Background: Oxidative stress is implicated as a major factor for nigral neuronal cell death. It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) might be responsible in the neuronal degeneration of substantia nigra compacta in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: To elucidate the possible role of NO as a risk factor for PD, we determined the plasma levels of nitrate in 80 PD patients and 80 age and sex-matched controls. Results: There was a signifi cant difference between the mean plasma nitrate level of PD patients (34.5 ± 4.2 μmol/l) vs. controls (31.8 ± 3.15 μmol/l) (P<0.001). Moreover, there was a positive correlation in PD patients between plasma nitrate level and age, age at disease onset, duration of disease, Hoehn and Yahr stage, and Unifi ed Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score. However, PD patients with short disease duration did not have elevated plasma nitrate levels compared to control subjects. Conclusion: Our results argue against the hypothesis that NO is important in the development of PD in West Bengal.

Facial prosthesis is generally considered over surgical reconstruction to restore function and appearance in patients with facial defects that resulted from cancer resection. Retention of the prosthesis is challenging due to its size and weight. Retention can be achieved by using medical grade adhesives, resilient attachments, clips and osseointegrated implants. It can also be connected to obturator by magnets. This clinical report highlights the rehabilitation of a lateral midfacial defect with a two piece prosthesis that included an extra oral facial prosthesis and an intraoral obturator with the use of magnets.
Adhesives ; Humans ; Magnets ; Prostheses and Implants ; Retention (Psychology)

Rickets, one of the leading causes of bony deformities and short stature, can be calciopenic (inciting event is defective intestinal calcium absorption) or phosphopenic (inciting event is phosphaturia). Early diagnosis and timely treatment of rickets are crucial for correction of the limb deformities. Guidelines exist for nutritional rickets, but the diagnosis and management of the relatively uncommon forms of rickets are complex. This consensus aims to formulate a simplified diagnostic approach for rickets, especially in resource-limited settings. The consensus statement has been formulated by a 29-member committee from the Endocrine Society of Bengal. The process included forming a working group, conducting a literature review, identifying controversies, drafting, and discussion at a consensus meeting. Participants rated their agreement with the clinical practice points, and a 70% consensus was required. Input integration and further review led to the final consensus statements. Children with suspected rickets should initially be examined for distinctive skeletal deformities. The diagnosis of rickets should be confirmed with characteristic radiographic abnormalities. It is advisable to order tests for serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus (Pi), liver function, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone, creatinine, and potassium in all patients with rickets. In cases of refractory rickets, it is also recommended that assessments be conducted for spot urine calcium, Pi, creatinine, and, blood gas analysis. In children with rickets and metabolic acidosis, tests for glycosuria, uricosuria, aminoaciduria, low molecular weight proteinuria, and albuminuria should be conducted. In children with resistant calciopenic rickets and sufficient serum 25OHD levels, serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration should be tested. 1,25(OH)2 D and fibroblast growth factor 23 estimation is useful for certain forms of phosphopenic rickets.