Effect of aluminium on lipid profile and atherogenic index in prepubertal and young adult female rats: A pilot study

Objectives: Exposure of aluminium (Al) to mankind is inescapable, and its dyslipidaemic impact is a possible contributing factor to health hazards like cardiovascular diseases. The health effects due to the metalloestrogenic property of the metal need imperative consideration. The current experimental work was undertaken to explore Al-induced dyslipidaemia due to its metalloestrogenic property. Materials and Methods: To fulfil this objective, prepubertal (PP) and young adult (YA) female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered to two doses of Al [5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight (BW)] once daily for 2 weeks. After the completion of the acute exposure protocol, plasma and hepatic tissue lipid profiles were estimated. Analysis of variance was carried out by the Kruskal–Wallis test and the differences between the groups were analysed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test Results: Increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-LDL cholesterol in plasma were found in YAs treated with both doses of Al in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were not present in PP female rats. Decreased levels of lipid levels were observed in the case of hepatic lipid profile. Conclusion: The study ushers light towards the dyslipidaemic alterations in experimental female rats after acute Al exposure. Impacts of Al on the growth and organosomatic index during the vital developmental days were significantly decided by the pubertal status of the female rats. The results of this study indicate the impact of puberty on the Al-induced modifications in lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

A comparative study of metabolic parameters in diet-induced obesity model of rats

Background: The occurrence of overweight and obesity coupled with many non-communicable diseases is a major preventable cause of premature morbidity and death. Sexual dimorphism exists in neural regulation of food intake. In spite of less consumption, females are prone to deposit greater amount of fat. Aim and Objective: This study aims to compare the effect of two different diets, high-fat diet (HFD) and sucrose diet with the normal chow eating rats correlating with various biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 adult rats of both genders were selected. They were divided into three groups and each group was given fat diet, sucrose diet, and normal chow diet for 10 weeks. Biochemical analysis was done at the end of 10 weeks. Results: Food intake, body weight, glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol (TC) are significantly greater in males in comparison to females. Triglycerides and G/I ratio are found to be significantly greater in females. Insulin resistance was observed in both sucrose and HFD group but TC was higher in HFD group. Conclusion: Sucrose diet and HFD produce insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and it seems to be more pronounced in males compared to females. Sucrose diet has little effect on lipid parameters.

Psychological risk factors associated with internet and smartphone addiction among students of an Indian dental institute

Background: The internet and smartphones have a strong potential for addiction. Excessive use of these technologies can have adverse effects on psychological well-being of the users. Objectives: The objective of the study is to find out the effects of internet addiction (IA) and smartphone addiction (SA) on psychological outcomes of dental students in an Indian institute. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 320 dental students were assessed for their internet and smartphone habits using the Young's IA test (YIAT) and the SA scale (SAS), respectively. Psychological outcomes were evaluated using the insomnia severity index, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The median YIAT score was 35 and interquartile range (IQR) of 24–49 with 23% subjects reporting potential IA. The median SAS score was 108 (IQR 91.25–128). Both IA and SA were significantly associated with participants' year of the study. Significant correlations were observed between IA and SA with psychological parameters. Conclusions: The association of IA and SA with psychological parameters shows how these habits can affect the users' mental well-being. Public especially young adults should be made aware about potential harmful effects of the internet and smartphones.

Observation on integron carriage among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases.

Purpose: Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered an important pathogen causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections and is often associated with the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) belonging to SHV and CTX-M families, which are frequently described as a part of complex integrons, facilitate their horizontal transfer to other related as well as unrelated microbes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence and characterization of integrons among K pneumoniae isolates producing ESBL in a tertiary referral hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 136 clinical isolates of K pneumoniae were investigated for the presence of ESBL. Their ESBL genes were characterized by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Integrase gene PCR was performed to detect the presence of integron. The isolates were further typed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Result: Out of 136 K pneumoniae isolates, 63 (46%) were confirmed to be ESBL producers. SHV (68%) and CTX-M (67%) ESBL genes were the most common in our study. Of the 63 ESBL-positive isolates, 58 (92%) strains carried integrons; 52 strains (82%) carried only class 1 integron, whereas 6 (9%) isolates harboured both class 2 integrons and the class 1 gene. However, in ESBL negatives, only 29 (40%) strains were positive for class 1 integron and none for class 2 integron. Conclusion: The presence of class 2 integron amongst ESBL-producing K pneumoniae is being described for the first time in this part of the world. The findings of this study strongly suggest that integrons have a role in the dissemination of ESBL-mediated resistance among the nosocomial isolates of K pneumonia.

Increased prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producers in neonatal septicaemic cases at a tertiary referral hospital.

Emergence of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) producing strains of gram negative bacteria, as one of the leading cause of septicaemia often complicates the clinical and therapeutic outcome. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of ESBLs in bacteria isolated from neonatal septicaemic cases along with their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. Blood samples were collected from 243 suspected cases of neonatal septicaemia. Apart from susceptibility testing, all the gram negative isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests for ESBL production. Amongst the positive test samples (n = 115), 84 were gram negative rods. ESBL was detected in 26 (32%) isolates. Results indicate that routine ESBL detection should be made imperative and empirical use of third generation cephalosporins must be discouraged.

Observations on carbapenem resistance by minimum inhibitory concentration in nosocomial isolates of Acinetobacter species: an experience at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Acinetobacter species are emerging as an important nosocomial pathogen. Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. has limited the option for effective treatment. Although carbapenems are effective for the treatment of such infections, resistance to this drug has recently been reported. This study was undertaken to assess resistance to carbapenem in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from hospitalized patients by both disc-diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. All clinical samples from suspected cases of nosocomial infections were processed, and 265 isolates were identified as Acinetobacter species. These isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance by the disc-diffusion method with 14 antimicrobials, including meropenem and imipenem. Thereafter, all Acinetobacter species were subjected to MIC for meropenem. More than 80% resistance to second- and third-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and quinolones was recorded. Thirty percent of the strains were resistant to cefoperazone/sulbactam. Resistance to meropenem was observed in 6.4% of Acinetobacter spp. while 8.3% of the isolates showed intermediate resistance detected by MIC. All carbapenem-resistant/intermediate strains were also resistant to other (>10) antibiotics tested by the disc-diffusion method. The rising trend of resistance to carbapenem poses an alarming threat to the treatment for such infections. Regular monitoring, judicious prescription, and early detection of resistance to carbapenem are necessary to check further dissemination of drug resistance in Acinetobacter spp.

Temperature related seasonal changes in Golgi complex of brain, heart and intestine of a teleost.

Impact of temperature related seasonal changes in density of Golgi complex were studied in brain, heart and intestine of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus). The density of Golgi complex was more in these organs of the fish acclimatized to a lower temperature (20 degrees C) than that to a higher temperature (29 degrees C). This suggests that lower temperature induces secretory activity in cells to cope up with the changes in surrounding environment. It could be a kind of histophysiological adaptation in poikilothermic animal.

Bronchobiliary fistula: an anaesthetic point of view.

Bronchobiliary fistula is defined as the passage of bile in the bronchi and in the sputum (bilioptysis). This rare disorder is associated with significant morbidity. Authors review the anaesthetic management of bronchobiliary fistula and recommend the use of double lumen endotracheal tube even in cases with a closed/sealed bronchobiliary fistula.

Hepatorenal syndrome: pathophysiology and treatment.

The hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a unique form of acute renal failure with entirely normal renal histology in advanced liver disease. Its diagnosis is made by exclusion of all causes of renal failure and by all the five major criteria as set by the International Ascites Club. The presence of hepatomegaly, poor nutritional status, and oesophageal varices at endoscopy are associated with a high risk of HRS. The liver tests, the Child-Pugh score, are of no value in prediction of its occurrence. Contraction of the effective blood volume, which may lead to renal hypoperfusion with preferential renal cortical ischaemia, is proposed pathogenesis of the condition. Because understanding of the pathogenesis of HRS is incomplete, therapy is supportive only. Optimal fluid management is vital as there is almost invariably a reduction in effective arterial blood volume. Dopamine, frusemide and haemofiltration may be helpful in management of fluid overload but do not affect renal function. TIPS has been used successfully in small series of patients. The vasopressin analog also has been used with early excellent response. The treatment of HRS has been discouraging and the only proven cure for HRS is liver transplantation at this point of time.

Suprachoroidal haemorrhage. Secondary management.

We report a case of successful management of expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage following cataract surgery. This case study highlights the strategy of adequate management.

Anthocyanin, bisabolol and phenylammonialyase activity in cell cultures of Populus deltoides.

Phenolics, anthocyanin and alpha-bisabolol production from poplar (Populus delotides) in tissue culture was determined. A number of phenolic acids were identified by HPLC. PAL activity in response to phytohormones, cells growth and anthocyanin production showed a positive correlation. A component, alpha-bisabolol, was identified using gas chromatography and UV spectroscopy. In vitro production of said metabolites was influenced by phytohormones.

Effect of antihypertensives on plasma potassium in end stage renal disease: a retrospective study.

The antihypertensive drug therapy and the peri-operative plasma potassium trend in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing renal transplant were analysed. Out of consecutive 107 live related donor renal transplant, complete data available for 74 patients between June 1991 and March 1993, were entered in proforma and analysed. On the basis of antihypertensive or no antihypertensive drugs prescribed, patients were grouped in 6 categories. Group I patients taking no antihypertensives were taken as control. All patients were comparable for their age, sex, weight, immunosuppressive therapy, anaesthetic and fluid management during surgery. At the time of induction of anaesthesia, patients taking atenolol (plasma K+ levels being 5.34 +/- 0.75 mmol/l in group II and 5.44 +/- 0.63 mmol/l in group III) or captopril (serum K+ level being 5.05 +/- 0.94 mmol/l in group V) in combination with nifedipine and with or without clonidine had significant hyperkalaemia than the patient without antihypertensives (serum K+ level being 4.49 +/- 0.71 mmol/l). Patients, on these two antihypertensives, frequently needed active treatment of alarming hyperkalaemia (blood K+ more than 5 mmol/l and tall 'T' wave in lead II) and cardiac arrhythmias. In conclusion, ESRD patients taking atenolol or captopril are needed to be frequently monitored for blood potassium levels and it would be advisable to avoid these drugs to control hypertension in ESRD patients, especially, when scheduled for renal transplantation.

Changes in phospholipids, fatty acids, oxidative enzymes, phenolics and protein levels during growth of normal and habituated tissues of Cocculus pendulus.

Cultures of C. pendulus were maintained on hormone free and hormone supplemented (NAA 1.0 mg/l and kinetin 0.5 mg/l) Murashige and Skoog medium. During the growth period, hormone free cultures had higher phenolic content, polyphenol oxidase activity and less protein content, peroxidase and IAA oxidase activity. Activity of all the three oxidising enzymes and phenolic content were high at 16 days growth. Total lipid content was higher (2.7-folds at 15 days) in hormone free cultures. Phospholipid content of both cultures was not markedly dissimilar except PC and DGDG contents. Thus it is evidenced that both the tissues were similar metabolically.

Transient achalasia of esophagus in tetanus.

A case with tetanus presenting with progressive dysphagia due to lower esophageal dysfunction is described. A barium swallow at the onset of symptoms showed esophageal dilatation with a smooth tapering at the lower end suggestive of achalasia cardia. The patient recovered from tetanus over the ensuing three weeks; repeat barium swallow at this time was normal, suggesting that esophageal dysfunction was a manifestation of tetanus.

Antibiotic resistance of coliforms in drinking water in rural areas.

The antibiotic sensitivity of 197 coliform sp. isolated from drinking water in five rural areas was studied. Twelve strains (6.1%) showed multiple antibiotic resistance, three (1.5%) of which were able to transfer the resistances to an Escherichia coli K-12 recipient. It seems unlikely that the occurrence of transmissible multiple antibiotic resistance among coliforms in drinking water in the areas studied poses a significant public health risk.