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Aim: Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) occurs with aging and in various disease states. There are no reliable screening techniques to measure AGEs in clinical settings. In this study, a point-of-care (POC) device was used to validate skin AGE measurements with serum AGE levels and to assess its usefulness to identify individuals with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). Materials and methods: The study group comprised individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT: n = 47) and with AGT, that is, either diabetes or prediabetes (n = 68). Intrinsic AGE fluorescence was measured spectrofluorimetrically using multimode plate reader in the serum by exciting the samples at 370 nm and emission readouts at 440 nm. Skin AGEs were acquired using a CE-marked Scout DS commercial device. Serum levels of biomarkers carboxymethyl lysine (CML), carboxyethyl lysine (CEL), and pentosidine were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: In subjects with AGT, the skin AGEs [61.3 vs 53.7 arbitrary units (AU), p<0.0001] and serum AGEs (3.5 vs 2.8 AU, p<0.0001) were significantly higher than in individuals with NGT. The levels of CML, CEL, and pentosidine were also significantly higher in the subjects with AGT when compared with NGT (138 vs 89 pg/mL; 2.4 vs 1.4 nmol/mL, and 64 vs 48 pmol/mL, p<0.0001), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive association of skin AGEs with serum AGEs (r = 0.344) (p<0.001), CML (r = 0.323) (p<0.001), CEL (r = 0.308) (p<0.001), and pentosidine (r = 0.251) (p<0.001). In addition, it also showed a positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p<0.001), 2-hour post-glucose (p<0.001), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p<0.001), and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis using AGT as a dependent variable showed that skin AGE scores were significantly (p<0.001) associated with AGT (odds ratio: 1.133, confidence intervals: 1.067–1.203). Conclusion: This study shows that the measurement of skin AGEs using a POC device may be suitable for mass screening of AGT even in low-resource settings.
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Medical ethics education along with attitude and communication training has been incorporated into the regular MBBS curriculum in India from 2019, so as to encourage a caring and communicative approach by doctors towards patients. It would be important to understand the relevance of the educational module in the form of cases to ensure an optimal learning process for future students and doctors in the making. We selected three cases and conducted online debates among small groups of second year MBBS students. Students submitted narratives and their reflections after discussing each case and gave overall feedback. Our findings suggested that the students recognised the complexity of taking decisions when presented with ethical dilemmas and appreciated the opportunity to voice opposing views. The online platform was effective and may be considered in the future as a medium to help integrate discussions on medical ethics alongside clinical work.
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Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen is a rare benign vascular lesion of the spleen that was first described in 2004. SANT is associated with other concurrent diseases, mostly malignancies. Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor (CFPT) is a tumor-like lesion usually arising from soft tissue or peritoneal sub-serosa. Both SANT and CFPT are considered to be variants of the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. We report the rare case of a 24-year-old female presenting with a left abdominal mass that was clinically diagnosed as an extraintestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Histopathological examination revealed SANT of spleen and CFPT. We report this case due to its rarity of occurrence and unusual association of SANT with CFPT.
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The institutional credit agencies like commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBS) and Cooperative banks have been playing a pivotal role in the formation, strengthening and development of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through micro finance in India. In fact, the banking institutions have become more instrumental in developing micro-enterprises by the women members of Self-Help Groups through providing financial services. Self-Help Groups linkage programmes is suitable and an effective intervention in economic uplift met and financial inclusion for the bottom of the pyramid.1 A proven platform initially conceived for increasing the outreach of banking services among the poor has since graduated to a programme for promotion of livelihoods and poverty the banking sector in rural and urban areas.2 An attempt is made her to analyze the different, financial agencies such as CBs, RRBs and Cooperative banks in providing financial services to the poor and marginalized sections for the promotion and strengthening of self-help groups in India. Micro-finance is an economic development tool whose objective is to assist the poor to work their way out of poverty. In fact, micro-finance is powerful weapon to remove the poverty in our country. There is a greater involvement of banks in providing the loans to the women members of the Self-Help Groups in the country. The institutional credit agencies have played a crucial role in the development of the poor women members of the SHGs.The Regional Rural Banks have covered more than 45 per cent of the women by way of providing loans and advances whereas the Commercial Banks have given the highest amount of loans to the women members of the SHGs. The Cooperative Banks are in the third position in providing the microcredit to the women members of the SHGs. On the whole, the banking sector has played a dominant role in the provision of the bank loans to the poor women of the SHGs in India.
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Micro finance through Self Help Group (SHG) has been recognized internationally as the modern tool to combat poverty and for rural development. Micro finance and SHGs are effective in reducing poverty, empowering women and creating awareness which finally results in sustainable development of the nation. Micro finance define as efforts to improve poor people's access to loans and saving services may be the fastest growing and most widely recognized anti-poverty too. Micro finance includes basic financial services including small loans, savings accounts, funds transfers and insurance. A long side non-financial service such as business training Micro finance assists people living in poverty who wouldn't usually qualify for regular banking services because they have no form of collateral or formal identification. An attempt is made here to examine the impact of the microfinance on the development of the Self-Help Groups in India. The total number of self-help groups which have maintained savings with banks is 100 lakhs during 2018-19 but only 26.98 lakhs i.e 26.95 percent of the SHGs have obtained credit from the financial institutions. Out of 74.62 lakh SHGs, only 11.96 lakhs i.e. 16.03 percent of the SHGs have got micro-credit from the institutional credit agencies during 2010-11. The above analysis indicates that the number of SHGs which got micro credit has increased from 16 percent to 27 percent i.e only 11 percentage points increased in 2018-19 over 2010-11. About 73 percent of the SHGs are out of the purview of the public financial institutions. Majority of the women members of SHGs are away from the institutional credit agencies. These marginalized women have to depend on informal financial services for their credit needs. So that the financial informal sector (mostly moneylenders)has continued to rule in the rural economy. There is a need to break the monopoly of door step availability of credit to these marginalized sections by the informal sources of credit. The credit needs of the women members have enormously increasing for the last two decades. The average loan disbursement per SHG has increased from Rs.1.22 lakhs during 2010-11 to Rs.2.16 lakhs during 2018-19. This is inadequate to meet the credit requirements of the members in the SHGs. Hence it should be made four to five times of the micro credit per SHGs. The bank loans are not regularly paid by the members of the SHGs. Hence, the amount of loan outstanding has continuously increased since 2010-11. It is evident from the fact that the average outstanding bank loans against SHGs shows higher level. The average outstanding per SHG has increased from Rs.65, 224 during 2010-11 to Rs.171543 during 2018-19, shows two and half-fold increase. As a result of it the overall NPA rate in bank loan to SHGs is steadily increasing since 1910-11. However, the overall NPA rate in bank loan to SHG is 5.19 percent as on 31-03-2019 registering a fall of 93 basis points from the previous level of 6.12 percent. The above analysis reveals that the steady declining the rate of NPA is indicating the recovery of loans made of SHGs is improving during the last few years.
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Context: The proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC) into other cell types are also mediated by mechanical stresses; they might offer therapeutic benefits in tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Objectives: The study was planned to assess the proliferation, clonogenic potential, and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) following the application of light and heavy orthodontic forces. Materials and Methods: A couple forces of 50 gm (light force) were applied on the 1st premolar on the one side and 250 gm (heavy force) on the contralateral side in the upper arch of patients requiring orthodontic treatment with extraction of all 1st premolars. After 30 days, periodontal tissues were scrapped from extracted teeth for the establishment of PDLSC in vitro. PDLC from the lower premolar teeth where no orthodontic force was applied acted as the control group. Morphology, viability, proliferating rate and population doubling time, clonogenicity, and alkaline phosphatase activity were analysed. Result: The osteogenic potential was confirmed by Alizarin red staining and the expression of the osteogenic markers by qRT?PCR. The morphology, growth kinetics, potency, and osteogenic lineage characteristics inferred the application of high force reduced the proliferative ability and osteogenesis of PDLSC, though the difference was not significant. Conclusion: The established PDLSCs demonstrated their MSC?like properties based on morphology, growth kinetics, colony forming ability, and AP activity. The culture?expanded PDLSCs showed their differentiation potential into osteocytes. The application of high force reduced the proliferative ability and osteogenesis of PDLSCs, variations were not significant.differentiation
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Background: Advances in oral and periodontal disease diagnostic research are moving towards methods wherein periodontal risk can be identified and quantified by objective measures such as bio?markers. Given the roles of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in modulating the immune response and in the transport of vitamin D, it is hypothesised that quantitative changes of vitamin DBP are associated with periodontal disease. Aim: The aim of the current study is to measure DBP levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with generalised chronic periodontitis, in comparison to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The present cross?sectional clinico?bio?chemical study includes 30 systemically healthy subjects with 15 periodontally healthy and 15 chronic periodontitis subjects who were recruited from the out?patient Department of Periodontics. GCF and blood samples were collected from all the patients. DBP estimation was performed in both the samples using a commercially available ELISA kit. Results: Serum and GCF DBP levels in chronic periodontitis subjects were significantly higher when compared to the periodontally healthy group. There were no significant correlations found among serum and GCF DBP levels with gender and increasing age in both the groups. An increase in disease severity measured by the increase in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss did not show correlation with the GCF and serum DBP levels in the chronic periodontitis group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, increased serum and GCF DBP levels in chronic periodontitis seem to be a probable marker for identifying ongoing periodontal destruction.
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Abstract Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) uses standardized content and procedures to assess students across multiple domains of learning. The study is aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices and observations of dental faculty on OSCE. The survey was distributed into dental faculty members in randomly selected government and private institutions in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was pre-tested and consisted of 4 categories including general characteristics of respondents, knowledge on utility of OSCE in curriculum and its reliability, attitudes regarding OSCE on a 5 point Likert scale, practices and observations on OSCE on Multiple choice questions (both single answer and multiple answer) and responses on a 5 point Likert scale. The sample size was determined to be 93 and the survey was sent electronically to 10 institutes. 101 complete responses from 7 institutions were considered from the 122 received. Faculty participation in OSCE was high within evaluators 94% (n=94) and administrators 61% (n=61). Majority of respondents (62%) believed that OSCE is most suited for competency based education, to assess cognitive skills (73%) and diagnostic interpretation (79%). Reliability of OSCE can be increased by standardization of evaluators (77%) with highest number believing that 6-8 stations (42%) are the minimum required in an OSCE. Institution guidelines (49%) coupled with workshops (47%) was the preferred method of preparation for OSCE. Majority felt that OSCE is most suitable for high stakes exams (mean=3.37) and it is an indispensable part of dental assessment (mean=3.78). Minimum number of stations for adequate reliability was reported to be lesser that in reported literature, specially so for high stakes assessments. Logistics required for arranging an OSCE and difficulty in standardized patients, may suggest that OSCE should be used in select situations.
Resumen El examen clínico estructurado (ECOE) utiliza contenido y procedimientos estandarizados para evaluar a los estudiantes en múltiples dominios de aprendizaje. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los conocimientos, las actitudes, las prácticas y las observaciones de los profesores de odontología sobre la ECOE. La encuesta se distribuyó a los miembros de la facultad de odontología en instituciones gubernamentales y privadas seleccionadas al azar en Arabia Saudita. El cuestionario se utilizó previamente y constaba de 4 categorías que incluían generalidades de los encuestados, conocimiento sobre la utilidad de la ECOE en el plan de estudios y su confiabilidad, actitudes con respecto a la ECOE en una escala Likert de 5 puntos, prácticas y observaciones sobre la ECOE en preguntas de opción múltiple (ambas respuesta y respuesta múltiple) y respuestas en una escala Likert de 5 puntos. Se determinó el tamaño de la muestra en 93 y la encuesta se envió electrónicamente a 10 institutos. Se consideraron 101 respuestas completas de 7 instituciones. La participación del profesorado en ECOE fue alta entre los evaluadores 94% (n=94) y los administradores 61% (n=61). La mayoría de los encuestados (62%) cree que la ECOE es más adecuada para la educación basada en competencias, para evaluar las habilidades cognitivas (73%) y la interpretación del diagnóstico (79%). La confiabilidad de la ECOE puede aumentarse mediante la estandarización de los evaluadores (77%) y el número más alto cree que 6-8 estaciones (42%) son el mínimo requerido en una ECOE. Las directrices de la institución (49%) junto con los talleres (47%) fue el método preferido de preparación para la ECOE. La mayoría consideró que la ECOE es más adecuada para exámenes de alto riesgo (media=3,37) y es una parte indispensable de la evaluación dental (media=3,78).Se informó que el número mínimo de estaciones para una confiabilidad adecuada es menor que en la literatura reportada, especialmente para evaluaciones de alto riesgo. La logística necesaria para organizar un ECOE y la dificultad en los pacientes estandarizados pueden sugerir que el ECOE se debe utilizar en situaciones seleccionadas.
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Examination Questions , Dentistry , Faculty, DentalABSTRACT
We aimed to study the histopathological and immunohistochemistry features in clinically diagnosed cases of nanophthalmos using light microscopy. This was an observational comparative study. We enrolled four eyes of four consecutive patients with nanophthalmos and visually significant cataract, who underwent cataract surgery with prophylactic posterior sclerostomy. Histological analysis of the excised scleral tissue was done and compared with age-matched cadaver controls between January 2021 and October 2021. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains were used for histological analysis, and was further supplemented with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses using a simple light microscope. The immunostained sections were analyzed using confocal microscope for the fibronectin expression level. The main outcome measure was demonstration of histological changes of sclera in nanophthalmic eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Light microscopic features of nanophthalmos revealed thick fibers with fraying and lightly stained cores, irregular serrated edges, and randomly interspersed fibroblasts compared to regular arrangement of collagen fibers seen in cadaver controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis with anti-fibronectin antibody showed strong positivity in clustered fibers in nanophthalmos, and less intense diffuse staining in cadaver tissue. Histoclinical correlation was observed in one nanophthalmic scleral tissue with axial length less than 17 mm showing severe disorganization with diffuse collagenization, loss of fibrillary architecture compared to another specimen with axial length more than 17 mm. Simple, cost-effective light microscopy using basic stains was effective in identifying the characteristic histopathological features in nanophthalmic eyes, and this was further highlighted by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses.
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Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is a rare aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Neuroendocrine carcinomas account for 1–1.5% of cervical cancer and around 12.5% were of large cell types. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who came with complaints of pain abdomen and was reported as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix on biopsy. Immunohistochemistry was done which confirmed the diagnosis.
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BACKGROUND@#Endogenous pancreatic β-cell regeneration is a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing β-cell function and neogenesis in diabetes. Various findings have reported that regeneration might occur via stimulating β-cell proliferation, neogenesis, or conversion from other pancreatic cells to b-like cells. Although the current scenario illustrates numerous therapeutic strategies and approaches that concern endogenous β-cell regeneration, all of them have not been successful to a greater extent because of cost effectiveness, availability of suitable donors and rejection in case of transplantation, or lack of scientific evidence for many phytochemicals derived from plants that have been employed in traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of gymnemic acid (GA) on β-cell regeneration in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats and high glucose exposed RIN5-F cells. @*METHODS@#The study involves histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis to examine the islet’s architecture.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and/or immunoblot were employed to quantify the β-cell regeneration markers and cell cycle proliferative markers. @*RESULTS@#The immunoexpression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B were significantly increased in GA-treated diabetic rats. On the other hand, treatment with GA upregulated the pancreatic regenerative transcription factor viz. pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1, Neurogenin 3, MafA, NeuroD1, and β-cells proliferative markers such as CDK4, and Cyclin D1, with a simultaneous downregulation of the forkhead box O, glycogen synthase kinase-3, and p21 cip1 in diabetic treated rats. Adding to this, we noticed increased nuclear localization of Pdx1 in GA treated high glucose exposed RIN5-F cells. @*CONCLUSION@#Our results suggested that GA acts as a potential therapeutic candidate for endogenous β-cell regeneration in treating type 1 diabetes.
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@#Nutrition information on food labels guides consumers to purchase healthier food choices. Besides nutrition information, other factors influence a purchase. This study aims to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among tertiary students on nutrition and food labels. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 190 students from three tertiary institutions within Klang Valley completed an online survey. Self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic profiles and KAP questions, available in Malay and English, were distributed. Association between KAP was determined using Spearman's Rho test, while multiple linear regression was used to assess predictors of KAP scores. Mean body mass index (BMI) of the respondents were 20.8 kg/m2. The total mean score for knowledge on food labels was 8.93, followed by attitude and practice with 3.86 and 3.11, respectively. There was a significant correlation between attitude and practice (p<0.005). Nutrient and total calorie information on food labels influenced purchases, with 56.3% of respondents reported looking at the total calorie content, followed by 55.7% and 49.5% checking on sugar and fats, respectively. In addition, other factors such as expiry date (60.9%) and price (59.9%) also influenced purchases. Overall, respondents have a positive attitude on food selection, but male respondents have better knowledge levels than females. However, female respondents interpret food labelling effectively compared to male respondents. Despite having good knowledge and attitude towards nutrition, respondents were still making poor choices. A more extensive range of healthier food options and targeted healthy eating campaigns may empower students to choose more nutritious foods.
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@#Introduction: Studies on nutrition among adult AD, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, are lacking. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the energy, micro and macro nutrient intakes. Methods: Sixty two adult participants defined by the Hanifin-Rajka criteria were included. AD severity was determined using SCORAD index and objective SCORAD. Demographic data and a three-day 24-hour dietary recall were collected and analyzed. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was estimated using Schofield’s equation. The Energy Intake (EI): BMR ratio was used to identify under reporters (EI:BMR<1.2). To understand food preferences, main food groups consumed, meat (chicken, beef, and pork), seafood (fish, crustaceans, and mollusk), vegetables, fruits, including eggs and milk were examined. To ascertain food avoidance, open ended questions were asked. Results: Significant differences between the severity of AD groups and energy intake, vitamin A, beta carotene, magnesium, and energy intake-basal metabolic rate ratio (EI: BMR) were seen for SCORAD index. Energy intake was significantly lower among severe AD. Vitamin A and magnesium intake was lower among severe AD. Saturated fat intake was higher among mild AD. EI: BMR was inversely correlated with objective SCORAD. Seventy seven percent of participants were under reporters. Almost 10 percent reported avoiding some form of seafood; predominantly form the crustacean or mollusk group. Conclusion: Subjective symptoms, a component of SCORAD index but not objective SCORAD, may have contributed to significant differences seen. Lower energy intake in severe AD was due to reduced dietary intake during flares rather than underreporting.
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Intussusception is the telescoping of the proximal segment of the intestine within the lumen of the adjacent segment. Adult intussusception is rare and its aetiology differs from paediatrics. Surgery is highly recommended and challenging considering the possibility of carcinoma. Post-operative intussusception is a rare and bizarre complication. We report an 18-year old male who had undergone uncomplicated appendectomy outside the institute with missed histopathological examination (HPE) report, presented with abdominal pain for 1 week, vomiting 4 days, obstipation 1 day. On examination ovoid mass of size (12×7 cm) in right hypochondrium. A plain abdomen radiograph shows dilated bowel loops. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen and pelvis showed telescoping of small bowel into the caecum. Suggestive of post-appendectomy intussusception causing intestinal obstruction, emergency laparotomy revealed telescoping of ileum into caecum, acting as the leading point of intussusception, proceeded with right hemicolectomy and ileo-transverse anastomosis. With blindsiding HPE defining high grade diffuse large B cell lymphoma, immunohistochemistry stains nuclear positivity for cluster of differentiation-20 (CD-20) >80%, and Ki-67 >90%. Surgery plus chemotherapy is warranted being a high-grade tumour. Surgery must be restricted to the primary tumour, with mesenteric lymph node involvement based on oncological principles. Laparoscopic approach is preferred nowadays.
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This study is taken up to estimate and compare the level of serum Lp(a) in hypothyroid patients and in healthy controls. A total of 50 hypothyroidpatients within aged group 20-60 years and total of 50 healthy controls within 20-60 years were enrolled in the study after taking written consent. Thyroid profile and Lp(a) were measured by CLIA and immune turbidemetric method respectively. Data collected was analysed using Stata version 14.1 software. Result shows an increased level of Lp(a) among hypothyroid patients when compared to healthy controls
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Background: Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic abnormalities in which the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease are high.Aim:It aims at studying the lipid abnormalities in metabolic syndrome patients.Methods: Total of 100 metabolic syndrome patients were selected for study over a period of 1year. These patients were selected based on the criteria for metabolic syndrome as established by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Demographic data were taken and biochemical parameters were estimated by standard guideline. Results:Total cholesterol is significantly higher in very high risk(272.1 ± 8.591) compared to high risk (241.2 ± 3.901) and moderate risk (231.5 ± 4.498). TGL is significantly higher in very high risk (263.9 ± 13.70) compared to high risk (202.1 ± 6.531) and moderate risk (183.7 ± 7.650). HDL is almost same in very highrisk (43.09 ± 1.533), high risk (40.44 ± 0.996) and moderate risk (42.53 ± 1.088). LDL is significantly higher in very high risk (177.9 ± 4.255) and high risk (169.4 ± 3.190) compared to moderate risk (155.7 ± 3.098). VLDL is significantly higher in very high risk (52.78 ± 2.739) compared to high risk (40.43 ± 1.306) and moderate risk (36.73 ± 1.530). CHO: HDL is significantly higher in very high risk (6.648 ± 0.366) compared to moderate risk (5.560 ± 0.207). High risk (6.060 ± 0.156) is not significantly different from very high risk and moderate risk. Thus TC, TGL, LDL, VLDL, and CHO: HDL is significant as p value < 0.05 while HDL did not have any significance as p value > 0.05.Conclusion: In this study, high prevalence of dyslipidaemia is seen. So, timely diagnosis and treatment will help in detecting dyslipidaemia patients in future
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Introduction: Viruses are the most common causative agents of hepatitis today and infect many millions of individuals annually. Viral hepatitis encompasses several diseases and represents a global health problem. It induces major morbidity and mortality and places enormous demands on economic and medical resources.Aim of the Study:Analysis of Anti Hbs Titre in Unimmunised Adolescent Children in Correlation with Socio-Demographic Profile.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai from April 2017 to March 2018.Vaccinated and unvaccinated (for Hepatitis B vaccine) adolescents between the age group of 10-19 years, who attended the department of Pediatrics, were included in this study.160 adolescents who were vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine and 160 adolescents who were unvaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine in the age group of 10-19 years. A total of 320 adolescents were included in the study. The correlation was done between two group based on socio-demographic data.Results:Among the mothers, 10.93% (35) were illiterates, 25.62% (82) had finished primary school. 33.44% (107) and 21.56%(69) had done middle school and higher secondary school (HSS) respectively. 8.45% (27) were graduates.In the study it was found that 7.19% (23) of fathers were illiterates, 23.44% (75) had stopped with primary school and 18.43%(59) with middle school. 34.69% (111) have done HSS and 16.25% (52) were graduates.Of total adolescents who participated in 25.63% (82) were from rural areas and 74.37% (238) were from urban areas.Among participants, 49.37% (158) belong to lower and 30.63% (98) belonged to lower middle class. The middle class andthe upper middle class had 9.06%(29) and 10.94% (35) respectively.Conclusion: The findings of the present study show the need for catch up vaccination among the adolescent's population, who missed their routine immunization with Hepatitis B vaccine. For health care professionals, this study is a evidence that stresses more about theimportance of providing Hepatitis B vaccination among adolescents.
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Background: Hepcidin is known to be the central regulator of iron homeostasis in the body. It is up-regulated by inflammation and downregulated by anemia. CKD is a state of chronic inflammation seen in kidney.Previous work has shown that serum hepcidin levels were increased in patients with CKD. This was surprising as these patients had a chronic inflammatory state and co-existent anemia. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to estimate the levels of hepcidin in CKD patients and to check the correlation of hepcidin to inflammation in chronic kidney disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Central Laboratory, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital,Chromepet, Chennai during January 2017 -June 2018 among 50 patients of chronic kidney disease in the age group of 18-60 years. The blood samples were collected using vacutainer system. Samples for serum hepcidin, ferritin and hsCRP were collected in red topped plain vacuum tube. The samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. The samples were then processed, and values were obtained. The data were analysed using SPSS package.Results: The mean values of s. Hepcidin, s. ferritin and hsCRP levels were found to be increased in the study population. The mean value of s. hepcidin was found to have strong positive correlation with the mean values of s. ferritin and hsCRP with r-value > 0.7.Conclusion: Hepcidin levels are elevated in CKD and hepcidin isa predictor of inflammation since it correlated well with the inflammatory markers hsCRP and ferritin levels
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The current work is aimed to design, prepare and evaluate the trilayer matrix tablets incorporated with lovastatin solid dispersion (SD) for extend drug release. The lovastatin SD prepared by using solvent evaporation technique with varying amounts of polymers (GMS II, Soluplus, Kolliphor ELP, PEG 2000 and Urea) for enhancing the drug solubility. All the formulations examined for physicochemical parameters are within the permissible limits. The optimized SD formulation was incorporated into trilayer matrix tablets which were prepared using different polymers (HPMC 15M & K100M, Chitosan, xanthan gum) by direct compression method for sustaining the drug release. The drug dissolution of optimized lovastatin SD formulation SD15 (drug, soluplus and SLN) was 99.88±5.32% within 60 min which is higher than pure drug 47.33±2.25% and other formulations. The FT-IR, XRD and SEM data assure the compatibility of drug and excipients and amorphous nature of lovastatin. The solid dispersions were further incorporated in to trilayer matrix tablets with active layer and barrier layers. Eight formulations of lovastatin trilayer matrix tablets (AF9-HF9) designed and checked for pre compression parameters. Formulation GF9 demonstrated highest drug release of 99.41±5.28% for 24 hours sustainably over an extended period of time and excellent flow properties. The release order kinetics data indicate the zero order release with highest R2 of 0.9957 for GF9, superior than market extended release formulation (R2=0.9934). All the formulations showed best fit to Higuchi model and Korsmeyer-Peppa’s model indicating diffusion and non-Fickian diffusion process of drug release. GF90 was found to be stable for 180 days at accelerated conditions. Hence the solubility, dissolution rate of lovastatin was enhanced by SD technique further incorporated in to trilayer matrix tablets for sustainable extended drug release upto 24 h.
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Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder complicating pregnancy. The incidence of pre-gestational (type 1 and type 2) and gestational diabetes mellitus is on the rise in India. Authors aimed to study the clinical profile and outcome of the infant of diabetic mothers.Methods: The study was conducted in the Sick Newborn Care Unit attached to Stanley Medical College in Chennai over a period of 6 months. All infants born to diabetic mothers during the study period were included in the study.Results: Among the total of 6236 babies delivered in total during the study period, 566 (9.07%) were born to diabetic mothers. 16.25% were pre-gestational diabetic mothers and 83.75% were GDM Mothers. The incidence of prematurity was 15.2% and LGA was 7.9%. The majority were AGA (495 out of 566). Symptomatic Hypoglycemia was observed in 16 babies and asymptomatic hypoglycemia in 35 babies with total occurrence of hypoglycemia in 9% of babies. Hyper-bilirubinemia is the most common problem encountered in 29% of babies, congenital heart disease and renal problems were the most common congenital anomalies noted in IDM 44 out of 566 babies (7.8%).Conclusions: There is lack of awareness regarding dog bite and its management among the rural populatEarly detection and optimal management of diabetic status during the antenatal period along with anticipation, early recognition and management of postnatal complications will reduce the mortality of infants of diabetic mothersion.