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Abstract : Nephrotoxicity is a great healthcare challenge in clinical care settings. Kidneys are subject to meteors from different chemicals, drugs, and xenobiotics; which make them susceptible to injury, among these are aminoglycoside antibiotics. A wide variety of therapeutic remedies has been used to protect kidneys against the toxicity of various drugs and chemicals including, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Beta carotene can decrease oxidative stress, so it can protect the kidney from the toxicity and damage induced by oxidative stress. In this study, we tried to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of beta carotene against amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity when given before and during the treatment of amikacin. Twenty-eight male albino rats were divided into five groups (seven in each group): 1-Control group (A): was intended for distilled water during the study period. 2-Amikacin group (B): were injected intraperitoneally with amikacin (150mg/kg/day) for two weeks. 3-Beta carotene group (C): were gavaged with beta carotene orally (100mg/kg/day) for 9 days. 4-Beta -carotene and amikacin group (D): were gavaged with beta carotene orally (100mg/kg/day) for 9 days alone, then injected intraperitoneally with amikacin (150mg/kg/day) and gavaged with beta carotene orally (100mg/kg/day) for two weeks. At the end of the study, animals were fasted and sacrificed, and serum was used for biochemical analysis and kidneys for histopathology. The results showed an elevation in serum MDA significantly (P < 0.005) and a reduction in T-AOC and GSH significantly (P < 0.005) in the amikacin group compared to the control group, whereas groups administered beta carotene with AMK showed significant improvement in the oxidative parameters compared to the AMK-treated group. In conclusion, beta carotene can act as a good antioxidant, preventing the expected nephrotoxicity induced by AMK.

Abstract : Nosocomial infections(NIs) are the most important current challenge faced by neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Although systematic surveillance is an integral part of all approaches to decreasing NIs, the current methods for recording healthcare-associated infections in our country are grossly inadequate. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for device-associated infections in a tertiary care center in eastern India. This prospective observational study was undertaken in the NICU, Department of Pediatrics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, and SVPPGIP, Cuttack. Neonates who stayed in the NICU for more than 48 hours and needed one or more devices (e.g. ventilator or CVL) are included in this study. They were observed for nosocomial infections. In this study, we included 630 neonates. A total of 94 neonates were found to have a nosocomial infection. The patient, days were 2516 days. During the period of study, central line days were found to be 173 days and ventilator days, 710. The prevalence of nosocomial infection was found to be 14.9%. Male babies were more likely to have nosocomial sepsis. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the major organism. Nosocomial infection in NICU graduates who are put on several devices is an important preventable problem. The present study reveals that sepsis (LOS) and pneumonia are major device-associated infections. Staphylococcus aureus is most commonly associated with E. coli and Klebsiella. Their prevention can be achieved by applying strict protocols for sepsis.

Abstract : To investigate the effects of systemic supplementation with vitamin D3 on serum Vitamin D3, alkaline phosphatase, serum CRP and serum calcium in patients treated with dental implants. Twelve patients were classified into two groups: control group: receiving dental implants in posterior maxillary extraction sites whom did not receive any medication, and treatment group: receiving dental implants in posterior maxillary extraction sites with 1000 I/U per day oral tablet of vitamin D3 supplement for 3 months. Blood samples were collected on the 1st day of study (after the insertion of dental implant), 1 week after, and once again three months later for biochemical analysis of serum alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein(CPR), calcium and vitamin D3. Differences were observed between control and treatment groups throughout the 3 months of the study yet was not significant. Vitamin D supplementation has a non-significant effect on serum alkaline phosphatase, serum CRP and serum calcium in patients treated with dental implants.

Abstract : The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of 1% and 2% topical nifedipine ointments on total antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial function during the facial skin wound healing in rabbits. Nifedipine ointments 1% and 2% were prepared. Fifty healthy male rabbits were involved and distributed into two equal group 25 of each according to study period: group A (7 days) and group B (14 days). Each group was subdivided into five groups (5 rabbits/group): group I (Normal): rabbits were not subjected to any surgical procedure or treatments; group II (negative control): rabbits had surgical wound without treatment; group III (positive control): rabbits had surgical wound, treated with white petroleum; group IV(nifedipine 1%): rabbits had surgical wound, treated with nifedipine 1% ointment; and group V(nifedipine 2%): rabbits had surgical wound, treated with nifedipine 2% ointment. Blood samples were collected from all animals after euthanasia for analysis of biochemical parameters. The results revealed a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity levels in the nifedipine 1% group on the 7th and 14th days of study in comparison to the other groups. There is no substantial variance in lactate and pyruvate levels between the normal and nifedipine 1% groups, but there is a substantial variance when compared to the other groups. Topical nifedipine 1% ointment had a beneficial effect on the wound healing process. It had superior effect on total antioxidant capacity and promoted mitochondrial function during the healing process, whereas nifedipine 2% ointment had no such effect.

Abstract : Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) presents a unique challenge to the surgeon because the gap in the Achilles tendon must be bridged by a procedure other than primary repair. Although there are numerous approaches to addressing this issue, the gastro-soleus fascial turndown flap with bone-anchoring suture or osseointegration stands out. Despite its popularity, there are few studies that have objectively evaluated the procedure's efficacy. To evaluate the efficacy of turndown flap repair with bone anchoring polypropylene suture through an 18G hypodermic/spinal needle with special reference to its various functional outcomes. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Burns, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, for a period of two years from November 2018 to December 2020. Tendo Achilles injury patients admitted to the department due to various etiologies were considered as study samples. The difference between pre-operative and post-operative (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) ATRSs was calculated. The difference between post-operative and pre-operative calf circumferences was calculated. A total of 35 patients underwent surgery for ATR. Male patients predominated. The most common cause was accidental injury in an Indian closet. The majority of patients (13, or 37.14%) presented with a gap of 4 to 5 cm between the proximal and distal segments with the ankle in a neutral position. Out of the study population, 11 patients (31%) had an ATR score difference ranging from 31–40. Thirtten patients (37.14%) had a difference ranging from 1.1 to 2 cm. Sixty percent of the cases had a good outcome. Two patients had an unsatisfactory outcome, which constituted around 5.72% of the study population. The turndown flap with bone-anchoring polypropylene suture using an 18G hypodermic/spinal needle is an effective, relatively simple, and non-time-consuming procedure with a very short learning curve and very minimal morbidity for the repair of Achilles tendon injuries with a gap (where primary repair is not possible).