Skin camouflage therapy

Camouflage is defined as a combination of materials, colouration or illumination for concealing something. Skin camouflage therapy is the use of specially formulated products to conceal skin diseases and disfigurements, with the goal of giving a temporarily normal appearance. It gives immediate relief in various dermatological disorders, especially those affecting the visible areas, which are known to be associated with profound psychosocial impact. Despite considerable evidence for its emotional benefits, its utilisation among dermatologists in clinical practice remains low. This article is intended to familiarise dermatologists with the use of skin camouflage therapy including its availability, indications, contraindications, techniques, limitations and future trends

Comparative study of effectiveness of Papanicolaou smear and visual inspection using acetic acid and visual inspection using Lugol’s iodine for screening of premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix

Background: In developing and resource-limited countries alternative screening methods like VIA, VILI, and Pap smear are used in detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacies of VIA, VILI, and Pap smear in detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix.Methods: The study was conducted for a period of one year in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh. Women who attended the outdoor patient department of obstetrics and gynecology were subjected to collection of Pap Smear, VIA followed by VILI and a thorough pelvic examination.Results: Among the 350 women studied, 59 women (16.9%) had abnormal VIA, 64 women (18.2%) had abnormal VILI. On pap smear, 10 women were reported as ASCUS, 11 as L-SIL and 1 as H-SIL. Cervical biopsy was done in 98 women, out of which 70 had one or more abnormality on VIA, VILI, or Pap, and 28 women who had normal results. Sixteen women (16.3%) reported as CIN-1 and 2 women (2.07%) as CIN-3. VIA and VILI had a higher sensitivity as compared to pap. However, pap was more specific. The PPV of pap was also much higher as compared to VIA and VILI, whereas there was no difference in NPV of the three.Conclusions: Authors observed that VIA presented the best sensitivity (88.8%), followed by VILI (83.3%), and Pap (72.2%). Pap smear had the highest specificity of 97.2%. The positive predictive value of Pap was higher as compared to VIA and VILI, whereas there was no difference in NPV of the three. VIA and VILI have good sensitivity, with reasonable specificity and because of their cost effectiveness and ease of availability, these can be an alternative screening modality for cervical cancer screening.

Hypothalamic hamartoma presenting as central precocious puberty: a rare case report

Precocious puberty is defined as children attaining puberty more than 2.5 to 3 standard deviations (SD) earlier than the median age, or before the age of eight years in girls and nine years in boys. Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) are rare, non progressive tumor like malformation. Precocious puberty due to HH occurs particularly at early ages, even 2 or 3 years. Treatment options for isolated CPP due to HH include GnRH analogs agonists continuously stimulates pituitary gonadotrophs, which further help in decreasing and desensitizing the release of LH, and to a lesser extent, FSH till the time puberty naturally set in. We present a case of precocious puberty due to hypothalamic hamartoma in 3 years old girl. Treated with GnRH analog lupirode and responded well to treatment with cessation of menstruation and reduction in breast size.

Pap smear in antenatal women: a valuable opportunity for screening and awareness

Background: Pregnancy creates an important opportunity to screen the cervix for neoplastic and infectious diseases and to spread awareness. A pap smear is simple, cost effective and safe in pregnancy. In low resource countries, this may be the only opportunity when the woman visits a health centre.  It also helps identify and treat infections that could hamper the pregnancy outcome. Objective of the study is to determine the awareness of pap smear as a cervical cancer screening test in antenatal women; to determine the incidence of cervical neoplasia and premalignant lesions of the cervix in antenatal women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2018 to April 2019. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women in the first trimester. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy greater than 12 weeks, symptoms of vaginal infection, history of sexual intercourse or vaginal medication or bleeding in the last 48 hours or a normal pap smear in the last 3 years. The reporting was done as per Bethesda 2014.Results: 308 women underwent a pap smear in their 1st trimester. 94% were satisfactory smears and 3(0.9%) an abnormal smear (2 LSIL and 1 ASCUS). 31.2% had inflammatory smears. Only 15 women were aware of pap smear as a test for cancer cervix screening and all these women were graduates and above. No women had ever had a pap smear test in the past. One fifth of women studied had 1 or more risk factor the commonest being early age at first intercourse.Conclusions: The antenatal period should be utilized as an opportunity to screen women for cancer cervix.

Awareness of post partum intra uterine contraceptive device and reasons for its low acceptance in an urban Indian population

Background: The safety and efficacy of the Post-Partum Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) has been documented worldwide. With increasing institutional deliveries and greater sensitization, the aim is to increase PPIUCD insertions. Many areas still report poor acceptance.  Objectives of this study to determine the proportion of antenatal women willing to accept PPIUCD insertion and the reasons behind refusal to accept this method.Methods: A prospective questionnaire study was done between January 2019 to June 2019 of 200 women. Inclusion criteria were antenatal women in the 2nd/3rd trimester. Exclusion criteria were those opting for a permanent method of contraception and those with a contra-indication.Results: Eighty-four women (42%) had never used any method of contraception. Earlier Intrauterine device (IUD) use (including both interval and PPIUCD) was in only 18.9% of all contraceptive users. Only 2 women in the group had ever used PPIUCD. 79% of women were aware of IUDs. Those unaware were mainly nulliparous. Amongst those aware of an IUD, 88 (56%) were aware it could be inserted postpartum. Only 18% were aware it could be inserted intra-cesarean. All women who participated were offered the option for a PPIUCD. Fifty-nine (29.5%) of all women expressed their willingness but on follow up till delivery only 18 of these women got a PPIUCD inserted.  Amongst those not willing for the PPIUCD insertion the commonest reason was general apprehension (39%) followed by partner refusal (33%) and fear of complications (31%). Six women (4.2%) gave history of complications following earlier use and were unwilling for its repeat use. Conclusion: The large unmet need for contraception in India can be solved through repeated counselling and discussions with the woman during her antenatal visits. Alleviating apprehension and addressing concerns of the couple will increase PPIUCD acceptance.

Sociodemographic Profile and Diagnostic Pattern of Psychiatric Patients Admitted Across One Year: Chart Review from Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Mental health problems contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality across the globe. The impact is more visible in developing countries where less than one in five individuals with psychiatric disorder receives any form of psychiatric help despite immense need. Most of the states in India lack data about the pattern of psychiatric services use in general population thus making it difficult to plan accordingly, The present study was carried out to understand the Sociodemographic profile of inpatient psychiatric services beneficiaries and pattern of psychiatric illnesses among them. Methods: Retrospectively one-year data of admitted patients from July 2017 to June 2018 were extracted manually from the patient files. Results: The study demonstrated that younger individuals were most common recipient of inpatient services followed by middle age patients. Males availed services more frequently and occupied more than 70% of beds at any given time. Schizophrenia (24.8) and bipolar disorders (23.7%) were most common diagnosis and represented almost half of the admitted patients. The other common diagnosis included unspecified psychosis (17.35%), substance use disorders (10.32%) and depressive disorders (4.1%) and dissociative disorders (2.18%). The other categories of diagnosis were barely represented including various childhood and geriatric psychiatric disorders despite the sizeable caseload in community settings. Conclusion: The Sociodemographic profile of psychiatric inpatients was similar to community settings where younger individuals were over represented. Among the patients male preponderance was observed which denotes social and cultural framework of community.

Bruxism and oral health-related quality of life among male inmates in a penal institution, Mysore: A cross-sectional study

One of the widespread problems of oral health is bruxism and is defined as a parafunctional habit with involuntary grinding and gnashing of the teeth occurring during sleep. However, bruxism is connected to anxiety and stress, but the published literature on bruxism among prison inmates is scanty. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of active sleep bruxism and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among inmates in Central Penal Institution, Mysore. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional and conducted among eligible male inmates at Central Penal Institution, Mysore. The information on active sleep bruxism and OHRQoL was collected using a predesigned structured questionnaire by means of personal interview by a trained investigator. The active sleep bruxism was assessed using the criteria of American Academy of Sleep Medicine and OHRQoL through modified oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression model. Results: A total of 212 male inmates aged between 18 and 80 years were considered for the study. The prevalence of active sleep bruxism among the study population was 31.6%. The mean OHIP-14 score was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among the inmates having active sleep bruxism (38.52 ± 12.8) suggesting a high oral health impact as compared to inmates without this disorder (31.67 ± 12). Conclusion: The prevalence of active sleep bruxism was higher among the inmates of penal institution as compared to the general population. The active sleep bruxism had a negative impact on OHRQoL.

Morphometry And Morphology Of Glenoid Cavity Of Scapula

Introduction: The Glenoid cavity is regarded as the head of the scapula. The morphology of glenoid cavity ishighly variable. It articulates with the head of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint. Shape and dimensions ofthe glenoid cavity are important in the design and fitting of glenoid components for total shoulder arthroplasty.An understanding of variations in normal anatomy of the glenoid is essential while evaluating pathologicalconditions like osseous bankart lesions and osteochondral defects. The aim of the present study was to obtainthe anthropometric data of the glenoid cavity of the scapula and to study the various shapes of the glenoid cavitywhich will help in management of shoulder pathology.Materials and Methods: This study was done on 74 dry, unpaired adult human scapulae (36 right side and 38 leftside )of unknown sex belonging to the saurashtra population. Maximum superior-inferior diameter and Maximumanterior-posterior diameter of the glenoid cavity were measured and. The shape of the glenoid cavity wasclassified as inverted comma shaped, pear shaped and oval shaped depending upon the presence or absence ofa notch on the glenoid rim.Results: The average SI diameter on right and the left sides were 38.49 ± 3.17mm and 38.06 ± 3.34mm respectively.The average AP-1 diameter of the right glenoid were 24.76±2.49mm and that of the left was 24.23 ± 2.14mm.Themean AP-2 diameter of the right glenoid was 18.83±2.19 mm and that of the left was 17.97±2.08.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the difference in size of the glenoid cavity in Gujarati population mayhave to be taken into consideration while deciding the size of the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty inthis population.

Protective effect of eucalyptus globulus extract on glufosinate ammonium -induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats

The present study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Eucalyptus globulus extract against pesticide liver damage in comparison to silymarin, a classical antioxidant liver medicine. Liver damage was induced by oral administration of toxicant i.e. Glufosinate ammonium. The extent of damage was studied by assessing biochemical parameters and histopathological evaluations. The aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus globulus were administered respectively to the animals pretreated with pesticide and its effects on biochemical parameters were compared with standard drug silymarin (100mg/kg b.wt). Eucalyptus globules showed significant reduction of serum enzymes AST, ALT, ALP & Bilirubin (Aspartate Transminase, Alanine Transminase, Alkaline Phosphatase & Total bilirubin) when compared to control counterparts. The hepatoprotective effect of Eucalyptus globules was comparable with the standard drug silymarin and it was confirmed by histopathological findings. Moreover, these effects presented in a dose-dependent manner.The present study showed that aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus at the dosage level of 500 mg/kgb.wt may play a protective role against pesticideinduced hepatotoxicity

Potential diagnostic implications of miR-144 overexpression in human oesophageal cancer.

Background & objectives: Insidious symptomatology, late clinical presentation and poor prognosis of oesophageal cancer (EC) highlight the pressing need for novel non-invasive biomarkers for early tumour diagnosis and better prognosis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the clinical significance of circulating and tissue miR-144 expression in oesophageal cancer. Methods: Clinical significance of miR-144 expression was evaluated in preneoplastic (12) and neoplastic (35) oesophageal cancer tissues as well as matched distant non-malignant tissues using real-time PCR (qPCR). Circulating levels of miR-144 were also analyzed in serum samples of EC patients as well as normal individuals to determine the diagnostic potential of miR-144. Further, targets of miR-144 were predicted using bioinformatic tools and their gene ontology (GO) terms were assigned. Results: Real-time PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of miR-144 in 29 of 35 (83%) EC tissues as compared to matched distant non-malignant tissues (P=0.010). All the dysplastic tissues showed upregulation of miR-144 as compared to their matched distant non-malignant tissues. Relative levels of circulating miR-144 in serum significantly distinguished EC patients from normal controls (P=0.015; AUC = 0.731) with high sensitivity of 94.7 per cent. Bioinformatically predicted target, PUR-aplha (PURA) was found to be significantly (P=0.018) downregulated in 81 per cent (26/32) EC patients and its expression was found to be significantly and negatively correlated with miR-144 expression at mRNA level. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed significant upregulation of miR-144 in serum samples of EC patients indicating its potential as minimally invasive marker. Further studies need to be done to understand the role of miR-144 in the pathogenesis of EC.

Relationship of skin fold measurements and cardio vascular disease risk in adult population of Rajasthan.

Background: Cardio-vascular disease is a major contributor to the global burden of disease among the non-communicable diseases. Obesity- the condition of excess of body fat has been known to be associated with increase in cardio vascular disease. To obtain a reasonable estimation of body-fat distribution, several anthropometric parameters have been proposed, such as subcutaneous skinfolds and body circumferences. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of skin fold measurements and CVD and thus to predict and facilitate screening of the disease risk in study population. Methods: A total of 100 male patients, with recently diagnosed cardio vascular disease, in age group of 35-55 years were included as subjects for the study. Four skin fold measurements (over Biceps, Triceps, Subscapular and Supra-iliacal) were taken using skin fold measuring calipers. Results: Values of central skin folds i.e. Subscapular and Supra-iliacal were found to be higher than the peripheral skin folds i.e. Biceps and Triceps in each group, thus showing Subscapular and Supra-iliacal are positively linked to cardiovascular disease whereas Biceps and Triceps have negative relation with cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Central fat mass can be recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease as well as overall mortality. Skinfold measurement is sensitive marker of cardiovascular risk. Measurement of these parameters may help to identify individuals with adverse concentrations of lipids and other risk factors. These persons could then targeted for weight reduction and risk-factor surveillance.

Hypobaric hypoxia-mediated protein expression in plasma of susceptible & tolerant rats.

Background & objectives: Low availability of oxygen at high altitudes has a great impact on the human life processes. There is a widespread interest and need to find out protein(s) that are possibly involved in mediating tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia. We undertook this study to identify and characterize protein expression in plasma of hypoxia susceptible and tolerant rats. Methods: Male albino Sprague Dawley rats were segregated into susceptible and tolerant groups on the basis of their gasping time when exposed to simulated hypobaric hypoxia of 32,000 ft (9,754 m) at 32ºC. Comparative proteome profiling of blood plasma of hypoxia susceptible and tolerant individuals was performed using 2-dimentional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. Results: Three proteins with higher expression levels were selected separately from tolerant and susceptible samples. Characterization of these proteins from tolerant sample using MALDI-TOF/TOF and MASCOT search indicated their homology with two different super-families viz. NADB-Rossmann superfamily (Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor β) and Transferrin superfamily (two Serotransferrins), having potential role in imparting tolerance against hypoxia. Three high level upregulated proteins were characterized from blood plasma of hypoxia susceptible animals showing similarity with threonine tRNA ligase (mitochondrial), carbohydrate sulphotransferase 7 and aspartate tRNA ligase (cytoplasmic) that play a role in ATP binding, carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results indicated that rats segregated into hypoxia sensitive and tolerant based on their gasping time showed differential expression of proteins in blood plasma. Characterization of these differentially expressed proteins will lead to better understanding of molecular responses occurring during hypoxia and subsequently development of biomarkers for categorization of hypoxia susceptible and tolerant individuals.

Determination of the biometric characteristics of palatine rugae patterns in Uttar Pradesh population: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Identification is the establishment of identity of an individual. The basis of dental identification is based on the observation that no two individuals can have same dentition. Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetric ridges of the mucous membrane extending laterally from the incisive papilla and the anterior part of the palatal raphe. The location of palatal rugae inside the oral cavity confers them with stability even when exposed to high temperatures or trauma. Their resistance to trauma and their apparent unique appearance has suggested their use as a tool for forensic identification. Aims: To record the biometric characteristics of shape, size, direction, number and position of palatal rugae and analyze whether palatal rugoscopy can be used as a tool for personal identification and for sex determination. Settings and Design: A cross‑sectional study. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 100 subjects (50 males, 50 females) between 18 and 25 years. Maxillary impressions were made with elastomeric impression material and dental stone was used to make models. The palatal rugae patterns were traced and analyzed with a magnifying hand lens. The biometric characteristics of number, size, shape, and direction were analyzed using Thomaz and Kotz classification (1983). The casts were coded to blind the examiners about the identity of the subjects. Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired t‑test and one‑way ANOVA using SPSS 19.0 statistical program for Windows. Results: The average number of rugae was slightly more in females. Wavy (44.9%) and curved (41.8%) shapes were more prevalent. Maximum number of rugae was found in E quadrant (40.73%). The average size was 9.221 mm. Most rugae were forwardly directed in both groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that rugae pattern are highly individualistic and can be used as a supplementary method for personal identification and sex determination. Further inter‑observer and intra‑observer variability were not found to be significant, which further validates the use of rugoscopy as a forensic tool.

Coexistence of pneumothorax and chilaiditi sign:A case report

We present a case of 50 year old male patient with coexistence of Pneumothorax and Chilaiditi sign. Chilaiditi sign is an incidental radiographic finding of a usually asymptomatic condition in which a part of intestine is located between the liver and diaphragm; however, the term“Chilaiditi syndrome”is used for symptomatic hepatodiaphragmatic interposition. The patient had no symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or emesis. Incidentally, Chilaiditi sign was diagnosed on chest radiography. Pneumothorax is defined as air in the pleural space. Pneumothoraces are classified as spontaneous or traumatic. Spontaneous pneumothorax is labelled as primary when no underlying lung disease is present, or secondary, when it is associated with pre-existing lung disease. Our case is the rare in the literature indicating the coexistence of Chilaiditi sign and pneumothorax.

Comparative Study of Prosopic (Facial) Index of Sindhi Community of Jodhpur District of Rajasthan and other Communities and Races.

The facial index is length of the face from root of nose to the bottom of the chin, expressed as a percentage of the greatest breadth across the cheek bones. Racial differences are much more marked in relation to face than elsewhere, so it is very useful anthropologically. For this 100 males from Sindhi community between the age group of eighteen to thirty-five years were taken and their facial index was calculated. The result indicated that average facial index in Sindhi individuals was 92.89 Mostly they were Leptoprosopic and Hyperleptoprosopic. The average facial index of Sindhi individuals was not comparable to any other Indian groups studied so far. But it was very close to North European and less than Nigerian population.

Novel Eco-Friendly Approaches for the Reduction of Selected Carbonyl Compounds.

This paper reports reduction of (-)-verbenone, 1,3-indanedione, 3-indolyl methyl ketone and 2- furyl methyl ketoneinvolving two green and environment friendly methods viz. biotransformation using Baker’s yeast as microbial catalyst in free as well as immobilized form and electrochemical method. Microbial transformation was carried out in water – isopropanol mixture (4:1) for selected substrates. The electrochemical reduction of these substrates was also carried out at constant current by using Stainless Steel Electrode (SS- 316). The reduction products were isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques and characterized on the basisof spectral analysis.

Validated method development for estimation of atorvastatin and amlodipine in solid dosage regimens.

A method for simultaneous estimation of Atorvastatin Calcium (AVS) and Amlodipine Besilate (AML) in combined tablet dosage form has been developed. The method employs the application of multicomponent mode of analysis. This method utilize Phosphate buffer (pH6.8). AVS show maximum absorbance at a wavelength of 240 nm and AML at 369 nm. The method is fast,economical and very cheap as compared to other simultaneous spectrophotometric method using multi-component mode of analysis for estimation of Atorvastatin Calcium and Amlodipine Besilate due to using phosphate buffer instead of costly solvent.Where the linearity ranges for AVS and AML were 5-25μg/ml and 10-50 μg/ml respectively. The procedure was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of both drugs in laboratory prepared mixture and in market available tablet dosage form. The accuracy of the method was assessed by recovery studies and was found to be 99.41±0.83 and 98.65±0.54 for AVS and AML respectively. Results of the analysis were validated statistically so that it can be used for routine analysis of AVS and AML in combined tablet dosage form.

Probiotics and Their Efficacy in Improving Oral Health: A Review.

The changing food habits and lifestyle has resulted in deterioration of oral health in the people of all ages. The increasing global problems with the traditional disease management strategies have prompted the investigators to hunt for the new and better alternatives to deal with health issues. The global demand for chemical free, less harmful and easier solutions to health problems has increased in past few years. Probiotics or the foods with ‘live cultures’ have come up as one of the most promising alternate to traditional disease management. Probiotics are those viable microorganisms which are constituents of natural microflora of human body. Probiotic therapy decreases the risk of colonization by oral pathogens without depleting the friendly microflora. Probiotics resembles the human body microbiota and are readily incorporated in the natural microflora of human body. They are harmless and easy to consume in many edible forms (such as cheese, yoghurt, etc.). The inability of the antibiotics to discriminate good bacteria from the disease causing bacteria, the development of antimicrobial resistant mutants and the increasing rate of antibiotic associated side effects and complications suggests an urgent need to switch our therapeutic approach from traditional antibiotics to the probiotic therapy for oral care. The use of probiotics in routine life is likely to improve the oral health. This review demonstrates the action of Probiotics on oral health and disease.

A study of pericardial fluid enzymes activities after death and their correlation with post-mortem interval.

The estimation of time since death at the time of autopsy has been and remains to be one of the challenges to the Forensic Pathologist. .A prospective study was undertaken in SMS Hospital, Jaipur on activity of Pericardial Fluid enzymes after death in deceased. A total of 50 study cases were randomly selected after screening. The pericardial fluid was examined biochemically for enzyme activity of Amylase, Creatine Kinase (CK), Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes by photoelectric colorimetry method. The enzyme activity levels so obtained were charted and statistically studied and graphical records obtained against known post-mortem interval. The data thus obtained was analysed with a view to ascertain whether such assays could be of any help to estimate time since death routinely. In this study we observed a positive correlation of all the four enzymes with the time elapsed after death of which rise in CK was found to be statistically significant.

Cloning of an ovule specific promoter from Arabidopsis thaliana and expression of beta-glucuronidase.

Tissue specific expression of transgenes in plant species has several advantages over constitutive expression. Identification of ovule specific promoters would be useful in genetic engineering of plants with a variety of desirable traits such as genetically engineered parthenocarpy, female sterile plants or seedless fruits. Relative inaccessibility and difficulty in harvesting adequate amounts of tissue at known developmental stages has impeded the progress in cloning of promoters involved in ovule development. In the present study an ovule specific promoter was cloned from Arabidopsis AGL11 gene and used to express GUS (beta-glucuronidase) gene in transgenic Arabidopsis. Histochemical staining of GUS appeared in the center of young ovary (ovules), but no detectable GUS activity was observed in vegetative plant tissues, sepals, petals and androecium. AGL11 gene promoter can be useful to modify the developmental path of plants by expressing either plant hormones or lethal genes for agronomic purpose.