Role Of "Aardram Mission" In Delivering Public Health Care Services In The State

“Mission Aardram” synonymously can be called as pillar of Kerala model of Development as it has been implemented for the provision of wellbeing of the citizen. Developing nations are facing issues related to the health care offered by the nation to its public hence in turn affect its human development index (HDI). Life Expectancy Index, Education Index and Gross National Income index are the different indicators of HDI which comes from the different dimensions, say, Long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living respectively. Mission Aardram is concentrating more on the first dimension of HDI, i.e.; Long and healthy Life. In order to keep its people healthy, the state of Kerala has taken an initiative called “Mission Aardram” as part of “Nava Kerala Karma Padhathi”. The Government of Kerala has implemented such a Novel scheme to provide good health care to its people by transforming all Primary Health Centres (PHC) into Family Health Centres (FHC) as the first stage health delivery point, then they intend to strengthen the system by offering five kinds of services, namely, Promotive services, Preventive Services, Palliative services, Rehabilitative services and Curative services. It is mentioned by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that Mission Aardram has the main six characteristics that should have in any good quality health care system. As per the word of IOM if a health care system is said to be of good quality if and only if the system has Patient safety, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Patient-centered focus, Timely Referral Care and equity in treatment. Hence it is important to evaluate the role of Mission Aardram in delivering public health care by analyzing the above-mentioned factors.

Dependencia endotelial del efecto de canfenol plus 3 % sobre el músculo liso vascular arterial / Endothelial dependence of the effect of 3 % camphenol plus on arterial vascular smooth muscl

RESUMEN Introducción: el canfenol plus, es un derivado clorado del fenol empleado de forma habitual como medicación intraconducto durante los tratamientos pulporradiculares en Estomatología. Son escasos los estudios en relación con sus efectos sobre el músculo liso vascular arterial y la participación del endotelio en estos. Objetivo: determinar la dependencia endotelial del efecto de canfenol plus 3 % sobre el músculo liso vascular arterial. Material y Métodos: se realizó una investigación experimental preclínica utilizando 26 anillos de carótida externa desprovistos de endotelio vascular. Las preparaciones realizadas se colocaron en baño de órganos, registrándose la tensión desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular tras la adición de acetilcolina, así como de soluciones de canfenol plus 3 % durante diferentes intervalos de tiempo. La dependencia entre ambas tensiones, se determinó a través de un modelo de regresión lineal simple. Resultados: tras la preactivación con solución Krebs concentrada de iones potasio, la adición de 10 μl de acetilcolina y canfenol plus 3 %, indujeron una discreta, pero significativa vasorrelajación de la musculatura lisa vascular. El modelo de regresión lineal elaborado, demostró la dependencia entre las variables tensión producida por acetilcolina y tensión producida por el fármaco al décimo minuto, corroborando la implicación del endotelio vascular en dicho efecto relajante. Conclusiones: el canfenol plus 3 %, produjo in vitro, un efecto vasorrelajante sobre la musculatura lisa de anillos de carótida externa, dependiente de endotelio y a partir de un factor relajante o hiperpolarizante derivado de este.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Camphenol plus is a chlorinated phenol derivative commonly used as intracanal medication during pulporradicular treatments in Dentistry. Studies in relation to its effects on arterial vascular smooth muscle and the involvement of the endothelium in them are scarce. Objective: To determine the endothelial dependence of the effect of 3 % camphenol plus on arterial vascular smooth muscle. Material and Methods: A preclinical experimental research was carried out using 26 external carotid artery rings devoid of vascular endothelium. The preparations made were placed in an organ bath, recording the tension developed by the vascular smooth muscle after the addition of acetylcholine, as well as 3 % Camphenol plus solutions during different intervals of time. The dependence between both tensions was determined through a simple linear regression model. Results: After pre-activation with Krebs concentrated potassium ion solution, the addition of 10 μl of acetylcholine and 3 % camphenol plus induced a discrete but significant vasorelaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. The linear regression model developed demonstrated the dependence between the variables tension produced by acetylcholine and tension produced by the drug at the tenth minute, corroborating the involvement of the vascular endothelium in that vasorelaxant effect. Conclusions: It is concluded that 3 % Camphenol plus in vitro, produced a vasorelaxant effect on the smooth muscle of external carotid rings dependent on endothelium and from a relaxing or hiperpolarizing factor derived from it.

Canales de iones potasio en la dinámica contráctil del músculo liso arterial inducida por Camphenol Plus

RESUMEN Introducción: El Camphenol Plus es un derivado clorofenólico empleado como medicación intraconducto durante los tratamientos pulporradiculares en Estomatología. Son escasos los reportes científicos sobre el papel de los canales de iones potasio en la dinámica contráctil del músculo liso arterial inducida por dicho medicamento. Objetivo: Determinar el papel de los canales de iones potasio en la dinámica contráctil del músculo liso arterial inducida por Camphenol Plus. Método: Se realizó una investigación experimental preclínica en el Instituto de Fisiología "Oscar Langerdorff", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Rostock, Alemania, entre octubre y diciembre de 2018, con el empleo de 30 anillos de aorta obtenidos de 10 ratas Wistar (n=10). Las preparaciones biológicas se colocaron en baño de órganos y se preactivaron con solución Krebs concentrada en iones potasio, registrándose luego la tensión desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular tras la adición de soluciones de Camphenol Plus durante diferentes intervalos de tiempo. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Wilcoxon y U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: El 31,4 % de la musculatura lisa vascular se relajó por acción del Camphenol Plus tras la preactivación con solución Krebs concentrada en iones potasio. El mayor descenso del tono vascular se produjo con el uso de soluciones del medicamento al 7 % entre el primer y tercer minutos. Conclusiones : El efecto vasorrelajante in vitro producido por Camphenol Plus sobre el músculo liso arterial está mediado por canales de iones potasio sensibles a voltaje, a calcio y a trifosfato de adenosina del endotelio vascular y el sarcolema.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Camphenol Plus is a chlorophenolic derivative commonly used as an intra - duct medication for pulporadicular treatments in Dentistry. Scientific reports about the use of this medication on the role of potassium ion channels in the contractile dynamics of induced arterial smooth muscle are low. Objective: To determine the role of potassium ion channels in the contractile dynamics of Camphenol Plus - induced arterial smooth muscle. Method: A preclinical experimental investigation was performed at the "Oscar Langerdorff" Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany, between October and December 2018. A total of 30 aortic rings obtained from 10 Wistar rats (n=10) were used. The biological preparations were placed in an organ bath and preactivated with Krebs solution concentrated in potassium ions, afterwards it was recorded the tension developed by the vascular smooth muscle after applying the Camphenol Plus solutions in different time intervals. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were applied. Results: The 31.4% of vascular smooth muscle was relaxed by the effect of Camphenol Plus after preactivation with Krebs solution concentrated in potassium ions. The greatest decrease in vascular tone occurred between the first and third minutes after the use of the drug solutions prepared at 7 %. Conclusions: The in vitro vasorelaxant effect produced by the Camphenol Plus medication on arterial smooth muscle is mediated by the potassium ion channels sensitive to voltage, calcium and the adenosine triphosphate of the vascular endothelium and sarcolemma.

RESUMO Introdução: Camphenol Plus é um derivado clorofenólico utilizado como medicação intracanal durante tratamentos pulporradiculares em Estomatologia. Existem poucos relatos científicos sobre o papel dos canais iônicos de potássio na dinâmica contrátil do músculo liso arterial induzida pela referida droga. Objetivo: Determinar o papel dos canais iônicos de potássio na dinâmica contrátil do músculo liso arterial induzida por Camphenol Plus. Método: Uma investigação experimental pré-clínica foi realizada no Instituto de Fisiologia "Oscar Langerdorff" da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Rostock, Alemanha, entre outubro e dezembro de 2018, utilizando 30 anéis aórticos obtidos de 10 ratos Wistar (n=10). As preparações biológicas foram colocadas em banho de órgãos e pré-ativadas com solução de Krebs concentrada em íons potássio, registrando-se então a tensão desenvolvida pelo músculo liso vascular após a adição de soluções de Camphenol Plus em diferentes intervalos de tempo. Foram utilizados os testes U de Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney. Resultados: 31,4% da musculatura lisa vascular relaxada pela ação do Camphenol Plus após pré-ativação com solução de Krebs concentrada em íons potássio. A maior diminuição do tônus vascular ocorreu com o uso de soluções medicamentosas a 7% entre o primeiro e o terceiro minutos. Conclusões: O efeito vasorrelaxante in vitro produzido pelo Camphenol Plus no músculo liso arterial é mediado por canais de íons de potássio sensíveis à voltagem, trifosfato de cálcio e adenosina do endotélio vascular e do sarcolema.

Escitalopram-Induced Chronic Euvolemic Hyponatremia

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), through the recent years have seen an increase in the number of prescriptions for a spectrum of mood disorders, especially in the geriatric population. Despite being a well-tolerated antidepressant, SSRIs have been associated with hyponatremia, a rare, but fatal adverse effect and the incidence ranges from 0.5%–32% in literature. Euvolemic hyponatremia is most commonly associated with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. An extensive review of literature was carried out, and we came across a total of 20 cases where escitalopram was reported as the causative agent of hyponatremia. We report a case of an 82-year-old female patient who had a history of acute onset, progressive memory impairment, and behavioral changes with depressive cognition precipitated by the death of her husband, for which she was treated with escitalopram 5 mg/day and clonazepam 0.5 mg/day. She was admitted to the hospital with presenting complaints of gait imbalance, tremors, irritability, confusion, decreased speech output and persecutory delusions. She was diagnosed with late-onset organic psychosis, precipitated and worsened by escitalopram-induced chronic uncontrolled euvolemic hyponatremia, with a sodium level of 115 mmol/L. On discontinuation of escitalopram, the patient’s serum sodium level improved gradually, and her consciousness became better. This is the second case with recurrent hyponatremia in the literature up to this date, with the other being reported by Tsai et al., in 2012. Furthermore, the dose of escitalopram was only 5 mg/day compared to other reported cases where the dose ranged between 10–20 mg/day.

Efecto del 4-Clorofenol sobre el músculo liso vascular de aorta abdominal de ratas Wistar / Effect of 4-Chlorophenol on the vascular smooth muscle of the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats

Introducción: Uno de los derivados de los clorofenoles más utilizado en Estomatología, lo constituye el p-clorofenol (4-clorofenol), empleado como agente antibacteriano en la desinfección del conducto radicular durante el tratamiento pulporradicular. Son escasos los reportes científicos sobre sus efectos en la musculatura lisa vascular arterial y la regulación del flujo sanguíneo local. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del 4-clorofenol sobre el músculo liso vascular de aorta abdominal de ratas Wistar. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación experimental preclínica, utilizando 30 anillos de aorta abdominal (porción superior) obtenidos de ratas Wistar adultas. Las preparaciones de unos 5 mm se colocaron en baño de órganos, registrándose la tensión desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular tras la adición de 4-clorofenol en diferentes concentraciones y durante diferentes intervalos de tiempo. Resultados: El 4-clorofenol, tras la preactivación del musculo liso vascular de anillos de aorta abdominal, indujo relajación del vaso, la que se incrementó durante todo el tiempo de estudio y al aumento de la concentración del medicamento. Existieron diferencias significativas entre los valores de tensión promedios registrados en los diferentes intervalos de tiempo con los de la tensión base inicial. Conclusiones: El p-clorofenol indujo in vitro, relajación del músculo liso vascular de aorta abdominal de ratas Wistar(AU)

Introduction: In Dentistry, p-chlorophenol (4-chlorophenol) is one of the most widely used derivatives of chlorophenols. It is used as an antibacterial agent in root canal disinfection during pulp-radicular treatment. There are few scientific reports on its effects on vascular smooth musculature and the regulation of local blood flow. Objective: To determine the effect of 4-chlorophenol on vascular smooth muscle of abdominal aorta from Wistar rats. Material and Methods: A preclinical experimental research was carried out using 30 abdominal aortic rings (upper portion) obtained from adult Wistar rats. The preparations of about 5 mm were placed in an organ bath, recording the tension developed by the vascular smooth muscle after the addition of 4-chlorophenol at different concentrations and during different time intervals. Results: The results demonstrate that 4-Chlorophenol induced vasorelaxation after the preactivation of the vascular smooth muscle of the abdominal aortic rings, which increased during the entire study time and with increased drug concentration. There were significant differences among average tension values registered at different intervals of time in relation to the initial base tension. Conclusions: It is concluded that in vitro, p-chlorophenol induced relaxation of abdominal aorta vascular smooth muscle in Wistar rats(AU)

Dinámica contráctil espontánea del músculo liso vascular de la arteria carótida externa / Spontaneous contractile dynamics of the vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid artery

Introducción: La carótida externa es una arteria muscular que irriga todos los componentes del sistema masticatorio, por lo que la regulación de la dinámica contráctil de su músculo liso vascular es imprescindible para garantizar el tono y el flujo sanguíneo tisular y modular la respuesta inflamatoria. Objetivo: Describir la dinámica contráctil espontánea del musculo liso vascular de la arteria carótida externa. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación experimental en el Instituto de Fisiología Oscar Langerdorff de la Facultad de Medicina, en la Universidad de Rostock, Alemania, de octubre a diciembre del 2018, en la cual se utilizaron 60 anillos de arterias carótidas externas obtenidas de 10 ratas Wistar adultas de ambos sexos. A dichos anillos se les practicó un corte helicoidal y fueron colocados en un baño de órganos, para registrarles, luego, la tensión espontánea desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular contra una carga de 1 gramo, durante diferentes intervalos de tiempo. Resultados: Los registros de la actividad contracción-relajación espontánea del músculo liso vascular de la arteria carótida externa fluctuaron dentro de un rango estrecho de cifras de tensión, con valores máximos de 8,48 ± 0,03 y mínimos de 8,33 ± 0,03, y una diferencia de 0,08 mN/g de músculo. Los valores promedios de tensión en cada intervalo de tiempo fueron muy cercanos, con desviaciones estándar que evidenciaron muy poca dispersión de los datos respecto a la media. La tensión promedio general registrada fue de 8,40 ± 0,032 mN/g. Conclusiones: La dinámica contráctil espontánea desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular de la arteria carótida externa mostró una progresión irregular en el tiempo, con valores promedios de tensión que oscilaron entre 5-10 mN/g de músculo.

Introduction: The external carotid is a muscle artery irrigating all components of the masticatory system, so that the regulation of the contractile dynamics of its vascular smooth muscle is important. Objective: To describe the spontaneous contractile dynamics of the vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid artery. Methods: An experimental investigation was carried out in the Oscar Langerdorff Physiology Institute from the Medicine Faculty at Rostock University, Germany, from October to December 2018, in which 60 rings of the external carotid artery obtained from 10 adult Wistar rats from both sexes. An helical cut was made to each ring and they were placed in an organ bath, to be registered, then, the spontaneous strain developed by the vascular smooth muscle against a charge of 1 g, during different time intervals was registered. Results: The records from the spontaneous contraction-relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle in the external carotid artery fluctuated within a narrow range of strain figures, with maximum values of 8.48 ± 0.03 and minimum of 8.33 ± 0.03, and a difference of 0.08 mN/g of muscle. Average strain values in each time interval were very closed, with standard deviations which evidenced a very small data dispersion regarding the mean. The average general registered strain was 8.40 ± 0.032 mN/g. Conclusions: The spontaneous contractile dynamics developed by the vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid artery showed an irregular progression in time, with average strain values fluctuating between 5-10 mN/g of muscle.

Dinámica contráctil inducida por p-clorofenol alcanforado en anillos aórticos de ratas Wistar / Dinâmica contrátil induzida por cânfora-clorofenol em anéis aórticos de ratos Wistar / Camphorated p-chlorophenol-induced contractile dynamics in aortic rings of Wistar rats

Introducción: El p-clorofenol alcanforado es un derivado clorofenólico de uso común como medicación intraconducto en Endodoncia. Son escasos los reportes científicos sobre sus efectos en la musculatura lisa vascular arterial y la regulación del flujo sanguíneo local. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del p-clorofenol alcanforado sobre la dinámica contráctil del músculo liso vascular arterial en el tiempo. Método: Se realizó una investigación experimental preclínica utilizando 14 anillos de aorta obtenidos de ratas Wistar. Los anillos se colocaron en baño de órganos y se preactivaron con noradrenalina, registrándose luego la tensión desarrollada por el músculo liso vascular tras la adición de p-clorofenol alcanforado durante diferentes intervalos de tiempo. Resultados: El 51,4 porciento de la musculatura lisa vascular se relajó por la acción del p-clorofenol alcanforado. El mayor descenso del tono vascular se produjo entre el tercer y quinto minuto de añadido el medicamento. Las pruebas de Wilcoxon de los rangos con signos evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre la tensión base inicial y la registrada en los diferentes intervalos de tiempo estudiados. Conclusiones: el p-clorofenol alcanforado, induce in vitro, relajación del músculo liso arterial a través de un acoplamiento excitación-contracción de tipo farmacomecánico, la cual se incrementa en función del tiempo(AU).

Introduction: Camphorated p-chlorophenol is a chlorophenolic derivative commonly used as an intra-oral medication in endodontics. Scientific reports on its effects in arterial vascular smooth muscle and local blood flow regulation are scarce. Objective: To determine the effect of camphorated p-chlorophenol on the contractile dynamics of arterial vascular smooth muscle. Method: An experimental and preclinical research was conducted with the use of 14 aortic rings of Wistar rats. The rings were placed in an organ bath and preactivated with noradrenaline, and the tension developed by the vascular smooth muscle at different time intervals was recorded after induction of camphorated p-chlorophenol. Results: Most of the vascular smooth muscle (51.4 percent) relaxed with the use of camphorated p-chlorophenol. The greatest decrease in vascular tone occurred between the third and fifth minute after use the drug. Wilcoxon rank tests showed significant differences between tension observed at baseline and those recorded at the different time intervals studied. Conclusions: Camphorated p-chlorophenol, induces in vitro, relax the arterial smooth muscle through a pharmacomechanical excitation-contraction link, which increases according to the time(AU).

Introdução: O cânfora-clorofenol é um derivado clorofenólico comumente utilizado como medicamento intracanal em Endodontia. Relatórios científicos sobre seus efeitos no músculo liso vascular arterial e na regulação do fluxo sanguíneo local são escassos. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito da cânfora-clorofenol na dinâmica contrátil do músculo liso vascular arterial ao longo do tempo. Método: Foi realizada investigação experimental pré-clínica com 14 anéis aórticos obtidos de ratos Wistar. Os anéis foram colocados em banho de órgãos e pré-ativados com norepinefrina, em seguida, a tensão desenvolvida pela musculatura lisa vascular foi registrada após a adição de cânfora-clorofenol em diferentes intervalos de tempo. Resultados: 51,4 porcento dos músculos lisos vasculares estavam relaxados pela ação do cânfora-clorofenol. A maior diminuição do tônus vascular ocorreu entre o terceiro e o quinto minuto após a adição do medicamento. Os testes de Wilcoxon das faixas com sinais mostraram diferenças significativas entre a tensão base inicial e a registrada nos diferentes intervalos de tempo estudados. Conclusões: O cânfora-clorofenol induz, in vitro, relaxamento da musculatura lisa arterial por meio de um acoplamento excitação-contração do tipo farmacomecânico, que aumenta em função do tempo(AU).

A study to determine the value of pre operative hyperbilirubinemia as a predictor of complicated appendicitis

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common acute abdominal condition that all surgeons confront. The early detection of patients who could go in for complication is critical so that appropriate treatment can be initiated to reduce mortality. There is no pre-operative investigation which accurately point out the patients who are going to develop severe disease. Hence this prospective study was done to identify whether preoperative bilirubin level can predict the severity of the disease.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation, Venjaramoodu, Trivandrum on 100 consecutive patients who were clinically diagnosed as acute appendicitis. These patients were evaluated with Alvarado score. In addition, preoperative bilirubin level and liver enzymes were estimated. Ultrasound abdomen was done preoperatively routinely. After surgery histopathology was studied. The parameters which showed statistically significant results for predicting complications were analyzed.Results: In this prospective study on 100 consecutive patients, acute appendicitis was found more commonly in males, 57 (57%) cases than in females, 43 (43%) cases. Among the cases 56 were acute appendicitis, 13 perforated, 11 gangrenous and 20 suppurative appendicitis. In our study, there was significant correlation of preoperative hyperbilirubinemia with complications of appendicitis.Conclusions: Patients with appendicitis with elevated bilirubin levels have more chance for complications like perforation, gangrene and suppuration.

Pathogenic variant in NLRP7 (19q13.42) associated with recurrent gestational trophoblastic disease: Data from early embryo development observed during in vitro fertilization / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To describe in vitro development of human embryos derived from an individual with a homozygous pathogenic variant in NLRP7 (19q13.42) and recurrent hydatidiform mole (HM), an autosomal recessive condition thought to occur secondary to an oocyte defect. METHODS: A patient with five consecutive HM pregnancies was genomically evaluated via next generation sequencing followed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo culture, and preimplantation genetic screening. Findings in NLRP7 were recorded and embryo culture and biopsy data were tabulated as a function of parental origin for any identified ploidy error. RESULTS: The patient was found to have a pathogenic variant in NLRP7 (c.2810+2T>G) in a homozygous state. Fifteen oocytes were retrieved and 10 embryos were available after fertilization via intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Developmental arrest was noted for all 10 embryos after 144 hours in culture, thus no transfer was possible. These non-viable embryos were evaluated by karyomapping and all were diploid biparental; two were euploid and eight had various aneuploidies all of maternal origin. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of early human embryo development from a patient with any NLRP7 mutation. The pathogenic variant identified here resulted in global developmental arrest at or before blastocyst stage. Standard IVF should therefore be discouraged for such patients, who instead need to consider oocyte (or embryo) donation with IVF as preferred clinical methods to treat infertility.

Influence of genetic relatedness and shoal size on shoaling preferences in juvenile Puntius sarana subnasutus (Hamilton Valenciennes).

When presented with stimulus shoals of siblings and conspecifics in equal number, P. sarana subnasutus were able to discriminate their siblings and preferred to associate with them. Given a choice between large shoal and a small shoal consisting of siblings, the juvenile fish preferred to associate with larger stimulus group to the smaller one. However, juveniles traded off their preference for sibling shoal with large non-sibling conspecific stimulus group, regardless of the possible benefits gained from associating with sibling shoals. The results reveal the ability of fish to discriminate their siblings during their early developmental stage and the overriding influence shoal size in the context of shoaling preference in P. sarana subnasutus.

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) has been associated with infections, hematological malignancies and autoimmune conditions. Malaria is rarely reported to cause HPS. We report a case of an 11-month-old infant with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, high serum ferritin, hypertriglyceridemia, and bone marrow hemophagocytosis, consistent with hemophagocytic syndrome. Gametocytes of plasmodium falciparum were identified on bone marrow aspiration. Rapid recovery was observed after treatment with antimalarials.

Hantavirus infection: A case report from India.

The clinical presentation of hantavirus infections in India is unclear. We report here a case of hantavirus infection in a 46 year old quarry worker presenting with fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction. Seroconversion and rising anti-hantavirus IgG titers were taken as evidence of hantavirus infection. Clinicians should consider hantavirus infections in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illness along with scrub typhus, leptospirosis and dengue.

Microstructural observations on nissl substances in the cerebellar cortex of adult wistar rats following quinine administration

Purpose: This study assessed some microstructural effects of quinine; commonly used in malaria chemotherapy; especially in chloroquine-resistant and cerebral malaria; on the Nissl substance in the cerebellar cortex of adult Wistar rats using microanatomical studies. Methods: Twenty seven adult male Wistar rats; weighing between 150g and 190g; were randomly separated into groups A; B and C (n=9). The rats in group A served as the control and received intramuscular injection of physiological saline. Group B rats were injected intramuscularly with liquid quinine; 16mg/kg body weight as a start dose; followed by 8mg/kg body weight 8 hourly for seven days. Group C rats received the same treatment as group B but were subjected to a withdrawal period of one week. Groups A and B rats were sacrificed at the end of the treatment while group C rats were sacrificed at the end of one week. The cerebellum of each rat was removed and fixed in 10formol saline for histological analysis. Results: The findings showed that the Nissl substances in the cerebellar cortex in control rats stained more intensely and distinctly compared with the less intense stain and degenerated Nissl substances in the treated rats.Conclusion: The observed degenerative changes in the Nissl substances in the cerebellar cortex of the treated rats may affect the synthesis of proteins in correlation with neuronal functions

Mortality in Patients Treated for Tuberculous Pericarditis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objective: To determine the mortality rate and its predictors in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis in sub-Saharan Africa. Design: Between 1 March 2004 and 31 October 2004; we enrolled 185 consecutive patients with presumed tuberculous pericarditis from 15 referral hospitals in Cameroon; Nigeria; and South Africa; and observed them during the 6-month course of antituberculosis treatment for the major outcome of mortality. This was an observational study; with the diagnosis and management of each patient left at the discretion of the attending physician. Using Cox regression; we have assessed the effect of clinical and therapeutic characteristics (recorded at baseline) on mortality during follow-up. Results: We obtained the vital status of 174 (94) patients (median age 33; range 14-87 years). The overall mortality rate was 26. Mortality was higher in patients who had clinical features of HIV infection than in those who did not (40versus 17; P=0.001). Independent predictors of death during follow-up were: (1) a proven non-tuberculosis final diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 5.35; 95confidence interval 1.76 to 16.25); (2) the presence of clinical signs of HIV infection (HR 2.28; 1.14-4.56); (3) co-existent pulmonary tuberculosis (HR 2.33; 1.20-4.54); and (4) older age (HR 1.02; 1.01-1.05). There was also a trend towards an increase in death rate in patients with haemodynamic instability (HR 1.80; 0.90-3.58) and a decrease in those who underwent pericardiocentesis (HR 0.34; 0.10-1.19). Conclusion : A presumptive diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis is associated with a high mortality in sub-Saharan Africans. Attention to rapid aetiological diagnosis of pericardial effusion and treatment of concomitant HIV infection may reduce the high mortality associated with the disease

Screening for HIV infection by health professionals in India.

BACKGROUND: Stigma and discrimination, particularly in access to healthcare, remains a major problem for people Infected with HIV in most parts of India. METHODS: We did a multicentre study (n = 10) with a cross-sectional survey design using a standardized, interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 2200 healthcare providers participated. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to HIV service delivery were very poor with a mean overall KAP score of only 49.7% (CI: 49.1-50.3). Only 5%, 5% and 1% of the participants scored more than 75% separately for the dimensions of knowledge, attitude and practice, respectively. Only 24.4% and 36.7% of responders knew that HIV screening was not recommended prior to surgery and pre-employment check-up. Many doctors (19.4%) had refused treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) at least some of the time and nearly half (47.2%) identified and labelled them; 23.9% isolated them in separate care areas and 13.3% postponed or changed treatment based on the patient's HIV status. Screening for HIV prior to elective surgery was done by 67% of providers. While 64.7% of responders were aware of the existence of national guidelines on and recommendations for HIV testing, only 38.4% had read the policy document. CONCLUSION: There is a growing need to provide care, support and treatment to a large number of PLHA. The capacity of healthcare providers must be urgently built up so as to improve their knowledge of and attitude to HIV to enable them to deliver evidence-based and compassionate care to PLHA in various healthcare settings.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a paradoxical response to anti-tuberculosis and anti-retroviral therapy.

Paradoxical response or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) during the course of antituberculous therapy is being increasingly recognised among patients with and without HIV co-infection. A 40-year-old HIV infected male on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) presented with persistent fever and weight loss. He was diagnosed to have miliary tuberculosis and HIV co-infection. Following initiation of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy, the clinical course was characterised by development of acute respiratory failure (ARDS) as a paradoxical response/IRIS to treatment. This uncommon manifestation of paradoxical response (ARDS) in HIV and tuberculous co-infection following initiation of ART and anti-TB treatment is very scarcely reported in the past. With the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection along with liberal access to ART in the developing world, it is likely that paradoxical reactions will be encountered more frequently.

Crohn's disease in rheumatology clinic--an Indian experience.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) among patients with rheumatic illnesses in India is grossly under estimated, especially when it has overtaken that of Ulcerative Colitis in the West. AIM: To study the frequency of histologically unequivocal CD amongst clinically suspected patients with enteropathic arthropathy and to ascertain if the arthritics with CD have any independent clinical predictor. Settings and designs: Retrospective datasheet analysis from a Rheumatology clinic of a large tertiary care centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of suspected enteropathic arthropathy were studied by ileocolonoscopy and segmental colonic biopsy for histological evidence of Crohn's disease and followed up. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Logistic regression analysis was done to find out any clinical predictor of histologically proven CD. RESULTS: Fourteen of the twenty-nine patients studied had histologically confirmed CD. Those with CD were younger than those without (34.7 yr vs 41.6 yrs, p=0.057). The CD group also had significantly higher number of people with loss of weight (12 vs 1), fever (11 vs 0), perianal fistula (4 vs 0), abdominal pain (8 vs 2), history of dysentery (4 vs 0) and uveitis (6 vs 1) (p=0.00002, 0.00001, 0.026, 0.013, 0.026 & 0.01 respectively). However logistic regression analysis of the most relevant ones among these, namely, loss of weight, fever, and perianal fistula showed loss of weight as only independent predictor of CD in this subset of patients (p=0.03 with odds ratio of 28). CONCLUSION: Presence of significant loss of weight in an Indian patient with clinically suspected enteropathic arthropathy is an independent predictor of CD.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance of actinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates from shanghai and Hong Kong

To compare the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Shanghai and Hong Kong. A total of 212 A. baumannii strains of one isolate per patient were collected from Shanghai and Hong Kong from August 2002 to August 2003 that were tested against 15 commonly used antimicrobial agents by the agar dilution method according to the NCCLS guidelines. Most beta-lactams showed no significant increase in activity after adding beta-lactamase inhibitors. The resistance rates of the isolates against ticarcillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam and ampicillin-sulbactam were for Shanghai 74.9, 70.9, 69.1% and Hong Kong 24.3, 18.9, 13.5%, respectively. Only cefoperazone-sulbactam showed a significant increase in activity against both Shanghai and Hong Kong strains, as the resistance rates dropped from 93.7 to 8.6% and 83.8 to 5.4%, respectively. The resistance rates of ceftazidime, cefepime, and gentamicin against Shanghai strains were 69.7, 72.0, 73.7% and Hong Kong strains 69.7, 29.7, 18.9%, respectively. About 65% of Shanghai strains were found to be amikacin-resistant, however, all Hong Kong strains were sensitive. Fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin had resistance rates over 60% against Shanghai strains, but only 13.5% against Hong Kong strains. Shanghai strains had imipenem and meropenem resistance rate of 6.3%. Though 10.8% Hong Kong strains were resistant to meropenem, only 2.7% of them were resistant to imipenem. A. baumannii isolated from Shanghai were more resistant to all drugs except meropenem than Hong Kong isolates. The results indicate a need for measures to control the abuse of antibiotic usage in order to prevent the emergence of more multidrug-resistant isolates in both cities

Effects of Basella alba and Hibiscus macranthus extracts on testosterone production of adult rat and bull Leydig cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To determine the androgenic effects of Basella alba and Hibiscus macranthus extracts in the rat and the bull, and to develop a novel in vitro test system using Leydig cells from bull testes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect of methanol extracts from both plants on testosterone production in isolated Leydig cells from the rat and the bull was analyzed using 125I-radioimmunoassay (125I-RIA). Rat Leydig cells were obtained by common methods, whereas a novel technique was used to purify Leydig cells from bull testes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bull testes from the slaughter house were a cheap source of pure Leydig cells. In culture, these cells produced testosterone for 5-6 days, which can be stimulated by human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Basella alba extracts significantly enhanced testosterone production in bull and rat Leydig cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Hibiscus macranthus showed no androgenic effect but was shown to inhibit testosterone production at higher concentrations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Leydig cells purified from bull testes can be used as an alternative tool in experimental animal research. Certain fractions of Basella alba extract demonstrated androgenic potential whereas Hibiscus macranthus extracts did not.</p>