Seasonal dynamics and polyphenism of butterfly communities in the coastal plains of central Western Ghats, India.

Long-term socioeconomic progress requires a healthy environment/ecosystem, but anthropogenic activities cause environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Constant ecological monitoring is, therefore, necessary to assess the state of biodiversity and ecological health. However, baseline data are lacking even for ecologically sensitive regions such as the Western Ghats.

Rehabilitation of an Infected Eye with an Acrylic Ball Implant and a Custom made Scleral Ocular Prosthesis.

This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with corneal abscess with endophthalmitis of the left eye. Infection with a history of trauma resulted in loss of vision but with intact eye ball movements. Cornea excising evisceration was carried out following placement of poly(methyl methacrylate) ocular ball implant.

Fermentation products of solvent tolerant marine bacterium Moraxella spp. MB1 and its biotechnological applications in salicylic acid bioconversion.

As part of a proactive approach to environmental protection, emerging issues with potential impact on the environment is the subject of ongoing investigation. One emerging area of environmental research concerns pharmaceuticals like salicylic acid, which is the main metabolite of various analgesics including aspirin. It is a common component of sewage effluent and also an intermediate in the degradation pathway of various aromatic compounds which are introduced in the marine environment as pollutants.

Synthesis of (R)-norbgugaine and its potential as quorum sensing inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

(R)-Bgugaine is a natural pyrrolidine alkaloid from Arisarum vulgare, which shows antifungal and antibacterial activity. In this Letter, we have accomplished the simple synthesis of norbgugaine (demethylated form of natural bgugaine) employing Wittig olefination and cat. hydrogenation as the key steps and its biological studies are reported for the first time.

A novel method of using mini external fixator for maintaining web space after the release of contracture and syndactyly.

Syndactyly and postburn contracture of the digits are the common cases seen in a hand clinic. Their management can be roughly divided into 3 stages. In stage 1, syndactyly/postburn contracture of the digits are surgically released; in stage 2, surgical wound care is provided; and in stage 3, the patient undergoes physiotherapy (rehabilitation).

Modulation of LPS induced inflammatory response by Lawsonyl monocyclic terpene from the marine derived Streptomyces sp.

In continuing research for compounds with immunosuppressive activity, Lawsonone (1), a novel Lawsonyl derivative isolated from marine-derived bacteria Streptomyces sp. was evaluated for its potent immunosuppressive activity on immune system. The effect of Lawsonone (1) was elucidated on the immune cells (splenocytes and macrophages) collected from BALB/c mice.

Soft tissue coverage in open fractures of tibia.

Background: The treatment of Gustilo Anderson type 3B open fracture tibia is a major challenge and it needs aggressive debridement, adequate fixation, and early flap coverage of soft tissue defect. The flaps could be either nonmicrovascular which are technically less demanding or microvascular which has steep learning curve and available only in few centers. An orthopedic surgeon with basic knowledge of the local vascular anatomy required to harvest an appropriate local or regional flap will be able to manage a vast majority of open fracture tibia, leaving the very few complicated cases needing a free microvascular flap to be referred to specialized tertiary center.

Modified bone tie: a new method to achieve interfragmentary compression in unstable oblique metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.

Oblique fractures of the metacarpal and phalanx are inherently unstable especially when there is comminution at the fracture site. Nonoperative management of these fractures requires prolonged immobilization and results in poor outcome. Internal fixation is the preferred method of treatment for these fractures.

Three unusual factors contributing to compressive median neuropathy in the distal forearm in a single patient.

Although there are varied aetiological factors responsible for compressive neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel syndrome, it is rare to encounter several aetiological factors in a single case. This article reports a case in which three aetiological factors were present.

Current concepts in managing fractures of metacarpal and phalangess.

Fractures of the metacarpal and phalanges constitute 10% of all fractures. No where in the body, the form and function are so closely related to each other than in hand. Too often these fractures are treated as minor injuries resulting in major disabilities.

Innovative nerve approximator from external fixator: a quick fix solution.

The outcome of primary and secondary neurorrhaphy depends on the technical precision followed during the procedure. The aim of the surgery is to establish near-anatomic coaptation and to maintain it without tension at the anastomotic site. A nerve approximator can aid in peripheral neurorrhaphy with optimal tension at the anastomotic site and better maintenance of coaptation of fascicles, but their use is limited because of the high price of the commercially available ones.