The impact of hospitalization on mortality in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: a medical records review study

Abstract Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD). This study evaluated the impact of hospitalization on mortality in an ethnically and racially diverse cohort of CTD-ILD patients. Methods We conducted a medical records review study at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. We included 96 patients and collected data on demographic characteristics, reasons for hospitalization, length of stay, immunosuppressant therapy use, and mortality. We stratified our patients into two cohorts: hospitalized and nonhospitalized. The hospitalized cohort was further subdivided into cardiopulmonary and non-cardiopulmonary admissions. Two-sample tests or Wilcoxon's rank sum tests for continuous variables and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were used for analyses as deemed appropriate. Results We identified 213 patients with CTD-ILD. Out of them, 96 patients met the study's inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were females (79%), and self-identified as Hispanic (54%) and Black (40%). The most common CTDs were rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (29%), inflammatory myositis (22%), and systemic sclerosis (15%). The majority (76%) of patients required at least one hospitalization. In the non-hospitalized group, no deaths were observed, however we noted significant increase of mortality risk in hospitalized group (p = 0.02). We also observed that prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days) as well as older age and male sex were associated with increased mortality. Conclusion Prolonged (> 7 days) hospital stay and hospitalization for cardiopulmonary causes, as well as older age and male sex were associated with an increased mortality risk in our cohort of CTD-ILD patients.

Prevalence of hypogonadism in transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia patients of Bangladesh: investigating the role of serum ferritin level as a diagnostic tool

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypogonadism is one of the most frequent complications in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and early recognition and treatment is the core element in restoring impaired gonadal function. Despite the high burden of disease, relevant studies are scarcely addressing the gonadal function of such patients in Bangladesh. The pattern of gonadal function in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients must be characterized before planning a generalized management plan. Moreover, since iron overload is a key reason behind hypogonadism in thalassemia patients, investigating the role of serum ferritin level as a diagnostic tool for hypongadism was also an aim of this study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Transfusion Medicine of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 94 patients were enrolled in this study. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination were carried out in each patient and recorded using a pretested structured questionnaire. In addition, the laboratory assessment of serum ferritin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and estradiol in serum were also performed. The data were analyzed using the STATA (v.16). Results: The mean age of the patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia was 18.81 ± 4.65 (SD), with 53.3% of the patients being male. The overall prevalence of hypogonadism was 35.11%, 18.1% being normogonadotropic, 11.7% being hypogonadotropic and 5.3% being hypergonadotropic. The serum ferritin level was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with hypogonadism (Eugonadal: 2,174.79 (± 749.12) ng/ml; Hypogonadal: 3,572.59 (± 1,199.49) ng/ml). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of serum ferritin was high (0.83) and the p-value was highly significant (< 0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, the serum ferritin level and gonadal hormone analysis of transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients can be considered a screening tool for assessing gonadal function and early detection and prevention of hypogonadism.

Maternal Characteristics of Full-Term Birth Asphyxia Neonates

Background: In developing countries, perinatal hypoxia is still a leading cause of mortality and disability. In 2011, the infant mortality rate dropped from 92 per 1000 live births in 1991 to 43 per 1000 live births. However, neonatal mortality in Bangladesh remains high, accounting for more than half of all deaths under the age of five and more than two-thirds of infant mortality. As a result, any qualities that can operate as a risk factor for prenatal asphyxia can be quite beneficial. The aim of the study was to observe the maternal characteristics of perinatal asphyxia in full-term pregnancies. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Rangpur Medical Collage, and Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh. The study duration was 2 years, from January 2012 to December 2013. The study was conducted with a total of 60 cases of birth asphyxia, who were delivered or admitted into the study hospital. Results: In 70% of cases, the mother was Primipara. Among the neonates, 61.67% were male, and 38.33% were female. Only 33% of the case neonates had received regular antenatal check-ups, while 55% had irregular check-ups, and 11.67% had no antenatal checkups. According to the grading of asphyxia, 51.67% of neonates had moderate asphyxia, 20% had mild asphyxia, and 28.33% had severe asphyxia. The mean serum sodium value in mild, moderate, and severe asphyxia were 135.33, 123.42, and 121.53 mmol/L respectively. Mean serum potassium values were 4.11, 4.86, and 5.51 mmol/L respectively. Mean serum creatinine 0.72, 1.00, and 1.83 mg/dl respectively. Mean blood urea levels were 36.17, 58.97, and 88.06 mg/dl respectively. A significant difference was observed between the mean values of serum electrolytes and patients’ asphyxia grade. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that birth asphyxia was more common among vaginal deliveries and irregular or no neonatal care cases. Primipara patients had a higher likelihood of neonatal asphyxia. Serum electrolyte levels varied significantly based on the grade of asphyxia.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH): A Prospective Study

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), formerly known as post-lumbar puncture headache, is a well-known adverse event that follows diagnostic and/or therapeutic puncture of the dura, or accidentally, following spinal anesthesia. Material & Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 152 patients at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, from 2013 to 2015 and North Bengal Medical College from 2016 to 2022, Bangladesh. Results: A total of 152 patients were enrolled into the study where 122(80.3%) were aged between 18-28 years, 30(19.7%) were 29-39 years, 38(25%) were male and 114(75%) were female. 122(80.3%) patients were non obese (<25) and 30(19.7%) were obese (>25). 17(11.2%) patients had previous history of anaesthesia and 17(11.2%) had previous history of PDPH. On majority 100 patients were used big size needle (18-23 G) and rest of the patients were used small (23-25G). 146 (96.1%) patients position was lateral and 92(60.5%) were used less than two or equal three drops. 61(40.1%) patients were needed one attempt, 64(42.1%) were needed two and 27(27.8%) were needed greater than two. The prevalence of PDPH was found in 44(28.9%) cases out of 152 where severity of 29(65.9%) percent was mild, 20(45.5%) cases headache onset were at the first day and mean duration of headache was 2.6. There was a statistically significant association between development of PDPH and younger age (26.3±8.7 years vs 32.6±7.4, p< 0.001), female gender (p=00.009), previous history of PDPH (p<0.001), number of attempts (3.1±1.2 vs 1.2±0.8, p<0.001), small needles (p=0.04), pre LP headache (p<0.001) and CSF RBS (2.6±2.1 vs 13.8±1.3, p= 0.48). Conclusion: This study recommends that the neurologists should be treating this population in the manner so that it may help to prevent this painful adverse event, and identification of risk variables is vital in predicting PDPH.

Rare case of multiple primary malignant neoplasms

Multiple Primary Malignant Neoplasms (MPMNs) are rarely reported and are defined as the diagnosis of ?2 independent, primary malignancies of different histologies/ origins in a single individual. In this study, we report a patient with Male Breast Cancer (MBC) and coexisting Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). A 65-year-old male with complaints of a lump in his left breast since 2 years. CT scan findings were a non-homogeneous mass in the left breast along with bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. Modified radical mastectomy was done. Microscopic examination showed the features of infiltrating duct carcinoma NOS: Modified Nottingham Bloom Richardson抯 Grade II in breast specimen. A peripheral smear of the patient showed features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (absolute lymphocyte count was 16400 cells/mm3). IHC of breast tumor showed ER/PR positivity with H scores of 350 and 240 respectively and HER- 2/Neu protein expression was negative with a score of (1+). Lymph nodes were immunoreactive for CD 19, CD 23 and CD 5. Cells were non-reactive for Cyclin D1a and CD3. This is probably the first case of MBC with SLL and CLL. The diagnosis is consistent with synchronous MPMNs, which are increasingly reported nowadays.

HISTOPATHOLOGY OF GALLBLADDER SPECIMENS AFTER CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background Current approach to detect the presence of gallbladder carcinoma involves a routine histopathological examination of all gallbladder specimens, regardless of the clinical characteristics of the patient or macroscopic aspect of the gallbladder. Available pathological reports were interpreted for the following parameters: age, gender, and pathological diagnosis. In addition, the demographic information and clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients with histopathologic findings were assessed in detail, and re-examination of the available specimens was done. Inpatient records of the Methods patients who had been operated for elective and emergency cholecystectomies in the hospital associated with Khaja Bandanawaz University – Faculty of medical Sciences; from January 2018 to November 2022, were retrospectively evaluated. Results A total of 661 gallbladder specimens submitted for histopathological examination during the study period were included in the study. The results of histopathological examination of these gallbladder specimens showed that chronic cholecystitis was found in 535 (81%), acute cholecystitis in 46 (6.99%), cholesterolosis in 44 (6.5%) patients, Dysplasia was found in 34 (5.14%) patients, and gallbladder carcinoma was detected in 2 (0.30%) patients. Conclusion A strategy of selective approach for histopathological examination of gallbladder specimens may be safe in areas with very low incidence of gallbladder carcinoma. Such selective strategy is more cost-effective, reduces the workload of pathologists, and does not appear to compromise patient outcome.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Complicating Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background/Aims@#Systemic sclerosis (SSc) often is complicated by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). A systematic review and meta-analysis thus examined the prevalence of SIBO in SSc (SSc-subtypes), identify risk factors for SIBO in SSc and the effects of concomitant SIBO on gastrointestinal symptoms in SSc. @*Methods@#We searched electronic databases until January-2022 for studies providing prevalence rates of SIBO in SSc. The prevalence rates, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of SIBO in SSc and controls were calculated. @*Results@#The final dataset comprised 28 studies with 1112 SSc-patients and 335 controls. SIBO prevalence in SSc-patients was 39.9% (95% CI, 33.1-47.1; P= 0.006), with considerable heterogeneity, (I 2 = 76.00%, P < 0.001). As compared to controls, there was a 10-fold increased SIBO prevalence in SSc-patients (OR, 9.6; 95% CI, 5.6-16.5; P< 0.001). The prevalence of SIBO was not different in limited cutaneous SSc as compared to diffuse cutaneous SSc (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.46-2.20; P = 0.978). Diarrhea (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.9-16.0; P = 0.001) and the association between SIBO in SSc and proton pump inhibitor use (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.8-6.4; P = 0.105) failed statistical significance. Rifaximin was significantly more effective as compared to rotating antibiotic in eradicating SIBO in SSc-patients (77.8% [95% CI, 64.4-87.9]) vs 44.8% [95% CI, 31.7-58.4]; P < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#There is a 10-fold increased prevalence of SIBO in SSc, with similar SIBO prevalence rates in SSc-subtypes. Antimicrobial therapy of SIBO-positive SSc-patients with diarrhea should be considered. However, the results must be interpreted with caution due to substantial unexplained heterogeneity in the prevalence studies, and the low sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests suggesting that the reliability of the evidence may be low.

Whole genomic sequencing of Staphylococcus aureus strain RMI-014804 isolated from pulmonary patient sputum via next-generation sequencing technology

Nosocomial infections, commonly referred to as healthcare-associated infections, are illnesses that patients get while hospitalized and are typically either not yet manifest or may develop. One of the most prevalent nosocomial diseases in hospitalized patients is pneumonia, among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens cause pneumonia. More severe introductions commonly included Staphylococcus aureus, which is at the top of bacterial infections, per World Health Organization reports. The staphylococci, S. aureus, strain RMI-014804, mesophile, on-sporulating, and non-motile bacterium, was isolated from the sputum of a pulmonary patient in Pakistan. Many characteristics of S. aureus strain RMI-014804 have been revealed in this paper, with complete genome sequence and annotation. Our findings indicate that the genome is a single circular 2.82 Mbp long genome with 1,962 protein-coding genes, 15 rRNA, 49 tRNA, 62 pseudogenes, and a GC content of 28.76%. As a result of this genome sequencing analysis, researchers will fully understand the genetic and molecular basis of the virulence of the S. aureus bacteria, which could help prevent the spread of nosocomial infections like pneumonia. Genome analysis of this strain was necessary to identify the specific genes and molecular mechanisms that contribute to its pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity, allowing for a more in-depth investigation of its pathogenesis to develop new treatments and preventive measures against infections caused by this bacterium.

M Protein from Dengue virus oligomerizes to pentameric channel protein: in silico analysis study

The Dengue virus M protein is a 75 amino acid polypeptide with two helical transmembranes (TM). The TM domain oligomerizes to form an ion channel, facilitating viral release from the host cells. The M protein has a critical role in the virus entry and life cycle, making it a potent drug target. The oligomerization of the monomeric protein was studied using ab initio modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in an implicit membrane environment. The representative structures obtained showed pentamer as the most stable oligomeric state, resembling an ion channel. Glutamic acid, threonine, serine, tryptophan, alanine, isoleucine form the pore-lining residues of the pentameric channel, conferring an overall negative charge to the channel with approximate length of 51.9 Å. Residue interaction analysis (RIN) for M protein shows that Ala94, Leu95, Ser112, Glu124, and Phe155 are the central hub residues representing the physicochemical interactions between domains. The virtual screening with 165 different ion channel inhibitors from the ion channel library shows monovalent ion channel blockers, namely lumacaftor, glipizide, gliquidone, glisoxepide, and azelnidipine to be the inhibitors with high docking scores. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of M protein will help design therapeutics and vaccines for Dengue infection.

Vitamin D deficiency is a public health emergency among Indonesian children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence

Purpose@#This study aimed to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Indonesian children and adolescents. @*Methods@#This was a meta-analysis of prevalence using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method with a random effects model. A prediction interval was used to estimate true effects. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and 3 Indonesian databases (Indonesian Scientific Journal Database, Neliti, and Indonesia One Search). We included cross-sectional or case-control studies that provided data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. We excluded case reports, case series, cohort studies, or studies outside Indonesia. We computed point prevalence by dividing the number of children with hypovitaminosis D by the total number of subjects in that study. This review was registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (CRD42022329814). @*Results@#Of 1,397 manuscripts identified, 7 were included in this review. A total of 5,870 children were included in this meta-analysis, ranging in age from 6 months to 19 years. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Indonesia was calculated as 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9–56) and was higher in females (60% [95% CI, 58–62]) than in males (40% [95% CI, 38–42]). Mean serum vitamin D level was 22.74 ng/mL (95% CI, 16.95–30.51) with a prediction interval of 15.96 ng/mL to 29.52 ng/mL. @*Conclusion@#Vitamin D deficiency is a public health emergency in Indonesia. Strategies to detect and treat vitamin D deficiency in Indonesian children and adolescents should be implemented immediately.

An optimal medicinal and edible Chinese herbal formula attenuates particulate matter-induced lung injury through its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Identifying novel strategies to prevent particulate matter (PM)-induced lung injury is crucial for the reduction of the morbidity of chronic respiratory diseases. The combined intervention represented by herbal formulae for simultaneously targeting multiple pathological processes can provide a more beneficial effect than the single intervention. The aim of this paper is therefore to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible Chinese herbs (MECHs) formula against PM-induced lung injury.@*METHODS@#PM-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis A549 cell model were used to screen anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic MECHs, respectively. A network pharmacology method was utilized to rationally design a novel herbal formula. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer was utilized to assess the quality control of MECHs formula. The excretion of magnetic iron oxide nanospheres of the MECHs formula was estimated in zebrafish. The MECH formula against PM-induced lung injury was investigated with mice experiments.@*RESULTS@#Five selected herbs were rationally designed to form a new MECH formula, including Citri Exocarpium Rubrum (Juhong), Lablab Semen Album (Baibiandou), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Mori Folium (Sangye) and Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu). The formula effectively promoted the magnetic iron oxide nanospheres excretion in zebrafish. The mid/high dose formula significantly prevented PM-induced lung damage in mice by enhancing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, reducing the MDA and ROS level and attenuating the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α), down regulating the protein expression of NF-κB, STAT3 and Caspase-3.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggest that the effective MECHs formula will become a novel strategy for preventing PM-induced lung injury and provide a paradigm for the development of functional foods using MECHs.

Fabrication of 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase holding Gel-Scaffolds using Agar-Agar, a natural polysaccharide and Polyacrylamide, a synthetic organic polymer for continuous liquefaction of starch

1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase is among the most widely used commercial hydrolytic enzymes acting randomly on the glycosidic linkages of starch resulting in its saccharification and liquefaction. Its applicability in different industries can be improved by enhancing its stability and reusability. Therefore, in the present study attempts have been made to enhance the industrial applicability of 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase from Bacillus subtilis KIBGE-HAR by adapting immobilization technology. The study developed mechanically stable, enzyme containing gel-frameworks using two support matrices including agar-agar, a natural polysaccharide and polyacrylamide gel, a synthetic organic polymer. These catalytic gel-scaffolds were compared with each other in terms of kinetics and stability of entrapped 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase. In case of polyacrylamide gel, Km value for immobilized enzyme increased to 7.95 mg/mL, while immobilization in agar-agar resulted in decreased Km value i.e 0.277 mg/mL as compared to free enzyme. It was found that immobilized enzyme showed maximum activity at 70 °C in both the supports as compared to free enzyme having maximum activity at 60 °C. Immobilized 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase exhibited no change in optimal pH 7.0 before and after entrapment in polyacrylamide gel and agar-agar. The enzyme containing gel-scaffold was found suitable for repeated batches of starch liquefaction in industrial processes. Agar-agar entrapped 1,4-α-D-glucanglucanohydrolase was capable to degrade starch up to seven repeated operational cycles whereas polyacrylamide entrapped enzyme conserved its activity up to sixth operational cycle.

Antimicrobial activity of comfort related properties of silk treated with herbal extracts in making of reusable masks

The study was aimed at divulging an eco-friendly antimicrobial finish on 100 % silk woven fabric. The leaves' extract of Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litche chinensis were used as the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial finish. The antimicrobial property and comfort related property were checked before and after applying antimicrobial finish. In comfort related property absorbency & air permeability were checked. The ASTEM E2149 Shake Flask method was used to check antimicrobial finish and AATCC method was used for checking fabric property. One way ANOVA statistical test was applied for analysis of results. The FTIR and SEM results showed the presences of finish on fabrics. In comfort related property, absorbency and air permeability was increased. The results showed that antimicrobial finish made 100% reduction against microorganism up to 25 washes which can be used in making reusable masks fight against COVID- 19.

Bidirectionality of smoking and depression in adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Recently, evidence has been accumulating that both smoking and mental health disorders are continuously increasing among adolescents. This systematic review elucidates the research into evidence of the direction of the association and risk factors influencing the relationship between smoking and depression. We also highlight recent studies on the effects of electronic cigarettes and developments on the association between depression and smoking. Methods A literature search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO and in relevant neurology and psychiatry journals. Terms used for electronic searches included smoking, tobacco, cigarettes; depression; adolescent, youth; direction. Relevant information was then utilized to synthesize findings on the association between smoking and depression among adolescent population. Results The initial database searches yielded 2,738 related articles. After screening and cross-referencing, duplicate articles, articles published in languages other than English, and studies on animals, social and lifestyle factors, mood disorders, and substance use were excluded. Of these, a total of 122 publications only focusing on smoking and depression in the adolescent population were selected for synthesis in this qualitative systemic review. These include 110 original research articles, eight meta-analyses and reviews, and four reports and websites. Conclusion The relationship between smoking and depression in the literature does not reflect the cause-effect relationship. The lack of evidence on the direction of the association may reflect futile study designs, confounding factors and/or use of indirect measures of depression and quantification of smoking. Future prospective randomized studies should target elucidation of the causal association.

Age Estimation Using Panoramic Radiography and Lateral Cephalogram—A Comparative Study

Context: Age estimation allows the identification of living individuals, dead victims and estimation of age in children using maxillofacial radiographs. Aim: To compare age estimation by mandibular third molar developmental stages using modified Demirjian’s method on OPG with age estimation by mandibular linear dimensions on lateral cephalogram. Setting and Design: A total of 200 randomly selected subjects (100 males and 100 females), with age range from 9 to 20 years, and 200 Digital Orthopantomograms and 200 Digital Lateral Cephalograms were utilized for the study. Methods and Material: Radiographs were taken with Kodak 8000C Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric machine operating at 60–90 kvp, with exposure time of 8–18 s at 2–15 mA, with an inbuilt magnification factor. A flat screen Compaq TFT?LCD monitor was used to view the OPG images. Linear mandibular dimensional measurements were made on each Digital Lateral Cephalogram using Trophy Dicom Software. Statistical Analysis Used: Regression analysis and regression coefficient for establishing gender?specific equation were observed. Evaluation of results and statistical analysis was carried by using Student’s ‘t’ test. For all test, ‘P’ value of 0.05 or less was utilized for measuring the degree of significance. Intra?observer variability was detected using reliability analysis. Results: The accuracy of age estimation by OPG was 93.8% and by lateral cephalogram was 79.7%. Conclusion: The OPG analysis is more reliable than the cephalometric parameters.

A hemagglutinin from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre seed

Lectins are diverse proteins that bind to carbohydrates and are involved in many important physiological processes. They are highly specific to the sugar molecules they bind and therefore, have many therapeutic and diagnostic applications. There are several lectins that display antiviral, antibacterial antifungal and antitumour activities. Characterization of new lectins paves way for comprehension of their diverse biological roles and mechanism of action, thus aiding in further exploration of lectins in various domains of biology. Here, we endeavoured to purify and characterize lectin from the seed of the legume,Pongamia. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (syn. Millettia pinnata), seed lectin (PPSL) was purified conventionally by ammonium-sulfate precipitation followed by size exclusion chromatography. The further lectin was physicochemically characterized by CD, fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and isothermal calorimetry. Hemagglutination studies with various mono and disaccharides showed specificity towards galactose. This specificity was reaffirmed by isothermal studies with appreciable thermodynamic parameters. Lectins have tremendous diagnostic applications. They are used as second-generation drug delivery systems.

Differences between Men and Women in Terms of Clinical Features of ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Several research have investigated further into differences in clinical characteristics of acute myocardial infarction between men and women (AMI). Prospective studies, on the other hand, are few, and sex-related variations in AMI symptoms are unknown. We studied at the variations in clinical characteristics of ST-segment elevation AMI between men and women.Material & Methods:We evaluated at 151 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI who were hospitalized within 24 hours of symptom onset (70 women and 81 males). Within 48 hours of hospitalization, all patients were interviewed by many of the same cardiologist.Results:Women exhibited higher rates of hypertension (70 vs 56 percent, p=0.010), diabetes mellitus (36 vs 26 %, p=0.047), and hyperlipidemia (51 vs 38 %, p=0.019) than males (72 vs 62 years, p0.001). Non-specific symptoms (45 vs 34%, p=0.033), non-chest discomfort (pain in the mouth, throat, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and back), moderate pain (20 vs 7%, p0.001), and nausea (49 vs 36 percent, p=0.013) were all more common in women than in males. The severity of coronary artery lesions was equal in both sexes on coronary angiography. Women had a considerably greater in-hospital death rate than males (6.6 vs. 1.4%, p=0.003).Conclusions:Women and men with AMI have different clinical profiles and presentations. AMI symptoms are less common in women than in males.

Thyroid and lipid profile in chronic kidney disease in Southern India

Background: The progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD) is linked to a multitude of comorbidities, such as thyroid dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Objective were to determinethe thyroid and serum lipid profile of CKD patients and to establish correlation between severity of renal disease with these 2metabolic parameters.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among the 100 CKD patients over 1 year admitted in the department of urology and nephrology at our hospital. Results: There were 66 (66%) male patients and 36 (36%)female patients among the 100 patients. There were no patients in grade 1, whereas there were 2, 20, 66, and 12 patients in grades 2-5 CKD, respectively. In each grade of CKD, the mean age, eGFR, urea, creatinine, thyroid profile, and lipid profile were computed individually. The levels of urea, creatinine, and eGFR differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5. The thyroid profile differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5. The lipid profile differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5, with p=0.000, >0.05, 0.000, >0.05, >0.05 for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, respectively.Conclusions: The number of patients increases with decreasing T3 and T4 and increasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) proportionate to the severity of the renal failure. In addition, hypothyroidism is becoming more common in people with chronic renal disease. Serum triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels rise statistically significantly in CKD grades 3-5 patients.

A Cross Sectional Study on Assessment of Depression among Patients of Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:An assessment of Depression among patients of diabetes mellituspresenting at THQ Hospital Samanabad, FaisalabadMaterials & Methods: A total of 196 patientswith diabetes mellitus of age 18-65 years of either genderwere included. Patients with history of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders prior to onset of DM, other chronic disease and any drug addiction were excluded. The demographic information like name, age, sex, socioeconomic status and duration of disease was noted in each patient. All patients were assessed by single psychiatrist, using DSM-IV criteria for Depression (yes / no) Results: Mean age was 53.35 ± 6.71 years in our studywith majority of the patients 97 (49.49%) were between 51 to 65 years of age.Out of the 196 patients, 89 (45.41%) were male and 107 (54.59%) were females with male to female ratio of 1:1.2. Majority of patients 54.41% belonged to upper socioeconomic status. Depression was found in 47 (23.98%) patients, whereas there were 149 (76.02%) patients having no depression. Conclusion:Our study concluded that prevalence of depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was much higher and hasshown positive association with extremes of ages and duration of disease.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Revised (2021) Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency and Rickets

Justification: The emerging literature on prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India, prevention and treatment strategies of rickets, and extra-skeletal benefits of vitamin D suggest the need for revising the existing guidelines for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in India. Objectives: To review the emerging literature on vitamin D prevalence and need for universal vitamin D supplementation. To suggest optimum vitamin D therapy for treatment of asymptomatic and symptomatic vitamin D deficiency, and rickets. To evaluate the extra-skeletal health benefits of vitamin D in children. Process: A National consultative committee was formed that comprised of clinicians, epidemiologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists. The Committee conducted deliberations on different aspects of vitamin D deficiency and rickets through ten online meetings between March and September, 2021. A draft guideline was formulated, which was reviewed and approved by all Committee members. Recommendations: The group reiterates the serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D cutoffs proposed for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency as <12 ng/mL, 12-20 ng/mL and >20 ng/mL, respectively. Vitamin D toxicity is defined as serum 25OHD >100 ng/mL with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Vitamin D supplementation in doses of 400 IU/day is recommended during infancy; however, the estimated average requirement in older children and adolescents (400-600 IU/day) should be met from diet and natural sources like sunlight. Rickets and vitamin D deficiency should be treated with oral cholecalciferol, preferably in a daily dosing schedule (2000 IU below 1 year of age and 3000 IU in older children) for 12 weeks. If compliance to daily dosing cannot be ensured, intermittent regimens may be prescribed for children above 6 months of age. Universal vitamin D supplementation is not recommended in childhood pneumonia, diarrhea, tuberculosis, HIV and non-infectious conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, and developmental disorders. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of >20 ng/mL should be maintained in children with conditions at high-risk for vitamin deficiency, like nephrotic syndrome, chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, and intake of anticonvulsants or glucocorticoids.