Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and clinical profile of microvascular and macrovascular complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in and around Bellary, Karnataka. Study design: The study was an observational cross-sectional study of 100 newly detected type 2 diabetics attending Dept. of Medicine (outpatient/inpatient), VIMS combined hospitals, Bellary, from October 2012 to June 2013 (9 months) who matched the inclusion criteria. Material and methods: Cases were screened for vascular complications as per ADA criteria, data tabulated and analyzed. Statistical analysis: SPSS software package was used for analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p value <0.05. Results: The mean age of presentation was 54.05 ± 13.24 with male:female ratio of 1.6:1. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease was 20%, 37%, 16%, 26%, 8% and 11%, respectively; retinopathy, nephropathy and coronary artery disease screening being significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between prevalence of diabetes and increased waist circumference and body mass index. There was high prevalence of coronary artery disease, nephropathy and retinopathy in South Indian population at diagnosis. Screening for all cases of diabetes at diagnosis for complications is recommended.

Phytoplankton as index of water quality with reference to industrial pollution.

In this paper Shannon-Weaver (SI-3.58-4.07, SII-3.1-3.72, SIII-1.64-2.25, SIV-2.54-2.95 and SV-3.09-3.23) diversity index was applied to surface phytoplankton to study the water quality status of river Bhadra receiving Mysore paper mill and Iron and steel mill effluent. A total of 45 species of phytoplankton belonging to 5 classes were recorded and study indicated that the phytoplankton diversity (Chlorophyceae-19 species, Bacillanophyceae-16 species, Cyanophyceae-07 species, Euglenophyceae-2 species and Chrysophyceae-1 species) did not reveal the same type of water quality (water temperature 24.62-27.32 degrees C, pH-7.08-7.25, electrical conductivity-67.49-201.94 micromhos/cm, dissolved oxygen-4.13-5.98 mgl(-1), chloride-12.30-40.85 mgl(-1), calcium-6.49-23.74 mgl(-1), total hardness 28.98-76.65 mgl(1), magnesium-4.69-15.92 mgl(-1), total alkalinity-77.26-86.53 mgl(-1), BOD-1.88-4.01 mgl(-1), COD - 16.53-45 mgl(-1), phosphate-0.001-0.53 mgl(-1), sodium-2.70-7.46 mgl(-1) and potassium-2.37-7.88 mgl(-1)). The investigation emphasized the need of phytoplankton community as index of water quality polluted by industrial effluents at the downstream stretch of the Bhadra river.

Trace metal levels in the organs of finfish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peter) and relevant water of Jannapura lake, India.

Trace metal levels in the body organs of finfish, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peter) and relevant water was studied in Jannapura lake, located five kilometers from Bhadravathi town, Karnataka, India, during 2004-05. Lead, Copper and Cadmium accumulation was higher in muscles than in gills while, Zinc, Nickel and Cobalt accumulation was maximum in gills followed by muscles. The metals present in the highest concentration were in the order of Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd > Ni > Co in the water samples. The higher concentration of various metals in water and Pb, Ni in fish muscle and Ni in gill samples was probably due to the addition of untreated sewage, geological weathering and agricultural runoff from the surrounding areas. On the basis of results obtained, it is predicted that if the present situation of water pollution continues in future, survival of fish population and other aquatic animals will be extremely difficult.