Influence of sex on the profile of acute coronary syndrome: a tertiary care hospital based study from the Sub-Himalayan region in North India.

Background: Coronary events presents about ten years later in women than men. There exist distinct gender differences in terms of presentation of symptoms, validity of diagnostic tests and complications. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of medicine R.P. Govt. Medical College (RPGMC) Himachal Pradesh. Consecutive 300 patients of acute coronary syndrome from June 2011 to June 2012 were included in the study. Demographical profile was recorded with focused clinical examination and relevant investigation with lipid profile was done. Results: Among the study population of 300 individuals, 201 (67%) were males and 99 (33%) were females. The mean age among male patients was 61.3±11.7 years and in female patients the mean age was 65.6±11.20 years. 68.8% of females presented after 60 yrs of age. Dyslipidemia was the commonest risk factor followed by hypertension and obesity. 12.2% of female patients were smokers. Chest pain was the commonest presenting symptom seen in 82% cases. There was mean delay of 31.0±54.5 hrs in the presentation of females for treatment. ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction occurred less frequently in females. Conclusions: Acute coronary syndrome is more age dependent in females. The predominance of dyslipidemia, hypertension and obesity as risk factors gives a message for primary care physicians to create awareness for the prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome. The atypical symptoms should be recognised early which should further prevent the delay in presentation.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) study on HIV / AIDS among HIV patients, care givers and general population in north-eastern part of India.

Background: HIV, the disease, whose mode of transmission is known and is largely preventable, but due to lack of knowledge and practices about HIV/AIDS in general population causes its rapid spread. Aims & Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude and practices about HIV in patients group, care giver and in general population. Material and Methods: A total of 102 HIV/AIDS patients, 60 care givers (35 attendant, 19 nurses, 6 doctors) and 40 general population (control) were included in the present study. The patients who were registered for study were followed up for three visits. The responses were recorded on a pre-designed and pre-tested, semi- structured questionnaire. Results: Illiteracy was more common in HIV patient group (27.5%) . A high proportion of HIV/AIDS cases were engaged in transport/ production industry (24.5%). Electronic media and print media are major source of information. 35.3% patients, 22.9% care givers and 47.5% general population group thought that with medication HIV is curable. Sexual contact (63.8%) was the commonest mode of transmission. 80.0% medical staff thought that a newly diagnosed HIV person, first to talk with doctor. After 6 month follow up: 82% patients write sexual contact as major mode of transmission, and Use of condom was most important preventive measure (68%). Conclusion: Understanding the KAP about HIV/AIDS of Patients, care givers and in general populations will help us in formulating strategy for prevention and treatment.

Single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) detection in exon I of the alfa-lactalbumin gene of Indian Jamunapari milk goats (Capra hircus)

The genetic diversity of Jamunapari goats (Capra hircus) was investigated using an optimized non-radioactive polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method to detect alfa-lactalbumin polymorphism in a sample of 50 goats. Our data show that PCR-SSCP is an appropriate tool for evaluating genetic variability in Jamunapari goats. Polymorphism was detected in the sample, indicating that Jamunapari goats have high genetic variability at loci, exon I of the a-lactalbumin gene. This result opens interesting prospects for future selection programs and conservation strategies. These a-lactalbumin variants can be sequenced and screened in the population to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for association studies and marker assisted selection.

Association of erythrocyte acid phosphatase phenotypes with myopia.

Acid phosphatase is a polymorphic nonspecific orthophosphate monoesterase which catalyses the cleaving of phosphoric acid and subsequent breakdown of several monophosphoric esters under acidic pH conditions. Acid phosphatase has a physiologic function as a flavin mononucleotide phosphatase (FMN) and regulates the intracellular concentrations of flavin coenzymes that are electron carriers in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Myopia or nearsightedness is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. Myopic eyes when subjected to excessive oxidative stress results in retinal detachments .In the present study there is a significant elevation of AA phenotype in myopes when compared to controls. The AA phenotype is more susceptible to oxidative stress and its lower enzyme activity is known to be associated with increased intrauterine growth that further results in increased axial length in progressive myopia. The AA phenotype also confers risk for myopia development in males, early age group and cases with parental consanguinity.