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Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become a major global health challenge, with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) being a significant macrovascular complication. PAD is characterized by the occlusion of peripheral arteries and is a marker for atherothrombotic disease. The prevalence of PAD among diabetic patients is concerning due to its association with increased risk of amputation and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PAD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and examine the correlation between the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and the duration of diabetes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Yenepoya Medical College from December 26, 2018, to December 26, 2019, involving 162 type 2 DM patients. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and written informed consent was obtained. Excluded were smokers, individuals with lower limb filariasis, or deep vein thrombosis. ABI was measured using a handheld Doppler in a supine position after 10 minutes of rest. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0. Results: The study population had an average age of 56.35 years, with 63.6% males and 36.4% females. PAD was present in 20.4% (33 out of 162) of participants. A significant negative correlation was found between ABI and the duration of diabetes (R = -0.59, p = 0.00). Most patients were on oral hypoglycemic agents (79.6%), with only 21.6% achieving controlled blood sugar levels. Hypertension was present in 58% of the participants. Albuminuria and retinopathy were found in 26.5% and 29% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of PAD among type 2 DM patients was 20.4%, with a significant correlation between ABI and diabetes duration. Early detection and management of PAD are crucial in improving outcomes for diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal osteoporotic bone marrow defects (FOBMDs) of jaws are rare and usually discovered as an incidental radiographic finding. They present as a poorly demarcated radiolucency affecting the posterior mandible of middle-aged women with pathogenesis remaining unknown. A 60-year-old female patient had visited our dental college for routine dental checkup and oral prophylaxis. Her radiograph revealed a well-defined radiolucency in the left mandibular posterior region as an incidental finding. Clinical examination revealed a diffuse swelling in the above-mentioned region which the patient had not noticed. The patient gave a history of trauma in the same region almost 20 years back. Incisional biopsy was performed. Microscopic examination revealed multiple bits of fatty fibro cellular tissue resembling the bone marrow with aggregates of blood cells. A diagnosis of FOBMD was given. FOBMD, although rare, should be included in differential diagnosis of the radiolucent lesions of the jaws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome is a rare phakomatoses inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mutations of PTCH-1 gene along with microdeletion of chromosome 9q. It is manifested by multiple tumours and abnormalities most importantly featured with multiple basal cell carcinoma, Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) and other skeletal disorders. Case Report: A 11- year-old girl having facial asymmetry and pain on the right side of the jaw reported to the department. Radiographic examination revealed multiple radiolucencies in the mandible. The biopsy and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of multiple OKC. Further investigations led to the case fulfilling 3 major criteria of multiple OKC, falx and tentorium cerebelli calcifications, palmar and plantar pits which established the diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Conclusion: Being a condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach, early diagnosis and appropriate prophylactic measures along with proper treatment is essential for a better prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are molecules in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm and they can be synthesized by physical, chemical and biological methods. Green synthesis involves the production of nanoparticles from bacteria, fungi, algae, plants and plant extracts. Plant extracts with their chemical constituents can capture the target metals from their salt solution and transform the metal particles into nanoparticles with the cellular catalysts. The present study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the liquid endosperm of coconut, the coconut water (Cocos nucifera), Liquid endosperm of palm fruit (Borassus flabellifer) and coconut Toddy as the reducing agent. The bio-reduction of aqueous silver ions by coconut water is identified by its colour change. During the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, the colour of the solution changed from milky white to brown. The characterization of synthesized AgNPs (Silver Nanoparticles) was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The peaks obtained at 250 and 350 nm confirmed the presence of synthesized Silver Nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using disc diffusion method. The recent approach of green synthesis is quite impressive due to its eco- friendly, economical, feasible and non- toxic nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report Glyptotermes ceylonicus (Holmgren, 1911), an endemic Sri Lankan termite, for the first time from India. Glyptotermes show a high degree of endemism throughout the world. Record of this species from the current location indicates a wide distribution of this species in southern India, in the past, before the complete separation of Sri Lanka from India. The current distribution of Glyptotermes ceylonicus is also an example of discontinuous distribution. Pictorial illustrations of the morphologically important parts and revised key for the Indian species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstact Background Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex, maintains the inhibitory tones that counter balances neuronal excitation. When this balance is perturbed, seizures may ensue. Methods In the present study, alterations of the general GABA, GABAA and GABAB receptors in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat and the therapeutic application of Bacopa monnieri were investigated. Results Scatchard analysis of [3H]GABA, [3H]bicuculline and [3H]baclofen in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat showed significant decrease in Bmax (P < 0.001) compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of GABA receptor subunits such as GABAAά1, GABAAγ, GABAAδ, GABAB and GAD where down regulated (P < 0.001) in epileptic rats. GABAAά5 subunit and Cyclic AMP responsible element binding protein were up regulated. Confocal imaging study confirmed the decreased GABA receptors in epileptic rats. Epileptic rats have deficit in radial arm and Y maze performance. Conclusions Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment reverses epilepsy associated changes to near control suggesting that decreased GABA receptors in the cerebral cortex have an important role in epileptic occurrence; Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A have therapeutic application in epilepsy management.

Abstract Diabetes and stress stimulate hippocampal 5-HT synthesis, metabolism and release. The present study was carried out to find the effects of insulin, Aegle marmelose alone and in combination with pyridoxine on the hippocampal 5-HT, 5-HT2A receptor subtype, gene expression studies on 5-HT2A, 5-HTT, INSR, immunohistochemical studies and elevated plus maze in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. 5-HT content showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in 5-HIAA in hippocampus of diabetic rats compared to control. 5-HT receptor binding parameters Bmax and Kd showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) whereas 5-HT2A receptor binding parameters Bmax showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Kd in hippocampus of diabetic rats compared to control. Gene expression studies of 5-HT2A, 5-HTT and INSR in hippocampus showed a significant down regulation (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to control. Pyridoxine treated in combination with insulin and A. marmelose to diabetic rats reversed the 5-HT content, Bmax , Kd of 5-HT, 5-HT2A and gene expression of 5-HT2A, 5-HTT and INSR in hippocampus to near control. The gene expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HTT were confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. Behavioural studies using elevated plus maze showed that serotonin through its transporter significantly increased (p < 0.001) anxiety-related traits in diabetic rats which were corrected by combination therapy. Our results suggest that pyridoxine treated in combination with insulin and A. marmelose has a role in the regulation of insulin synthesis and release, normalising diabetic related stress and anxiety through hippocampal serotonergic function. This has clinical significance in the management of diabetes.

Abstract Glucose homeostasis in humans is an important factor for the functioning of nervous system. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is found to be associated with central and peripheral nerve system dysfunction. Changes in acetylcholine receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many major diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study we showed the effects of insulin induced hypoglycemia and streptozotocin induced diabetes on the cerebellar cholinergic receptors, GLUT3 and muscle cholinergic activity. Results showed enhanced binding parameters and gene expression of Muscarinic M1, M3 receptor subtypes in cerebellum of diabetic (D) and hypoglycemic group (D + IIH and C + IIH). α7nAchR gene expression showed a significant upregulation in diabetic group and showed further upregulated expression in both D + IIH and C + IIH group. AchE expression significantly upregulated in hypoglycemic and diabetic group. ChAT showed downregulation and GLUT3 expression showed a significant upregulation in D + IIH and C + IIH and diabetic group. AchE activity enhanced in the muscle of hypoglycemic and diabetic rats. Our studies demonstrated a functional disturbance in the neuronal glucose transporter GLUT3 in the cerebellum during insulin induced hypoglycemia in diabetic rats. Altered expression of muscarinic M1, M3 and α7nAchR and increased muscle AchE activity in hypoglycemic rats in cerebellum is suggested to cause cognitive and motor dysfunction. Hypoglycemia induced changes in ChAT and AchE gene expression is suggested to cause impaired acetycholine metabolism in the cerebellum. Cerebellar dysfunction is associated with seizure generation, motor deficits and memory impairment. The results shows that cerebellar cholinergic neurotransmission is impaired during hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and the hypoglycemia is causing more prominent imbalance in cholinergic neurotransmission which is suggested to be a cause of cerebellar dysfunction associated with hypoglycemia.

Abstract Acetylcholine (ACh), the first neurotransmitter to be identified, regulate the activities of central and peripheral functions through interactions with muscarinic receptors. Changes in muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many major diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Previous reports from our laboratory on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats showed down regulation of muscarinic M1 receptors in the brainstem, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex and pancreatic islets. In this study, we have investigated the changes of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme activity, total muscarinic and muscarinic M1 receptor binding and gene expression in the corpus striatum of STZ – diabetic rats and the insulin treated diabetic rats. The striatum, a neuronal nucleus intimately involved in motor behaviour, is one of the brain regions with the highest acetylcholine content. ACh has complex and clinically important actions in the striatum that are mediated predominantly by muscarinic receptors. We observed that insulin treatment brought back the decreased maximal velocity (Vmax) of acetylcholine esterase in the corpus striatum during diabetes to near control state. In diabetic rats there was a decrease in maximal number (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of total muscarinic receptors whereas muscarinic M1 receptors were increased with decrease in affinity in diabetic rats. We observed that, in all cases, the binding parameters were reversed to near control by the treatment of diabetic rats with insulin. Real-time PCR experiment confirmed the increase in muscarinic M1 receptor gene expression and a similar reversal with insulin treatment. These results suggest the diabetes-induced changes of the cholinergic activity in the corpus striatum and the regulatory role of insulin on binding parameters and gene expression of total and muscarinic M1 receptors.

The reproductive biology of the Myristica Swamp tree frog (Mercurana myristicapalus-tris), a monotypic rhacophorid frog endemic to the foothills of the Western Ghats mountains of India, has remained unknown since the description of the genus and species. We monitored individuals from parental generation amplexus to the completion of offspring generation tadpole metamorphosis. Surprisingly, our observations revealed that this species exhibits many previously unknown characteristics, including the first ever record of the female, and a diverse call repertoire, consisting of five different call types (the functions of which remain incompletely known). We were also able to determine that reproductive activity peaked during the late pre-monsoon season, that males engaged in intraspecific aggressive encounters to occupy and to defend desirable territories, and that oviposition took place in terrestrial nests made by females. Embryonic development in the unattended nest was followed by tadpole development, which concluded within 40 days. The specific breeding mode employed by Mercurana, which restricts its range to the endangered Myristica swamp ecosystem, likely renders it susceptible to multiple threats, which should be considered jointly in future conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is mandatory for general dental practitioners (GDPs) to identify questionable oral lesions and provide a suitable diagnosis and treatment plan for the same. Biopsy serves as an important aid in establishing the histological characteristics of oral lesions leading to their accurate diagnosis. But most dentists are reluctant to perform biopsies and refer cases to higher centers. Aims and objectives: To explore the attitude of GDPs of Thrissur district of Kerala to biopsy of oral lesions, to explore the reasons for reluctance of GDPs to perform biopsies, to emphasize the importance of oral pathologists, and to create general awareness about the importance of oral biopsies. Materials and methods: A self-designed questionnaire detailing open- and close-ended questions regarding the sociodemographic and professional aspects of the dental practitioners and their knowledge about oral biopsy procedures filled in by the randomly selected dental practitioners was used. Results: Most dentists agreed that biopsy was important in diagnosis and management of oral lesions, though most of them did not perform biopsies due to various reasons. The knowledge of the practitioners regarding the various oral lesions, biopsy techniques, handling of specimen, and laboratory techniques were found to be inadequate. Conclusion: As of now, no emphasis is given regarding the mandatory need for biopsy by general dentists in the current curriculum of Dental Council of India (DCI) for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. It is hoped that the study will help in emphasizing the need for specific training or continuing dental education (CDE) programs to enhance the practical skills of dental practitioners so that biopsy is regularly used as a tool in the diagnosis of questionable oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Mucormycosis is a rare acute opportunistic fungal infection with a high mortality rate. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals. Aims: Oral manifestation of mucormycosis is rare. When it does occur, it commonly affects the palate followed by alveolus. Settings and design: The representative tissue received was 10% formalin fixed, 3 × 3 cm in diameter, and floated on the surface of the fixative. Materials and methods: Sections of 5 microns thick were obtained from paraffin-embedded tissues that were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Gomori methenamine stains. Conclusion: Examination of paraffin-embedded sections showed broad aseptate fungal hyphae branching at 90° together with Candida pseudohyphae and yeast forms along with necrotic bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]