Incidence of congenital anomalies in a rural population of Jammu - A prospective study

Background: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a major cause of stillbirths and neonatal mortality in India. Its magnitude and pattern reportedly vary over time and across geographical locations. Objectives: The objective of the study is to estimate the incidence of CAs in community development block RS Pura of District Jammu. Methods: The present study is a community-based prospective study. The field workers were trained with the help of “Birth Defect Surveillance” Atlas issued by WHO and ICBDMS (International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring Systems) 2014. Pregnant women (registered or unregistered) with all health institutions in RS Pura Block on or after April 1, 2014, were followed till September 2015 for the ascertainment of CAs. All CAs detected during antenatal period (by ultrasonography), after delivery and abortion at any site were counted as events and classified by organ system according to the 10th version of the WHO International Classification of Diseases-10. Results: A total of 1670 mothers were followed till their pregnancy outcome was recorded. Among 1600 live births recorded, 54 babies had CAs resulting in the incidence rate of 33.7/1000 live births. The incidence rate was comparatively higher among women aged <20 years (71.4/1000 live births) and with Para 4 (43.5/1000 live births) as compared to other women. Digestive system was the most common system involved (35%) followed by the Central nervous system (26.6%). The U-shaped pattern in the incidence of CAs with regards to parity and maternal age was observed. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the CAs continue to occur in Jammu at a similar magnitude as reported from other parts of the country.

Stem Cells in Plastic Surgery: A Review of Current Clinical and Translational Applications

BACKGROUND: Stem cells are a unique cell population characterized by self-renewal and cellular differentiation capabilities. These characteristics, among other traits, make them an attractive option for regenerative treatments of tissues defects and for aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. As research regarding the isolation, culture and behavior of stem cells has progressed, stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, have shown promising results in both translational and clinical applications. METHODS: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the applications of stem cells in the plastic surgery literature, with particular focus on the advances and limitations of current stem cell therapies. Different key areas amenable to stem cell therapy are addressed in the literature review; these include regeneration of soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and peripheral nerves, as well as wound healing and skin aging. RESULTS: The reviewed studies demonstrate promising results, with favorable outcomes and minimal complications in the cited cases. In particular, adipose tissue derived stem cell (ADSC) transplants appear to provide effective treatment options for bony and soft tissue defects, and non-healing wounds. ADSCs have also been shown to be useful in aesthetic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies involving both the basic and clinical science aspects of stem cell therapies are warranted. In particular, the mechanism of action of stem cells, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and their long-term fate require further elucidation. Larger randomized trials are also necessary to demonstrate the continued safety of transplanted stem cells as well as the efficacy of cellular therapies in comparison to the current standards of care.

Prevention of amyloidosis in familial Mediterranean fever with colchicine: a case-control study in Armenia

To determine whether or not the use of colchicine decreases the risk of amyloidosis among Armenian patients with familial Mediterranean fever [FMF]. The study included 99 Armenian patients from the Center of Medical Genetics database with genetically ascertained FMF; 33 had renal amyloidosis and 66 were randomly selected control patients without renal amyloidosis. Self-reported colchicine use was assessed by interviewer-based questionnaire. The patients with incident amyloidosis were more likely to be older men, but younger at the time of disease onset, and more likely to have had a family history of amyloidosis and M694F mutation in the MEFV gene compared to patients without amyloidosis. The risk of amyloidosis decreased with adequate colchicine use rather than nonadequate use [adjusted odds ratio, OR, 0.48, 95% confidence interval, Cl, 0.16-1.43], continuous colchicine use rather than interrupted use [adjusted OR 0.15, 95% Cl 0.04-0.53], earlier rather than later initiation age of colchicine treatment [adjusted OR 0.95, 95% Cl 0.90-1.01], current colchicine rather than ever/never colchicine use [adjusted OR 0.20,95% Cl 0.05-0.89]. The study demonstrated that colchicine treatment is effective in preventing amyloidosis among Armenian patients with FMF and that earlier initiation and continuous therapy at an adequate dose of 1.2-1.8 mg/day may be associated with a decreased amyloidosis risk among Armenian patients with FMF

Study of Right Marginal Artery in Post Mortem Hearts of Adult Bangladeshi People.

Background: Heart disease is one of the major public health problems in Bangladesh. Treatment of heart disease is costly & complex issue. The study of anatomy of the right marginal artery is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the heart diseases. Materials: The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Dhaka from February 2005 to January 2006. Post mortem study of sixty (60) adult human hearts of Bangladeshi people aging from 20 to 75 years was performed. The samples were divided into 3 age groups – Group A (20 to 40 years) consists of 35 males & 7 female, Group B (41 to 60 years) consists of 8 male & 3 female and Group C (61 to 75 years) consists of 7 male. All the samples of different age groups were examined morphologically. Results: In the present study, the right marginal artery was present in 54 and absent in 6, out of 60 samples. Out of 54, the right marginal artery was terminated at the apex in 15 and nearer to the apex in 39 cases. Conclusion: The result of the present study can be helpful to the cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons for proper anatomical assessment of coronary arteries in patients with heart diseases.