Analysis of Association of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Blood Pressure Variability

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and blood pressure variability among hypertensive patients aged over 40 years. Methods: The study recruited 120 patients from a cardiology outpatient clinic who had been diagnosed with hypertension and taking antihypertensive medication for at least 6 months. Demographic and clinical information, blood pressure measurements, and blood samples were collected to measure BNP levels. The standard deviation of the mean arterial pressure over 24 hours was calculated as a measure of blood pressure variability. Linear regression was used to examine the association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability while controlling for age, sex, BMI, and medication history. Results: The study found a significant positive association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability (?=0.31, p=0.002), even after controlling for other variables. The linear regression model explained 20% of the variance in blood pressure variability (R2=0.20, F=9.52, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that higher BNP levels are associated with increased blood pressure variability among hypertensive patients. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the potential implications of this association.

Prognostic significance of the mad1l1 1673 g:a polymorphism in ovarian adenocarcinomas

Abstract Background: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Although most patients respond adequately to the first-line therapy, up to 85% experience a recurrence of disease, which carries a poor prognosis. Mitotic arrest deficiency 1 is a protein that helps in the assembly of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint by preventing anaphase until all chromatids are properly aligned. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MAD1L1 gene is prevalent in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and alters the way in which it responds to chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the relationship between the rs1801368 polymorphism of MAD1L1 and prognosis of ovarian adenocarcinoma. Methods: A total of 118 patients in whom the MAD1L1 gene was sequenced were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: Patients carrying the wild-type genotype had a higher distribution of early-stage disease. Having a MAD1L1 polymorphic allele increased the risk of being non-sensitive to chemotherapy. The median disease-free survival for patients with the wild-type MAD1L1 was 46.93 months, compared to 10.4 months for patients with at least one polymorphic allele. Conclusions: The rs1801368 polymorphism of MAD1L1 gene worsens prognosis in patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma. Traditional therapy for ovarian cancer might not be optimal in patients carrying this polymorphism.

Therapeutic use of human papillomavirus vaccines in cervical lesions

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix and cervical cancer (CC). Prophylactic HPV vaccination induces the development of a specific memory immune response that facilitates HPV elimination once the natural infection occurs. At present, in addition to the prophylactic vaccine, therapeutic vaccines are being developed and researched with the aim of inducing an immune response that allows the elimination of HPV-infected cells. The purpose of this study is to describe the current evidence on the use of therapeutic vaccines and their effect on cervical precancerous lesions, to establish recommendations on their clinical use. So far, the studies that have generated results have described a marginal beneficial effect of the prophylactic vaccine in the management of infection and pre-invasive lesions. Based on the evidence, continuing research on the efficacy and safety of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial lesions is recommended. The use of the HPV prophylactic vaccine as treatment for pre-existing lesions is not advised, but it is recommended to prevent new lesions.

A clinical study of spectrum of low platelet count to establish etiology, diagnosis, complications and prognosis in newborns admitted in Al-Ameen medical college hospital NICU, Bijapur, Karnataka, India

Background: In the newborn low platelet count is a common finding in both preterm and term newborn. It has been estimated that as many as 22% of all new borns admitted to NICU develop low platelet counts. A platelet count of less than 150,000/mL is defined as thrombocytopenia irrespective of the age of the individual.Methods: All the neonates underwent necessary blood investigations like Complete blood counts, (including platelet counts, HB estimation, Red cell indices and PCV), Capsular Polysaccharide - reactive protein. (CRP), Peripheral Smear study, Blood culture, BT, CT, PT, aPPT, Anti-platelet Antibodies.Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in our study was 28%. The proportion of severe thrombocytopenia among the neonatal thrombocytopenia, 11.2% in our study.Conclusions: It can be concluded that thrombocytopenia is very much common in among our NICU admissions. Septicemia is its most important and most common cause.

Protective effect of -tocopherol against hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by nickel sulfate in male albino rats.

Among the chemical hazards, heavy metal like nickel (Ni) is considered to be a serious one. It induces severe liver and kidney damage by altering several marker enzymes and ascorbate-cholesterol metabolism. The objective of the study was to investigate the possible protective role of α-tocopherol on NiSO4 (Ni II) exposed alteration of hematological parameters, markers of liver and kidney functions, hepatic and renal antioxidant defense system in male albino rats. We have studied the effects of α-tocopherol supplementation on nickel sulfate induced alteration of body weight, hematology, liver and kidney toxicity markers (SGOT, SGPT, total protein, urea, creatinine) and hepatic and renal antioxidant defense system of male albino rats. Nickel toxicity results in decreased body weight gain and relative liver and kidney weight. Nickel treatment also resulted in alteration of hematological parameters along with increased liver and kidney toxicity markers. Nickel sulfate administration significantly increased the level of lipid peroxides and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic and renal tissue. Simultaneous treatment with á-tocopherol exhibited a possible protective role on the toxic effect of nickel on body and organ weights, hematological parameters, SGPT activity and improved tissue antioxidant defense system. α-tocopherol, may partially prevent nickel induced alteration of hematological and biochemical parameters as well as have amelioratic effects on nickel induced alteration of antioxidant status of liver and kidney.

Effect of garlic (allium sativum) on hematology and erythrocyte antioxidant defense system of albino rats exposed to heavy metals (nickel II & chromium VI).

Heavy metals are stable environmental contaminants, causing various alterations in target tissues. Garlic has some beneficial effect in preventing heavy metal induced various alteration. The objective was to investigate the possible protective role of fresh aqueous homogenate of garlic on hematology, erythrocyte antioxidant defense system in male albino rats treated with NiSO4 and K2Cr2O7. Rats were divided into six groups. Group I was untreated control. Group II was given aqueous homogenate of garlic (orally). Group III was administered with nickel sulfate (i.p). Group IV was given NiSO4 and garlic simultaneously. Group V was administered with K2Cr2O7 (i.p). Group VI were treated simultaneously with K2Cr2O7 and garlic. RBC, WBC, platelet count, PCV%, hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly and clotting time increased significantly after nickel treatment. After chromium treatment all the values decreased except clotting time. Increased malondialdehyde and glutathione level after nickel and chromium treatment was observed. Also erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities significantly increased after nickel and chromium treatment. Simultaneous garlic supplementation exhibited protective role to combat nickel toxicity, whereas no such beneficial effects were observed for chromium (VI). Garlic may partially prevent nickel and chromium induced alteration but such ameliorated effects as an antioxidant is only restricted on nickel induced alteration.

Protective efficacy of immunoglobulins Y prepared against Cerastes cerastes snake venom in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

To prepare and evaluate the protective efficacy of immunoglobulin Y [IgY] prepared against local Saudi Cerastes cerastes snake venom. The study was conducted between October 2009 and October 2011 at the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study designed as follow; 4 groups of 8 chickens were immunized intramuscularly with Cerastes cerastes snake venoms mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant. Three weeks later, the injections were repeated with the venoms with incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Three boosters were given with the venoms at 3 weeks intervals. The IgY was extracted by ammonium sulphate-caprylic acid method, the antibody titer were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay, and the protective efficacies of the extracted immunoglobulins were performed. Immunoglobulin Y preparation extracted by ammonium sulphate-caprylic acid method showed lack of low molecular weight bands. The bands representing IgY-antibodies, which have molecular weights ranged from 180-200 KD, appeared sharp and clear. Furthermore, evaluation of the prepared protective value of IgY-antibodies revealed one ml of extracted IgY-antibodies containing 15 mg/ml anti Cerastes cerastes; specific IgY could produce 100% protection against 50 LD50. Laying hens could be used as an alternative source of polyclonal antibodies against Cerastes cerastes snake venoms due to several advantages as compared with mammals

Eosinophilic pneumonia: experience at two tertiary care referral hospitals in Saudi Arabia

Eosinophilic lung diseases are a diverse group of disorders characterized by pulmonary opacities associated with tissue or peripheral eosinophilia. A retrospective study conducted at two tertiary care hospitals from January 1999 to December 2009. All cases with the diagnosis of pulmonary eosinophilia were reviewed over a period of 10 years. Data on demographic, clinical, and radiologic characteristics were collected. Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 33.9 [16.2] years, of which 20 [57.1%] were male and meeting the criteria of eosinophilic lung disease were identified. Cough and dyspnea were the most frequent symptoms at presentation in 29 [82.9%] and 27 [77.1%] patients, respectively. Reticulonodular and airspace patterns were the most common radiographic findings in 17 [48.6%] and 15 [42.9%] patients, respectively. Peripheral eosinophilia was present in 33 [94.3%] patients. Twenty-four patients [68.6%] were labeled as having idiopathic pulmonary infiltrate with eosinophilia. Complete remission was achieved in 13 [54.2%] of 24 patients, while 10 [41.7%] patients relapsed within a few months of discontinuation of therapy. Specific therapy for a specific disease was administered in 8 patients: 2 patients for pulmonary tuberculosis, 2 for Churg-Strauss syndrome, 1 for lymphoma, 1 for schistosomiasis, 1 for acute eosinophilic pneumonia, and 1 for Wegener granuloma; 3 patients were treated as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Pulmonary eosinophilia remains rare but challenging, and it can have the same diverse clinical and radiographic presentations seen with other common pulmonary conditions. Clinicians should be alert to these syndromes and must think of them in any lung disease differential diagnoses

Study of short term memory status in adult bipolar disorder patients in south Indian population.

The present study was undertaken to establish short term memory status in Bipolar disorder cases as compared with normal age and sex matched control group in Bijapur (Karnataka). Results showed that a significant decrease in short term memory status in bipolar disorder cases as compared to their control group .Loss of attention, decreased processing speed and executive function patterns may be the probable causes of such observations.

-hospital mortality among a cohort of cirrhotic patients admitted to a Tertiary hospital

To determine the mortality rate in a cohort of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and examine their resuscitation status at admission. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with cirrhosis who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. We reviewed 226 cirrhotic patients during the study period. The hospital mortality rate was 35%. A univariate analysis revealed that worse outcomes were seen in patients with advanced age or who had worse child-turcotte-pugh [CPT] scores, worse model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] scores, low albumin and high serum creatinine. Using a multivariate analysis, we found that advanced age [P=0.004] and high MELD [P=0.001] scores were independent risk factors for the mortality of cirrhotic patients. The end-of-life decision were made in 34% of cirrhotic patients, and the majority of deceased patients were "no resuscitation" status [90% vs. 4%, P<0.001]. The relatively high mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted for care in a tertiary hospital, Saudi Arabia was comparable to that reported in the literature. Furthermore, end-of-life discussions should be addressed early in the hospitalization of cirrhotic patients

Septic arthritis of the knee joint secondary to prevotella bivia

Prevotella bivia is an obligatory anaerobic, gram-negative rod, which often produces a detectable beta-lactamase. To date, there has been only 3 descriptions of septic arthritis secondary to this microorganism in a patients pre-existing sever joint disease like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis or after joint prosthesis. We are reporting the first case of septic arthritis due to Prevotella bivia in a patient with no pre-existing joint symptoms

Blood leukocyte profile in different phases of menstrual cycle.

The optimal availability of immune cells in the peripheral blood stream of women plays a critical role in their response to disease and therapeutic interventions. Interaction between the reproductive and immune system plays an important immunoregulatory role. This study was designed to examine the impact of different phases of menstrual cycle on the blood leukocytes. Twenty-four healthy women in their reproductive age group and having regular menstrual cycle were studied during menstrual, proliferative and secretary phases of menstrual cycle. Total leukocyte count, absolute and differential counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes and mixed cells (includes eosinophils, basophils and monocytes) were analyzed. Results showed that the variations in the different types of leukocytes during different phases of menstrual cycle were not statistically significant. No significant inter group difference, except for the significant decrease in differential lymphocyte percentage in proliferative phase as compared to menses were observed.

The epidemiology of respiratory disease in Zimbabwe

This review of the burden of respiratory diseases in children and adult Zimbabweans is based on limited available literature and highlights a need for more descriptive epidemio- logical studies. In children; the commonest reported causes of respiratory mortality were acute pyogenic pneumonia; Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; and tuberculosis; with different patterns of diseases evident between HIV-positive and HIV-negative children. Asthma and other atopic conditions are common but under-reported due to a predomi- nance of publication on HIV-related subjects. In adults; exposure to indoor air pollution due to burning of biomass fuels is probably associated with acute respiratory infections; asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; lung cancer; and nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers in Zimbabwe as in other regions. These conditions also have other common risk factors including malnutrition and tobacco smoking but the prevalence rates of these conditions and their associations with risk factors are not known. In adults with chronic cough; tuberculosis is the most common diagnosis among HIV infected adults but lower respiratory tract infections and asthma were more common among HIV- negative patients. Factors associated with tobacco smoking in Zimbabwe are discussed

oxidative stress and the anti-oxidant mechanisms in patients with vitiligo in relation to the duration and severity of the disease

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Previous studies showed that the progress of auto-immune diseases may be related to oxidative modification of cellular structures by free radicals, and at least partly depends on the concentration of antioxidants at critical cellular sites. The present work was arranged to evaluate the alterations in oxidative stress as measured by plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA] and the changes in antioxidant mechanism as measured by plasma and red blood cells Glutathione [GSH] in patients with vitiligo, in comparison to a healthy control group. These changes were studied according to the severity and duration of the disease. Fifty patients with vitiligo were included in this study. The severity of the disease was graded according to the rule of nine into three grades [mild, moderate, and severe]. Duration of the diseases was graded into 2 grades [less than 6 months and equal or more than 6 months]. Plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA], and plasma and red blood cells Glutathione [GSH] were assessed in all patients. The results showed that plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA] were high in mild cases and in the early course of the disease, while they were low in severe and chronic cases. Plasma Glutathione [GSH] was low in mild and acute cases while it reached near to normal levels in chronic and extensive cases. Free radicals are high in mild, and in the early course of the disease in patients with vitiligo, and near to normal in chronic, generalized vitiligo. Similarly, the antioxidants are low in mild, and in the early course of the disease in patients with vitiligo, and near to normal in chronic, generalized disease

Closure of rRNA related gaps in the Chromobacterium violaceum genome with the PCR-assisted contig extension (PACE) protocol

In the finishing phase of the Chromobacterium violaceum genome project, the shotgun sequences were assembled into 57 contigs that were then organized into 19 scaffolds, using the information from shotgun and cosmid clones. Among the 38 ends resulting from the 19 scaffolds, 10 ended with sequences corresponding to rRNA genes (seven ended with the 5S rRNA gene and three ended with the 16S rRNA gene). The 28 non-ribosomal ends were extended using the PCR-assisted contig extension (PACE) methodology, which immediately closed 15 real gaps. We then applied PACE to the 16S rRNA gene containing ends, resulting in eight different sequences that were correctly assembled within the C. violaceum genome by combinatory PCR strategy, with primers derived from the non-repetitive genomic region flanking the 16S and 5S rRNA gene. An oriented combinatory PCR was used to correctly position the two versions (copy A and copy B, which differ by the presence or absence of a 100-bp insert); it revealed six copies corresponding to copy A, and two to copy B. We estimate that the use of PACE, followed by combinatory PCR, accelerated the finishing phase of the C. violaceum genome project by at least 40 per cent

A study on predictors of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Muslim subjects (aged 18 to 20 years) of Karnataka.

This study aims to develop Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) predictors for Karnataka Muslim male and female subjects of aged 18 to 20 years. PEFR was recorded in a standing position using mini Wright Peak Flow Meter on one hundred and four (104) healthy male and sixty one (61) healthy female subjects. Anthropometrical measurements i.e. height, weight, body surface area and body mass index were calculated. Statistically significant correlation were found in both sexes between PEFR and standing height (male, r = 0.94, P < 0.001; female, r = 0.95, P < 0.001), weight (male, r = 0.56, P < 0.001; female, r = 0.70, P < 0.001) and body surface area (male, r = 0.68, P < 0.001; female, r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The correlation between PEFR and body mass index were not found statistically significant in both sexes (male, r = 0.081; female, r = 0.17). The prediction equation for Karnataka male and female Muslim subjects (aged 18 to 20 years) based on height, weight and body surface area and multiple regression equation based on all those physical parameters have been developed (PEFR (l/m) (male) = 1.7304 x height + 0.155 x weight + 140.45 x BSA + 5.02; PEFR (l/m) (female) = 2.0448 x height--16.08 weight + 664.697 x BSA--101.24).

Mobilization and superficialization of basilic vein for brachio basilic fistula

The aim of this study was to report the Armed Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia experience in 20 patients who underwent brachio basilic fistula. The use of basilic vein for creation of vascular access for hemodialysis has become popular as it has superiority over polytetrafluoroethlene grafts, as it is a native vessel with less complications. From March 2001 to June 2001, 20 patients were selected to have brachio basilic arteriovenous fistula with superficialization, age range between 25-85 years [mean age 55 years]. Eight were diabetic and 9 were hypertensive. All patients started the dialysis 6 weeks after the operation. We are planning to extend our study up to 2 years. Four patients were excluded. Three out of 4 were found to have stenotic short vein and had brachio-axillary Gortex graft and the 4th patient had mobilization of forearm basilic vein looped up and anastomosed to the brachial artery below the elbow. Two out of the remaining 16 fistulas failed, one within 2 weeks and the other after 8 weeks. The remaining 14 are functioning well 6 months after the operation. This is an 85% success rate so far, which is comparable to other studies. Brachio basilic fistula with superficialization is an acceptable access for dialysis with a good success rate and fewer complications compared to brachio axillary Gortex graft

Is it helicobacter pylori or are they the drugs?

The study included 22 patients of age range 12-76 years. They were selected carefully to have history of drug that induced their gastroduodenal disorders. Biopsy specimens were taken from the gastric antrum of each patient to detect Helicobacter pylori infection by the urease test. Significant association was found between Helicobacter pylori infection and drugs induced gastro duodenal disorders. As the infection was detected in 90.9% of the total patients. Treatment was given to nine H. pylori positive patients which included a single dose of amoxycillin [3gm/week] plus metronidazole [750 mg/day] for a period of two weeks. This regimen was found to be effective in eradicating H. pylori and resulted in disappearance of signs and symptoms in 83.3% of the patients who had gastroduodenal disorder triggered by drugs.