Type 2 DM An Independent Risk Factor For Poor Outcome In Moderate To Severe COVID-19

Background:Diabetes Mellitus has been shown to be a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. Few studies asse ssed effect of diabetes on the outcome exclusively in moderate to severe COVID 19 disease. Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcome of hospitalized moderate and severe COVID-19 disease among patients with and without diabetes. Material And Methods:This retrospective study was conducted at Parul Sevashram Hospital from 1stApril 2021-30thApril 2021. Data on demographic profile, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, complications and clinical outcome was collected and compared between patients with and without diabetes.Result:Total 319 patients were included with mean age 54.81±11.72 years. 28.5% had diabetes. The most common symptoms were fever, cough and shortness of breath. As compared to patients without diabetes, these patients had significantly higher levels of leucocyte count, CRP, Ferritin, LDH and D-Dimer. They also had more complications like ARDS, secondary infection and stroke and higher need of respiratory support (92.3% vs. 69.7%, P < 0.001). We also observed significantly greater mortality in patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (29.7% vs. 13.6%; P = 0.0014). These findings held true even on comparingpatients with only diabetes as comorbidity to those without any comorbidity.Conclusion:The study confirms that diabetes is an independent risk factor for higher inflammatory markers, risk of complications and in hospital mortality during hospitalization with moderate to severe COVID 19. New strategies are needed for more aggressive management of COVID 19 cases with diabetes to improve prognosis in these cases.

Optimization of Soil DNA Extraction Protocol Using Na2EDTA, SDS, Heating, Vortexing and CaCl2 and Its Validation for Metagenomic Studies

Aim: Several methods described previously for isolation and purification of soil DNA. Most of these protocols use combination of techniques or methods but the role and contribution of each individual method or component used is not clearly discussed. This study aims at analysing the effect of individual components used in extraction of DNA from soil and finally to optimize soil DNA isolation protocol and its validation by using 16SrDNA sequence analysis. Methods and Results: The soil was washed with anionic buffers before lysis step to reduce humic substances and release microbial cells from soil matrix, then the cells were lysed using combination of SDS, heating and vortexing and finally humic substances were removed using chemical flocculation. Pre-lysis washing of soil with 100 mmol l-1 Na2EDTA proved good for releasing microbial cells from soil matrix. Heating the soil sample at 75°C yielded good quantity (15.73 µg g-1 soil) DNA followed by 2% SDS (10.28 µg g-1 soil) and vortexing at 1400 rpm (8.94 µg g-1 soil). Combination of heating, SDS and vortexing yielded 25 µg DNA per gram of soil. Different concentrations of chemical flocculants like AlNH4(SO4)2, FeCl3, CaCl2 and MgCl2 were used to reduce humic substances. Flocculation with 100 mmol l-1 CaCl2 removed 5.2 mg humic substances without significant loss of DNA. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of DNA extracted from soil reveals presence of all the common soil bacterial species indicating the protocol is unbiased. Conclusion: Combination of chemical (SDS) and physical (heating and vortexing) methods yield good DNA whereas addition of enzyme (lysozyme) did not show significant effect on cell lysis. The digestion of isolated DNA with restriction enzyme and amplification of 16S rDNA using Taq DNA polymerase indicates the isolated DNA is pure enough for metagnomic analysis. 16Sr DNA sequencing of soil DNA indicates that this protocol can extract good quality and quantity DNA from range of bacteria present in soil varying in their cell wall composition. The optimised protocol is unbiased, very simple, does not need special equipments and many samples can be processed simultaneously.

Salivary Gland Tumors - A Three Year Retrospective Study

Neoplastic lesions of salivary gland are uncommon and shows varied morphology. It comprises 5-6 % of all tumors of head and neck. Salivary neoplasms are more likely to occur in relatively old age (6th decade). Benign salivary gland tumors usually occur relatively earlier (4th-5th decade) than malignant tumors. Tumors of salivary glands usually present as mass in otherwise normal gland. Uncommon presenting complaints such as facial paralysis in presence of neoplastic growth usually suggest malignant tumor invading facial nerve. Our aim is to study the epidemiology, clinical presentation and distribution of various salivary glands in relation to their histopathology. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the department of pathology of a tertiary care medical centre situated in an urban area. All the salivary gland tumor specimens which were received in the department over these years were studied by analyzing records from the department. Distribution of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, their morphology and prognostic histological parameters were studied. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS 17.0 software, with P value being less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Out of 80 studied cases there were 32 males and 48 females with a M:F ratio of 1:1.5. The mean age in male and female patients was found to be 47.41 ± 15.18 and 46.72 ± 13.68 respectively. The difference in mean age of males and females was found to be statistically insignificant (P>0.05). parotid gland was most commonly involved site (68.75%) followed by submandibular gland (23.75%) and minor salivary glands (5%). Amongst benign pathologies pleomorphic adenoma was found to be the most common lesion encountered(31.25%) followed by warthin’s tumor (11.25%) and myoepithelioma (5%). The most common malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma which was seen in 12 (17.50%) patients. Conclusion: Amongst all salivary glands, parotid gland was found to be most commonly affected. Most common benign and malignant tumors were found to be pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma respectively.

Potential increase in photosynthetic response of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) to photon flux density and elevated CO2

Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2 (Ci) in five eddoe and four dasheen type taro genotypes under ambient and elevated CO2 , and subjected to different photon flux densities. Methodology: The critical evaluation of Pn was assessed at different photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) viz., 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500 µmol m-2 hr-1 under ambient CO2 (400 ppm) and at saturation PPFD (1500 µmol m-2 hr-1) at short-term (ten min) exposure of leaves to elevated CO2 (eCO2; 600, 800 and 1000 ppm) at 30oC using portable photosynthesis system LI-6400, LICOR, USA in a controlled-climate cuvette system. Results: The Pn in the leaves of nine taro genotypes persistently augmented upon short-term (10 min) exposure to eCO2 concentrations which ranged between 400 ppm and 1000 ppm. Taro genotypes exhibited 61.80 – 113.3% hike in Pn at eCO2 (1000 ppm) as compared to ambient CO2 (400 ppm). However, the per cent increase in Pn at eCO2 for every 200 ppm between 400 to1000 ppm significantly declined (4.4-18.4%) at 1000 ppm CO2. The differences in gs were statistically significant across taro genotypes (P>0.001) and CO2 concentrations (P>0.001). Further, the Ci was also found to increase constantly at eCO2 concentrations (400 ppm to 1000 ppm). However, there was significant reduction (16.2 - 31.3%) in Ci for every 200 ppm between 400-1000 ppm. Interpretation: Results of the study revealed that the genotypes Muktakeshi, Sree Pallavi and Telia are promising in the context of climate change as they significantly responded to eCO2 concentrations. Response mechanism to eCO2 need to be elucidated.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Of Palpable Breast Lumps With Their Histopathological Correlation

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is still an important first line diagnostic procedure in developing countries. FNAC of breast lesions is quite specific and sensitive investigation and the results are comparable to histopathology.Aim of study is to evaluate role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast lesions and to compare the cytological findings with the histopathology wherever possible. In addition the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNAC in breast lesions are carried out. MATERIAL METHODS &RESULT: The present study was carried out on 100 patients who presented with palpable lump in the breast ;irrespective of age and sex were included in the study from the district hospital of North Karnataka, over a period of 15 months.In 69 cases ,cytological diagnosis was correlated with histological findings . RESULTS: There was preponderance of benign breast lesions: 55cases (79.71%) and malignant cases 14(20.29%) .In present study,sensitivity is 92.85%,specificity is 100% in diagnosisng malignant lesions,with accuracy of 98.48% .Positive predictive value is 100% and negative predictive value is 98.11%. CONCLUSION: With experienced hands, FNAC is safe, cost effective and a reliable technique for preoperative evaluation of palpable breast lumps. FNAC features are more informative when combined with physical and radiology findings (Triple test).

Isolation And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern Of Staphylococcus Aureus.

Introduction- Staphylococcus aureus is one of the principal human pathogens that colonizes healthy individuals as well as causes severe infections in hospitalized patients. They have differential ability to spread and cause outbreaks in hospitals. The study was done to isolate S.aureus from various clinical samples and to know their antibiogram. Methodology- The study included a total of 312 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from various clinical specimens. The specimens received were processed further for identification by standard microbiological procedures like direct microscopic examination, culture and various standard identification methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar as per CLSI guidelines. Result- A total of 312 isolates of S. aureus were obtained from various clinical samples. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Infection rate was more in age group 46-60 years. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were more commonly obtained from surgery department (38.78%) followed by orthopedics. All the strains were 100% sensitive to Vancomycin, Netilmicin, Linezolid and Teicoplanin. Higher resistance was noted against Penicillin(94.87%), Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole(72.44%).Lower resistance was noted against Nitrofurantoin(13.33%). Conclusion- The determination of the anti-microbial susceptibility is also crucial for an optimal therapy, for epidemiological purposes and for infection control measures.

Preliminary studies with a neurotoxin obtained from Bungarus caeruleus venom

The neurotoxin purified from the venom of Bungarus caeruleus causes a neuromuscular blockade on acetylcholine-induced muscle twitch response in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparation. Neuromuscular blockade produced by d-tubocurarine on acetylcholine-induced muscle twitch response in an isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparation was reversed to normal muscle twitch response in presence of neostigmine. Whereas the purified neurotoxin produced an irreversible neuromuscular blockade in presence of the same strength of neostigmine. As it is already known, botulinum toxin, which also brings about neuromuscular blockade, is effectively used as a drug in the treatment of painful movement disorders. Since the purified toxin also causes paralysis of the muscle, we propose its possible efficacy in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders.(AU)

A novel Kv1.1 potassium channel blocking toxin from the venom of Palamneus gravimanus (Indian black scorpion)

A peptide toxin was isolated from the venom of Palamneus gravimanus, the Indian black scorpion, to block human Kv1.1 channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. A 4.5 kD peptide (toxin), as confirmed by SDS-PAGE, was purified to homogeneity by ion exchange chromatography using CM-Sephadex C-25 followed by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration. Palamneus gravimanus toxin (PGT) selectively blocks the human cloned voltage-gated potassium channel hKv1.1 in a two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) technique. The results obtained indicate that the toxin blocks the hKv1.1 channel at a nanomolar concentration range (Ki value of 10 nM) of the peptide to the external side of the cell. The blockage seems to be voltage-dependent. Comparative structure of PGT (a 4.5 kD peptide) with BTK-2 suggests a close relationship; therefore this toxin can be employed to investigate the hKv1.1 channel structure.

Hairy polyp of nasopharynx--a case report.

A specific subtype of teratoid tumour occurring in nasopharynx and oropharynx has been mentioned as 'hairy polyp'. This is a rare lesion and is to be differentiated from true teratomas. A case of hairy polyp of nasopharynx in a 12 year old girl is reported.

Clinical profile of non-O1 strain-O139 of Vibrio cholerae in the region of Ambajogai, Maharashtra.

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical profile of the newly emerged novel strain non-O1, O139 of Vibrio cholerae, in the region of Ambajogai, District Beed of Maharashtra. METHODS: Out of 208 patients of acute gastroenteritis, 41 revealed to be positive for Vibrio cholerae by recommended method of stool examination. All the strains were sent to National Institute of Cholera and Infectious Diseases, Calcutta for confirmation. RESULTS: Out of 41 cases, 12 were of Vibrio cholerae O1, 29 Non-O1, of which nine found to be O139 strain. All patients were from 2-80 years of age with low-socioeconomic status and maximum incidence was in August (64.70%), presented with severe rice watery loose motions. Vomiting was observed in 26 (63.41%), more so in patients of O139 infection (88.88%) than four (33.33%) of O1 infection. Sweating was observed in three patients (33.33%) of O139 infection, cramps in gastrocnemis muscles in three patients (33.33%) of O139 infection and two (16.66%) of O1 infection. Signs of dehydration were mild to moderate in four patients (33.33%) of O1 infection; severe dehydration in six (66.66%), moderate in two (22.22%) and mild in one patient (11.11%) of O139 infection. While dehydration was severe in four (20%), moderate in one (5%) and mild in three patients (15%) of Non-O1 infection (excluding O139 cases). Clinical features were more severe in patients of serotype O139 than the patients of O1 and Non-O1 (excluding O139 cases). However all patients responded to intravenous fluids, oral rehydration and antibiotics (tetracycline) within 24-48 hours without any mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study reflects the first emergence of Non-O1, strain O139 during the year 1997 with severe and critical clinical features in Ambajogai region causing high morbidity in the form of severe dehydration and peripheral circulatory collapse which requires early and correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.