The inhibitor of the redox activity of APE1/REF-1, APX2009, reduces the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/REF-1) is a multifunctional protein acting on cellular signaling pathways, including DNA repair and redox activities. APE1/REF-1 has emerged as a target for cancer therapy, and its role in breast cancer models would reveal new strategies for cancer therapy. APX2009 is a specific APE1/REF-1 redox inhibitor whose anticancer properties have not been described in breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of the APX2009 treatment in the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Breast cancer cell lines were cultured, and WST1 and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD and LDH-Glo™ assays were performed to evaluate cell death. The wound healing assay and Matrigel transwell assay were performed after APX2009 treatment to evaluate the cellular migration and invasion processes, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that APX2009 treatment decreased breast cancer cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Our study is the first to show the effects of APX2009 treatment on apoptosis in a breast cancer cell. Therefore, this study suggested that APX2009 treatment is a promising anticancer molecule for breast cancer.

Stimulation of mouse hematopoietic stem cells by angiogenin and DNA preparations

Immature hematopoietic progenitors are a constant source for renewal of hemocyte populations and the basic component of the tissue and cell repair apparatus. A unique property of these cells of internalizing extracellular double-stranded DNA has been previously shown. The leukostimulatory effect demonstrated in our pioneering studies was considered to be due to the feature of this cell. In the present research, we have analyzed the effects of DNA genome reconstructor preparation (DNAgr), DNAmix, and human recombinant angiogenin on both hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors. Treatment with bone marrow cells of experimental mice with these preparations stimulates colony formation by hematopoietic stem cells and proliferation of multipotent descendants. The main lineage responsible for this is the granulocyte-macrophage hematopoietic lineage. Using fluorescent microscopy as well as FACS assay, co-localization of primitive c-Kit- and Sca-1-positive progenitors and the TAMRA-labeled double-stranded DNA has been shown. Human recombinant angiogenin was used as a reference agent. Cells with specific markers were quantified in intact bone marrow and colonies grown in the presence of inducers. Quantitative analysis revealed that a total of 14,000 fragment copies of 500 bp, which is 0.2% of the haploid genome, can be delivered into early progenitors. Extracellular double-stranded DNA fragments stimulated the colony formation in early hematopoietic progenitors from the bone marrow, which assumed their effect on cells in G0. The observed number of Sca1+/c-Kit+ cells in colonies testifies to the possibility of both symmetrical and asymmetrical division of the initial hematopoietic stem cell and its progeny.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Relationship between platelet-related parameters and new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in mean platelet volume and platelet values during the spring and autumn seasons in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the possible effect of these occurrences on postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent elective isolated coronary bypass surgery at our clinic in the spring and autumn months, between August 2020 and July 2022, were retrospectively included in this study. Variables were evaluated according to the spring and autumn seasons. Patients who did not develop in-hospital postoperative atrial fibrillation were identified as Group 1, and those who did constituted Group 2. RESULTS: A total of 622 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who were operated on in the spring (n=277, median age=62 years, male gender ratio=77.3%) and those who were operated on in the autumn (n=345, median age=61 years, male gender ratio=81.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients operated on in both seasons in terms of age, gender, hypertension rates, and the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In multivariate analysis, being over 70 years old (OR: 1.934, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.489-2.995, p<0.001), having a left ventricular ejection fraction below 30% (OR: 1.550, 95%CI 1.190-2.236, p=0.012), and having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.663, 95%CI 1.339-2.191, p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors in predicting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: In this study, we first demonstrated that mean platelet volume and platelet mass index values were higher in patients in the autumn months. Additionally, for the first time in the literature, we showed that there is a significant relationship between platelet mass index value and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft.

Cryoablation Catheter Used in the Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation May Treat Chest Tube Pain: Engin Technique

ABSTRACT Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery plays an important role in the patient's recovery process. In particular, pain at the chest tube site can negatively affect the comfort and recovery of these patients. Effective pain control minimizes the risk of many complications. Oral and intravenous analgesics, epidural anesthesia, paravertebral block, and intercostal nerve blockade are used in chest tube pain control. We routinely use the surgical cryoablation method in the presence of atrial fibrillation in the preoperative period of cardiac surgery in our clinic. Here we aimed to describe our method of using the cryoablation catheter for intercostal nerve blockade.

Plano Estadual de Atenção Integral à saúde da população migrante, refugiada, apátrida e retornados / State Plan for Comprehensive Health Care for the migrant, refugee, stateless and returnee population

Propõe o desenvolvimento de diretrizes, linhas de ação e fomento de condições para formulação e implantação da Política Estadual de Saúde para Migrantes no Estado de Goiás, numa perspectiva equitativa e de inclusão intercultural das necessidades de saúde da população migrantes na Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Sendo assim, a Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS) terá maior ênfase como eixo estruturante da assistência aos migrantes e refugiados, contemplando a promoção, prevenção e recuperação dos agravos de saúde, visando a efetivação do direito à saúde e enfrentamento de situações de xenofobia

It proposes the development of guidelines, lines of action and promotion of conditions for the formulation and implementation of the State Health Policy for Migrants in the State of Goiás, from an equitable perspective and intercultural inclusion of the health needs of the migrant population in the Health Care Network. Therefore, Primary Health Care (PHC) will have greater emphasis as a structuring axis of assistance to migrants and refugees, including the promotion, prevention and recovery of health problems, aiming to realize the right to health and confront situations of xenophobia

CORRELAÇÕES ENTRE FADIGA, DEPRESSÃO E QUALIDADE DE VIDA RELACIONADA À SAÚDE DE MULHERES EM QUIMIOTERAPIA / CORRELATIONS BETWEEN FATIGUE, DEPRESSION AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Objetivo: Avaliar a presença e possíveis correlações entre fadiga, depressão e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em mulheres com câncer de mama e ginecológico durante quimioterapia. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório e transversal, realizado com 54 mulheres na Central de Quimioterapia de um hospital universitário, no período de setembro/2017 a dezembro/2019. Instrumentos utilizados: questionário sociodemográfico e clínico-terapêutico, Escala de Fadiga de Piper, Inventário de Depressão de Beck e Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core30. Resultados: Predominaram mulheres com câncer de mama, com fadiga de leve intensidade e sem depressão, contudo destaca-se que nove apresentaram fadiga clinicamente significante e 12 relataram sinais e sintomas indicativos de depressão. Os escores de estado geral de saúde, das funções cognitivas, social, física e desempenho de papel foram considerados satisfatórios, os sintomas prevalentes foram insônia, fadiga, dor e perda de apetite. Houve correlações moderadas entre os itens dos instrumentos, sendo que quanto maiores os escores de fadiga e depressão, maiores foram os sintomas e menores as escalas funcionais de qualidade de vida. Conclusões: A presença de fadiga e depressão correlacionou-se moderadamente com outros sintomas e podem influenciar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde destas mulheres.

Objective: To evaluate the presence and possible correlations between fatigue, depression and health-related quality of life in women with breast and gynecological cancer during chemotherapy. Methodology: Exploratory and cross-sectional study, carried out with 54 women at the Chemotherapy Center of a university hospital, from September/2017 to December/ 2019. Instruments used: sociodemographic and clinical-therapeutic questionnaire, Piper's Fatigue Sacale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core30. Results: There was a predominance of women with breast cancer, with mild fatigue and without depression, however it is noteworthy that nine had clinically significant fatigue and 12 reported signs and symptoms indicative of depression. The scores of general health status, cognitive, social, physical functions and role performance were considered satisfactory, the prevalent symptoms were insomnia, fatigue, pain and loss of appetite. There were moderate correlations between the instrument items, and the higher the fatigue and depression scores, the greater the symptoms and the lower the quality of life functional scales. Conclusion: The presence of fatigue and depression was moderately correlated with other symptoms and may influence the health-related quality of life of these women.

Factores clínicos y radiográficos asociados a la severidad de infiltración grasa paraespinal en pacientes con enfermedad lumbar degenerativa / Clinical and radiographic factors associated with the severity of paraspinal fatty infiltration in patients with degenerative low back disease

Resumen: Introducción: la enfermedad lumbar degenerativa (ELD) es un espectro de cambios patológicos desde la degeneración discal, la hernia discal, la espondilolistesis y el conducto lumbar estrecho. El dolor que se le asocia es multifactorial. Los espasmos musculares son de las causas más frecuentes. La relación que guarda la degeneración muscular y la ELD ya ha sido estudiada en múltiples trabajos, destacando el realizado por Kjaer y colaboradores. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y severidad de la degeneración grasa en el mutifidus spinae, y estudiar su relación con variables clínicas y radiográficas. Material y métodos: estudio observacional y analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados con: hernia discal, conducto lumbar estrecho o escoliosis degenerativa. Se clasificaron de acuerdo con escala de Kjaer para infiltración grasa paraespinal en alguno de tres grupos. Se analizaron variables clínicas: edad, tabaquismo, obesidad, presencia de dolor tipo axial, temporalidad del dolor, severidad del dolor expresada con escala visual análoga (EVA); y radiográficas: número de segmento enfermos, segmentos involucrados, diagnóstico por imagen y presencia de espondilolistesis. Resultados: se incluyeron 56 pacientes con edad promedio de 52.5 años (rango 16 a 80) con predominio del sexo femenino (62.5%). Los diagnósticos fueron lumbalgia inespecífica (1.8%), hernia discal (42.9%), conducto lumbar estrecho (46.4%) y conducto lumbar con deformidad en escoliosis degenerativa (8.9%). La distribución entre los tres grupos descritos por Kjaer fue la siguiente: 44.6% fueron clasificados con un puntaje de infiltración grasa de 2. En los grupos 1 y 0, se clasificaron 39.3 y 16.1%, respectivamente. Las variables relacionadas con mayor infiltración grasa fueron: edad > 60 años, diagnósticos de conducto lumbar estrecho y hernia discal; obesidad, espondilolistesis < 2 segmentos vertebrales involucrados. El dolor mecánico y EVA > 8 puntos no se relacionaron con mayor degeneración muscular. Conclusiones: la infiltración grasa está presente en todos los pacientes con alguna de las formas de ELD. La mayoría de los pacientes > 60 años con procesos degenerativos avanzados tienen mayor severidad de infiltración. Otras variables relacionadas son: obesidad, espondilolistesis y enfermedad < 2 segmentos vertebrales. No hay relación entre mayor porcentaje de infiltración grasa y dolor axial o puntajes más altos de dolor.

Abstract: Introduction: Degenerative lumbar disease (DLE) is a spectrum of pathological changes from disc degeneration, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis and lumbar canal stenosis. The pain associated with it is multifactorial. Muscle cramps are among the most frequent causes. The relationship between muscle degeneration and DLE has already been studied in the past in multiple studies, highlighting the one carried out by Kjaer & cols. Objective: to determine the prevalence and severity of fatty degeneration in mutifidus spinae, and to study its relationship with clinical and radiographic factors. Material and methods: observational and analytical study. Patients diagnosed with: herniated disc, lumbar canal stenosis or degenerative scoliosis were included. They were classified according to the Kjaer scale for paraspinal fatty infiltration in one of three groups. Clinical variables were analyzed: age, smoking, obesity, the presence of axial pain, temporality of pain, severity expressed with a visual analog scale (VAS); and radiographic: number of diseased segments, involved segments, diagnostic imaging and the presence of spondylolisthesis. Results: 56 patients with an average age of 52.5 years (16 to 80) with a predominance of females with 62.5% were included. The diagnoses were nonspecific low back pain (1.8%), herniated disc (42.9%), narrow lumbar duct (46.4%) and lumbar duct with degenerative scoliosis deformity (8.9%). The distribution among the three groups described by Kjaer was as follows: 44.6% were classified with a fat infiltration score of 2. In groups 1 and 0, 39.3% and 16.1% were classified respectively. The variables significantly related to greater fat infiltration were: age > 60 years, diagnoses of lumbar canal stenosis and herniated disc; obesity, spondylolisthesis < 2 vertebral segments involved. Axial pain and VAS > 8 points were not related to greater muscle degeneration. Conclusions: fatty infiltration is present in all patients with some of the forms of DLE. Most patients > 60 years of age with advanced degenerative processes have a greater severity of infiltration. Other related variables are: obesity, spondylolisthesis and disease of < 2 vertebral segments. There is no relationship between a higher percentage of fatty infiltration and axial pain or higher VAS scores.

Segmental filiform-polyposis in a treated case of ulcerative colitis, colon: An unusual presentation raising a doubt of primary diagnosis?

Inflammatory bowel disease is broadly classified into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The standard criteria to distinguish between the two is the manner of the involvement of the bowel, with the former showing classical skip lesions and the latter having continuous involvement of the colon, most commonly affecting the rectum. However, some cases exhibit overlapping features. Herein, we report a treated case of ulcerative colitis presenting with patchy involvement of the colon in the form of peculiar segmental filiform polyposis spanned abruptly by an intervening normal mucosa. The clinico-radiologically suspicion of carcinoma colon with Crohn's colitis was considered. The clinicians and pathologists must be aware of such atypical presentations and should not be misled to change the diagnosis from ulcerative colitis to Crohn's colitis on the post-treatment resection specimens or endoscopic biopsies solely in view of the patchy filiform polyposis (FP), which poses a drastic impact on the patient's management.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with rare distant metastasis

Metastasis accounts for the most common tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the common carcinoma showing brain metastasis, with a predilection for clear cell variant. Chromophobe RCC (ChRCC) in contrast to clear cell RCC shows far less common distant metastasis. When they metastasize, commonly involve the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. ChRCC metastasizing to the brain is extremely rare. Isolated brain metastasis from RCCs is also uncommon. We report an unusual case of a 54-year-old woman with ChRCC with isolated metastasis to the brain, 2 years after radical nephrectomy for renal mass.

Awareness of Oral Cancer among Patients Attending a Cancer Trust Hospital in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: Oral cancer (OC) is associated with various risk factors and high mortality rates, and contributes significantly to the worldwide cancer burden. Objectives: To assess and evaluate patients’ current knowledge, awareness, and behavior regarding OC risk in a cancer trust hospital. Materials and Methods: The study involved 600 patients who attended cancer trust hospital, East Godavari district, from September 2021 to October 2021. A self- administered questionnaire of 20-questions was given to each patient that included socio-demographic and disease-specific information and their answers evaluated. Results: The data was examined using descriptive statistics, and the connection between the variables, education, family income, and other factors was assessed using a chi-square test (with a 5% significance threshold). The results were analysed with reference to their implications for interventions aimed at patient’s awareness for oral cancer symptoms. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, people lacked information and awareness about identified risk factors for oral cancer. Knowledge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that eliminates the consumption of established oral cancer risk factors was low. At the community and individual levels, health education linked to primary prevention of oral cancer must be improved.

An Experimental Study of Oral Mucosal Wound Healing following Scalpel and Diode Laser Incisions in Guinea Pigs: Clinical and Histological Observations

Introduction: The available data regarding scalpel and diode laser incisions wound healing is variable, scarce and needs more clarification especially in normal healthy tissues. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate clinical and histologic parameters of wound healing with scalpel and diode laser on oral mucosa of Guinea pigs. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study conducted on four male Guinea pigs. Laser and scalpel incisions were made on the right buccal mucosa of each guinea pig approximately 5mm deep and 10 mm in length and both the incisions were placed 10 mm apart using No#11Bard Parker blades and diode laser (640 wavelength) under general anesthesia. Punch biopsies of both the incisions were obtained and compared for clinical changes such as ease of working, intra-operative bleeding, color and approximation of wound edges and histological changes such as epithelial proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis on day 1, 3 and 7. Results: Clinically, scalpel wounds showed better healing than laser wounds although laser incisions provided bloodless surgical field. There was no significant difference in inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis between scalpel and diode laser incisions on both day 3 and 7 except for the epithelization which was comparatively early and better in scalpel wounds than the diode laser wounds. Conclusion: Diode lasers provide bloodless surgical field with better visibility than scalpel without any difference in oral mucosal wound healing. Considering the clinical benefits, the diode lasers could be a superior alternative to conventional scalpel technique.

A study on menstrual abnormalities among undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

Background: Menstruation is a taboo subject among adolescents girl; lack of knowledge regarding the menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and menstrual abnormalities has significant negative influence on young women. Most of the time menstrual abnormalities were not reported timely resulting in their late diagnosis as well as intervention, burdening adolescents and young adult women physically and mentally. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the menstrual patterns, abnormalities, effects of these abnormalities on the student population in form of social withdrawal, sickness absenteeism, and degrading academic performances. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on menstrual abnormalities among 187 undergraduate students of Medical College Kolkata was conducted to illuminate menstrual problems and its effects on their regular activities. By systematic random sampling technique participants were selected. Questions were related to menstruation, variations in menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhea and its severity, premenstrual symptom, family and medical history in relation to menstrual abnormalities, social withdrawal, monthly sickness absenteeism and degrading of academic performances. Results: The mean age of subjects at menarche was 13.19 ± 0.931 years. Of all the abnormalities, dysmenorrhea was the highest with 84% of prevalence, followed by pre-menstrual symptom with prevalence of 68.4%. Social withdrawal (17.8%), college absenteeism (5.7%), and degrading of academic performance (8.2%) were reported among the students. Conclusion: Menstrual abnormalities must be promptly diagnosed and treated, and students must get counseling addressing these issues if they are to improve their health and quality of life and reduce their chances of developing further illnesses.

Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of Children with Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the First and Second Waves of the Pandemic

Objectives To compare the clinical profle and short-term outcome of children admitted with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during the frst and second waves of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Methods This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care setting. A retrospective medical record review of all pediatric patients admitted with confrmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and September 2021 was conducted. Patients’ demographic data, pre-existing comorbidities, mode of presentation, and clinical course in the hospital were noted. The outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, need for intensive care, and invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU, and hospital stay. Results One thousand and twenty-four children were recruited, 592 of the frst wave and 432 of the second wave. In the second wave, more children were admitted with respiratory distress (OR=3.38) and neurological manifestations (OR=4.61). There was a higher requirement of intensive care (OR=4.2) and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=4.17). In-hospital mortality of the second wave was also increased (1.4% vs. 0.1%), but the diference was not statistically signifcant. Children with neurological comorbidities (OR=8.73), malnutrition (OR=3.01), and preterm babies (OR=6.8) were associated with severe COVID. Conclusion The clinical profle of the second wave of COVID-19 in children was diferent from the frst wave, with more respiratory distress and neurological manifestations at presentation. In the second wave, a signifcant increase in the incidence of severe infections requiring ICU care was observed.

A study on mental distress among the undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

Background: Medical students are reported to have high levels of mental distress that includes problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress due to the highly competitive curriculum. In the post-pandemic era with a renewed perspective toward health system and popularization of online classes, current batch of students are exposed to diverse sources of mental distress. Aims and Objectives: Objectives of this study were to find out the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, family background and academic profile of the study participants, and to estimate the proportion of different varieties of mental distress among them, and to examine relationship of mental distress with sociodemographic, behavioral and academic profile. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 649 undergraduate students by census method using depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. Results: The study participants are predominantly Hindu, urban, unmarried, hostelites, males from nuclear families and belonging to upper socioeconomic class according to Modified B.G Prasad Socioeconomic Status Scale (January 2022). The proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants was found to be 49.61%, 58.86%, and 33.13%, respectively. Proportion of mental distress was significantly higher in the age group of 21–24 years. Those who preferred to study more at night were more anxious and stressed. Stress was higher in students with addiction to gadgets too. Participants hailing from rural areas, hostelites, and paying guests were relatively more depressed. Conclusion: There is urgent need for emotional support and provision of personalized counseling for the MBBS students as unchecked mental distress can turn into severe psychological morbidity.

A comparative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety of Falknor’s needling versus autoimplantation in cutaneous warts

Background: Warts, the most common manifestation caused by human papillomaviruses. Treatment is needed because of risk of transmission, cosmetic point of view, multiple, painful, and disfigurement caused by warts. Aims and Objectives: In this study, two techniques of autologous therapy are compared in terms of safety and efficacy. Falknor’s needling and autoimplantation, both are minimally invasive procedures with the aim of treating one wart and inducing immunity against the viral infected cells. Materials and Methods: Forty patients of clinically diagnosed cutaneous warts were randomly divided into two groups. In Group A, Falknor’s needling was performed on a single lesion in each patient. In Group B, autoimplantation was done by harvesting a single lesion and then implanting the tissue in subcutaneous tissue of the patient at other body site. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS software v. 23 (IBM Statistics, Chicago, USA) and Microsoft Office 2007. Both the modalities showed excellent response (P = 0.504) in the treatment of warts with Grade 4 improvement in 85% (17 patients each) in both the modalities, with 5% of the patients showing Grade 2 and Grade 3 improvement each in needling group. Conclusion: Both the modalities of autologous therapy are simple, easy to perform, safe, and cheap modalities with excellent results in the treatment of cutaneous warts.

Unusual presentation of intranasal myxoma – A case report

Myxomas are benign and locally invasive neoplasms of primitive mesenchymal origin. They are most commonly found in the atria of the heart. They have also been reported in bones, muscles, and other connective tissues. Myxomas are rarely found in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Myxomas are notorious for their recurrence after excision and local invasion. We report a case of intranasal myxoma in a 30-year-old male who presented with blocked ear sensation and progressive nasal block. With this report, we intend to increase awareness about the clinical presentation, histologic characteristics, and management options of myxoma

A BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION INVOLVING CULTURAL ANALYSIS

A BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION INVOLVING CULTURAL ANALYSIS Original Research Paper Estibeiro AS* Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim Goa, 403202 *Corresponding Author Background: Urinary Tract Infections are a common occurrence in the community and hospital and are associated with profound morbidity and decreased productivity at work. Timely diagnosis of UTI by cultural analysis is imperative in order to identify the offending agent and to initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating the bacteriological pro?le of UTI employing semiquantitative culture and to determine the antibiogram pattern of the bacteria isolated. The study was conducted on 200 urine samples, collected Methods: from clinically suspected cases of UTI. Semiquantitative analysis was done and antimicrobial sensitivity testing undertaken, as per CLSI guidelines. Signi?cant bacteriuria was observed in 66.5% cases. Gram negative bacilli were Results: predominant pathogens (71.3%), amongst which, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main agents (37.2% and 24.5 % respectively). Gram positive organisms accounted for 28.7% of the total; Enterococcus species being the predominant isolate type (78.04%; 32 out of 41 gram positive pathogens). Overall, Escherichia coli predominated (26.6%), followed by Enterococcus species (22.4%). Gram negative bacilli showed good sensitivity to Imipenem and Aminoglycosides. Gram positive cocci were all sensitive to Vancomycin and Linezolid. A large number of cases were 50 years and above (51%), followed by age groups 21-30 years (17.5%) and 31 to 40 years (16.5%). The Male: Female ratio was 1.2:1, males accounting for 53.5% of the total. Early cultural analysis of UTI cases with identi?cation of the etiological agent and its Conclusion: antibiogram pattern will help in early treatment and use of appropriate antibiotics. This will reduce the use of empirical treatment, morbidity and chronicity