Screening of Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors among Tuberculosis Patients in Delhi: A Mix Method Study

Background: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. It is experiencing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, thereby facing a dual disease burden. Recent evidence shows an association between TB and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, CVD and chronic respiratory infections. Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for NCDs and risk factors for NCDs among patients with TB in DOTS centers of a medical college in Delhi and ascertain challenges for the same among providers and patients. Methodology: It was a mixed-methods study with a quantitative component (cross-sectional study using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and records review) and a qualitative component (descriptive study using interview data). Results: Among the 139 patients screened, ten new cases of hypertension and six new patients were diagnosed with DM. Outof- pocket expenditure for tests was a concern of the patients. Health care providers found the screening tool easy to use but were apprehensive about increased workload Conclusion: The study provide useful visions for incorporating NCDs into routine TB care through DOTS centers under RNTCP/NTEP.

Does visual reaction time change with gender?

Background: The reaction time (RT) of an organism refers to how quickly it reacts to a stimuli. The rate at which the central nervous system analyses sensory data and then executes it as a motor response is measured by RT. The human body responds to different sensory modalities in different ways and at different rates. This is critical in both routine and emergency situations. Gender, age, physical fitness, level of exhaustion, distraction, and alcohol have all been shown to influence RT. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the visual RT of first phase MBBS and BDS students to red and green colors. Materials and Methods: Following ethical approval, 250 first phase medical students, ranging in age from 17 to 20, were selected, and all participants provided written informed consent. Anand Agencies Pune designed an audiovisual RT gadget that was utilized to collect visual response time (VRT). The unpaired t-test was performed to assess the data statistically. Results: The individuals’ VRT for the colors Red (R) (Mean: 0.199 s) and Green (G) (Mean: 0.218 s) were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, the variance of VRT in men (Mean: [R] 0.192 s, [G] 0.206 s) was significantly greater than in females (Mean: [R] 0.209 s, [G] 0.226 s; P < 0.001). The results were tallied and examined statistically. Conclusion: As a result of our research, we discovered that the VRT for green was significantly greater than that of red. This might be due to the fact that green takes longer to process than red. Males react to stimuli faster than females.

A retrospective study on COVID-19 in a tertiary care rural hospital

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a worldwide concern ever since first being reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. With no known cure, there is widespread fear-provoking interest in studying the factors contributing to mortality. Aim and Objectives: The current study was undertaken with a view to try to understand the cause of morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study done in our Institution on COVID-19 patients admitted over a course of 3 months after approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: We had 17 deaths over the period under consideration whereas 73 patients improved (mortality = 19%, n = 90). Most of the patients were in the 41–80 years age group (>70%). No gender preponderance was found with mortality in each being around 20%. A clear correlation between co-morbidities and mortality was found with no person without any comorbidity succumbing to the disease. Respiratory and Heart conditions were found to contribute most to mortality with patients presenting with shortness of breath being most at risk. Similarly, a Neutrophil: Lymphocyte ratio greater than 12 was found to significantly increase the mortality. Conclusion: Patients with comorbidities need to be monitored closely with treatment being directed at improving the respiratory outcome.

Association of SSR based genetic distances with heterosis in sunflower

Aim: Development of commercial hybrid of sunflower on basis of best inbred combination remains a key challenge to sunflower breeders. In the current investigation, heterosis of F1 hybrids, parental genetic diversity and correlation between genetic distance and level of heterosis were estimated. Methodology: Thirty five parental genotypes (3 CMS A lines and 32 R lines) and their hybrids were assessed for physio-morphological, yield and quality traits. Heterosis was measured as mid-parent and better parent heterosis. Among parents, SSR marker based genetic distances were calculated using DARwin software. Correlation between heterosis and genetic distances was carried out by Karl Pearson’s simple correlation method. Results: Range of genetic distances, based on SSR marker analysis, varied from 0.32-0.73. Genetic distance had significant positive correlation with the heterosis for oil content (r = 0.22 p<0.05) and linoleic acid (r = 0.32 p<0.05), but negative correlation was observed for days to maturity, test weight, volume weight, stearic acid and oleic acid. There was no significant correlation between genetic distance and heterosis for seed yield and other agronomic traits. Interpretation: Although, genetic distance is poor predictor of heterosis, dependence of oil content on genetic distance among parental lines may be used for designing an effective breeding program for sunflower.

Physiological and molecular traits conferring salt tolerance in halophytic grasses

Aim: This study was conducted to identify the physiological and molecular traits underpinning salt stress adaptation in halophytic grasses Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca. Methodology: To assess the salt tolerance potential of Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca, the rooted cuttings and seeds were collected from Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Gujarat and ICAR-CSSRI Regional Research Station, Lucknow, India, respectively using physiological, biochemical and molecular traits. Results: Salt stress decreased the biomass production in both the species to varying extents. Leaf chlorophyll declined marginally (5-12%) in Urochondra and moderately (~28%) in Leptachloa under various salt treatments compared to controls. The values of ψw and ψs, i.e., – 3.98 MPa and 760.5 mmol kg-1 were obtained under salinity stress of ECe ~ 50 dS m-1 in Urochondra whereas the values of ψw and ψs were – 3.63 MPa and 556 mmol kg-1 in Leptachloa. Osmoprotectant (proline, glycine betaine, total soluble sugar) and epi-cuticular wax content increased with increasing sodicity/salinity stresses in both grasss. The results showed that both halophytic grasses maintained lower Na+/K+ in their roots and which excludes the salt through the shoots portion. Expression of NHX1 gene increased with an increase of not only sodic, but also saline stress in both the grasses. Interpretation: The results demonstrate that Urochondra has a better adaption towards salinity and Leptochloa towards sodicity stress

Effect of heat stress on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in Brassica rapa

Aim: Heat stress due to increase in global temperature is posing a serious threat to the agricultural sector in many parts of the world. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to study the mechanism of thermos-tolerance in four-day-old seedlings of Brassica rapa (44 genotypes) on the basis of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The information gathered through the present investigation can pave way for imparting tolerance to Brassica genotypes by altering enzyme activities through genetic engineering interventions. Methodology: A total of 44 genotypes were evaluated for survival percentage, electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll content under heat stress conditions. Seedlings were characterized by membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidants viz. peroxidase and catalase activities, proline and glutathione. Heat stress conditions were created by exposing four-day-old seedlings to 45ºC for 4.5 hr. Out of 44 genotypes, four genotypes (JMT-04-03, TL-2035, TL-98-01 and PBT-37) were thermos-tolerant. Tolerant genotypes registered survival greater than 65%, moderately tolerant between 35-65% and susceptible less than 35%. Results: Among various parameters studied, under heat stress, a significant increase in electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, peroxidase activity, glutathione and proline content was observed in comparison to control seedlings, whereas a decline in CAT activity and chlorophyll content was recorded. Interpretation: Biochemical changes observed in the activities and contents of various parameters studied could be linked with enhanced tolerance to heat stress damage in Brassica rapa which could further be used as a marker for screening against heat stress

Modulation of proline metabolism under drought and salt stress conditions in wheat seedlings

Drought and salinity are the major environmental constraints that limit plant growth and productivity. In the present investigation, shoots of seven day old plantlets of nineteen wheat genotypes (PBW621, PBW660, PBW175, HD3086, WH1105, HD2967, C306, C273, C518, C591, Type 11, Excalibar, Gladius, Drysdale, Babax, Krichauff, Kharchia, Krl 1-4 and Krl 19) were evaluated for proline metabolism and its cross-talk with various biochemical parameters under water deficit, water withholding and salinity stress conditions. Principle component analysis categorized the genotypes into four groups: i.e. drought tolerant (Excalibar, Krichauff, Babax, Drysdale, Gladius and C306), salt tolerant (Kharchia, Type11, Krl1-4 and Krl19), low stress tolerant (C273, C518 and C591) and susceptible (HD2967, PBW621, WH1105, HD3086, PBW660 and PBW175). Tolerant genotypes possessed increased proline content and 1,1 diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity along with the reduced magnitude of thiobarbituric acid reactive species in parallel with decreased H2O2 content. Proline accumulation in shoots of tolerant genotypes under stress conditions may be an adaptative strategy, as it supplies energy for growth and lowers the generation of free radicals and reduces the lipid peroxidation linked membrane damage resulting in their stabilization. Glutamate dehydrogenase might have played a dominant role in ammonium assimilation and glutamate biosynthesis, leading to an increased glutamate pool, which via pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase activity led to enhanced proline accumulation in tolerant genotypes under stress conditions. Water withholding condition induced the stimulation of proline synthesis via increased glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR) activities with inhibition of oxidation via reduced proline dehydrogenase activity to a large extent as compared to water deficit and salt stress conditions. Our results highlight that in certain genotypes, GDH under water deficit, P5CS and PDH under salt stress and P5CR under water withholding stress condition were responsible for stress tolerance and could be used as a selectable marker.

Evaluation of oral health status among drug addicts in rehabilitation centre

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the attitude of drug addicts under withdrawal treatment towards oral health so that required interventions can be planned for the good health of those who are in rehabilitation phase of life. Materials and methods: The present study comprised of 30 drug addicts (all males) admitted in the rehabilitation centre in Punjab, India. Data so obtained was subjected to analysis using SPSS version 16. Percentage and mean ± standard deviation was calculated and Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Most of the participants (97%) were involved in more than one type of drug abuse and most of them used more than one type of route of drug substance administration. Regarding brushing frequency, about 17% not brushed their teeth regularly and 83% once a day and regarding the use of mouthwashes, 38% never used mouthwash, 59% used occasionally, 3% reported once a day. Most of the participants 92% never used floss to clean their teeth. Significant p value (<0.05) was found on statistical analysis of periodontal status, carious and fractured teeth in relation to oral hygiene practices among drug addicts. Conclusion: The result of the present study emphasis for more attention in designing and implementing oral health programs for addicts.

Sociodemographic profile and evaluation of associated factors in Chronic suppurative otitis media patients reporting to tertiary care Hospital of Punjab

Introduction: Incidence of chronic suppurative otitis media has been reported varying from 2.55% to 9.25%. CSOM without prompt, proper treatment can progress to a variety of mild to life-threatening complications that can be intra temporal and intracranial. Thus, the present study was conducted to identify sociodemographic factors associated with Chronic suppurative otitis media. Materials and methods: The present study comprised of 100 patients with history of discharge from ear along with perforation. Detailed clinical examination along with history was taken as per proforma. Specific emphasis was given on the sociodemographic factors associated with Chronic suppurative otitis media. Results: The present study found that the majority of cases belonged to lower (poor) socioeconomic status comprising 59% of cases, 74% in study group belonged to rural areas and factors associated Dhingra R, Dhillon V, Monga S, Mehta AS, Kaur G, Kaur M. Sociodemographic profile and evaluation of associated factors in Chronic suppurative otitis media patients reporting to tertiary care Hospital of Punjab. IAIM, 2016; 3(6): 6-10. Page 7 with this infection were living in crowded conditions and in large family, unhygienic practices, such as bathing in contaminated ponds and rivers, unsterile ear piercing, leaning ears with aseptic things such as matchsticks, hairpins, pen-refills, etc. Conclusion: Sociodemographic profile and associated risk factors play a significant role in etiopathogenesis of CSOM. Thus, possible preventive strategies and programs to educate patients regarding knowledge of this burden of illness should be planned in developing countries like India.

Antibacterial efficacy of Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 against Listeria monocytogenes and cross resistance of its bacteriocin resistant variants to common food preservatives

Antilisterial efficiency of three bacteriocins, viz, Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 was tested individually and in combination against Listeria mononcytogenes ATCC 53135. A greater antibacterial effect was observed when the bacteriocins were combined in pairs, indicating that the use of more than one LAB bacteriocin in combination have a higher antibacterial action than when used individually. Variants of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 53135 resistant to Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 were developed. Bacteriocin cross-resistance of wild type and their corresponding resistant variants were assessed and results showed that resistance to a bacteriocin may extend to other bacteriocins within the same class. Resistance to Pediocin 34 conferred cross resistance to Enterocin FH 99 but not to Nisin. Similarly resistance to Enterocin FH99 conferred cross resistance to Pediocin 34 but not to Nisin. Also, the sensitivity of Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 resistant variants of Listeria monocytogenes to low pH, salt, sodium nitrite, and potassium sorbate was assayed in broth and compared to the parental wild-type strain. The Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 resistant variants did not have intrinsic resistance to low pH, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, or sodium nitrite. In no case were the bacteriocin resistant Listeria monocytogenes variants examined were more resistant to inhibitors than the parental strains.

Testis immune privilege - Assumptions versus facts

The testis has long enjoyed a reputation as a n immunologically privileged site based on its ability to protect auto - antigenic germ cells and provide an optimal environment for the extended survival of transplanted allo - or xeno - grafts. Exploration of the role of anatomical, physiological, immunologica l and cell ular components in testis immune privilege reveal ed that the tolerogenic environment of the test i s is a result of the immunomodulatory factors expressed or secreted by testicular cells (mainly Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells , and resident macrophages ). The b lood - testis barrier/Sertoli cell barrier, is also important to seclude advanced germ cells but its requirement in testis immune privilege needs further investigation . T esticular immune privilege is not permanent , as an effe ctive immune response can be mounted against transplanted tissue , and bacterial/viral infections in the testis can be effectively eliminated . Overall, the cellular components control the fate of the immune response and can shift the response from immunodestructive to immunoprotective, resulting in immuneprivilege.

Anatomy & distribution of coronary arteries in pig in comparison with man.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The suitability of pig as an animal model for research in coronary artery disease is well established. As coronary arteries (CAs) of the pig are reportedly closely resemble those of man. We investigated the CAs of the pig (Sus scrofa) and study differences between the two, if any. METHODS: The origin and pattern of the coronary arteries were studied in the hearts of 30 fully grown pigs obtained from a slaughter house in Chandigarh (India). The openings of the CAs were identified at the commencement of the ascending aorta. The arteries were washed with acetone by introducing appropriate sized cannulae in their ostia. A 20 per cent solution of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), a plastic material, dissolved in acetone was injected in the CAs. The hearts were fixed in 10 per cent formalin solution for three to four days after which the CAs and their branches were dissected. RESULTS: Both coronary arteries arose from the aortic sinuses below the supravalvular ridge in all the cases. Sinuatrial nodal artery (SAN) arose from the RCA in 70 per cent and from the circumflex artery (CX) in 30 per cent of instances. There was RCA dominance in all hearts of the pig. The atrioventricular nodal artery (AVN) and the posterior interventricular artery (PIV) were branches of RCA. The coronary arterial circulation in the pig was found to be similar to that in human. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: By and large the coronary arterial pattern of the pig was similar in that of the humans. We can conclude that the heart of a pig can be used for experiments but differences have to be kept in mind.

Evaluation of the possible role of five enzymes in the metabolism of IBA in mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.).

The enzymatic activity of five enzymes viz. Glutathione S-transferases, Esterases, NADH dehydrogenase, NADH oxidase and Glutathione reductase were assessed under the influence of Indole butyric acid (IBA) (400 ppm) in the nymphs (48-52h old) of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi fed on radish plants treated for 13, 25 and 37h. The activity of Glutathione S-transferases, Esterases and NADH dehydrogenase increased compared to that found in the control of the same age group of nymphs and it was concluded that these enzymes might be involved in the metabolism of IBA. The other two enzymes, NADH oxidase and Glutathione reductase showed no significant increase in their activity compared to that in the control of the same age group. It was hypothesized that the latter enzymes do not play any significant role in the metabolism of IBA.

Differential effect of polyherbal, antiobesity preparation, OB-200G in male and female mice and monosodium glutamate-treated rats.

Effect of administration of different doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg, twice daily, po) of a polyherbal preparation, OB-200G and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, ip) for 21 days was studied on food intake and body weight in male and female Laka mice. The study further investigated the effect of administration of 0.5 g/kg dose of OB-200G for 40 days on body weight, fat pad weights, locomotor activity and biochemical parameters in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated male and female Wistar rat pups. Administration of OB-200G produced dose dependent decrease in body weight in both male and female mice. On the other hand, fluoxetine decreased body weight only in female mice. The food intake was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in both fasted male and female mice after treatment with the lower dose (0.25 g/kg, po) of OB-200G. However, significant (P < 0.05) decrease in food intake was recorded with the administration of higher doses (0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg, po) of OB-200G and fluoxetine in fasted female mice on day 1, 7, 14 and 21. But in male mice differential effect on food intake was recorded at different doses on day 1, 7, 14 and 21. Further, OB-200G administration significantly (P < 0.05) decreased body weight and fat pad weights, increased serum glucose levels and ambulatory activity in MSG-treated female rats but not in MSG-treated male rats. The results suggest that OB-200G involves gender differences in mediating its antiobesity effect and may supplement the current armamentarium for the treatment of obesity.

Influence of PGRs on carbohydrate content in Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.).

Six compounds (IBA, chlorogenic acid, cytokinine, GA3, alar B-9 and maleic hydrazide) belonging to four different categories of plant growth hormones were used to study their effect on carbohydrate content in L. erysimi. The second instar nymphs (48 hr old) were given both dipping and leaf surface treatment with 1024 ppm concentration of compounds for two time intervals i.e. 48 and 96 hr. The carbohydrate content decreased after treatment with 4 of the plant growth regulators i.e. GA3, alar B-9, IBA and chlorogenic acid with maximum suppression in GA3 treatment. Cytokinine did not induce any derogatory influence on carbohydrate content. The treatment with maleic hydrazide, on the other hand enhanced the carbohydrate content. It could be concluded that the application of these PGRs affected the carbohydrate synthesis or metabolism.

Conservative management of malocclusion in mixed dentition.

The treatment planning in mixed dentition period has changed from extraction to non extraction. Any orthodontic treatment must take into consideration the growth trends and the pubertal growth spurt. The two cases presented here were treated during mixed dentition period in different ways: one with fixed appliances and the other with removable myofunctional appliance therapy, with satisfactory results. Hence for a conservative treatment approach, the non-extraction treatment is recommended in mixed dentition period.

Differential effect of a polyherbal formulation-OB-200G in male and female mice subjected to forced swim stress.

The antistress effect of a polyherbal formulation-OB-200G (500 mg/kg. p.o.) was studied in both male and female mice subjected to forced swim stress. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was chosen as standard drug for comparison. Exposure of mice to chronic stress regime resulted in decreased body weight in both male and female mice, increased sweetened food intake, anxiety, depression and locomotor activity in stressed female mice as compared to unstressed control (normal) mice. Treatment with OB-200G resulted in a further decrease in body weight, increased food intake and locomotor activity in both stressed male and female mice. It also reduced immobility time, decreased latency to enter and increased number of entries and time spent in mirror chamber in stressed female mice. Administration of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased body weight and food intake in both stressed male and female mice. Fluoxetine treatment also increased time spent in mirror chamber and decreased immobility time in stressed female mice. Thus, like fluoxetine, OB-200G decreased body weight and produced antianxiety and antidepressant effects in stressed female mice and may prove beneficial in obese patients reported to be more susceptible to stress-related psychological disorders.

Response to exercise and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in essential hypertension.

To evaluate the relationship of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) recording and blood pressure response to exercise, 58 essential hypertensive patients, not taking any drugs, had symptom-limited treadmill stress test (TST) within 48-96 hours of ABP, TST time, blood pressure increase, decrease, mode of increase and decrease, were independent of ABP systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over 24 hours, day time and night time (p = ns). SBP decrease immediately after exercise were independent of ABP data. TST achieved heart rate was related to both 24 hours SBP (r = -0.64, p = 0.00005) and DBP (r = -0.55, p = 0.00001) in both day (r = -0.64, p = 0.00001 and r = -0.54, p = 0.002) and night (r = -0.52, p = 0.0001 and r = -0.46, p = 0.003) time periods. Therefore patients with achieved heart rate < 100% (n = 18) had higher 24 hour SBP (148 vs 132 +/- 2 mm Hg, p = 0.0006) and DBP (92.4 +/- 6.4 vs 84 +/- 6.2 mm Hg, P = 0.006) day and night. It is concluded that there is no overlap of diagnostic information using blood pressure. Values in TST or ABP although achieved heart rate in exercise is inversely related to severity of hypertension.