Objective: To compare the outcome of rectal and surface electrode stimulation, when performed concomitantly with routine anal sphincter (AS) exercises and bio-feedback training, in children who have received corrective surgery to address Hirschsprung disease (HD). Methods: Sixty-seven patients (pediatric) who underwent corrective surgery due to HD were randomly assigned to Group A (rectal electrode, n=34) or Group B (surface electrode, n=33). The two groups were given the same protocols of AS and bio-feedback training. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Bowel Function Score (BFS), Pediatric Incontinence and Constipation Scoring System Scale (PICSS) were measured at baseline, post intervention and follow-up. Results: There were significant improvements in both groups over time across all outcomes. PedsQL increased (d=0.42–1.28, η²p up to 0.37), BFS improved notably (d=1.21, η²p=0.35), and PICSS decreased (d up to 1.15, η²p=0.33). The greatest gains occurred from baseline to follow-up, with smaller but significant changes from post-treatment to follow-up, indicating sustained effects. Conclusion Electrical stimulation with rectal electrodes, combined with AS exercises and bio-feedback training, is a major way of improving bowel functioning, continence and quality of life in Hirschsprung child. Such results highlight the promise of multimodal rehabilitation and should be supported by additional multicenter studies.

OBJECTIVE: Scandix pecten-veneris L. is a less studied wild edible herb and is considered an extinct plant species in many parts of the world. This study was designed to evaluate its phytochemical composition and biological potential of S. pecten-veneris L. METHODS: Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were determined in extracts of S. pecten-veneris. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while reducing power was tested by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay. Enzymes inhibition study was performed for urease, phosphodiesterase-I, and catalase-II. RESULTS: S. pecten-veneris showed moderate antiradical activity and reducing potential of hydroxyl radicals to about 20% of the initial value. The antioxidant activity of various extracts of S. pecten-veneris showed a linear correlation with total phenolic contents in the order of water>n-butanol>chloroform>ethyl acetate>methanol extracts. S. pecten-veneris leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the highest antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. The plant extract was most potent against urease enzymes but showed moderate activity against phosphodiestrase-I and carbonic anhydrase-II. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that in addition to its culinary uses, S. pecten-veneris has good medicinal potential and hence could be used for treating some specific health ailments.
Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Apiaceae/chemistry* ; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology* ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology* ; Phytochemicals/analysis* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Plants, Edible/chemistry* ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects* ; Urease/antagonists & inhibitors*