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Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder related to sleep that has a negative effect on the behavior and health of people around the globe. Chronic hypoxemia and variations in the concentration of oxygen in the blood noticed in OSA individuals may have adverse effects on the process of auditory transduction and transmission. Objective To assess the effect of OSA on hearing and to find out the parameters that have more influence on hearing recorded during polysomnography of patients with OSA. Methods The present is a hospital-based, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of one year. After application of the exclusion criteria, the patients were then submitted to the application of the Berlin questionnaire, as well as polysomnography, impedance, and pure tone audiometry (PTA). Results A total of 58 individuals were studied. Age, gender, and height were comparable among cases and controls, while weight, body mass index (BMI), and neck circumference were significantly higher in cases in comparison to controls. The mean PTA was significantly higher at 10 kHz or higher frequencies in cases in comparison to controls. Conclusion We observed that there is evidence that the auditory mechanism is affected in OSA patients. We recommend early auditory screening of OSA patients for timely diagnosis and to raise awareness about its prevention.
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Introduction: The knowledge of the effect of sociodemographic and disease-related factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is important for planning comprehensive health-care services for them. Material and Methods: Two hundred PLWHA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) volunteered to complete a self-reported World Health Organization’s Quality of Life?HIV brief questionnaire (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) that examines six domains each with four items (physical, psychological, level of independence, social, environmental, and spiritual) with 25 facets and additional 5 facets specific to PLWHA (symptoms of HIV, social inclusion, forgiveness, worries about the future, and death and dying). Results: Only 135 questionnaires from 73 (53.3%) men and 63 (46.7%) women (male: female – 1.14:1) aged 20–82 years(mean ± standard deviation: 42.9 ± 10.5 years) were found complete. Eighty-five (63%) individuals were aged 41–60 years, 78 (57.8%) individuals were matriculates, graduates, or postgraduates, 76 (56.3%) respondents were married, and 38 (28.1%) were widows/widowers. Staying-alone workers comprised 43 (31.8%) individuals. Overall health and HRQoL were rated satisfactory (n = 85.2%) and good/very good (n = 74.8%) by a significantly greater number of individuals (P = 0.001). Pearson’s Chi-squared test showed no statistically significant (P > ?) associations between good HRQoL and variables such as age >40 years, gender, education, marital status, duration of disease, disclosure of serostatus to family, ART for >3 years, and CD4 >200 cells/mL. Conclusion: Regular ART can result in adequate control of immunosuppression and no comorbidities in a majority of PLWHA, family and social acceptance, and financial security can result in overall good HRQoL in all six domains within the WHOQoL-HIV-BREF. The study is limited by its cross-sectional study design and small sample size.
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Background & objectives: The National Prevalence Survey of India (2019-2021) estimated 31 per cent tuberculosis infection (TBI) burden among individuals above 15 years of age. However, so far little is known about the TBI burden among the different risk groups in India. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis, aimed to estimate the prevalence of TBI in India based on geographies, sociodemographic profile, and risk groups. Methods: To identify the prevalence of TBI in India, data sources such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for articles reporting data between 2013-2022, irrespective of the language and study setting. TBI data were extracted from 77 publications and pooled prevalence was estimated from the 15 community-based cohort studies. Articles were reviewed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and were sourced using a predefined search strategy from different databases. Results: Out of 10,521 records, 77 studies (46 cross-sectional and 31 cohort studies) were included. The pooled TBI prevalence for India based on the community-based cohort studies was estimated as 41 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.5-52.6%] irrespective of the risk of acquiring it, while the estimation was 36 per cent (95% CI 28-45%) prevalence observed among the general population excluding high-risk groups. Regions with high active TB burden were found to have a high TBI prevalence such as Delhi and Tamil Nadu. An increasing trend of TBI was observed with increasing age in India. Interpretation & conclusions: This review demonstrated a high prevalence of TBI in India. The burden of TBI was commensurate with active TB prevalence suggesting possible conversion of TBI to active TB. A high burden was recorded among people residing in the northern and southern regions of the country. Such local epidemiologic variation need to be considered to reprioritize and implement-tailored strategies for managing TBI in India.
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Background & objectives: Vaccination will play an important role in meeting the end tuberculosis (TB) goals. While certain vaccine candidates in advanced stages of clinical trials raise hope for the future availability of new tools, in the immediate term, there is also increasing interest in Bacille Calmette– Guérin revaccination among adults and adolescents as a potential strategy. Here, we sought to estimate the potential epidemiological impact of TB vaccination in India. Methods: We developed a deterministic, age-structured, compartmental model of TB in India. Data from the recent national prevalence survey was used to inform epidemiological burden while also incorporating a vulnerable population who may be prioritized for vaccination, the latter consistent with the burden of undernutrition. Using this framework, the potential impact on incidence and mortality of a vaccine with 50 per cent efficacy was estimated, if rolled out in 2023 to cover 50 per cent of the unvaccinated each year. Simulated impacts were compared for disease- vs. infection-preventing vaccines, as well as when prioritizing vulnerable groups (those with undernutrition) rather than the general population. A sensitivity analyses were also conducted with respect to the duration, and efficacy, of vaccine immunity. Results: When rolled out in the general population, an infection-preventing vaccine would avert 12 per cent (95% Bayesian credible intervals (Crl): 4.3-28%) of cumulative TB incidence between 2023 and 2030, while a disease-preventing vaccine would avert 29 per cent (95% Crl: 24-34%). Although the vulnerable population accounts for only around 16 per cent of India’s population, prioritizing this group for vaccination would achieve almost half the impact of rollout in the general population, in the example of an infection-preventing vaccine. Sensitivity analysis also highlights the importance of the duration and efficacy of vaccine-induced immunity. Interpretation & conclusions: These results highlight how even a vaccine with moderate effectiveness (50%) could achieve substantial reductions in TB burden in India, especially when prioritized for the most vulnerable.
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Concomitant mitral and aortic valve stenosis in a patient with mitral annular calcification and porcelain aorta poses a unique problem to the surgical team. Transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacements in native valves offer a viable option for such selected group of patients. We present the case of a 54-year-old male who presented with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and severe mitral stenosis (MS) but was deemed high risk for surgery owing to intense calcification of the aorta and mitral annular calcification, and successfully underwent transcatheter double native valve replacement.
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Purpose: To study the antifungal susceptibility of common corneal pathogenic fungi to antifungal agents in the North Indian population. Methods: Prospective study of the antifungal sensitivity testing (natamycin, amphotericin B, voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, micafungin) of fungal isolates from 50 cases of culture positive fungal keratitis by using E test method. Details noted included demographic data, visual acuity, clinical details, grade of keratitis, healing time, and success in medical management. Results: Of 50 patients with fungal keratitis (mean age: 40.28 ± 16.77 years), 12 eyes healed within 3 weeks, 14 had a delayed healing response, and 24 had chronic keratitis. Among the 15 cases of Fusarium isolates, 93.3% were sensitive to natamycin, while 40% to amphotericin B; 66.6% to voriconazole, 13.4% to itraconazole and fluconazole each. 80% of Fusarium cases (n = 12) showed susceptibility to posaconazole. Among Aspergillus flavus isolates, 53.4% (n = 8) were sensitive to natamycin, with only 40% (n = 7) showing sensitivity to amphotericin B and good susceptibility to azoles. MIC against susceptible Fusarium spp. for natamycin was 3–16 ?g/mL, amphotericin B: 1–8 ?g/mL, voriconazole: 0.5–1.5 ?g/ mL, itraconazole: 0.5–12 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 0.094–1.5 ?g/mL. MIC against Aspergillus flavus was natamycin: 8–32 ?g/mL, amphotericin B: 0.5–16 ?g/mL, voriconazole: 0.025–4 ?g/mL, itraconazole: 0.125–8 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 0.047–0.25 ?g/mL; against Aspergillus niger isolates, to natamycin was 6 ?g/mL (n=1), amphotericin B 8–12 ?g/mL (n = 3), voriconazole: 0.125–0.19 ?g/mL (n = 3), itraconazole: 0.38–0.75 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 0.064–0.19 ?g/mL and against Aspergillus fumigatus (n = 1), was natamycin4 ?g/ mL, amphotericin B ? 8 ?g/mL, voriconazole 0.25 ?g/mL, itraconazole 1 ?g/mL, and posaconazole 0.19 ?g/mL. MIC against susceptible Acremonium spp. for natamycin was 1.5–16 ?g/mL, amphotericin B: 0.5–8 ?g/mL, voriconazole: 0.19–3 ?g/mL, itraconazole: 0.125 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 0.125–0.5 ?g/mL and against susceptible Curvularia was natamycin 0.75–4 ?g/mL, amphotericin B 0.5–1 ?g/mL, voriconazole 0.125–0.19 ?g/mL, itraconazole 0.047–0.094 ?g/mL, posaconazole 0.047–0.094 ?g/mL. MIC against Mucor spp.+ Rhizopus spp. (n = 1) was natamycin: 8 ?g/mL, amphotericin B: 0.75 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 1.5 ?g/ mL. MIC against of Alternaria (n = 1) was voriconazole: 0.19 ?g/mL, posaconazole: 0.094 ?g/mL. MIC against Penicillium (n=1) was natamycin: 8 ?g/mL, voriconazole: 0.25 ?g/mL, itraconazole: 0.5 ?g/mL, and Posaconazole: 0.125 ?g/mL. Conclusion: Our observations highlight the variations in susceptibility to antifungal agents. Posaconazole seems to be effective with low MIC against common corneal pathogenic fungal isolates
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Background:Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery often experience pre?operative anxiety. Preoperative anxiety influences surgical outcome. There are very few studies which have assessed the impact of clonidine and Gabapentin in the treatment of anxiety especially in Indian populations and its implications on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 30 days mortality. Materials and Methods: Adult patients aged 18 to 80 years old who were scheduled to have an elective coronary artery by?pass graft (CABG) were included in the study.Those who satisfied the inclusion criteria were given either Gabapentin (800 mg) or Clonidine (300 mcg) 90?120 minutes before the induction. State trait anxiety inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety in baseline and taking just before operating room. The primary endpoint was a reduction in the STAI associated with the study drug, while the secondary endpoint was the incidence of MACE in the perioperative period (30 days), which included composite episodes of non?fatal cardiac arrest, chaotic rhythm, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, angina, and death. Results: A total of 75 patients were considered for the statistical analysis. The demographic and clinical features of the study participants were similar in both groups. Nearly 75?80% of participants had severe anxiety in the preoperative period while 10?20% had moderate anxiety. While both the drugs showed a reduction in the anxiety levels, the clonidine group fared better (statistically insignificant). The incidence of MACE was similar in both groups. Conclusion:The preoperative anxiety levels were high among cardiac surgery patients.Both clonidine and gabapentin were equally effective in reducing the levels of preoperative anxiety. Preoperative STAI scores in the range of 32?53 is not associated with MACE and 30?day mortality among cardiac surgery patients.
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Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to compare functional results after Cemented Calcar replacement vis-a-vis Long stem Cemented hemiarthroplasty in patients aged more than 80 years with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Methods The present prospective, randomized trial included 140 patients with AO/OTA type 31-A2, A3 intertrochanteric femur fracture, randomized into 2 treatment groups and followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Sixty-seven patients in group A were treated with a cemented calcar replacing prosthesis, and 65 patients in group B were treated with a cemented long stem femoral stem prosthesis. The primary end points were hip functions at 2 years. The secondary end points were the complications encountered, mortality, surgical time, reoperation, blood loss, and activities of daily living. Results There were no major differences between the groups in terms of hip function, quality of life (health related), reoperation, mortality, and blood loss. However, the function in hip joint and activities of daily living deteriorated in both groups in comparison with prefracture levels. Conclusion In octogenarians with an unstable intertrochanteric fracture, cemented calcar replacing prosthesis has similar clinical results in comparison with long stem cemented hemiarthroplasty. Hemiarthroplasty with either implant is a good option in this subset of patients. Level of evidence: I
Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os resultados funcionais após a substituição do Calcar cimentado em comparação com a hemiartroplastia cimentada de haste longa em pacientes com mais de 80 anos com fratura intertrocantérica instável. Métodos O presente estudo prospectivo e randomizado incluiu 140 pacientes com fratura de fêmur intertrocantérica, conforme classificação AO/OTA tipo 31-A2, A3, randomizados em 2 grupos de tratamento e acompanhados por um período mínimo de 2 anos. Sessenta e sete pacientes do grupo A foram tratados com uma prótese de substituição do calcar cimentada e 65 pacientes do grupo B foram tratados com uma prótese femoral de haste longa cimentada. Os desfechos primários foram as funções do quadril em 2 anos. Os eventos secundários foram as complicações encontradas, a mortalidade, o tempo cirúrgico, segunda cirurgia, perda de sangue e as atividades do cotidiano. Resultados Não houve grandes diferenças entre os grupos em termos de função do quadril, qualidade de vida (relacionada à saúde), segunda cirurgia, mortalidade e perda de sangue. No entanto, a função da articulação do quadril e as atividades da vida diária se deterioraram em ambos os grupos em comparação com os níveis pré-fratura. Conclusão Nos octogenários com fratura intertrocantérica instável, a prótese de substituição do calcar cimentada apresentou resultados clínicos semelhantes em comparação com a hemiartroplastia de haste longa cimentada. A hemiartroplastia comqualquer umdos implantes é uma boa opção nesse subgrupo de pacientes. Nível de evidência: I
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Humans , Aged, 80 and over , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Hemiarthroplasty , Hip Fractures/therapy , Hip ProsthesisABSTRACT
Background: Urinary tract infection is a collective term for infections that involve any part of the urinary tract. It is one of the most common infections in local primary care. There are wide range of factors identified that can increase susceptibility to UTI, like sexual intercourse, congenital abnormalities, urinary obstruction, prior history of UTI, diabetes, urogenital surgery, estrogen deficiency. Diabetes mellitus has been a significant risk factor for complicated UTI. Presence of microalbumin in urine in patients of urinary tract infection may be a predictor of intrinsic renal pathology and its presence is a predictor of ongoing progressive damage to kidneys. Microalbuminuria is also associated with cardiovascular events and diabetic nephropathy. Early diagnosis of microalbuminuria will decrease the incidence of end stage renal disease and cardiovascular events. The present study was thus conducted to evaluate prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections.Material & Methods:The present hospital based case control study was conducted on 60 patients visiting the outpatient clinic (OPD) of Department of Urology, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala and diagnosed with UTI and the control group consisted of 20 age and gender matched individuals. Estimation of urine microalbumin was done by Enyme linked immunoassay(ELISA) kit method in Department of Biochemistry, GMC Patiala.Results:Out of 60 cases of UTI included in the present study, prevalence of microalbuminuria was observed in 43.3% among cases of UTI . A total of 85% of the cases with positive urine culture had microalbuminuria (p<0.01).Conclusions:Microalbuminuria and ACR can be recommended for predicting ESRD at an early stage of kidney disease.
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Background: Objectives: Fungi are commonly found in the environment and most of them are either commensals or nonpathogenic. Eye infections are caused by bacteria, viruses and less commonly by fungi, therefore not given much attention by the practitioners and also by ophthalmolog ists. In the last one - decade incidence of fungal eye infections has increased due to increase in the number of patients with poor immunity. Common conditions which impair the immunity are prolonged use of steroids and antibacterial broad - spectrum antibioti cs, use of immunosuppressive drugs in cancer patients, in patients with organ transplant and some infections like AIDS. Candida, Fusarium and Aspergillus are the fungi frequently found to be associated with fungal eye infections. Trauma is the most signifi cant predisposing factor particularly when accompanied by contamination with vegetable matter. Methods: Samples such as corneal scrapings, Conjunctival swab, Vitreous & Aqueous aspirates were collected aseptically and sent to microbiology laboratory for KO H wet mount examination and fungal culture. KOH preparation was examined directly under microscope and culture were done on SDA, incubated at 25° c for three weeks. Results: Males were more commonly infected (66.5%) as compared to females (33.5%) The overall positivity in direct microscopy ( KOH preparation) was 32% while positivity in culture was 51%.The most frequently isolated fungus was Fusarium (16) followed by A. flavus ( 07), A. fumigatus (06), Candida sp.(06) and Curvalaria (03) Conclusion: If medical therapy fails to control the infection, surgery should be considered to save the eye visual function before the progression of disease.
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Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2(SARS?CoV?2) is the novel corona virus first detected in Wuhan in 2019. nCOV belongs to the ?-corona virus cluster. As the third most highly pathogenic corona virus, the clinical presentations of 2019-nCoV infection resemble those of the other two corona viruses, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV). The abnormalities in the laboratory indices particularly the Blood Biochemical parameters may be associated with the severity of multiple organ dysfunction seen in COVID-19. The aim of the present project was to analyze the laboratory diagnostic profile of sars?cov?2 (covid?19) patients & to study the associated factors.Methods: The present hospital � based cross sectional study was conducted on all the patients who had tested positive for COVID & were admitted in Rajindra Hospital, Patiala in the time period of the July 2020 to December 2020, during the declared Corona Virus Pandemic. All the Biochemical Parameters were estimated on the automatic Analysers.Results: The results of the present study show abnormalities in the Renal Function Tests, Liver Function Tests, Blood sugar levels and Serum Electrolytes. Blood sugar levels and Renal function tests are significantly deranged in the patients of Covid 19 having co-morbidities like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, CAD, CKD, Hypothyroidism etc: Conclusions:Biochemical Laboratory parameters
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Background of the study:- Osteoporosis is a major health and economic problem. An international consensus development conference has stated that osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro architect deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptible to fracture. During menopause estrogen level become significant lowered. Estrogen hormone help to control the osteoclasts, which are the bone cell producers. When estrogen level decrease in menopausal women that can ultimately leads to osteoporosis. The investigator while working in the field of community and hospital setting found that menopausal women had very little knowledge regarding osteoporosis. The lack of awareness about osteoporosis reflects the need to impart educational programs to menopausal women regarding prevention of disease. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme regarding osteoporosis. Method:- the research design was selected for the study of a pre-experimental one group pre test and post test. The setting was selected in rural community of district, Tarn Taran. The sample includes 60 menopausal women and Non- probability convenience sampling technique was used. Only menopausal women were included for conducting the study. The pilot study was conducted with 10 menopausal women. The reliability of tool was obtained by split half method on samples participating in the pilot study and correlation was done by Karl's Pearson coefficient of correlation. The reliability of tool was 0.98. Results and interpretation:-The data was analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that the mean post test knowledge score (21.23) was higher than the mean pre test score(16.3) and found to be . highly significant with a calculated 't' value of 7.51 thus the results have validated and structured teaching programme devised. There was statistical significant existing relation between Education, occupation and marital status with the knowledge about osteoporosis among menopausal women. But has no significant relation with knowledge between Age, dietary pattern, monthly family income and source of information with the knowledge of osteoporosis among menopausal women. Conclusion:- The results of the study indicated that menopausal women were having less knowledge regarding osteoporosis and structured teaching programme had helped them to increase their knowledge.
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BACKGROUND Despite abundant literature, a clear and coherent understanding of hearing loss (HL) in India is limited by the wide disparity in studies. METHODS We did a review of published peer-reviewed journal articles. Studies reporting the prevalence and degree of HL in India from 1980 to 2020 were included. Information was gathered on the population characteristics, methodology applied and the prevalence of hearing impairment. The data were analysed to identify trends and at-risk sections of population in various categories. RESULTS Four hundred and forty studies were identified after a database search; 29 full-length articles were selected for final analysis. Using a 3-step screening protocol, hearing impairment (abnormal auditory brainstem response/auditory steady state response) in neonates ranged between 1.59 and 8.8 per 1000 births. Among ‘at risk’ neonates, it ranged from 7 to 49.18 per 1000 births. In children the prevalence of HL was 6.6% to 16.47%. Otitis media was the most common cause of HL in children. Community-based studies (all ages) reported prevalence of HL between 6% and 26.9% and prevalence of disabling HL between 4.5% and 18.3%. Rural areas and elderly showed a higher prevalence of hearing impairment. CONCLUSION Despite India’s improving health indices, hearing disability remains persistently high. It is a major contributor to the loss of personal potential and a financial strain for the individual and the country. A large-scale multicentric study to identify the degree and type of HL, social awareness campaigns, widespread neonatal screening, strengthening treatment facilities and well-funded rehabilitation programmes can counter the rising prevalence of hearing impairment.
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Background: Lead accumulations have been found in teeth and related to behavior deficits in children, but there is a dearth of studies in exploring the role of zinc and manganese dysregulations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using the primary tooth as biomarker. Aims: The objectives of the study were to evaluate and compare the concentrations of zinc and manganese in the primary teeth serving as biomarker, in typically developing children and children with ASD. Settings and Design: Twelve primary incisors indicated for extraction were collected from children between the age group 6 and 9 years, for the study. Six primary incisors were obtained from children who had been diagnosed with ASD (study group). The other six teeth were obtained from typically developing children, in the similar age group. Methods: The primary incisors obtained were analyzed for metal concentrations using the technique Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Statistical Analysis: This study was statistically analyzed by student's t-test. Results: It was observed that there are significant differences in metal concentrations found between tooth samples of ASD children and typically developing children. Zinc concentrations were double and manganese concentrations were three times, in teeth of ASD children group as compared to the children in the control group. Conclusions: Results of the current study indicate that there are considerable differences in concentrations of zinc and manganese between the two groups and support the contention that there might be an association between metal exposures of a pregnant mother and child during early years of childhood and incidence of ASD.
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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disease which is why there are currently no specific methods to accurately test the severity, endophenotype or therapy response. This lack of progress is partly attributed to the complexity and variability of depression, in association with analytical variability of clinical literature and the wide number of theoretically complex biomarkers. The literature accessible, indicates that markers involved in inflammatory, neurotrophic and metabolic processes and components of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine systems are rather strong indicators to be considered clinically and can be measured through genetic and epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic, metabolomics and neuroimaging assessments. Promising biologic systems/markers found were i.e., growth biomarkers, endocrine markers, oxidant stress markers, proteomic and chronic inflammatory markers, are discussed in this review.Several lines of evidence suggest that a portion of MDD is a dopamine agonist-responsive subtype. This review analyzes concise reports on the pathophysiological biomarkers of MDD and therapeutic reactions via peripheral developmental factors, inflammative cytokines, endocrine factors and metabolic markers. Various literatures also support that endocrine and metabolism changes are associated with MDD. Accumulating evidence suggests that at least a portion of MDD patients show characteristics pathological changes regarding different clinical pathological biomarkers. By this review we sum up all the different biomarkers playing an important role in the detection or treatment of the different patients suffering from MDD. The review also gives an overview of different biomarker’s playing a potential role in modulating effect of MDD.
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The present study was designed to investigate the effects of varying intensities of noise stress onto the body and adrenal gland weight (absolute) of 17 weeks old (291–296) gram (g) Wistar rat. Animals were exposed to varying intensity of noise, i.e., 60 dB (Decibel), 80 dB, 100 dB, 120 dB, and 140 dB for 1 h (h)/day for 30 days. The dose of different noise intensities was delivered through a special fabricated noise chamber which had provided all daily needs of animal-like oxygen, food, and water. Food and water consumption behavior was recorded on 1st, 14th, and 29th days and body weight change recorded on 1st, 15th, and 30th days after the exposure of noise stress. Absolute adrenal glands weight was recorded on the 30th day. The results of the present study showed that the food, water consumption behavior, and body weight (g) of the experimental group EG1 (60 dB), EG2 (80 dB), EG3 (100 dB), EG4 (120 dB), and EG5(140 dB) were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) decreased during 1st–14th days and during 15th–30thdays a recovery which were observed in food, water consumption, and in body weight of the EG1 (60 dB), EG2 (80 dB), and EG3 (100 dB). A percentage (%) decrease was found, i.e., 0.76, 0.37, 3.87, 25.89, and 30.06% in body weight of EG1 (60 dB), EG2 (80 dB), EG3 (100 dB), EG4 (120 dB), and EG5 (140 dB) experimental groups, respectively.
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Background: The role of heavy metals in the etio-pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a burning enigma. The available studies with discordant results are from different geographical localities with different monitoring, regulations and sociocultural backgrounds. The differential association of heavy metals with ADHD severity and phenotypes has not been adequately examined. Also, there are concerns about laboratory quality control. Therefore, the present case control study was formulated.Methods: Thirty children with ADHD diagnosed by DSM IV criteria and thirty group age matched controls were enrolled. Detailed perinatal, past, developmental and possible exposure history to various heavy metals was taken. Severity of ADHD was assessed using ConnersTM Parent reporting questionnaire. Blood level of metals was estimated by inductively coupled plasma- atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).Results: The mean blood lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, zinc were comparable in children with ADHD and group age matched controls. The mean blood lead, mercury and cadmium levels in study population was higher than found in studies from developed countries. Elevated arsenic, mercury and cadmium were found in both cases and controls. Blood zinc correlated significantly with inattention T score and blood mercury with hyperactivity-impulsitivity T score of Conners parent rating scale. Blood cadmium was present in greater proportion of predominant hyperactive-impulsive type patients.Conclusions: Zinc deficiency correlates with inattention; cadmium and mercury toxicity correlate with hyperactivity. Mean blood levels of heavy metals is elevated in a substantial proportion of study population. So, there is an urgent need for sensitization and environmental control.
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Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are the third most common nosocomial infections. Emergence and spread of drug resistant strains have been found to pose a serious challenge in the management of such infections. There is limited information on the epidemiology of such pathogens. The antibiotic sensitivity patterns of aerobic bacterial isolates from post-operative SSIs show wide variations that lead to difficulties in empirical selection of the right kind of drug for treatment. Properly planned studies about antibiotic sensitivities patterns of such isolates can help in judicious management of SSIs and cause reduction in morbidity and mortality.Methods: A total of 50 patients diagnosed by the surgeon and fulfilling the case definition of SSI, were studied for bacteriological analysis. All the clinical specimens were cultured and identified applying standard culture techniques. The aerobic bacterial isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method to arrive at the drug sensitivity patterns. Data were entered in MS Excel spread sheet and analysed using SSPP software version 21.00Results: A total of 32 patterns of sensitivity were observed. For Esch. coli, a total of nine patterns were observed. All strains of Esch. coli were found sensitive to tigecycline (100%) and colistin (100%). For Klebsiella spp. a total of 9 patterns were obtained with TIG-COL being the predominant pattern in 6 cases. For Acinetobacter spp. only colistin was found most effective drug. In case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, except colistin (100% sensitivity), there were wide variations in sensitivity with imipenem (71%) as next most effective drug. In Proteus spp. - most of the in-use drugs were effective except cephalosporins. Among gram positive organisms, only three strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated, and these were MRSA (100%). Two strains of enterococcus were isolated, and these showed sensitivity to linezolid only.Conclusions: Wide variations in sensitivity status observed in the study are suggestive that antibiotic usage should be tailored to individual needs and proper selection of antibiotics for management of SSIs must be guided by laboratory antibiogram.