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Objective: To investigate the potential of ascorbic acid in mitigating reproductive toxicity induced by di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female Wistar rats, focusing on oxidative stress, hormone levels, and gonadotropin receptors expression. Methods: Forty female Wistar rats [30 days old, weighing (60±10)g] were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group). Group 1 received corn oil (control). Groups 2 and 3 were administered DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.), respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/ kg b.wt., respectively, plus ascorbic acid 100 mg/kg b.wt.. All treatments were given orally for 30 days. Blood and ovarian tissues were collected to assess serum reproductive hormones, gonadotropin receptor gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis. Results: DEHP, particularly at the higher dose, significantly decreased hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol) and gonadotropin receptor gene expression (FSHR, LHR), while increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Co-treatment with ascorbic acid significantly improved these parameters, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and restoring hormone levels and gonadotropin receptor expression. Histopathology revealed fewer atretic follicles and less disruption in ovarian structure in DEHP and ascorbic acid-treated groups compared to those treated with DEHP alone. Conclusions: Ascorbic acid demonstrates protective effects against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats, likely through mitigating oxidative stress and normalizing hormone levels and ovarian function.

Background Death due to hanging is commonly seen. Sometime the ligature mark will be very prominent and in some cases it might not. In those cases, the post-mortem examination with its gross morphological findings and histopathological analysis, becomes significantly important. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of epidemiological, gross morphological, and histopathological features in hanging cases. Methods The study was conducted on 46 cases of hanging and was carried out from February 2023 to June 2024. Their sociodemographic features were collected. Gross morphological analysis of the ligature mark and various measurements were taken. Later tissue from the ligature mark was sent for histopathological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected parameters. Results Significant male preponderance was observed in hanging cases. The maximum number of cases of hanging were observed in the fourth decade of life. Daily wage workers were the most significantly affected population. Depression was cited as the cause of suicide in most cases. Carotid intimal tears and injuries to bony and cartilaginous structures were present in smaller numbers. Vital reaction was observed in all 46 cases. Classification of wound vitality showed a correlation to known time since injury. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that socio-demographic factors play a significant role in the circumstances leading to suicidal deaths. Therefore, in reducing the burden of suicidal deaths, these factors must be addressed. To identify the cause of death as hanging analysis of various gross features and histopathology are very important and should be conducted carefully.

Background Sudden and unexpected deaths are increasing drastically. The main cause of sudden death is cardiovascular disease, out of which coronary artery disease predominates forming 80% of the cases. Most of the time, detecting early changes in myocardial infarction during the autopsy is challenging since gross infarct changes do not appear until after 24 to 48 hours of myocardial ischemia injury. So, the aim of this study was to compare two test to detect early changes of Myocardial Infarction one by using Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining of the myocardial tissue, during autopsy and other by histopathological examination. Methods The sample size of 60 hearts taken from all the sudden deaths cases brought to Mortuary with suspected cause of death due to cardiac origin. The heart was obtained from the deceased by standard post-mortem technique. Serial full-thickness transverse sections of the heart were taken at 2 cm intervals from the apex to the atrioventricular groove. All the serial slices of heart are taken for histochemical staining and TTC staining. Results In histopathological examination 34 hearts were diagnosed with myocardial infarction and 26 hearts reported non myocardial infarction. With TTC 40 hearts remained unstained suggestive of myocardial infarction and 20 hearts were stained suggestive of non-infarcted hearts. TTC staining in our study shows an accuracy of 88.33%. Conclusion The result of this study shows that the Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride test, a histochemical staining technique of heart, is reliable approach for forensic pathologists to diagnose early myocardial infarction during the post-mortem examination.

Stabilization using industrial by-products is presently gaining importance in the construction sector for improving the geotechnical characteristics of soft soils. The optimum dosage of stabilisers has become of great interest to experimenters in terms of improved strength, time, and economy for construction projects. This work presents the utilization of biomedical waste ash for improving the strength of soft soil. In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to determine the optimum combination curing period (C) and biomedical waste ash (BA) quantity for attaining the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soft soil and to reduce the number of trial tests required. The response factors C and BA were varied from 0 to 14 days and 4% to 20%, respectively, and the experiments were conducted according to the experimental plan provided by the RSM design. Based on a Face-centred Central Composite Design (FCCCD), a mathematical equation was created for the experimental results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the generated model’s significance, and the results indicated a statically significant model (p ≤ 0.05). The results revealed that the curing period imparts more influence towards strength improvement, and the optimum dosage was 19.912% BA, with curing of 14 days to yield a maximum UCS of 203.008 kPa. This optimization technique may be suggested to obtain a preliminary estimation of strength prior to stabilization.

Background: The polyherbal formulation (PHF) liberin, is known to exert anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, it is important to study the safety profile of PHF in the current study through acute and chronic toxicity evaluation. Objectives: This research aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of PHF in rats. Materials and methods: PHF was administered once orally (1000 mg/kg body weight), and the rats (male and female) were monitored for toxicity signs for a 14-day period. For a 28-day chronic toxicity study, rats were daily administered with PHF dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Rats were followed up for mortality, weight changes, and other morbidities. Further haematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: No death related to treatment or toxicity signs were recorded in the acute single-dose administration group. The results showed that the PHF was tolerated well up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. Even at the high dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic tests did not show any significant difference between the dosed and normal groups. No significant changes were seen in the histopathological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney as well as haematological and biochemical parameters in acute, sub-chronic and satellite groups following the administration of PHF. Conclusion: The results confirmed that there was no adverse effect of this PHF at the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Further, no adverse delayed effects related to PHF were observed in the satellite group. Therefore, this PHF appears safe for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurvedic medicinal system.

The present study explores the intricate relationship between the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of lithomargic clays in the Uttara Kannada region of south India. Lithomargic clays, characterized by their unique composition of clay minerals and calcareous content, play a crucial role in the geotechnical behavior of soils. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the mineralogical composition and engineering characteristics of lithomargic clays, shedding light on their suitability for various construction and infrastructure projects. The research methodology involves a systematic analysis of lithomargic clay samples collected from different locations in the Uttara Kannada region. Geotechnical investigations, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and triaxial tests, are conducted to assess the engineering properties of the clays. Concurrently, mineralogical analyses, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are employed to identify and quantify the clay mineral constituents within the samples. The findings of this study reveal correlations between specific mineralogical features and geotechnical behaviors of lithomargic clays. Understanding these relationships is crucial for predicting the response of these clays to different engineering applications, including slope stability, foundation design and embankment construction. The research contributes valuable insights to the scientific and engineering communities, aiding in the informed utilization of lithomargic clays in geotechnical projects in the Uttara Kannada region and beyond. The outcomes of this investigation, such as the correlation of geotechnical properties with the variation in minerals in various sample locations, enhance our understanding of the complex nature of lithomargic clays, providing a foundation for more sustainable and effective engineering practices in the geologically diverse landscapes of south India.

Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between the body’s pro-oxidants and antioxidants. Recently, oxidative stress has been proven a contributing factor to many female reproductive disorders including infertility, preeclampsia, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Herein, we review the mechanistic role of oxidative stress in inducing the most common female reproductive disorders. The current review has also highlighted the protective role of vitamin C, necessary for certain female reproductive hormone secretion by the antral follicle and corpus luteum and also essential for collagen production in ovarian tissue remodeling after ovulation, in alleviating oxidative stress and thus improving female reproductive outcomes.

Background: Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine and describes a vast array of herbs and herbal mixtures that are been demonstrated to possess efficacy in research investigations. Guggulutikthaka gritha (GTG) is one such drug evaluated for its role in skin and bone diseases. Objective: In the current study, the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the drug GTG was studied with the scope to treat dyslipidemia and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Materials and method: The animals (Wistar rats) were fed a high-fat diet and dyslipidemia was induced. The control group was provided with a normal chow diet and had free access to water. The treatment with the drug GTG was given for 21 days after confirming dyslipidemia. The blood glucose was measured immediately using a glucometer. The serum was analyzed for lipid profile and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule – 1(VCAM 1) by ELISA method before and after treatment. The histopathology of the heart and liver was also performed. Results: The abnormal change in lipid profile, blood glucose, and inflammatory marker along with the accumulation of intracellular fats in the arteries of the heart and liver confirmed dyslipidemia. A significant reduction in serum lipid profile (p

Malignant melanoma with infiltration into the bone marrow is seldom reported in the literature, for they are exceedingly rare. The primary site is not always apparent and a sizeable number of cases have been attributed to an occult primary. Metastasis to bone marrow is a terminal event usually occurring in stage IV of the disease and can be a focus of residual tumor cells which can cause a relapse. The current documentation is of a case of melanoma occurring as a rectal primary with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukoerythroblastic reaction. The marrow aspirates and trephine biopsy showed round to spindle-shaped malignant cells with intracytoplasmic brown-black coarse pigment, suggestive of melanin. The patient was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma but was lost for follow-up. The recognition of such an entity is important for both pathologists and clinicians alike. This case is being reported for the novelty of such an occurrence.

Introduction: Acrylamide, an industrial toxic chemical, formed naturally in starchy foods, cooked at high temperature. Acrylamide is known to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats and extent of its effect with respect to sperm and histopathological parameters is not well studied. Aim: To evaluate the influence of acrylamide on male reproductive structural and functional alterations. Materials and Methods: We examined the toxic potential of acrylamide doses, including 0 (distilled water), 6.25, 25 mg/kg body weight/day, in 18 adult male Wistar rats administered by oral gavage for 21 days. Body weight was recorded daily, and the animals were sacrificed at the end of treatment. The relative testis and epididymis wet weights were measured. Sperm count, motility, and morphology were assessed from the epididymis sperm reserve. The testis and epididymis were examined for histological abnormalities. One-way ANOVA was used to test the significant difference in the quantitative responses, followed by Tukey HSD pairwise comparison test. Results: The acrylamide decreased the body weight (p

Background Death due to hanging is commonly seen. Sometime the ligature mark will be very prominent and in some cases it might not. In those cases, the post-mortem examination with its gross morphological findings and histopathological analysis, becomes significantly important. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of epidemiological, gross morphological, and histopathological features in hanging cases. Methods The study was conducted on 46 cases of hanging. Their sociodemographic features were collected. Gross morphological analysis of the ligature mark and various measurements were taken. Later tissue from the ligature mark was sent for histopathological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected parameters. Results Significant male preponderance was observed in hanging cases. The maximum number of cases of hanging were observed in the fourth decade of life. Daily wage workers were the most significantly affected population. Depression was cited as the cause of suicide in most cases. Carotid intimal tears and injuries to bony and cartilaginous structures were present in smaller numbers. Vital reaction was observed in all 46 cases. Classification of fwound vitality showed a correlation to known time since injury. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that socio-demographic factors play a significant role in the circumstances leading to suicidal deaths. Therefore, in reducing the burden of suicidal deaths, these factors must be addressed. To identify the cause of death as hanging analysis of various gross features and histopathology are very important and should be conducted carefully.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by free-living amebae Naegleria fowleri is a rare and fatal condition. A fatal case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in a 5-month-old infant who presented with the history of decrease breast feeding, fever, vomiting, and abnormal body movements. Trophozoites of Naegleria fowleri were detected in the direct microscopic examination of CSF and infant was put on amphotericin B and ceftazidime. Patient condition deteriorated, and he was discharged against medical advice and subsequently expired. We also reviewed previously reported 8 Indian cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and observed that for the last 5 years, none of the patients responded to amphotericin B. Has an era of amphotericin B-resistant Naegleria fowleri been emerged? Management strategy of PAM needs to be reviewed further.

Background Sudden and unexpected deaths are increasing drastically. The main cause of sudden death is cardiovascular disease, out of which coronary artery disease predominates forming 80% of the cases. Most of the time, detecting early changes in myocardial infarction during the autopsy is challenging since gross infarct changes do not appear until after 24 to 48 hours of myocardial ischemia injury. So, the aim of this study was to compare two test to detect early changes of Myocardial Infarction one by using Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining of the myocardial tissue, during autopsy and other by histopathological examination. Methods The sample size of 60 hearts taken from all the sudden deaths cases brought to Mortuary with suspected cause of death due to cardiac origin. The heart was obtained from the deceased by standard post-mortem technique. Serial full-thickness transverse sections of the heart were taken at 2 cm intervals from the apex to the atrioventricular groove. All the serial slices of heart are taken for histochemical staining and TTC staining. Results In histopathological examination 34 hearts were diagnosed with myocardial infarction and 26 hearts reported non myocardial infarction. With TTC 40 hearts remained unstained suggestive of myocardial infarction and 20 hearts were stained suggestive of non-infarcted hearts. TTC staining in our study shows an accuracy of 88.33%. Conclusion The result of this study shows that the Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride test, a histochemical staining technique of heart, is reliable approach for forensic pathologists to diagnose early myocardial infarction during the post-mortem examination.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disease responsible for moderate to severe hemolytic anaemia. Despite being the most common erythrocyte enzyme disorder, it is often overlooked in the regular diagnostic parlance. A 40-year-old male patient admitted to the casualty with an acutely exacerbated diabetic ketoacidosis, showed features of hemolytic anaemia on peripheral smear examination. Crucially, the spherocytes and bite cells suggested a possibility of G6PD deficiency. This was substantiated by an increased reticulocyte count (6.8%) and a reduced quantitative G6PD enzyme assay (7.2%). There was no significant family or prior medical/ drug history. Interestingly, the hemolytic features were evidenced when blood glucose levels were returning to normal values. The insulin mediated NADPH loss may have resulted in an increased erythrocyte oxidant sensitivity and a loss of sulfhydryl group availability; causing hemolysis to manifest. G6PD deficiency is conventionally affiliated with drug induced oxidative stress. But an association with a diabetes mellitus is seldom reported. This case is being presented as it highlights the lesser known complication of diabetic crisis such as hemolysis secondary to a G6PD deficiency.