Indian food habit & food ingredients may have a role in lowering the severity & high death rate from COVID-19 in Indians: findings from the first nutrigenomic analysis

Background & objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the death rate was reportedly 5-8 fold lower in India which is densely populated as compared to less populated western countries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary habits were associated with the variations in COVID-19 severity and deaths between western and Indian population at the nutrigenomics level. Methods: In this study nutrigenomics approach was applied. Blood transcriptome of severe COVID-19 patients from three western countries (showing high fatality) and two datasets from Indian patients were used. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed for pathways, metabolites, nutrients, etc., and compared for western and Indian samples to identify the food- and nutrient-related factors, which may be associated with COVID-19 severity. Data on the daily consumption of twelve key food componentsacross four countries were collected and a correlation between nutrigenomics analyses and per capita daily dietary intake was investigated. Results: Distinct dietary habits of Indians were observed, which may be associated with low death rate from COVID-19. Increased consumption of red meat, dairy products and processed foods by western populations may increase the severity and death rate by activating cytokine storm-related pathways, intussusceptive angiogenesis, hypercapnia and enhancing blood glucose levels due to high contents of sphingolipids, palmitic acid and byproducts such as CO2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Palmitic acid also induces ACE2 expression and increases the infection rate. Coffee and alcohol that are highly consumed in western countries may increase the severity and death rates from COVID-19 by deregulating blood iron, zinc and triglyceride levels. The components of Indian diets maintain high iron and zinc concentrations in blood and rich fibre in their foods may prevent CO2 and LPS-mediated COVID-19 severity. Regular consumption of tea by Indians maintains high high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low triglyceride in blood as catechins in tea act as natural atorvastatin. Importantly, regular consumption of turmeric in daily food by Indians maintains strong immunity and curcumin in turmeric may prevent pathways and mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity and lowered the death rate. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results suggest that Indian food components suppress cytokine storm and various other severity related pathways of COVID-19 and may have a role in lowering severity and death rates from COVID-19 in India as compared to western populations. However, large multi-centered case?control studies are required to support our current findings.

Evaluation of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation-Indian Diabetes Risk Score in detecting undiagnosed diabetes in the Indian population: Results from the Indian Council of Medical Research-INdia DIABetes population-based study (INDIAB-15)

Background & objectives: Screening of individuals for early detection and identification of undiagnosed diabetes can help in reducing the burden of diabetic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF)-Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) to screen for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in a large representative population in India. Methods: Data were acquired from the Indian Council of Medical Research–INdia DIABetes (ICMR–INDIAB) study, a large national survey that included both urban and rural populations from 30 states/union territories in India. Stratified multistage design was followed to obtain a sample of 113,043 individuals (94.2% response rate). MDRF-IDRS used four simple parameters, viz. age, waist circumference, family history of diabetes and physical activity to detect undiagnosed diabetes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) with area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of MDRF-IDRS. Results: We identified that 32.4, 52.7 and 14.9 per cent of the general population were under high-, moderate- and low-risk category of diabetes. Among the newly diagnosed individuals with diabetes [diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)], 60.2, 35.9 and 3.9 per cent were identified under

Dodecanoic acid & palmitic acid disarms rifampicin resistance by putatively targeting mycobacterial efflux pump Rv1218c

Background & objectives: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) jeopardizes the treatment process with poor outcomes. Efflux pumps (EPs) belonging to the ABC transporter family in Mycobacterium tuberculosis confer resistance to rifampicin (RMP) besides genetic mutations thus serving as a target for a potential adjunct therapeutic inhibitory molecule. Rv1218c is one such pump that was previously reported to be active in multidrug-resistant TB clinical isolates. Methods: In this study, the inhibition potential of Rv1218c-EP was tested on 8 molecules that were shortlisted by in silico methods. These molecules were subjected to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, checkerboard drug combination assay, ethidium bromide-DNA binding assay, and in vitro and ex vivo cytotoxicity assay. Results: Based on the outcome of the study, two molecules dodecanoic acid (DA) and palmitic acid (PA) were found to be potential enough to decrease the MIC of RMP by 8 to 1000 folds against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates and Rv1218c expressing recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis. Interpretation & conclusions: These molecules were also found to reduce the time taken by RMP to kill these drug-resistant Mycobacteria to 48 h, unlike control isolates that survived more than 240 h of RMP exposure. The functional concentration of both molecules was non-toxic to the epithelial and blood mononuclear cells. With further comprehensive scientific validation, PA and DA could be recommended as adjunct therapeutic molecules with first-line anti-TB drugs to treat drug-resistant TB.

Clinical outcomes of MANTA vs suture-based vascular closure devices after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An updated meta-analysis

Objective: A recently published randomized control trial showed different results with suture-based vascular closure device (VCD) than plug-based VCD in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The learning curve for MANTA device is steep, while the learning curve for suture based VCD is shallow as the devices are quite different. In this meta-analysis, we have compared suture-based (ProGlide and Prostar XL) vs plug-based VCDs (MANTA). Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of all published studies (using PubMed/Medline and Cochrane databases) reporting the clinical outcome of plug-based vs suture-based VCDs in transfemoral TAVR patients. Results: We included nine studies with a total of 2865 patients (plug-based n ¼ 1631, suture-based n ¼ 1234). There was no significant difference in primary outcome of all bleeding when using plugbased as opposed to suture-based VCDs (RR 1.14 [0.62e2.06] I2 ¼ 72%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of secondary outcomes between two groups including major life threatening bleeding (RR 1.16 [0.38e3.58] I2 ¼ 65%), major vascular complications (RR 0.84 [0.35e2.00] I2 ¼ 55%), minor vascular complications (RR 1.05 [0.56e1.95] I2 ¼ 42%), pseudo aneurysm (RR 1.84 [0.11e29.98] I 2 ¼ 44%), stenosis-dissection (RR 0.98 [0.66e1.47] I2 ¼ 0%), VCD failure (RR 1.71 [0.96e3.04] I2 ¼ 0%), and blood transfusion (RR 1.01 [0.38e2.71], I2 ¼ 61%). Conclusion: Large bore arteriotomy closure with plug-based VCD was not superior to suture-based VCDs in this transfemoral TAVR population. There was very frequent use of secondary VCDs in suture-based VCD group which is not practical when using MANTA. Additional high-powered studies are required to determine the safety and efficacy of MANTA device.

Stress and strategies in coping stress among the medical students of a south Indian city

Background: Stress is a personal experience brought on by complex interactions between a person and their environment, so it cannot be avoided. It typically happens when a person’s situational demand exceeds their available resources. Additionally, it has been noted that excessive stress can hurt self-esteem, academic performance, and both personal and professional development. This study sought to determine the stress level, different stressors, and coping mechanisms used by undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among first to final-year medical undergraduate students between January and June 2022 at a tertiary care institution in South India. 450 students enrolled in the first year to last year were included in the study through the purposeful sampling method. The medical Student Stressor Questionnaire was used to assess the stress levels among the study participants. The coping strategies were considered using a brief coping orientation to problems experienced (COPE) inventory. Cluster analysis used the K-means method. Results: A total of 278 out of the 450 students completed the questionnaire and returned it, yielding an overall response rate of61.78%. Of which 175 (62.95%) women respondents made up the majority of the study participants. The mean age of the participants was 20.15 ± 2.8 years. 45.32% ( n = 126) of the study participants belonged to the first year of their study, whereas 23.02% ( n = 64) belonged to the second year of their research. Academic stress was the primary stressor. The predominant coping strategies used were problem-focused and emotion-focused coping with stress. Conclusion: A variety of stress management techniques should be offered to help the students in better handling of the demanding professional course.

Effect of tuberosity repair on functional outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in proximal humerus fractures / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Unsatisfactory results of hemiarthroplasty in Neer's 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly, have led to the shift towards reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The objective of our study was to repair the tuberosities that are generally overlooked during RSA and observe its impact on the functional outcome and shoulder scores.@*METHODS@#We include elderly patients with acutely displaced or dislocated 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures from July 2013 to November 2019 who were treated with RSA along with tuberosity repair by non-absorbable sutures and bone grafting harvested from the humeral head. Open injuries and cases with neuro-muscular involvement of the deltoid muscle were excluded. According to the tuberosity healing on radiographs of the shoulder at 9th postoperative month, the patients were divided into 2 groups, as the group with successful tuberosity repair and the other with failed tuberosity repair. Statistical analysis of the functional outcome and shoulder scores between the 2 groups were done by independent t-test for normally distributed parameters and Mann-Whitney test for the parameters, where data was not normally distributed.@*RESULTS@#Of 41 patients, tuberosity healing was achieved in 28 (68.3%) and failed in 13 (31.7%) cases. Lysis of the tuberosity occurred in 5 patients, tuberosity displacement in 2, and nonunion in 2. Mean age was 70.4 years (range 65 - 79 years) and mean follow-up was 58.7 months (range 18 - 93 months). There were no major complications. Group with successful tuberosity repair showed improvement in mean active range of movements, like anterior elevation (165.1° ± 4.9° vs. 144.6° ± 9.4°, p < 0.000), lateral elevation (158.9° ± 7.2° vs. 138.4° ± 9.6°, p < 0.000), external rotation (30.5° ± 6.9° vs. 35.0° ± 6.3°, p = 0.367), internal rotation (33.7° ± 7.5° vs. 32.6° ± 6.9°, p = 0.671) and in mean shoulder scores including Constant score (70.7 ± 4.1 vs. 55.5 ± 5.7, p < 0.000), American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (90.3 ± 2.4 vs. 69.0 ± 5.7, p < 0.000), disability of arm shoulder and hand score (22.1 ± 2.3 vs. 37.6 ± 2.6, p < 0.000).@*CONCLUSION@#Successful repair and tuberosity healing around the RSA prosthesis is associated with statistically significant improvement in postoperative range of motion, strength and shoulder scores. Standardized repair technique and interposition of cancellous bone grafts, harvested from the humeral head can improve the rate of tuberosity healing.

Impact of breastfeeding on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in infants of Muslim mothers of Kolkata, India

Background: Breast milk contains some proteins whose functions are not nutritive but anti-infective, which prevents infants from infections. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate an association between the occurrence of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection (RTI) and breastfeeding among infants of Muslim mothers in Kolkata. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among mother–infant pairs of a total of 540 numbers in Muslim-dominated urban slums of Kolkata. The study period was from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2018. Results: The findings indicated that 82.22% of breastfed infants had no diarrhea, and the absence of RTI was observed in 69.81%. It was also noted that both episodes of diarrhea and RTI in infants become less when the duration of breastfeeding increases. The study also significantly (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03) revealed that the occurrence of diarrhea and RTI was found to have lower incidence in colostrum-fed babies. Out of 391 colostrum- fed babies, about 85.42% had no diarrhea, and the absence of RTI was noticed in 72.12%. In conclusion, breast milk gives protection to babies against diarrheal diseases and RTI. It is the most appropriate food for infants. Conclusions: It is concluded that the prevention of RTI and diarrhea in infants, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early initiation of breastfeeding, and avoidance of bottle feeding should be the best practice to be recommended. To explore appropriate intervention strategies for reinforcing early initiation and continuation of EBF from birth to 6 months of life.

Effectiveness of Molecular?Targeted Chemotherapy in Ameloblastomas: A Systematic Review

Ameloblastoma is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm that needs extensive surgical resection. The goal of this article is to obtain an in?depth review of benign ameloblastomas to determine the available level of evidence and the possible benefit of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of ameloblastoma and BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastoma. An electronic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO, and Web of Science for eligible studies published between 1975 and 2021. The systematic review is registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202260018). The review included 2 case series and 17 case reports. The histopathological type, anatomic location, expression of BRAF mutation, additional mutations, and molecular?targeted therapies of the 19 reviewed articles were summarized and tabulated. Interestingly, the majority of the primary site of ameloblastoma was located in the mandible (80.9%) compared to the maxilla (17%). The tumour size was reported in nine of the included studies. Most of the included studies in the review exhibited ameloblastoma with BRAF V600E mutations and responded to molecular?targeted therapies. Molecular therapies employing BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors in ameloblastoma with BRAF V600E mutations proved to be an appropriate treatment based on the limited available evidence. It is essential further to deepen our understanding at th

Investigation of the influence of clathrate hydrate crystals on the structuring of homeopathic high dilutions

High dilutions (HD) of drugs used in homeopathy are mostly too dilute to contain original drug molecules. But evidences support their specific biological and therapeutic effects. The reason behind this is thought to be water structure characteristic of the original drug. Spectroscopic studies indicate that the specific water structure in HDs can be resolved into free water molecules, hydrogen bonding strength of water hydroxyl, number of hydrogen bonds and clathrate hydrate crystals (CHC). HDs are prepared in EtOH water solution by serial dilution and mechanical agitation, and are called potencies. The objective of the present study is to further confirm the presence of CHCs in the two potencies of three drugs. Electronic spectra of the HDs of the potencies indicate two broad peaks and marked difference in intensities of absorption. Furior Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the test potencies and their control show difference in intensity shift and contour shape of OH stretching and bending bands. All the experimental data indicate the presence of CHCs in varying amounts in the test potencies.

116 not out: A Case of long COVID Syndrome

COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc worldwide with huge health and financial losses to patients and relatives. It has wide clinical spectrum with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as its primary manifestation. This also includes secondary infections developing post-COVID. Overall 10–15% of patients develop severe COVID and 5% become critically ill. Usually it takes 2–4 weeks to resolve. But few patients take unusually longer period to recover due to severe and serious complications. Some of them require prolonged ventilatory support and home oxygen and recover gradually with very high morbidity rates. We report a case of a 35-year-old male patient who was COVID-19 positive and took a long period of 116 days in-hospital stay to recover from illness in spite of having all possible complications.

High Dilutions of Drugs show Distinct Variation from each other in their Electronic Spectra

Drugs at high dilution (HD) produce therapeutic effect on man, animals and plants. Experimental evidence shows that free water molecules and hydrogen bond strength of OH groups constitute the physical basis of HDs which are otherwise devoid of original drug molecules. HDs are produced in aqueous EtOH by serial dilution of a substance with mechanical agitation or succussion in each step, and are called potencies. Three potencies 6 cH, 12 cH and 30 cH of two drugs Anacardium orientale and Natrum muriaticum(NaCl) and their mother tincture (MT) are used in this study. Electronic spectra of these MTs and potencies, all in 90% EtOH, were taken in the wavelength region of 190 nm ­350 nm. The objective is to find out any additional physical-chemical entities in potencies besides the aforesaid two factors. It was reported earlier that charge transfer (CT) interaction accompanies potentization of drugs. This study focused on the CT interaction. The results indicate that spectral pattern and absorbance intensities of the test samples vary from each other. Natm 6cH (absorbance 0.30 at 196.53nm), 12cH (abs. 0.06 at 196.53nm) and 30cH (abs. 1.32 at 196.5nm). Anac 6cH (abs. 0.33 at 203nm), 12cH (abs. 0.61 at 208nm) and 30cH (abs. 0.09 at 200.67nm). The spectrum of each potency shows two peaks. The 2nd peak at higher wave length belongs to CT interaction. Anac 6cH suc, 7cH unsuc. Insersections at 197.14nm with abs. 0.05, and 290nm with abs. 0.01. Anac 12cH suc, 13cH unsuc. Intersections at 196.93nm with abs. 0.06, and 273nm with abs. 0.00. Anac 30cH suc, 31cH unsuc. Intersections at 194.42nm with abs. -0.05, 238.03nm with abs. -0.01, 252.15nm with abs. -0.002, and 261nm with abs. 0.004. Natm 6cH suc, 7cH unsuc. Intersection at 199.44nm with Abs -0.11. Natm 12cH suc, 13cH unsuc. Instersection at 200.48nm with abs. -0.11. Natm 30cH suc, 31cH unsuc. Intersection at 204.24nm with abs. -0.08. Potentization involves CT interaction in consecutive potencies. Water and EtOH do not form a homogeneous mixture and have aggregates of EtOHand water molecules. CT interactions occur in these individual aggregates and are mostly inter molecular within EtOH or water. These aggregates vary from each other in the test samples. The spectra of test samples were analysed for margin of error (MOE). The MOE is very small (0.001-0.002%), and for this reason the difference between the spectra is significant. Besides that the intersection between consecutive spectra vary in number and position. It is concluded that water and EtOH aggregates and their relative distribution constitute additional physical-chemical basis of potencies.

A perplexing case report of an imaging negative acute ischemic stroke

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often seen as the gold standard when dealing with an acute ischemic stroke. Despite its unique ability to quickly diagnose acute stroke with diffusion-weighted imaging, there is enough evidence to suggest that MRI has failed to diagnose acute ischemic stroke in a minority of patients. We, hereby, present a case of a 55-year-old gentleman who presented with symptoms consistent with an acute ischemic event, but concurrent computed tomography and MRI were normal. However, the treatment regime for stroke was commenced despite normal imaging. It was only on the 3rd day of admission when the MRI revealed a significant finding which consolidated our diagnosis of ischemic stroke.Through this case report, we aim to help clinicians avoid misdiagnosis or delay in the treatment strategies, especially intravenous thrombolysis in patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke with normal neuroradiological imaging. This is a testament to the fact that clinical assessment still retains priority until a diagnostic tool offers 100% sensitivity and specificity

Green synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles using Coriandrum sativum L. leaf extract

Green nanoparticle synthesis is a promising, eco-friendly and safe approach. In the current study, Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Coriandrum sativum L. Further, the characterization of synthesized FeONPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC). The surface plasmon resonance effect confirmed the synthesis of FeONPs. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed mean particle size of FeONPs around 163.5 and polydispersity index 0.091 with a zeta potential of ?13.8 mV. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) exhibited an endothermic peak at 176.91°C. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis showed superparamagnetic properties of iron nanoparticles with a magnetization value of 3.483 emu/g and the results indicated superparamagnetic behavior of prepared iron nanoparticles at room temperature, thus highlighting their potential as magnetically targeted drug delivery system. This biosynthetic method has been proven to be cost-effective, environment friendly and promising for use in biomedical sciences.

Comparative evaluation of chelating efficacy of nano-chitosan, pomegranate extract, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on primary radicular dentin An in vitro study

Background: Irrigation is a crucial aspect of root canal treatment, and it is imperative to employ chelating agents to eliminate the smear layer during biomechanical preparation. They in turn react with mineral content of dentin, leading to decreased strength and increased susceptibility to fracture. Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare mineral loss and microhardness from primary root canal dentin following the usage of different irrigating solutions and determine the least detrimental irrigant among the tested solutions. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six primary anterior teeth were divided into three groups with 22 in each– Group I: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) Group II: 0.2% Nano chitosan Group III: Pomegranate extract. The decoronated teeth were split longitudinally. Half of it was directly subjected to Vickers test, and the other half was immersed in a magnetic stirrer bath containing test solution to record the mineral loss from solution. Postmicrohardness values were recorded on the specimen and compared with initial values. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 20, SPSS, IBM, Armonk, NY, U. S. A). Results: Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the groups were compared using analysis of variance test and post hoc Tukey test. Pomegranate extract showed least effect on mineral content and microhardness compared to 17% EDTA and 0.2% nano chitosan. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Pomegranate aril extract showed better results with selected parameters.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Aedes aegypti variant collected from Tamil Nadu, India

Background & objectives: Accurate mosquito species identification is the basis of entomological surveys and effective vector control. Mosquito identification is either done morphologically using diagnostic features mentioned in taxonomic keys or by molecular methods using cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (coxI) and Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Methods: We performed a larval survey for Aedes mosquitoes from eight different geographical regions in Tamil Nadu, India. The mosquitoes collected during the survey were characterized using both morphological and molecular markers. Results: During an entomological survey from eight different geographical regions in Southern India, a morphological variety named Aedes aegypti var. luciensis was observed. The variant mosquitoes were characterized using both morphological and molecular markers. The variant mosquitoes differed only in the dark scaling of 5th segment of hind-tarsi. Around one third to two third of the 5th segment in variant mosquitoes was dark which has been described as white in identification keys. No other significant difference was observed in adults or immature stages. The variation was heritable and coexisting in the field with the type form mosquitoes. Comparison of the genetic profile of coxI and ITS2 were similar in variant and the type form indicating both of them to be conspecific. Interpretation & conclusion: The morphological variant mosquitoes were found genetically similar to the Ae. aegypti type form. However, considering its high prevalence and coexistence with Ae. aegypti type form in different geographical regions, detailed studies on bionomics, ecology, genetics, behavior as well as its plausible role in disease transmission are warranted.

High dilutions of a drug of COVID-19 origin show difference in ranks

High dilutions (HDs) of drugs, used in Homeopathy, are prepared in aqueous EtOH (ethanol) through serial dilution accompanying mechanical agitation or succussion, and are called potencies. The potencies from the rank 12 onwards are too dilute to contain any original drug molecules. Do the potency ranks show any difference from each other? Do serial dilution and succussion contribute to the difference in potency ranks? This study aims to address these two questions. The throat swab of a Covid-19 patient was preserved and diluted with aqueous EtOH 90% to prepare the mother tincture (MT) and five different potencies of Covid named Covidinum. These potencies and their solvent media were analysed by electronic and vibrational spectroscopy. Charge transfer (CT) and proton transfer interactions occur during preparation of the potencies. The FT-IR spectra of all the test samples after normalization show difference from each other with respect to O-H stretching and bending (v2) bands. Serial dilution and succussion contribute to the observed difference in ranks and CT interactions.

Morbidity profile of elderly admitted to a medical ward of a tertiary care hospital of South Gujarat: A prospective observational study.

Background: The altered spectrum of diseases in geriatric age group and atypical manifestations of these conditions make geriatric health care truly unique. The challenge ahead for health care in the coming years is to ensure the quality of life to a large group of the elderly population. In spite of the recognition that the elderly has specific medical conditions, a dedicated health care policy to improve geriatric health care is yet to be developed India. Objectives: To study the disease pattern, hospital stay and outcome among the geriatric patients based on age, gender and other variables. Materials and methods: An observational prospective study done after permission of human research ethics committee. All patients aged 60 years and over admitted to the wards were included into the study. Detailed information about current admission and other history was noted. Thorough clinical evaluation was done by physical examination and investigations and noted in the case record form. Observations: Total 100 participants included in the study. They were divided into two groups 60-64 years and ? 65 years. Nearly 90% patients had more than one aliments or diagnosis. Non-communicable diseases like Cardiovascular disease (48%) was the commonest reason for admission, followed by Respiratory disease (42%), renal disease (40%), gastrointestinal disease, neurological disease and endocrine disease in descending order of frequency. Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases are common cause of morbidity and mortality with infection are adding the morbidity as well as mortality among the elder population.

Effects of ultra high dilution of paraquat 30 ch on growth, chlorophyll content and yield of rice crop

The application of synthetic fertilizers reduces the natural fertility of the soil and contaminates groundwater. Some photosynthesis inhibitors at ultra-high dilution (UHD) increase photosynthesis, growth, and yield of crops. A weedicide Paraquat at UHD enhanced the growth and yield of potatoes in fields. The objective is to see whether the UHD of Paraquat is also effective on rice. This weedicide was serially diluted with distilled water and manually succussed in 30 steps following the preparation of homeopathic dilutions called potencies. In this way, the 30thpotency of Paraquat called Paraquat 30 cH was prepared and preserved in 90 % ethanol. Paraquat 30 cH was diluted with water 1:1000 (v/v) and sprayed on rice plants in a field measuring 0.3125 acres. The control plot of the same area was situated 300 meters away from the test plot. Three treatments were given at an interval of 7 days. The treated plot showed increased growth, chlorophyll content, and rice yield significantlycompared to control. The UHD of the weedicide produced precisely the opposite effect of the crude material on plants. The increased growth and yield of rice by Paraquat 30 cH may be due to the enhancement of photosynthesis of treated plants. The UHD of Paraquat increased the yield of rice by 19.35% over the control.

A Potential New Mouse Model of Axial Spondyloarthritis Involving the Complement System

Many mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis have been identified, but only a limited number are present for axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Collagen Ab-induced arthritis (CAIA) is one of the most widely used mouse models of arthritis, and it is complement-dependent. We found that mice developing CAIA also developed spinal lesions similar to those found in AxSpA. To induce CAIA, mice were injected intraperitoneally at day 0 with anti-collagen Abs, followed by LPS injection at day 3. CAIA mice demonstrated a significant kyphosis through the spine, as well as hypertrophic cartilage and osseous damage of the intravertebral joints. Immunohistochemical staining of the kyphotic area revealed increased complement C3 deposition and macrophage infiltration, with localization to the intravertebral joint margins. Near Infrared (NIR) in vivo imaging showed that anti-collagen Abs conjugated with IRDye ® 800CW not only localized to cartilage surface in the joints but also to the spine in arthritic mice. We report here a novel preclinical mouse model in which, associated with the induction of CAIA, mice also exhibited salient features of AxSpA; this new experimental model of AxSpA may allow investigators to shed light on the local causal mechanisms of AxSpA bone and soft tissue changes as well as treatment.

The Concept of Lamina–Pedicle Perpendicularity: Part 1. Lumbar Spine

Methods@#This was a retrospective study on normal lumbar spine lateral radiographs of patients who presented with low back pain and were reviewed by two observers. Different inclination angles were constructed to estimate the safety zones of the pedicle screws’ sagittal inclination. @*Results@#Radiographs of 30 consecutive patients, 25 females and five males, with a mean age of 39.43±11.18 years, were studied. The mean angle of the interlaminar line and the pedicle axis was almost orthogonal at all the levels, with a range of 89.16°–94.63°, which was not affected by the lumbar sagittal profile. The safety zones of the pedicle screws were measured, and they revealed a safe sagittal range of 19.73°–24.40° if the screw was inserted from the pedicle axis, 21.03°–22.59° if inserted from the most cephalic part, and 13.31°–17.03° if inserted from the most caudal part. @*Conclusions@#Our results confirmed the perpendicularity of the interlaminar line with the pedicle axis in the lumbar spine at all the levels. The interlaminar line is a useful guide for pedicle screw sagittal inclination.