End Of 2nd Week Research Articles

A study of the effect of antitubercular drugs on liver functions in newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis during intensive phase of therapy in tertiary care hospital

Background: Antitubercular drugs are commonly associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), which can present as asymptomatic alterations in liver function test (LFT) to symptomatic hepatic injury and failure. Regular and frequent monitoring of LFT during intensive phase of therapy helps to identify early DILI and its complication. Aims and Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate the effects of antitubercular drugs on liver functions by early monitoring. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 1 year among 97 newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients in tertiary care hospital. LFT was performed during baseline, at the end of 2nd week, and at end of intensive phase of treatment. Diagnosis of liver injury was based on DILI criteria and assessment of the clinical pattern of liver damage was done using “R value”. Results: Among 97 patients, 16 had experienced DILI and incidence was higher during the first visit. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase were significantly altered during the first visit while AST and total bilirubin during the second visit. The number of parameters deranged was higher at the end of intensive phase than during the end of 2nd week. Cholestatic pattern (81.25 %) of liver injury was the most common type as per “R value”. According to DILI network severity index, the majority were categorized as “moderately-severe” and “moderate” during the first and second follow-up, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of antitubercular drugs-induced liver injury was higher during the initial 2 weeks of treatment, but the derangement was more evident at the end of the intensive phase. Frequent and regular monitoring during the initial phase of treatment helps to detect early DILI which prevents the impending liver failure.

Targeting PknL as a novel therapeutic strategy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The bacterium “Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)” causes tuberculosis, which is currently regarded as the most common cause of bacterial infection-related death globally. In addition to eukaryotes, MTB also encodes 11 “serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs),” including PknA, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, and L that control cell division, cell development, metabolism, and dormancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antisense and sense-orientated PknL have been cloned utilizing the shuttle mycobacterial vector-pAZI9018b, which is IPTG inducible. Utilizing the appropriate primers, the PknL (Rv2176) full-length gene from MTB has been amplified. The product which was amplified was then inoculated inside the vector at the “5’BamH1 and 3’Nde1” regions to produce PknL in the sense orientation (PknL-S) resembling PknL-S, and likewise, amplified substance was introduced into the vector at the 3’BamHI and 5’NdeI sites for producing PknL in the antisense orientation (PknL-AS). RESULTS: Regardless of the absence or presence of an inducer, PknL-AS had lower transcription levels than Wild type and PknL-S, but PknL-AS revealed a significant decrease in PknL expression during the end of 2nd week with 1 mM of IPTG and a further decrease on day 10 with 10 mM IPTG. In the presence of 10 mM IPTG, PknL expression has been close to, 1.8 log in Wild type, 1.4 log in PknL-AS, and 2.4 log in PknL-S. CONCLUSION: It has been clear that PknL may read environmental cues and respond appropriately, assisting bacteria to adapt to stressful situations in the host by lowering bacterial development, leading to a dormant state, and allowing bacteria to stay inside the host.

PROSTAGLANDIN ANALOG OR RHO KINASE INHIBITOR – WHICH ONE IS BETTER IN PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and adverse drug reactions of ripasudil and bimatoprost. Methods: An open-label, prospective, observational, randomized study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology M.L.N. Medical College in association with Manohar Das Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Prayagraj, for 1 year after ethical clearance. A total of 118 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken and randomized into two groups. Only 109 patients completed the study, Group 1 received ripasudil (n=54) and Group 2 received bimatoprost (n=55). Intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear brake-up time (TBUT), and hyperemia were measured at the initiation of treatment and then measured at different time intervals. Results: Group 1 and Group 2 patients were observed and followed up for 3 months. At the end of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th week in Group 1, ripasudil significantly showed better results in reducing IOP as compared to Group 2 bimatoprost. In terms of TBUT, both groups at the 12th week did not show any significant difference. The OSDI score of both groups showed a non-significant difference at the 12th week. At the end of 2nd week, hyperemia was comparable for both groups but ripasudil showed more hyperemia at the end of the 12th week. Conclusion: We concluded that ripasudil is more effective than bimatoprost in reducing IOP in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. In terms of adverse effect profile, both drugs showed similar effects in TUBT and OSDI scores. The safety profile of both drugs is similar but the hyperemia score of ripasudil is more than bimatoprost.

Comparative Study of Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with or without Preservation of Nasal Mucosal Flap.

To analyse the result of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystrhinostomy with or without preservation of nasal mucosal flap. Randomised prospective cohort design. Tertiary academic centre. 100 patients who presented with epiphora and diagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis after syringing by ophthalmologist, were selected and randomised into two groups. Standard surgical procedure of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was carried out except for the preservation of flap in group A and without preservation of flap in group B. Additional surgeries were done according to necessity. Postoperatively, patients were followed up on OPD-basis at the end of 1stweek, 2nd week, 1stmonth, and 3rd month. Symptomatic improvement was assessed and patency checked by syringing by the ophthalmologist. Nil intraoperative complications (p < 0.05)and nil postoperative complication noted (p < 0.05). Functional and anatomical patency found to be 100% at the end of 1st week in both groups, 96% at 3rd month in case group A and 98%,92% and 82% respectively at the end of 2nd week, 1st month and 3rd month in group B. Nasal endoscopy of all surgical failures showed restenosis in both groups and synechiae in 2 patients in group B. Preservation of nasal mucosal flap with modification around stoma can be used to cover the bared bone with avoidance of granulation tissue formation reducing the risk of closure of ostium with large rhinostomy and improve success of endoscopic endonasal DCR.

Comparative Effectiveness of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Along with Conventional Treatment Vs Conventional Treatment Alone in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Due to cartilage damage adduction movement increased at knee joint which alters biomechanics of knee joint. All muscles attached to knee joint get overstretched, tightened and trigger points formed in them produces pain and alters functioning of knee joint. Objective: To determine which treatment approach either integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique INIT combined with conventional treatment or conventional treatment alone was effective in reducing pain, improving ROM and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on n=28 patients (23 females, 5 males) with age group of 45-70 years were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A received conventional treatment along with INIT technique and group B received conventional treatment alone, treatment was given for 2 weeks with 3 sessions / week. NPRS was used to measure pain at baseline, after 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th session of treatment. ROM through goniometer measured at baseline, after 1st and at end of 2nd week (6th session). WOMAC scale for quality of life improvement measured at baseline and at end of 2nd week (6th session). SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: In-Between group analysis showed significant difference exist in knee pain and WOMAC scale values. However no, significant difference exist between both groups for knee flexion and extension except for knee extension range, improved after 6th session. Conclusion: Reduction in knee pain and disability of patient along with improved knee ROM was remarkably noted in the patients who received INIT technique combined with conventional treatment. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, trigger points, INIT technique, conventional treatment, Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Ethical Approval Number: TUF/IRB/178/2023

LATERAL INTERNAL SPHINCTEROTOMY VS ANAL DILATATION IN CHRONIC ANAL FISSURE; A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Anal fissure is a common problem with widespread presence in young adults and middle age group people. After the failure of conservative method there is a need of a good surgical procedure. Aim of this study is to determine the better surgical outcome between LIS and AD. Material and methods: This is a prospective observational hospital based study which included 65 patients of CAF in each LIS and AD group. They were followed for 3 months post-op for recurrence, pain relief and ulcer healing. Study was conducted after approval from ethics committee. Result: By the end of 2nd week, 99% patients of LIS group show pain relief with median VAS score of 1 and IQR of 0-1 while 93.84% patients in AD group with median VAS score was 1 with IQR of 0-2. (p-value=0.013). At one-month post-op 100% patients in LIS group shows healing of ulcer while in 92.3% in AD group. (p-value=0.068). At 3rd month LIS group show 4.6% recurrence while it is 27.7% in AD group, which is significantly higher with p-value&gt;0.001. Conclusion: Both the surgical procedures are good with ulcer healing and pain relief but, LIS shows significantly higher pain relief than AD. In terms of recurrence LIS is a significantly far better procedure than AD. Overall LIS is a superior procedure for CAF than AD.

Comparative study on effectiveness of myofascial release technique along with ultrasound therapy V/S myofascial release technique along with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the fibromyalgia neck patients

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by wide spread musculoskeletal pain with multiple symptoms which include fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction and psychological distress. It is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the world. It has prevalence rate of 2% in the world population, and it’s found 1% to 4.9% in women population, 0% to 2.9% in men population. There are many aetiologies fibromyalgia such as Diet, Viral, Occupation, Seasonal, Environmental, Post traumatic stress disorder, Psychological and Cognitive behavioural factors are most common. Neck pain is one of the symptoms that experience with fibromyalgia. Aim: To compare the effect Myofascial Release technique along with Ultrasound Versus Myofascial Release technique along with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Fibromyalgia Neck patients. Materials and Methods: This was a Randomised Control study. A total of 60 patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A patients treated with Ultrasound along with MFR and Group B patients treated with TENS along with MFR and outcome measures were collected on day 1, at the end of 2nd week and at the end of 3rd week. Data from study were analysed using the statistical package SPSS 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and level of significance was set at p

Atypical Kawasaki Disease with Polymyositis and Panniculitis

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium-vessel vasculitis that commonly affects young children. Many atypical presentations that differ from the classical phenotype have been described. Clinical Description: A 3-year-old boy presented with acute onset refusal to walk due to severe pain in both lower limbs for 8 days. This was accompanied by fever for 7 days. Significant findings included diffuse tenderness of bilateral thighs and leg muscles, probable normal joints, and absence of rashes, edema, significant lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, or paralysis. He had a hemoglobin of 10.6 g/dL, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and normal platelet count (384 × 109/L). He was started on intravenous cloxacillin, assuming polymyositis or acute osteomyelitis. Radiographs, ultrasonography, and bone scan of the lower limbs revealed normal bones and joints. However, magnetic resonance imaging detected patchy hyperintensities in multiple muscles, though muscle-specific enzyme levels were normal. The fever and pain persisted and investigations for other differentials (including classical KD) were inconclusive. At the end of 2nd week of illness, atypical KD was suspected, when he developed periungual skin peeling with increasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and platelet counts. Management: The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiogram proven left main coronary artery dilatation. He was started on intravenous immunoglobulin. Since fever persisted, a second dose was administered, following which defervescence occurred and his symptoms subsided. Conclusions: Atypical KD should be considered in a fever of unknown origin when diagnostic criteria of classical KD are not satisfied. Polymyositis and panniculitis are uncommon atypical manifestations.

Prof K C Dube Poster Award

Background:OCD is a very debilitating illness that is difficult to treat. Uses of rTMS have been studied in the last decade, but its long-term efficacy as an adjunctive modality is still under trial.Objectives:1) to compare the efficacy of adjunctive low-frequency true rTMS over SMA in patients with OCD with sham stimulation.2) to observe the long-term effects of true r-TMS in patients with OCD.Methodology:it was prospective randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, and 30 patients were selected from the outpatient department of the Institute of mental health and hospital, Agra. Patients were diagnosed with OCD as per the international classification of disease version 10(ICD-10) and were deemed treatment resistant-OCD. Patients were divided into true rTMS and sham rTMS groups by using systematic random sampling. Patient’s symptoms severity assessed on Y-BOCS, HAM-D and CGI on the baseline, 2nd week and monthly onwards for six months. rTMS was administered 5 days in a week for two weeks and no change in pharmacological treatment was done during this period.Result:11 out of 15 patients in true rTMS group while 1out of 15 patients in sham rTMS group were found to have more than 25% reduction of Y-BOCS at the end of 2nd week. i.e., the improvement was significant in the true rTMS group (p<0.001) than sham rTMS. 10 out of 11 responders sustained the effect until the end of the 3rd month while only six patients sustained the response at the end of the 6th month. (p>0.05).Conclusion:the result of this study is suggestive of “short term efficacy” of adjunctive low-frequency rTMS over SMA in patients with OCD

Immunotherapeutic effect of chitosan and listeriolysin O on Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chitosan and listeriolysin O (LLO) on the immune response against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice. L. monocytogenes isolate was obtained from the unit of Zoonotic Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad. It was reactivated and cultured on PALCAM agar and exposed to a confirmatory diagnostic test. listeriolysin O (LLO) was extracted and purified. Sixty mice were used and divided into four groups each one involving 15 mice; the first group was fed on diet supplemented with a chitosan for 4 weeks. At the end of the 2nd week, normal saline was injected S/C; the second group was fed on a normal diet without any addition. At the end of 2nd week, 0.3 ml of LLO was injected S/C, then the booster dose of LLO was given after 14 days of 1st injection; the third group was fed on a diet supplemented with chitosan as in G1, and treated as in G2 and the fourth group fed on a normal diet without any addition and treated as in G1. A skin test was performed on 5 mice of each group while a Challenge test by injection of 0.2ml of 1x109 CFU/ml of viable L. monocytogenes intraperitoneally was performed on other mice. The concentration of IgG titer and IL6 were measured. The results revealed that the third group recorded significantly higher values in the skin thickness, IgG, and IL6 concentrations when compared with other groups at different times which indicate that LLO and chitosan may support each other to provide the most beneficial effect by eliciting of good cellular and humeral immunity against listeriosis.

English

BACKGROUND Evidence till date indicates high incidence of neck pain, and soft tissue techniques [muscle energy technique (MET), strain counter strain (SCS)] have proven to be effective for non-specific neck pain (NSNP). However, their comparative effect is yet to be proven, hence the present study attempted to investigate the comparative effectiveness of MET with SCS techniques in individuals with NSNP. METHODS Total 10 participants diagnosed with NSNP were included in the study. They were allocated into two groups utilizing convenient sampling. Group A received MET with SCS technique and Group B received MET with conventional physiotherapy. The interventions were given for 2 weeks, 3 sessions per week for 45 minutes. The outcome measures used in the study were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), range of motion (ROM) which were assessed before the intervention immediately after the first session and at 1st week and end of 2nd week. RESULTS Intragroup comparison found to be significantly reduced in terms of pain and neck disability index and improvement in cervical range of motion (P = &lt; 0.05). However intergroup comparisons showed significant difference in Group A only at the end of 2nd week of intervention (P = &lt; 0.05), but the results were not significant immediately and at the 1st week of intervention (P = &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that MET with SCS technique is more effective in reducing pain, neck disability and improving cervical range of motion. KEY WORDS MET, SCS, NSNP

Therapeutic effect of qinghuanling on negative symptoms and cognitive function of schizophrenia

IntroductionTherapeutic effect of Qinghuanling on negative symptoms and cognitive function of schizophreniaObjectivesTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Qinghuanling on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, and to provide basis for clinical medication.Methods24 male patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into study group and control group. The study group was given quetiapine fumarate combined with Qinghuanling, and the control group was given quetiapine fumarate. The positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) and adverse event response scale (TESS) were evaluated regularly.Results The PANSS score of the study group was significantly lower than the control group from 6th week (64.10 ± 7.64 vs 72.31 ± 11.16; 51.60 ± 7.40 vs 63.23 ± 7.08, P &lt; 0.05). Among them, the score of negative factor in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the end of 6 and 8 weeks (2.16 ± 0.40 vs 2.75 ± 0.38; 1.65 ± 0.42 vs 2.38 ± 0.43, P &lt; 0.01); the score of cognitive factor in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the end of the 8th week (1.87 ± 0.20 vs 2.12 ± 0.27, P &lt; 0.05). Compared with before treatment, PANSS score and symptom cluster factor score of the two groups were significantly decreased from the 2nd weekend to the 8th weekend (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe combined use of Qinghuanling can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of schizophrenia, especially for the symptom cluster score of negative factors and cognitive factors, with high safety.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Early sex determination of Turkey by observation of differences in body weight between male and female

The present study was conducted to determine the early sex in turkeys by observation of the differences in body weight between male and female birds. A total of 30-day old black color unsexed poults having almost similar body weight at hatching were considered for the experimentation and housed at the Poultry Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh. All birds were reared up to 12 weeks of age under intensive management with supplementation of commercial broiler starter and grower feeds. Birds were reared under similar management conditions. Significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) body weight was attained in male poults (104g/bird) than the female (90g/bird) at the end of 1st week of age. Similarly, at the end of 2nd week of age higher (p&lt;0.01) body weight attained by male poults (198.31g/bird) than the female (162.13g/bird). At the end of 3rd weeks of age male poults attained higher (p&lt;0.01) body weight (307.23g/bird) than the female (251.33g/bird). After 4 weeks of rearing, male turkeys attained significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) live body weight (424.46g/bird) than the female turkeys (347.87g/bird). The weekly average body weight gains of male and female birds were 94.18g/bird and 76.5g/bird, respectively. Thus, the male and female birds were successfully identified on the basis of differences in their body weight. Weekly feed intake for both the male and female birds was also increased with their age. Up to 4 weeks of age, both the male and female poults consumed same amount of feed (753.46g/bird). The FCR of male and female poults differed non-significantly in 1st, 3rd and 4th week. On the contrary, in 2nd week of age the FCR of male poults (1.60) was significantly lower (p&lt;0.01) than female (2.11). Survivability was 100% up to 4th week of age irrespective of sex of the poults. The birds were reared up to 12 weeks of age until to confirm their sex by observation of the phenotypic appearance. Results of the phenotypic observation of male and female birds correspondence hundred percent accuracy with the results obtained in body weight based differences between male and female birds. It is therefore concluded that farmers can identify male or female poults as early as first week of age on the basis of body weight differences.&#x0D; Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 218-226, 2020

Effectiveness of Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire Versus WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire on Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a common disease of aged population and one of the leading causes of disability. Key causes include obesity or overweight along with aging. Knee osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and functional loss. As the disease progresses, it can cause chronic knee joint pain, muscle weakness, joint deformity and functional deficiency which leads to decreased quality of life. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) is a 24-item questionnaire with 3 sub-scales measuring pain (5 items), stiffness (2 items) and physical function (17 items). Health related quality of life is measured using Short Form-36, used to examine health status in following eight domains: Bodily pain, physical function, role limitations due to social problems, physical problems, general health, vitality, social function, mental health, role limitation due to physical problems. Aim: To find the effect of Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire versus WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire to measure the pain, Range of Motion (ROM) and disability in subjects with chronic knee osteoarthritis patients treated with Contrast Bath and Knee Exercises. Materials and Methods: This study was a pre and post longitudinal cohort study. A total of 90 patients were divided into two groups of 45 each. Each patient was given treatment for four weeks. Each patient was treated with Contrast bath and Knee Exercises. Group A patients were instructed to fill the Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire and Group B patients were instructed to fill the WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire and outcome measures were collected on day 1, at the end of 2nd week and at the end of 4th week. Data from study were analysed using the statistical package SPSS 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Group B shows a mean of the total score of WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire which was 74.66 (SD 10.01) on Day 1; mean of 49.02 (SD 12.08) at the end of the 2nd week and a mean of 20.68 (SD 12.23) at the end of 4th week. The p-value was found to be 0.0001. The percentage disability evaluated by the WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire shows a mean of 78 (SD 10) on Day 1; mean of 51 (SD 12) at the end of 2nd week and a mean of 22 (SD 13) at the end of 4th week. On day 1 Short Form-36 Questionnaire, total score of group A was 88.24 (SD 6.72) and at the end of 2nd week and 4th week the mean score was 94.06 (SD 5.10) and 98.72 (SD 4.55), respectively with statistically significant difference p-value (0.0001). Conclusion: The present study showed that the WOMAC Arthritis Index Questionnaire had superior sensitivity in reducing pain and increasing range of motion and thus by decreasing the disability.

The transcranial direct current stimulation over prefrontal cortex combined with the cognitive training reduced the cue-induced craving in female individuals with methamphetamine use disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCraving and cognitive deficits are potential treatment targets for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Previous studies implied that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training respectively improve these symptoms, but the combined effect is unknown. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of tDCS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and computerized cognitive addiction therapy (CCAT) on cue-induced craving and cognitive functions among female individuals with MUD. MethodsSeventy-five patients with MUD were randomly assigned to three groups: CCAT + tDCS group, CCAT + sham tDCS group and the control group. The former two groups received 20 sessions of cognitive training combined 1.5 mA active/sham tDCS over DLPFC (20min/session, 5times/week), while the control group received usual care which includes routine medical care, health education, physical exercises and psychological support related to relapse prevention. The cue-induced craving and cognitive functions were tested at the baseline, the end of 2nd week and 4th week. ResultsThe CCAT + tDCS group showed a significant reduction in cue-induced craving after 4-week intervention. Moreover, the craving score of the real CCAT + tDCS group was significantly lower than that of the CCAT + sham tDCS group and that of the control group at the end of 4th week. A significant improvement in accuracy of TWOB task was only observed in the CCAT + tDCS group at the end of 4th week when compared to baseline. Unexpectedly, participants who received CCAT plus active or sham tDCS did not change their discounting, whereas those in the control group performed more impulsively over time. ConclusionsThe study found that the intervention of tDCS over DLPFC combined with CCAT may have potential benefit in improving treatment outcome in patients with MUD. More research is needed to explore the underlying mechanism.

Efficacy and safety of 0.1% Tacrolimus ointment versus 0.05% Clobetasone butyrate ointment in childhood atopic dermatitis

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin condition characterized by intense itching, dry skin, redness, in_ammation and exudation with signi_cant morbidity. It often requires long-term use of topical corticosteroids but, patients’ adherence to corticosteroids may be limited by perceived risks and systemic adverse e_ects. Therefore, steroid-sparing topical agent is needed. To compare the e_cacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and 0.05% clobetasone butyrate ointment in patients with childhood AD. Materials and methods: This monocentric prospective open-label comparative study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Two hundred patients of 2–10 years of age with mild to moderate AD involving _ 50% of the total body surface area (BSA) were randomly assigned. The treatment duration was 4 weeks and was followed-up for 12 weeks. The eczema area and severity index (EASI) and the physician’s global evaluation of clinical response were assessed and evaluated. Results: E_ective sample size was 176 as because 24 patients were dropped out during follow up. EASI score was signi_cantly changed from baseline in follow up weeks and there was a statistically signi_cant di_erence in the reduction of EASI of patients in Tacrolimus groups at the end of 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week than the other group (p < 0.05). At the end of 4 weeks treatment, a median improvement of _ 75% in EASI was observed in 86% and 57% of patients in Tacrolimus and Clobetasone Group, respectively. At the end of the 12 week follow-up period, these improvements persist. Both the regimens were well tolerated. Conclusions: The overall therapeutic e_ectiveness was in favour of topical Tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) over topical Clobetasone butyrate ointment (0.05%) for the treatment of AD in children.

Behaviour and reproductive performance of Nigerian native chickens subjected to different mating ratios for a short term.

To date, there is no reported standard mating ratio for Nigerian native chickens despite their large population in the country. This study investigated the effect of mating ratio on behaviour, semen quality and level of stress. Sixty-three (9 cocks and 54 hens) sexually matured birds were randomly assigned to three mating ratios (MR) of 1 cock to 3 hens (1C:3H), 1 cock to 6 hens (1C:6H) and 1 cock to 9 hens (1C:9H), and each MR was replicated three times. Each cock spent 2weeks in a particular MR before it was moved to another. By the 6th week, all cocks had experienced the three mating ratios. Behaviour of the hens and sexual behaviour of the cocks were observed in the morning and evening, respectively, for 6weeks. At the end of 2nd week in each MR, semen samples were collected and evaluated for motility, morphology, liveability and concentration, and blood samples were also taken from the cocks to determine the heterophil/lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, an indicator of stress. There was also no significant effect of mating ratio on the fertility of eggs and hatchability of the chicks. The number of hen-hen aggression instances, frequency of visits to the nest box and duration of nesting was not influenced by the mating ratio. However, the duration of nest seeking was higher at 1C:3H and lower at 1C:9H. A mating ratio of 1C:9H is therefore recommended for farmers interested in raising Nigerian native chickens.

Evaluation of therapeutic effect of low-level helium neon laser therapy in the management of concurrent chemoradiotherapy induced mucositis in Oral and ORO-pharyngeal cancer patients

Background and Objective: Every patient receiving radiotherapy experience increasing inflammation of the irradiated mucosa with the progress of treatment. This is especially true in curative treatment regimens. Hence the present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low-level helium neon laser therapy in the management of concurrent chemoradiotherapy induced mucositis in Oral and Oro-pharyngeal cancer patients. Methodology: This prospective, single centered, triple blinded, randomized control trial was carried out from March 2009 till August 2010. 163 Head and Neck Cancer patients were screened of which 109 met the ideal inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blinding was done at three levels i.e. patients, assessor and data analysing statistician. The patients were block randomized into laser (54) and placebo (55) groups using a computer-generated program. Patients’ age and site of the primary tumour were matched in each block. All the patients completed the trial, 50 in each group. Results: The oral mucositis scores were significantly lower in the patients receiving LLLT compared to the placebo group. There was a delay in development of mucositis in the laser group where all were treated with scanning laser. The incidence of grade III and IV mucositis was nearly 50% less in the study arm. At the end of 2nd week, 66% in the laser arm had no mucositis, in contrast to only 42% in the placebo arm. By the end of the 3rd week, 22% of the laser treatment patients were free of mucositis, while 8% were free of mucositis in placebo group. There is divergence of the two arms second week onwards, that is pronounced beyond the 5 weeks. The oral mucositis scores were consistently lower over the course of treatment in the laser arm, and the difference was statistically significant (p

ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE IN LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pre and early post operative physical therapy on quality of life (QOL) in patients of liver transplantation. Methods and materials: A Single group pre and post experimental study design was conducted in Shifa International Hospital in which 20 patients with cirrhotic liver waiting for transplant participated. Non probability Convenience Sampling technique was used. Data was collected over a period of six months using a standard questionnaire 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)and a General demographic questionnaire which included age, gender, BMI, along with diabetes, hypertension, ECOG level, tidal volume, muscle power, 6 minute walk test(heart rate, SpO2, distance covered, exertion level measurement). Results: The mean ± SD age &amp; Body Mass Index of the participants (N=20) were 47.20 ± 11.49 years and 24.83 ± 2.1 respectively. 6 Minute Walk Test Heart Rate, 6 Minute Walk Test Distance, , ECOG, 6 Minute Walk Test Exertion Level and Muscle power were shown significantly improved throughout the treatment duration (p&lt;0.001). While 6 Minute Walk Test Oxygen Saturation showed significant improvement only in initial two weeks (p=0.01), but at the end of 2nd week and overall improvement was not significant (p≥0.05). The results of the study also showed significant improvement (p&lt;0.001) in all domains of quality of life (SF-36) at the end of study. Conclusion: The study indicated that early pre and post physiotherapy interventions can improve the overall health-related quality of life including the aerobic physical fitness and muscle strength in patients having liver transplantation Keywords: 6 minute walk test, ECOG, Incentive spirometry, Liver transplantation, Muscle power, Physiotherapy, Quality of life.

A comparative clinical study on efficacy of terbinafine and griseofulvin in patients with tinea corporis

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of terbinafine and griseofulvin in patients with tinea corporis in a tertiary care hospital, Madurai.Methods: About 60 patients are selected from the outpatient department of Dermatology according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. Group 1 received tab. terbinafine 250 mg OD and group 2 received 250 mg BD for 4 weeks. All patients were investigated at baseline, end of 2nd week and at end of 4 weeks. Effectiveness of both the drugs were determined by achieving clinical as well as mycological cure. The results were recorded, tabulated and analysed using student’s t test.Results: Patients in group 1 showed higher clinical and mycological cure rate when compared with group 2.Conclusions: Oral terbinafine is the effective antifungal agent in the treatment of extensive tinea corporis infection.