Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the rise especially in developing countries like India. Due to its chronic nature DM tends to cause many debilitating complications and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of them. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of DPN among patients attending a tertiary care hospital and to identify the determinants associated with it. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu from May 2018 till September 2018. A total of 203 diabetic patients were asked to respond to the patient history version of Michigan neuropathy screening Instrument and examinations were conducted after obtaining consent from them. The data were analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics as well as bivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of DPN using the MNSI history version and MNSI examination were found to be 31% and 24% respectively. The major determinants were found to be age more than 50 years (OR: 0.24, CI: 0.123- 0.467), P<0.00001, HbA1C > 6.5 (OR: 0.467, CI: 1.90 – 0.356, P= 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients was 41.5% and the major determinants were age more than 50 years and poor HbA1C control. Early detection through routine screening and regular follow up examinations will reduce the burden of disability among diabetics and improve their quality of life significantly

Enhanced cytotoxic effect on human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) by gold nanoparticles synthesized from Justicia adhatoda leaf extract

Objective: To synthesize bio-inspired gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the leaf extract of Justicia adhatoda and evaluate the anti-cancer activity on human lung cancer cell line (A549). Methods: Synthesis of AuNPs was done using an aqueous leaf extract of Justicia adhatoda as a green route. The bio-synthesized AuNPs were confirmed and characterized by using various spectral studies such as UV-Vis spectrum, Scanning Electron Microscope with EDAX, Transmission Electron Microscope, Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscope analysis and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The cell viability was determined by MTT reduction assay. In addition, cytomorphology and the nuclear morphological study of A549 cell line was observed under fluorescence microscope. Results: UV-Vis spectrum showed surface plasmon resonance peak at 547 nm, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies showed the monodispersed spherical shape and its average size in the range of 40.1 nm was noticed. Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscope analysis confirmed that the C=O group of amino acids of proteins had strong ability to bind with the surface of nanoparticle. Interestingly, our results also demonstrated inhibited proliferation of A549 cell line by MTT (IC50 value: 80 μg/mL). Cell morphology was observed and cell death was caused by apoptosis as revealed by propidium iodide staining. Conclusions: The current study proves the anticancer potential of bio-synthesized AuNPs. Thus, synthesized AuNPs can be used for the treatment of human lung cancer cell (A549) and it can be exploited for drug delivery in future.

Peak expiratory flow rates in age matched smokers and non-smokers in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for various respiratory diseases in humans PEFR is a useful parameter to monitor airway obstruction, its severity, variation and evaluation of treatment Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the PEFR in age-matched asymptomatic smokers and non-smokers Materials and methods: Study was conducted in 50 asymptomatic smokers and 50 healthy nonsmokers PEFR recording was done using Wright’s peak flow meter Results: On comparing the anthropometric indices, mean weight of the smokers was 6123 whereas it was 6688 in nonsmokers which was statistically significant Mean PEFR of smokers was 35416 and that of nonsmokers was 40960 which were significant Smokers smoking for less than 10 years had a mean PEFR of 368 as against the PEFR of 308 in those with smoking history for more than 10 years Beedi smokers had the lowest mean PEFR of 2565 when compared to cigarette smokers mean PEFR of 35260 Conclusions: Smoking had a significant impact on the lung function of smokers even though they are asymptomatic Smokers had a significant reduction in their weight too Smoking for a longer duration of years affects both cigarette and beedi smokers but the worst was with the Beedi smokers PEFR is an easy and effective method of detecting deterioration in lung function in OPD setting thus helping to create awareness among smokers to quit smoking as early as possible

Comparative evaluation of biofilm suppression by plant extracts on oral pathogenic bacteria.

Microbial colonization as biofilm is one of the reasons for the emergence of drug resistant strains. In the oral cavity, drug resistant strains limit the efficacy of oral hygiene practices. Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus have been reported as drug resistant bacteria and producing oral biofilms in oral cavity. In this study we demonstrate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Piper betel and Pepper nigrum for antibiofilm activity against E. faecalis and S. aureus. The aqueous extracts were obtained by cold percolation method. The antibiofilm activity of plants extract was evaluated at 30, 15 and 7.5 mg/ml concentration. The percentage yield of extract was maximum in P. nigrum. The aqueous extract of A. indica significantly suppressed E. faecalis and S. aureus biofilm at 7.5 mg/ml at p<0.01 and p<0.001 significance level. P. betel significantly (p<0.001) disintegrated the E. faecalis biofilm at 30 mg/ml and S. aureus at 15 mg/ml (p<0.01). P. nigrum disintegrated E. faecalis and S. aureus biofilm significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.001) at 30 and 15 mg/ml respectively. M. indica significantly (p<0.05) suppressed S. aureus biofilm at 30 mg/ml. These results clearly demonstrate the antibiofilm activity of plants extract against oral pathogens.

Osseous metaplasia in renal cell carcinoma: report of a rare case.

Focal calcifications are frequently seen in renal masses including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Osseous metaplasia, on the other hand, is a rare finding in RCC. We report a case of RCC with radiological evidence of speckled calcification that showed osseous metaplasia on histopathological examination. The clinical and pathologic differential diagnosis for this tumor is discussed along with a review of the literature on this unusual phenomenon.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

Binkley and Johnson first reported this syndrome in 1951. But it was in 1960, Gorlin-Goltz established the association of basal cell epithelioma, jaw cyst and bifid ribs, a combination which is now frequently known as Gorlin-Goltz syndrome as well as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS). NBCCS is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with high penetrance and variable expressivity. NBCCS is characterized by variety of cutaneous, dental, osseous, opthalmic, neurologic and sexual abnormalities. One such case of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is reported here with good illustrations.