Footwear Usage and Practice in Indian Healthcare Centres

Healthcare Centres are where the patients get treated, but most of the time, we ignore that it is also a major source of Infections, to both patients and visitors. In India, many hospitals don抰 allow patients & visitors to enter with their Footwear on, whereas, Doctors & other Health Care Workers can. There are no specific guidelines for visitors and patients for wearing Footwear in India. Also, the Indian National Guidelines of infection prevention & control doesn抰 provide sufficient protocol regarding the importance of wearing Footwear for patients and visitors in Healthcare Centres. This article focuses on finding the risk of acquiring Infection & transmission of microorganisms when a patient walks barefoot within the hospital.

Effect of Chlorhexidine and/or Ethanol Pre-bonding Treatment on the Shear Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Dentin

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine and/or ethanol pre-bonding treatment on the shear bond strength of resin composite to dentin using etch and rinse adhesive system after 24 hours, 3 months and 6 months of aging. Materials and methods: Dentin surface of premolars were etched and randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=24). In Group A, dentin surfaces were bonded according to the manufacturer’s instruction. In Group B and C, dentin surfaces were treated with 2% CHX or 100% ethanol for 60 sec respectively. In Group D, dentin surfaces were treated with 2% CHX for 60 sec followed by 100% ethanol for another 60 sec. The adhesive resin was then applied and light cured according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Resin composite build ups were made above the dentin surface for shear bond strength test after 24 hours, 3 months and 6 months’ storage period in normal saline. Bond strength data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Mode of failure was also analyzed whether adhesive, cohesive or mixed between composite and dentin. Results: Significant differences were found for the 2 factors: ‘storage period’ (p<0.05) and ‘adhesive protocol’ (p<0.05) on bond strength. Numbers of mixed failure were higher when dentin surfaces were treated with 2% CHX and/or 100% ethanol. Conclusion: Dentin surface treatment with 2% CHX and/or 100% ethanol was effective in reducing the deterioration in shear bond strength of composite to dentin up to 6 months of storage.

Evaluation of Arterial Pulse Amplitude Ratio and Valsalva Ratio in Different Age Groups.

Aims: To construct normal values of Valsalva ratio for heart rate responses during Valsalva maneuver (VM) and arterial pulse amplitude ratio as reference values for different age groups, and to investigate the effect of aging alone , without , the presence of risk factors, on autonomic nervous system. This is a case control study, performed in Marjan teaching hospital, in Hilla city, from February 2012 to June 2012. Methodology: 40 subjects were included in this study, all were healthy males, group 1 (G1) mean age 28.3±9.7 years, group 2 (G2) mean age 48.4±7.1 years. Strips of lead II of ECG were recorded during performance of VM for calculation R-R intervals and measurement of blood pressure during phase I and phase II by mercury sphygmomanometer. Calculation of Valsalva ratio for heart rate and arterial pulse amplitude ratio for both groups were done. Results: The systolic and diastolic blood pressures of G2 were significantly higher than values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures of G1 at phase I and phase II of VM (P=0.05). Pulse pressure for the two groups at phase I (G1:51±11, G2: 53±13mmHg) and phase II (G1:41±5, G2:41±3.99) of VM were not significant (P>0.05). Valsalva ratio for G1 was (1.5±0.3) and for G2 was (1.39±0.29), pulse amplitude ratio for G1 was (0.80±0.19) and for G2 was (0.77±0.19). There were no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). All values were expressed as mean±SD. Conclusions: The results showed that the autonomic nervous system is intact in the older group. The aging process, without the presence of risk factors, does not affect the autonomic nervous system.

[Assaying digoxin by way of enzyme linked immune standardized assaying [ELISA] in Digitalis purpurea which is under the effect of salinity]

The plant creates raw materials through primal metabolism in order to maintain crucial lively operations. While in the case that the plant is subjected to inhibition of growth as a result to environmental circumstances characterized by a high level of salinity, the Digitalis purpurea used in this experiment changes its biological potential like bio-creation to form other necessary materials that take part in secondary metabolism operations, and hence affect the creation of glycosides that strengthen the heart, which Digoxin is one of. Digitalis purpurea plants were planted in different assays including 4 sets, the 1st set is the witness "control", different concentrations of the NaCl solution are added to the three remaining sets, and they are respectively mM 80, 40, 20 within a time period of 20 weeks, then an operation of Assaying Digoxin by way of Enzyme Linked Immune Standardized Assaying [ELISA] was performed. Digoxin content increased in the leaves and roots of the Digitalis purpurea plant, planted in the witness "control" assay, or in the low salinity level assays with 20mM concentration in the 23rd and 24th weeks respectively, then it decreased. Digoxin content in plant roots in 40mM salinity reach its maximum in the 19th week, and that agrees with the ionic relation K+/Na+ less than /1/, and at the relation value Na+/Ca2+ higher than 0.35. The slight ionic disorder leads to an increase in the accumulation of Digoxin in the root, and more in the leaves of the Digitalis purpurea plant

Health education materials for Arab patients: content and design preferences

To investigate the content and design preferences of printed health education leaflets among Arab patients. A survey questionnaire to 17 subjects [women: n = 8, men: n = 9; age range 17-70 years] and three focus-group discussions [total 16 participants] were used to assess preferences by showing samples of Arabic health education materials. The questionnaire was administered by interviewers. For the focus-group discussions, the sessions were conducted by a trained interviewer, audio recorded and analyzed thematically. The subjects' educational level was from no formal schooling to university level. In survey component, all patients preferred photographs over clipart. Typeface ['font'] preferences were for Simplified Arabic in 8 subjects [47%] and Mudir MT in 7 [41%]; the 16-point font size was favored by 14 [82%] patients. In the three focus-group discussions, themes that participants expressed included use of standard Arabic with local dialects, short sentences, and culturally appropriate advice with practical and quantifiable examples. The participants preferred health education materials to be color trifold brochures illustrated with pictures and not clipart and written in Arabic using the Simplified Arabic font in 16-point size

Determining the minimum inhibitor concentration of the essential oil of Origanum syriacum that inhibits the growth of Candida albicans

Three samples of the wild Origanum syriacum during the vegetative period of the plant were collected from the following Syrian areas: Talkalakh- Kasab- Omal-toyor, plus a fourth sample planted in a house in Alforolloq forests. Three other wild samples of the plant were also collected during the flowering period from the mentioned areas. The essential oil was extracted from the samples to study its effect against the growth of Candida albicans fungus in the lab. The MIC ranged from 5 micron/ml to 10 micron/ml. This study shows the importance of this plant in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans in vitro

Moraxella catarrhalis as a respiratory pathogen.

Background: Moraxella catarrhalis is gaining significance as a pathogen over few decades because of increased rate of isolation in respiratory specimens and due to emergence of multidrug resistant strains. Therefore, appropriate antimicrobial agents are required for eradication and prevention of spread of the organism. Material and Methods: -The study was conducted over 1-year period inpatients of lower respiratory tract infections (L.R.T.I.) in P.G.I.M.S. Rohtak (Haryana) . Assessment of clinical significance of M.catarrhalis was ascertained on the basis of preformed criteria. Results: A total of 63 clinically significant M. catarrhalis were isolated from a tertiary care hospital. The isolates showed maximum resistance to cotrimoxazole (82.5%), pencillin (77.7%), and ampicillin (71.4%) while susceptibility was maximum to cefotaxime (87.3%) followed by tetracycline (85.7%) ciprofloxacin (84.1%), erythromycin (80.9%) amikacin (79.3%), gentamycin (77.7%), and cefazolin (76.2%). Multidrug resistance to >3 antimicrobials was seen in 22 (34.9%) of cases. Conclusions: Predominant or pure growth of M.catarrhalis in throat swabs from cases of L.R.T.I. should be reported and treated by microbiologist and clinician respectively. Antibiotic therapy should be decided based on sensitivity report for rapid respose and recovery of patients.

Salmonella enteritidis from a case of fever with thrombocytopenia

Non typhoidal Salmonella species are thought to be potentially infectious to humans. We isolated Salmonella enteritidis from a 10-year-old boy with fever and thrombocytopenia. We reviewed the literature concerning infections caused by Salmonella but we could not find any such case report from India.

Evaluation of nitrate reductase assay for direct detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Rapid and inexpensive method for low-resource settings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a nitrate reductase assay (NRA) for the direct detection of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis from 100 smear-positive sputum samples. The NRA results were compared with the reference proportion method for 100 sputum specimens for which comparable results were available. NRA results were obtained at day 7 for 61 specimens, results for 26 specimens were obtained at day 10, and the results for 13 specimens were obtained at day 14. Thus, 87% of NRA results were obtained in 10 days. NRA is a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method for the detection of MDR in M. tuberculosis isolates as compared to the proportion method, which is time consuming. Therefore, NRA constitutes a useful tool for detection of tuberculosis drug resistance in low-resource countries with limited laboratory facilities due to its low-cost, ease of performance and lack of requirement of sophisticated equipment.

[Plasma levels of esRAGE in type 2 diabetes patients and relationship with glucose control in those patients]

Advanced glycation end products [AGEs] and their receptor [RAGE] system play an important role in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Recently, an endogenous secretory RAGE [esRAGE] has been identified as a novel variant, which lacks the transmembrane domain and is secreted in human sera. Interestingly, it was reported that esRAGE binds AGEs ligands and is capable of neutralizing the actions of AGEs on endothelial cells I cultures. 88 subjects were involved in this study, they were divided into three groups: type 2 diabetes patients group [n=33], obesity group [n=33], control group [n=22]. We determined plasma esRAGE levels of this subjects using ELISA, and then we investigated the relationship between esRAGE and HbA1c in both diabetic patients and obesity subjects. Plasma esRAGE levels were significantly lower in type 2 diabetes patients [0.26 +/- 0.06 ng/ml] and obesity subjects [0.27 +/- 0.07 ng/ml] compared to control group [0.37 +/- 0.13 ng/ml]. The study also showed significantly an inversely correlated between esRAGE and HbA1c in both diabetic patients and obesity subjects. Plasma esRAGE levels were lower in type 2 diabetes patients and obesity group compared to control group, and were inversely correlated with glucose control in those groups

Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase as oxidative stress marker in pre-and postmenopausal Iraqi women

The primary role of gamma-glutamyltransferase is to metabolize reduced glutathione by assimilating and utilizing precursor amino acids for intracellular glutathione synthesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the exact role of gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme in the oxidative stress associated with menopause. This study was carried out at the Chemistry and Biochemistry department, Al Nahrain University from October 2009 to January 2010. The study participants were categorized into two groups; premenopausal group [n=17] and postmenopausal group [n=16]. Blood specimens were collected from each participant by vein puncture procedure. The g-glutamyltransferase enzyme was measured by kinetic spectrophotometric method while glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Serum glutathione levels in pre- and postmenopausal women were 0.62 +/- 0.17 and 0.47 +/- 0.11 mmol/L respectively. Serum g-glutamyltransferase levels increased significantly in the postmenopausal women group [p=0.025] compared to the premenopausal women group. Serum malondialdehyde levels were 1.04 +/- 0.06 and 1.32 +/- 0.05 mmol/L in pre- and postmenopausal groups respectively. Serum g-glutamyltransferase may be considered as an index of oxidative stress associated with menopause

Iron body status, ceruloplasmin levels and oxidative stress in pre- and postmenopausal women at baghdad city

Estimatiorfof different iron body status markers, ceruloplas-min and oxidative stress in pre- and postmenopausal women at Baghdad city. This study was performed at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, College of medicine, AI-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq from January 2009 to October 2009. The study consisted of 42 healthy women categorized into two groups premeno-pausal women [n= 22] aged 29.71 +/-8.92 years and postmenopausal women [n=20] aged 53.33 +/- 4.61 years. Iron, total iron binding capacity [TIBC] were measured colorimetrically, ferritin levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], ceruloplas-min level was estimated by radial immunodiffusion technique whereas malondialdehyde was quantified colorimetrically. Non-significant increase [P>0.05] in iron, ferritin levels, transferrin saturation percents in sera of postmenopausal women and non- significant increase [P>0.05] in total iron binding capacity [TIBC] transferrin, iron stores in sera of premenopausal women. Malondialdehyde increased non- significantly [P=0.44] in premenopausal women whereas ceruloplasmin increased significantly [P=0.000] in postmenopausal women group. On the other hand ferritin was correlated positively and significantly with body mass index [BMI] [r= 0.696; P < 0.05] and with ceruloplasmin levels [r=0.725; P<0.05] in pre- and postmenopausal women. Hormonal changes which usually associated with menopause may be the cause of increased oxidative stress and consequent rise in ceruloplasmin levels, as an antioxidant response

Congenital rubella and cytomegalovirus infections in and around Chandigarh.

AIMS: This study has analyzed the role of rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in infections of children and pregnant women. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Data from blood samples from pregnant women (asymptomatic and also women with obstetric problems) and children (suspected of intrauterine infections) that were received in the laboratory over a period of 8 years were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were tested for rubella- and CMV-specific IgM antibodies by capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In children, the overall positivity for rubella- and CMV-specific IgM antibodies was 2.8% and 12.5%, respectively. In asymptomatic pregnant females, rubella positivity was 0.7% while in women with obstetric complications it was 3.4%. IgM antibody positivity in cases of CMV was 7.8% in both asymptomatic pregnant women and also in women with obstetric complications. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that infection with CMV is more common than the rubella virus. The incidence of rubella has reduced over the past few years. Hence, screening for rubella infection may be reserved for women with obstetric complications only. The routine screening for CMV among all antenatal cases is a debatable issue.

Effect of gamma radiation on the inactivation of aflatoxin B1 in food and feed crops / Efeito da radiação gama na inativação de aflatoxina B1 em alimentos e ração

Samples of food crops (peanut, peeled pistachio, unpeeled pistachio, rice, and corn) and feed (barley, bran, corn) were autoclave-sterilized, and inoculated with 10(6) of spore suspension of an isolate of Aspergillus flavus fungus known to produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) . Following a 10-day period of incubation at 27 C to allow for fungal growth, food and feed samples were irradiated with gamma radiation at the doses 4, 6, and 10 kGy. Results indicated that degradation of AFB1 was positively correlated with the increase in the applied dose of gamma ray for each tested sample. At a dose of 10 kGy percentages of AFB1 degradation reached highest values at 58.6, 68.8, 84.6, 81.1 and 87.8 percent for peanuts, peeled pistachios, unpeeled pistachios, corn and rice samples, respectively. In feed samples percentages of AFB1 degradation were 45, 66, and 90 percent in barley, 47, 75, and 86 percent in bran, and 31, 72, and 84 percent in corn for the doses of 4, 6, and 10 kGy, respectively. AFB1 degradation in food samples correlated negatively with oil content in irradiated samples. Thus, in peanuts, which contained the highest oil content, percentage of AFB1 degradation at 10 kGy was not more than 56.6 percent, whereas, the corresponding value in corn, which contained the lowest oil content, reached as high as 80 percent. The above results indicate the possibility of using gamma radiation as a means of degradation of AFB1 in food and feed crops to levels lower than the maximum allowed levels.

Amostras de alimentos (amendoim, pistache descascada, pistache com casca, arroz e milho) e de ração (cevada, farelo de trigo e milho) foram esterilizadas por autoclavação e inoculadas com uma suspensão de esporos (10(6)) de um isolado de Aspergillus flavus produtor de aflatoxina B1 (AFB1). Após incubação por 10 dias a 27ºC para multiplicação do fungo, as amostras foram irradiadas com radiação gama nas doses de 4, 6 e 10 kGy. Os resultados indicaram que a degradação da AFB1 correlacionou-se positivamente com o aumento da dose de radiação gama. As porcentagens de degradação da AFB1 foram mais altas na dose de 10kGy, obtendo-se valores de 58,6, 68,8, 84,6, 81,1 e 87,8 por cento para amendoim, pistache descascada, pistache com casca, milho e arroz, respectivamente. Nas rações, as porcentagens de degradação de AFB1 foram 45, 66 e 90 por cento para cevada, 47, 75 e 86 por cento para farelo de trigo e 31, 72 e 84 por cento para milho, nas doses de 4, 6 e 10 kGy, respectivamente. A degradação de AFB1 correlacionou-se negativamente com o teor de gordura nas amostras irradiadas. Assim, em amendoim, que apresentou o teor de gordura mais alto, a porcentagem de degradação com 10 kGy foi inferior a 56,6 por cento, enquanto o valor correspondente em milho, que apresentou o teor de gordura mais baixo, foi de 80 por cento. Os resultados indicam a possibilidade de uso da radiação gama como meio de degradação de AFB1 em alimentos e ração a níveis inferiores ao máximo permitido.

Physiological studies on duration and types of dormancy in some grape CVS

This study was carried out for two successive seasons on "Flame, Superior and Thompson" Seedless grapevine cultivars grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system. Dormancy types and periods, changes in endogenous hormones and thickness of scale layer in relation to de-scaling, exposure to various chilling and ODD regimes were investigated, in addition to the thermal requirements for some phenological stages. Results indicated that grape buds exhibit a short shallow dormancy period, Part of it is attributed to Endo-dormancy and other to Para-dormancy which are basically due to the scales. Scale layers diameter increased markedly during the dormancy period. Such increment might restrict bud growth and expansion, it may be a source of ABA. On the other hand, dormancy period of the three considered grape cultivars may depend on the interaction between both chilling and ODD with various degrees. It was clear that scaling increased bud burst percentage in most sampling dates. Results concerning endogenous hormones emphasized general increase in the promoting hormones [IAA and GA3] and general decrease in ABA at post dormancy, whereas the reverse was detected in the deep dormancy. GA3 was not detected at both Pre- and deep dormancy phases

Evaluation of albuim-cobalt binding as a specific test for assessment of myocardial infarction

The new biological marker, ischemia modified albumin [IMA] measured by albumin cobalt binding [ACB] test was introducted for the detection of myocardial ischemia. The aim of the present study was to describe the performance characteristics of the ACB test in suspected acute coronary syndrome patients who presented to the emergency myocardial infarction. Forty five patients presented to the emergency department [ED] with chest pain and 31 healthy controls were involved in the study. Serum albumin and ACB test were performed on all subjects, while serum CK-MB was done on patients with chest pain only. The patients were diagnosed to have either myocardial infarction, MI [30] or unstable angina, UA [15]. Thesensitivity and specificity of the ACB test for the detection of ischemia were evaluated by ROC curve analysis. ACB test could be considered as an early test for myocardial ischemia and could detect ischemia much earlier than other eardiac markers the significant negative predictive value of the test may play an important role in the rapid ride out of myocardial ischemia and will reduce the inappropriate admission of low risk patients. However it is a poor discriminator between patients with MI and those with UA

Increased serum sialic acids in depression

Total serum sialic acid [TSA] and lipid associated sialic acid [LSA] have not been measured yet in depressive disorders. The present study was undertaken to show if there is [lily change in the concentration of different forms of sialic acids in patients with depressive disorder TSA and LSA levels have been estimated in serum of 72 patients with depression, in addition to 50 healthy controls reflect a significant increase[p < 0.05] in the TSA aid BSA in the depressed patients as compared with healthy controls It could be concluded that TSA and BSA could reflect an immune like response to depression associated with increase in the siaylation of different glycoproteins

Beta-carotene, glycemic control and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a stressful condition in which the increased production of free radicals impairs the generation of naturally occurring antioxidants like vitamins and carotenoids. The present study deals with the changes in serum fl'-carotene in type 2 diabetes mellitus, as modulated by glycemic control and oxidative stress. Multiple biochemical parameters were obtained from plasma of 57 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [25 males and 32 females], on oral hypoglycemic with a disease duration of 1- 15 years and 37 healthy normal subject s of matching age and sex to serve as controls. The biochemical parameters measured in the present study included the glycated Hb [HbAlc], serum lipids [total cholesterol TC, triglycerides TG, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterols, HDL-C and LDL-C], lipid peroxides and serum beta-carotene. Results revealed a marked reduction of beta-carotene in the diabetics in a pattern proportional to that of the glycemic control, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Possible causes, mechanisms and suggestions underlining these changes are discussed

An echocardiographic study of valvular heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosuS

Valvular heart disease is the most important cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. We performed a study to determine the relation of valvular disease to other clinical features of lupus, the type and the incidence of valvular heart disease in SLE patients. We performed transthoracic echocardiography [TTE] and rheumatologic evaluations in 56 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The echocardiographic findings were compared with those in 40 healthy volunteers. Abnormal valvular Echocardiographic findings were multiple valvular abnormalities found in 21 patients [37.5%], were distributed in three groups according of valvular involvement: [Groupl] included patients with anatomical and functional valvular involvement [AFVI] in seven patients [12.5%]. [Group2] included patients with anatomical valvular involvement without Doppler detected valve dysfunction [AVI] in 11 patients [19.6%]. [Group3] included patients with functional abnormalities [stenosis or regurgitation] without valvular thickening [FVI] in three patients [5.3%]. Positive antiphospholipids antibody [aPLs] was found in a total of 29 patients [51.7%], of those 17 patients [58.6%] had valvular echocardiographic abnormalities and four patients [14.8%] of the 27 patients with negative aPLs had abnormal echocardiographic findings. Valvular heart disease is common in patients with SLE, valvular abnormalities were correlated with the aPLs in patients with SLE. Echocardiography is an excellent tool for the diagnosis and follows up of valvular abnormalities in patients with SLE

Qualitative and quantitative investigations of furocoumarin derivatives [Psoralens] of Haplophyllum tuberculatum [Rutaceae]

Haplophyllum tuberculatum is an indigenous plant widely distributed in Iraq. .Phytochemical investigation of this plant indicating that the plant is rich in alkaloids, fixed and volatik oils; but non about psoralen contents. Preliminary investigation indicated that this plant has furocoumarins in acceptable amount. Based on these results together with literature survey it was deemed desirable to carry out this phytochemical with emphasis on isolation and characterization of the furocoumarins compounds, Detailed preliminary investigation of the furocoumarins content of the dried, ground whole plant has been described and the results were discussed. Thin layer chromatography of the petroleum ether [boiling point 60-80degree C] extract demonstrated the occurance of furocoumarins compounds in the plant. The extraction procedure of the plant material, the fractionation and isolation procedures of the furocoumarins are fully described. One compound was isolated and identified as Ammoidin by TLC [compared with standard], melting point [148 C], mixed melting point [148 C] and HPLC. Spectrophotometer apparatus was used to determine exactly the amount of Ammoidin measured at 304nm at UV absorption. In Haplophyllum tuberculatum the maximum amount of Ammoidin was found sample collecting from Daquok during June.