Prevalence of hepatitis B & C infections in prospective blood donors deferred due to history of jaundice

Background & objectives: As per national guidelines, prospective blood donors with a history of jaundice of unknown cause are deferred permanently to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B and C. The validity of this guideline was tested by comparing prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C in prospective blood donors deferred due to a history of jaundice, with that of donors who were found fit. Methods: Blood samples of 212 consecutive donors (male, n=203) deferred due to a history of jaundice were studied for hepatitis B and C by rapid test kits as well as by chemiluminescence (n=115) or ELISA (n=97). Consecutive healthy donors (n=549; male, n=518) were also studied by ELISA (n=266) or chemiluminescence (n=283). Results: The cumulative prevalence detected by rapid test kit and ELISA/chemiluminescence tests of hepatitis B (n=10) and C (n=2) among donors deferred due to a history of jaundice (n=212) was 5.7 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9, 9.9]. The prevalence of reactive results among healthy donors (n=549) by ELISA/chemiluminescence tests was 3.3 per cent (95% CI: 1.9, 5.2), which included hepatitis B (n=15) and hepatitis C (n=3) cases. Compared to healthy donors, the odds of seropositivity among jaundice-deferred donors was 1.7 (95% CI: 0.8, 3.6), P=0.15. For rapid test-negative deferred donors, the odds of seropositivity by ELISA/chemiluminescence declined to 0.4 (0.1, 1.5), P=0.19. Interpretation & conclusions: The prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C in prospective blood donors deferred due to a history of jaundice of unknown aetiology did not differ significantly from that in healthy donors. The current practice of permanently deferring such donors depletes valuable donor pool. A strategy of rejecting only those donors who are found reactive on pre-donation testing by rapid test needs further validation.

The outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stent thrombosis

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a recommended management strategy for patients with de novo ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Still, the efficacy of primary PCI in-stent thrombosis (ST) induced STEMI is unclear. The aim was to assess the clinical characteristics and the in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI caused by acute, sub-acute, or late ST. Methods: A sample of hundred consecutive patients who presented with STEMI due to ST were included in this study. The angiographic evidence of a flow-limiting thrombus or total vessel occlusion (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0 to II) at the site of the previous stent implant was taken as ST. Primary PCI was performed, and all enrolled patients and in-hospital mortality were observed. Results: Male patients were 69, and the mean age was 58.9 ± 7.78 years. ST was categorized as acute in 40 patients, sub-acute in 53, and late in the remaining seven patients. Killip class III/IV was observed in 45 patients. Dissection was observed in 25, under deployment in 74, and/or malposition in 24 patients. Thrombus aspiration was performed in 97, plain old balloon angioplasty in 76, and stenting in 22 patients. Final TIMI III flow was achieved in 32 patients. During a mean hospital stay of 4.93 ± 2.46 days, the mortality rate was 27%. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality after primary PCI was observed in more than 1/4th of the patients with STEMI due to ST undergoing primary PCI

Peri-implant clinicoradiographic status among betel-quid chewers and controls

Abstract The aim of the present case-control observational study was to evaluate the peri-implant clinicoradiographic status among betel-quid chewers and controls. Self-reported betel-quid chewers and controls were included. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: Group-1: Individuals chewing betel-quid with tobacco; Group-2: Individuals chewing betel-quid without tobacco; and Group-3: Controls (individuals not using tobacco in any form). Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal and peri-implant clinicoradiologic parameters (plaque and gingival indices [PI and GI], probing depth [PD] and crestal bone loss/marginal bone loss [CBL/MBL]) were assessed. Clinical attachment loss (AL) around teeth was also assessed. Group comparisons were done using the one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni Post-hoc adjustment tests. Correlation of periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory parameters with the duration of betel-quid chewing habit and duration of placement in the mouth were assessed using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thirty, 30 and 30 patients were included in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Full-mouth PI (P<0.01), GI (P<0.01), clinical AL (P<0.01), PD (P<0.01) and mesial and distal MBL (P<0.01) were higher in groups 1 and 2 than Group-3. Peri-implant mPI (P<0.01), mGI (P<0.01), PD (P<0.01) and MBL/CBL (P<0.01) were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than Group-3 with no significant difference in groups 1 and 2. Betel-quid chewing habit either with or without tobacco is a risk-factor of peri-implant soft-tissue inflammation and CBL.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo observacional de casos-controles foi avaliar o estado clínico-radiográfico periimplantar dos usuários de bétele. Foram incluídos usuários que relataram utlizar a substância bétele como tabaco de mascar. Os participantes foram categorizados em 3 grupos: Grupo-1: Indivíduos que mascam bétele com tabaco; Grupo-2: Indivíduos que mascam bétele sem tabaco; e Grupo-3: Controle (indivíduos que não usam tabaco sob qualquer forma). Os dados demográficos foram recolhidos utilizando um questionário. Foram avaliados parâmetros clínico-radiográfico e periimplantares (índices placa e gengivais [IP e IG], profundidade de sondagem [PS] e perda de crista óssea/ perda óssea marginal [PCO/POM]). Também foi avaliada a perda inserção clínica (IC) em torno dos dentes. As comparações de grupo foram feitas utilizando a análise de variância unidireccional e os testes de ajustamento post-hoc de Bonferroni. A correlação dos parâmetros inflamatórios periodontais e periimplantares com a duração do hábito de mastigação da bétele e duração da colocação na boca foi avaliada utilizando a análise de regressão logística. P<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Foram utilizados 30 pacientes em cada grupo. O IP de boca inteira (P<0,01), IG (P<0,01), IC clínica (P<0,01), PS (P<0,01) e POM mesial e distal (P<0,01) foram mais elevados nos grupos 1 e 2 do que no grupo 3. O mPI peri-implantar (P<0,01), '(P<0,01), PD (P<0,01) e POM/PCO (P<0,01) foram significativamente mais elevados nos grupos 1 e 2 do que no grupo 3, sem diferença significativa nos grupos 1 e 2. O hábito de mastigar a substância bétele com ou sem tabaco é um fator de risco de inflamação dos tecidos moles periimplantares e PCO.

Assessment of immunization status and barriers to vaccination among the university students of Pakistan

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vaccination status and barriers to vaccination among the university students by utilizing a simple random sampling technique in the largest public sector university of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The participants comprised 380 university students. Data was collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Chi-square Test and Fischer Exact test were applied to assess the impact of demographics on vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination. Out of 380 participants, 328 (86.31 pewrcent) were males and 52 (13.68) females. The immunization status of university students against various diseases was variable: 97.10 percent (n=369) were vaccinated against poliomyelitis, 58.68 percent (n=223) against BCG, 44.21 percent (n=168) against hepatitis B, 49.21 percent (n=187) against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and 55.26 percent (n=210) against measles vaccine. The barriers to vaccination were unwillingness 15.0 percent (n=57), inaccessibility 17.10 percent (n=65), financial issues 4.47 percent (n=17) and unawareness 63.42 percent (n=241). Moreover, 31 percent (n=118) of the participants considered that the use of vaccines is unsafe. The vaccination status of the university students in Southern Punjab, Pakistan is alarming as most of the students were unvaccinated. The unawareness and perception of the unsafety of vaccines were the biggest barriers to vaccination(AU)

Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar el estado de vacunación y las barreras a la vacunación entre los estudiantes universitarios, mediante la utilización de una técnica de muestreo aleatorio simple, en la universidad más grande del sector público del sur de Punjab, Pakistán. Los participantes fueron 380 estudiantes universitarios. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario de diseño propio. Se utilizó el Paquete Estadístico para Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) para el análisis de datos. Se aplicaron la prueba de chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fischer para evaluar el impacto de la demografía en el estado de vacunación y las barreras para la vacunación. De 380 participantes, 328 (86,31por ciento) fueron hombres y 52 (13,68 por ciento) mujeres. El estado de inmunización de los estudiantes universitarios frente a diversas enfermedades fue variable: 97,10 por ciento (n = 369) fueron vacunados contra poliomielitis, 58,68 por ciento (n = 223) contra BCG, 44,21por ciento (n = 168) contra hepatitis B, 49,21 por ciento (n = 187) contra la difteria, tos ferina y tétanos y 55,26 por ciento (n = 210) contra la vacuna contra el sarampión. Las barreras para la vacunación fueron la falta de voluntad 15,0 por ciento (n = 57); la inaccesibilidad 17,10 por ciento (n = 65); los problemas económicos 4,47 por ciento (n = 17) y el desconocimiento 63,42 por ciento (n = 241). Además, el 31por ciento (n = 118) de los participantes consideró que el uso de vacunas no es seguro. El estado de vacunación de los estudiantes universitarios en el sur de Punjab, Pakistán, es alarmante ya que la mayoría de los estudiantes no estaban vacunados. El desconocimiento y la percepción de la inseguridad de las vacunas fueron las mayores barreras para la vacunación(AU)

Quercetin attenuates the reduction of parvalbumin in middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Calcium is a critical factor involved in modulation of essential cellular functions. Parvalbumin is a calcium buffering protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentrations. It prevents rises in calcium concentrations and inhibits apoptotic processes during ischemic injury. Quercetin exerts potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects during brain ischemia. We investigated whether quercetin can regulate parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 30 min prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cerebral cortical tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. We used various techniques including Western blot, reverse transcriptionPCR, and immunohistochemical staining to elucidate the changes of parvalbumin expression. @*Results@#Quercetin ameliorated MCAO-induced neurological deficits and behavioral changes. Moreover, quercetin prevented MCAO-induced a decrease in parvalbumin expression. @*Conclusions@#These findings suggest that quercetin exerts a neuroprotective effect through regulation of parvalbumin expression.

Quercetin attenuates the reduction of parvalbumin in middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Calcium is a critical factor involved in modulation of essential cellular functions. Parvalbumin is a calcium buffering protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentrations. It prevents rises in calcium concentrations and inhibits apoptotic processes during ischemic injury. Quercetin exerts potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects during brain ischemia. We investigated whether quercetin can regulate parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 30 min prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cerebral cortical tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. We used various techniques including Western blot, reverse transcriptionPCR, and immunohistochemical staining to elucidate the changes of parvalbumin expression. @*Results@#Quercetin ameliorated MCAO-induced neurological deficits and behavioral changes. Moreover, quercetin prevented MCAO-induced a decrease in parvalbumin expression. @*Conclusions@#These findings suggest that quercetin exerts a neuroprotective effect through regulation of parvalbumin expression.

Genetic diversity and population structure of endangered rosewood from the Peruvian Amazon using ISSR markers

Rosewood, Aniba rosaeodora is an endangered species in Amazon forests and its natural stands have been heavily depleted due to over-exploitation for the cosmetic industry. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 90 rosewood accessions from eight localities in the Peruvian Amazon through 11 Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) primers. The ISSR primers produced a sum of 378 bands, of which 375 (99.2%) were polymorphic, with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.774. The mean effective number of alleles (Ne), Shannon informative index (I), gene diversity (He) and total gene diversity (Ht) were 1.485, 0.294, 0.453 and 0.252, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed the presence of maximum variability within populations (88%). The Structure algorithm, neighbor joining and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped the 90 rosewood accessions into three main populations (A, B and C). Diversity indices at the inter-population level revealed a greater genetic diversity in population A, due to higher gene flow. The neighbor-joining analysis grouped populations A and B, while population C was found to be divergent at the inter population level. We concluded that population A reflects higher genetic diversity and should be prioritized for future management and conservation plans. (AU)

Polymer blend: a new approach for eliminating curing effect of aqueous dispersion coatings

The aim of present work was to investigate blends of Eudragit® NE 30D with Aquacoat® ECD using different ratios to eliminate curing effect associated with individual polymers. Propranolol HCl 10% w/w was layered onto sugar cores using 5% w/w HPMC as a binder. Drug-layered-cores were coated either with pure or blends of Aquacoat® ECD: Eudragit® NE 30D in a fluidized bed coater to obtain 20% w/w coating level. Talc 35% w/w was used as anti-tacking agent. The pellets were characterized for in vitro dissolution studies, morphology, water uptake-weight loss, osmolality and adhesion of coating after curing at 60 °C or 60 °C/75% RH for 24 h. The findings revealed that Aquacoat® ECD coated pellets showed curing effect due to further gradual coalescence of polymeric particles which resulted into better film formation upon curing. In contrast, the curing effect of Eudragit® NE 30D coated pellets was caused by decrease in adhesion of coatings after curing which provided entirely different swelling behavior of uncured (localized swelling) and cured (uniform swelling) pellets. The undesired curing effect of individual polymers was eliminated by using their blends in appropriate ratio.

Screening thresholds for the corneal tomography in a myopic Pakistani population

Objective: To evaluate key corneal tomography parameters for screening refractive surgery patients in Pakistani population

Study Design: Cross-sectional, observation study

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology AFIO, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from August 2013 to December 2016

Methodology: Myopic patients were evaluated by two separate observers on Allegro OculyzerII [Wavelight] for normal ocular examination. A total of 20 tomographic parameters, used for pre-refractive surgical evaluation, were included. Normality of data was evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results for outliers were displayed as 2.5%, 5%, 95% and 97.5% percentiles

Results: The sample of 451 patients [895 eyes], comprised of 61% [n=277] females and 39% [n=174] males [39%]. The mean age was 26 +6.4 years [range of 18-62 years, M=F]. Normal mean anterior segment values included; flat simulated keratometry [K1] 42.9 +/-1.44 diopters [D], steep K2 43.9 +/-1.52 D, K mean 43.4 +/-1.43 D, K maximum 44.6 +/-1.56 D, astigmatism -0.96 +/-0.97 D, anterior chamber depth [ACD] 3.19 +/-0.28 mm, front elevation at the thinnest point 4.11 +/-2.44 um, and that at the back was 7.56 +/-4.52 um progression index [PI] maximum 1.14 +/-0.17, Ambrosio relational thickness maximum [ART max] 487.5 +/-89.0 and pachymetry at thinnest point 542.2 +/- 31.1 um

Conclusion: The study demonstrates key corneal tomography parameters, which can be useful for screening refractive surgery patients in Pakistani population

Resveratrol modulates the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model / 한국실험동물학회지

Cerebral ischemia is a major cause of neurodegenerative disease. It induces neuronal vulnerability and susceptibility, and leads to neuronal cell death. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that acts as an anti-oxidant. It exerts a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemic injury. Akt signaling pathway is accepted as a representative cell survival pathway, including proliferation, growth, and glycogen synthesis. This study investigated whether resveratrol regulates Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemic brain injury. Adult male rats were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or resveratrol (30 mg/kg) and cerebral cortices were isolated 24 h after MCAO. Neurological behavior test, corner test, brain edema measurment, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were performed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol. Phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3β expression levels were measured using Western blot analysis. MCAO injury led to severe neurobehavioral deficit, infraction, and histopathological changes in cerebral cortex. However, resveratrol treatment alleviated these changes caused by MCAO injury. Moreover, MCAO injury induced decreases in phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3β protein levels, whereas resveratrol attenuated these decreases. Phosphorylations of Akt and GSK-3β act as a critical role for the suppression of apoptotic cell death. Thus, our finding suggests that resveratrol attenuates neuronal cell death in MCAO-induced cerebral ischemia and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway contributes to the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol.

Post-PCNL renal artery pseudoanurysm

A renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but important complication that can occur after renal trauma, renal biopsy, percutaneous nephrostomy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL], and partial nephrectomy. The incidence of this potentially life-threatening complication is less than 1%, but is likely to increase with the increasing popularity of endoscopic renal procedures. We present a case of a 30-year female who underwent right PCNL for a right renal pelvic stone. Two weeks later, she presented with massive hematuria. Renal angiography revealed psuedoanurysm of interlobar artery which was successfully treated with coil embolization

Dyke-davidoff-masson syndrome: an unusual cause of status epilepticus and refractory seizures

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome [DDMS] is a rare neurological condition characterised by drug-resistance seizures, hemiparesis, mental retardation, facial asymmetry, and intellectual disabilities. On brain imaging, the disease is characterised by cerebral hemiatrophy with ipsilateral calvarial thickening and hyperpneumotisation of paranasal sinuses or mastoid air cells. Although more common in men and on the left side of the brain, the disease can affect both genders and cerebral hemispheres. It mainly presents in childhood. The adult presentation is unusual but has been reported in medical literature. Most of the patients need more than one antiepileptic agent for optimal control of seizures. Hemispherectomy is reserved for patients who have drug-resistant and disabling seizures. The good prognostic factors are disease onset before age of two and better seizure control. We report two cases of DDMS occurring in teenage boys who presented with status epilepticus. The clinical histories, radiological findings, and treatment of both patients are discussed below

Collating Spirometry reference values in Asian children and Adolescents; puzzle out the reasons for variations

Lung function tests are essential for the diagnosis and management of different respiratory tract diseases; among them the spirometry is the gold standard technique. The accurate diagnosis, management and monitoring require proper interpretation of the results which depends upon the availability of spirometry reference data for that particular region to differentiate the diseased condition from the normal ones. Multiple studies had been done to find out their own area specific reference ranges but it is still lacking. This need was fulfilled by the Global Lung Function Initiative [GLI] in 2012, which reported the first global spirometry equation for all of the age groups. But some of the studies reported difference among GLI reference range and the measured range for that particular region. So here is the review of the reference ranges among 35,603 Asian children and adolescents from the 32 studies done specifically in Asia. The aim was to compare them with the study done by GLI team, along with these, tried to rule out the causal factor that are responsible for the variations in the reference ranges among the children and adolescents of different population. The literature was searched by using Google scholar and PubMed during the month of March up to July 2017. The review of all the articles published in Asia, specifically accounting for normal reference ranges in children and adolescent exhibit a wide variation among the reference ranges. This also suggest involvement of multiple modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. So it's necessary to update the reference ranges for spirometry and its prediction equation as well

Frequency of prolonged corrected QT interval in child pugh class in patients of cirrhosis of liver

Objective: To determine the frequency of prolonged corrected QT interval [QTc] in Child Pugh Class in patients of liver cirrhosis presenting to Combined Military Hospital Peshawar. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Dec 2013 to Jun 2014

Material and Methods: One hundred and thirty three patients with liver cirrhosis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling after taking informed consent. All patients were assigned their Child's Class either A, B or C. Electrocardiogram [ECG] was done and QTc was calculated using Bazett's formula. QTc of more than 0.44 seconds was taken as prolonged

Results: Out of 133 patients, QTc was prolonged in 78 patients yielding frequency of QTc prolongation in cirrhosis of 58.64%. Frequency of QTc prolongation was 61.18% in males and 54.17% in females. QTc prolongation was 15% in Child Pugh grade A, 54.76% in Child Pugh grade B and 73.24% in Child Pugh grade C. There was a statistically significant association between QTc prolongation and the severity of cirrhosis [p<0.001]

Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a statistically significant increase in frequency of QTc prolongation with worsening of Child Pugh Class thereby indicating an association between QTc prolongation and the severity of cirrhosis

Comparison of efficacy of telmisartan and atenolol in management of essential hypertension

Objective: To compare the efficacy of telmisartan and atenolol in management of patients with essential hypertension. Study Design: Randomized comparative trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Feb 2010 to Aug 2010

Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty patients diagnosed with essential hypertension fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in study using consecutive non-probability sampling after taking informed consent. Patients were allocated to either telmisartan or atenolol group by using a table of random numbers. Follow up of patients was carried out in 4 visits with recording of sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures

Results: Among total of 180 patients, 60% were females and 40% were males. Majority were between age group 56-75 years. Reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures at the end of eight weeks was significantly greater with telmisartan as compared to atenolol [p-value=0.000 and 0.016 respectively]

Conclusion: At the end of eight weeks of treatment, telmisartan was more effective than atenolol in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Comparison between the efficacy of pregabalin and amitriptyline in alleviating pain associated with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective: To compare the efficacy of pregabalin and amitriptyline in alleviating pain associated with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy [PDPN]. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Pakistan Naval Ship [PNS] Shifa Karachi, from May 2014 to Nov 2014

Material and Methods: Six hundred and sixty patients [330 in each group] with PDPN fulfilling the inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized into groups A and B through consecutive non-probability sampling. Baseline pain scores on visual analogue scale [VAS] from 0-10 were recorded. Group-A was given pregabalin and group-B was given amitriptyline. Response was assessed after 6 weeks using VAS. A reduction of >50% on VAS was labeled efficacious

Results: Out of 660 patients, 46.36% [n=153] in group-A and 57.88% [n=191] in group-B had effective relief of pain whereas 53.64% [n=177] in group-A and 42.12% [n=139] in group-B had persistent pain. A p-value was calculated as 0.003

Conclusion: Amitriptyline was significantly more effective for alleviation of pain associated with PDPN when compared with pregabalin

Efficacy of Vitamin D supplementation in achieving an early sputum conversion in smear positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective: To determine the efficacy of Vitamin D supplementation in achieving an early sputum conversion in vitamin D deficient smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done at Mayo hospital Lahore from November 2015 to August 2016. One hundred twenty patients with sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis were selected and randomized to Group-A [taking anti-tuberculous therapy [ATT] only] and Group-B [taking ATT with Vitamin D supplementation]. Four doses of100,000 IU of Vitamin D injection intramuscularly were given after every 14 days during intensive-phase. Sputum examination was repeated at 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th weeks. Efficacy of treatment in terms of early sputum conversion between both groups was tested using Chi square and independent sample t-test was applied to compare mean values of serum vitamin D before and after treatment. P-value . 0.05 was considered as significant

Results: The mean age of patients was 37.18 +/- 6.81 years in Group-A and 39.02 +/- 7.56 years in Group-B. There were 63 [52.50%] males and 57 [47.50%] females. The mean serum Vitamin D was 17.07 +/- 1.44 in Group-A and 17.23 +/- 2.37 in Group-B at baseline and at 12th week, the levels were 21.77 +/- 2.23 in Group-A and 29.24 +/- 0.72 in Group-B. In Group-A, 7 [11.7%] patients showed positive sputum examination and in Group-B, only one [1.7%] patient had positive sputum examination at 12th week. The difference was statistically significant [p-value= 0.028]

Conclusion: Four doses of intramuscular vitamin D given after every 14 days corrected vitamin D deficiency and improved the rate of sputum smear conversion in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis

Periodontal parameters in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-diabetic patients

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic periodontal parameters in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and non-diabetic patients. Forty-one patients with prediabetes (Group 1), 43 patients with T2DM (Group 2), and 41 controls (Group 3) were included. Demographic data were recorded using a questionnaire. Full-mouth clinical (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD], clinical attachment loss [CAL], missing teeth [MT]) and radiographic (marginal bone loss [MBL]) parameters were measured on digital radiographs. In all groups, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were also measured. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean age and HbA1c levels of participants in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 53.4±3.5, 60.1 ± 0.6, and 56.6 ± 2.5 years and 6.1%, 8.4%, and 4.8%, respectively. The mean duration of prediabetes and T2DM in patients from Groups 1 and 2 were 1.9 ± 0.3 and 3.1 ± 0.5 years, respectively. PI, BOP, PD, MT, CAL, and MBL were significantly higher in Groups 1 (p < 0.05) and 2 (p < 0.05) than in Group 3. There was no statistically significant difference in these parameters in Groups 1 and 2. Periodontal parameters were worse between prediabetes and T2DM patients compared with controls; however, these parameters were comparable between prediabetes and T2DM patients.

Pharmacological evaluation of smooth muscle relaxant and cardiac-modulation potential of Phyla nodiflora in ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments

Objective To investigate the pharmacological basis of its uses of Phyla nodiflora (P. nodiflora) for the treatment of anomalies predominantly by smooth muscle containing tissues such as gastrointestinal/vascular/broncho spasm and cardiovascular modulation. Methods The crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. nodiflora (Pn.Cr) and its fractions were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat trachea, aorta and atrium. To access the contractile or relaxant effects of testing materials, the tissues were mounted in isolated organ bath and responses were recorded with transducers coupled with data acquisition system. BALB/c mice were challenged with castor oil for the assessment of in-vivo antidiarrheal activity. Normotensive rats were used for in-vivo hypotensive study. Results Hydroalcoholic extract of Pn.Cr at variable concentrations inhibited the natural spontaneous rhythm and 80 mmol/L K

Pharmacological evaluation of smooth muscle relaxant and cardiac-modulation potential of Phyla nodiflora in ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacological basis of its uses of Phyla nodiflora (P. nodiflora) for the treatment of anomalies predominantly by smooth muscle containing tissues such as gastrointestinal/vascular/broncho spasm and cardiovascular modulation.@*METHODS@#The crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. nodiflora (Pn.Cr) and its fractions were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat trachea, aorta and atrium. To access the contractile or relaxant effects of testing materials, the tissues were mounted in isolated organ bath and responses were recorded with transducers coupled with data acquisition system. BALB/c mice were challenged with castor oil for the assessment of in-vivo antidiarrheal activity. Normotensive rats were used for in-vivo hypotensive study.@*RESULTS@#Hydroalcoholic extract of Pn.Cr at variable concentrations inhibited the natural spontaneous rhythm and 80 mmol/L K mediated contractions in isolated segment of jejunum with EC values of 3.18 and 1.91 mg/mL respectively. Verapamil, a Ca channel blocker, demonstrated akin pattern in jejunum and therefore possibly suggesting calcium blocking activity. On isolated rat tracheal tissue, Pn.Cr showed relaxation of high-K and carbachol mediated contractions (EC values: 1.24 and 2.42 mg/mL). Pn.Cr treatment relaxed the rat aortic ring in a cumulative doses with high-K and phenylephrine-induced contractions (EC values 0.25 and 0.92 mg/mL). Activity based fractionation of Pn.Cr showed that dichloromethane fraction was more potent for relaxing the tissues spasm compared to aqueous fraction. In-vivo experiments, significant protection by Pn.Cr (P < 0.05) was observed in castor oil-induced diarrhea (50-500 mg/kg) whereas hypotensive effect in anesthetized rats was seen at the dose range of 1-10 mg/kg of Pn.Cr (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#This study suggests the blockage of calcium channel in the smooth muscles as a pharmacological application to make usage of P. nodiflora in the management of diarrhea, asthma and hypotensive effect.