-old lady presented with bleeding and white discharge per vagina since four months, vomiting and reduced urine output since two weeks. Patient had an exophytic cervical growth. Investigation revealed elevated serum creatinine. Patient received single fraction radiation and underwent percutaneous nephrostomy. At one month follow-up, serum creatinine returned to almost normal level. Patient underwent bilateral ante grade stenting and completed concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In selected subsets of patients, aggressive management offered longer palliation and good quality of life