Diabetes Risk Score in Indian Population: Experience from Central India

Introduction: Diabetes is a major health problem in the world causing significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, 77 million people in India and 463 million people are living with diabetes across the world, and this number is expected to rise to 101 million in India and 578 million globally by 2030. The key to reduce the morbidity and mortality is early diagnosis and management. The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has developed an Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) to identify people who are at risk of developing diabetes or are undiagnosed. Thus, we conducted a study to calculate the IDRS of people from Central India and identify those who are at risk of getting diabetes. Methods: A total of 1,500 patients or attendants, aged 18 to 60 years (mean age 41.2 years), visiting the Endocrinology clinic, and not diagnosed with diabetes earlier were included in the study after taking proper consent and IDRS was calculated. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 914:586. The mean IDRS was 51.29 in our population with 35.93%, 18.2% and 45.87% of screened subjects having a score of <30, 30-60 and ?60, respectively. Conclusion: Forty-five percent people of the population was at high risk of diabetes as estimated by IDRS, which proved to be an effective and economical tool to identify persons at increased risk of diabetes and diagnose the undiagnosed cases and start early management to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Stroke � Next Wave of Complications from COVID-19

Since the declaration of COVID-19 infection as Pandemic in March, 2020, There has been rise in Multisystem Complications apart from regular Acute Respiratory Syndrome which is hallmark of COVID-19 infection. As the second wave surge of COVID-19 has occurred, most of the patients already suffered from dyspnoea but also rare complications like CVA (Infarct and Haemorrhage) , Seizure and altered sensorium related to Hypoxic Brain Injury. COVID-19 frequently presents with a state of altered coagulability which increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and other Thrombotic events such as Cerebrovascular events. This case report is limited to Neurological complications seen in COVID-19 Infected patients

Efficacy of dorzolamide in improving ocular blood flow in patients with open-angle glaucoma: The Indian carbonic anhydrase inhibitor trial

Purpose: Impaired ocular blood flow is an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of open?angle glaucoma (OAG). Studies have reported that dorzolamide 2% may be effective in improving ocular blood flow (OBF) in OAG patients. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of dorzolamide 2% (DORZOX, Cipla Ltd.) in improving retrobulbar blood flow in an Indian setting. Methods: The study was conducted as an interventional pilot project in 24 healthy subjects and 19 OAG patients. Baseline OBF measurements were done for all glaucoma patients with color Doppler imaging (CDI). Baseline ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) was calculated for all participants. Glaucoma patients were given dorzolamide 2% thrice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoints were mean changes in the CDI parameters of the retrobulbar vessels and OPP posttreatment. The secondary endpoint was mean change in the intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events, if any. Results: In comparison to healthy subjects, glaucoma patients displayed significantly reduced baseline OPP (P = 0.002). Treatment with dorzolamide 2% for 12 weeks led to a significant increase in OPP (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in end diastolic velocity (EDV) in all major ophthalmic arteries like ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA) (P < 0.001, P = 0.04, and P = 0.0075, respectively). A significant reduction in the intraocular pressure (IOP; P = 0.007) was observed posttreatment, with no adverse events reported. Conclusion: Dorzolamide 2% significantly improved parameters such as the EDV and OPP in major ophthalmic arteries. This pilot study shows promising results on using dorzolamide for treating Indian patients with OAG

Diabetes Risk Score in Indian Population: Experience from Central India

Introduction: Diabetes is a major health problem in the world causing significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, 77 million people in India and 463 million people are living with diabetes across the world, and this number is expected to rise to 101 million in India and 578 million globally by 2030. The key to reduce the morbidity and mortality is early diagnosis and management. The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has developed an Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) to identify people who are at risk of developing diabetes or are undiagnosed. Thus, we conducted a study to calculate the IDRS of people from Central India and identify those who are at risk of getting diabetes. Methods: A total of 1,500 patients or attendants, aged 18 to 60 years (mean age 41.2 years), visiting the Endocrinology clinic, and not diagnosed with diabetes earlier were included in the study after taking proper consent and IDRS was calculated. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 914:586. The mean IDRS was 51.29 in our population with 35.93%, 18.2% and 45.87% of screened subjects having a score of <30, 30-60 and ?60, respectively. Conclusion: Forty-five percent people of the population was at high risk of diabetes as estimated by IDRS, which proved to be an effective and economical tool to identify persons at increased risk of diabetes and diagnose the undiagnosed cases and start early management to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Rare Possible Complications : Pneumothorax and Subcutaneous Emphysema In COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) caused by a newly emergent Coronavirus, that was first recognized in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Genetic sequencing of the virus suggests that it is a Beta Coronavirus closely linked to the SARS virus1. By the end of 2019, several cases of Pneumonia with unknown aetiology were reported in Wuhan, China2-5. Most cases progressed to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)2. As the second wave surge of COVID-19 has occurred, most of the patients already suffered from dyspnoea but rare complications also seen more frequently in respiratory presentation. Cases of Pneumothorax and Subcutaneous emphysema is not seen frequently in COVID-19 patients so far. Here we are presenting two unusual complications in COVID-19 patients of our COVID facility. The possibility of spontaneous Pneumothorax/Tension Pneumothorax should be kept in differential diagnosis in COVID-19 patient presented with severe breathlessness and on higher settings of Non-invasive ventilation and on higher respiratory assistance can cause Subcutaneous emphysema

COVID and Women’s Health in India

Background : COVID-19 disease surfaced in Wuhan in December, 2019 and rapidly spread in the World as a pandemic (March, 2020) Till date (10 August) COVID-19 has affected 20 million people. Many women have delivered and many conceived during this time. Till date very few adverse effects and vertical transmission is observed. WHO later changed the terminology to SARS-COV-2 and removed ’19’ from the name. Material and Method : We studied Maternal and Perinatal outcome of COVID confirmed pregnancies and the effects of CORONA infections on Women’s Health. Results : Most of the patients were asymptomatic. Majority 80% cases of our cases were delivered by Cesarean Section. Cesarean Section was done for Obstetric reasons along with early consideration due to COVID concerns. Meconium Stained Liquor and Fetal Distress was the indication of Cesarean in 14% cases. Previous Cesarean Sections was a major cause of repeat cesarean in our study. Preterm labour was reported in only one case of Twin Pregnancies. Premature Rupture of Membranes was not seen in any of the pregnancies. Maternal and Fetal outcome were favorable with only few cases of mild to moderate Pneumonia in mothers. Most of the women were psychological disturbed due to the Lockdown and had unwanted pregnancy (due to lack of contraceptive availability), domestic violence and also family disputes and child beating were reported by many in the survey. Due to lack of Medical Services by the GP’s and the friendly small Obstetrics Gynaecology clinics (closed due to Lockdown) small problems got aggravated and a lot of these women one now coming up with Anemia, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Fibroids, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), Endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Cervical Crosiers, Vaginitis, Obesity etc. Conclusion : Coronavirus infection in pregnancy did not adversely affect the pregnancy and has a benign course. Pregnant women are not at higher risk of developing Pneumonia compared to non pregnant women. There is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage or foetal losses with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. But SARS-COV2 disease a lot of other Gynaecological problems and adversely affected Women’s Health.

Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for 10 mm or Larger Nonpedunculated Colorectal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims@#Recent studies have reported the favorable outcomes of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) for colorectal polyps. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of UEMR for nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 mm. @*Methods@#We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (through May 2020) to identify studies reporting the outcomes of UEMR for ≥10 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps. The assessed outcomes were recurrence rate on the first follow-up, en bloc resection, incomplete resection, and adverse events after UEMR. @*Results@#A total of 1276 polyps from 16 articles were included in our study. The recurrence rate was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3–12) and 5.9% (95% CI, 3.6–9.4) for nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 and ≥20 mm, respectively. For nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 mm, the en bloc resection, R0 resection, and incomplete resection rates were 57.7% (95% CI, 42.4–71.6), 58.9% (95% CI, 42.4–73.6), and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8–2.6), respectively. The rates of pooled adverse events, intraprocedural bleeding, and delayed bleeding were 7.0%, 5.4%, and 2.9%, respectively. The rate of perforation and postpolypectomy syndrome was 0.8%. @*Conclusions@#Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that UEMR for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps ≥10 mm is safe and effective with a low rate of recurrence.

Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for 10 mm or Larger Nonpedunculated Colorectal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims@#Recent studies have reported the favorable outcomes of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) for colorectal polyps. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of UEMR for nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 mm. @*Methods@#We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (through May 2020) to identify studies reporting the outcomes of UEMR for ≥10 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps. The assessed outcomes were recurrence rate on the first follow-up, en bloc resection, incomplete resection, and adverse events after UEMR. @*Results@#A total of 1276 polyps from 16 articles were included in our study. The recurrence rate was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3–12) and 5.9% (95% CI, 3.6–9.4) for nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 and ≥20 mm, respectively. For nonpedunculated polyps ≥10 mm, the en bloc resection, R0 resection, and incomplete resection rates were 57.7% (95% CI, 42.4–71.6), 58.9% (95% CI, 42.4–73.6), and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8–2.6), respectively. The rates of pooled adverse events, intraprocedural bleeding, and delayed bleeding were 7.0%, 5.4%, and 2.9%, respectively. The rate of perforation and postpolypectomy syndrome was 0.8%. @*Conclusions@#Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that UEMR for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps ≥10 mm is safe and effective with a low rate of recurrence.

Evaluation of mineral status in hypothyroidism in a tertiary care centre

Background: Hypothyroidism is known to be the commonest form of endocrine disorders and has been linked with disturbances in various minerals metabolism. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium and trace element zinc are required for many enzymes in various metabolic pathways which are directly or indirectly regulated by thyroid hormones. Aim and objectives of the study was to estimate serum zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in hypothyroid patients, with the objectives to evaluate any relationship with TSH and to compare them with euthyroid controls.Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study included 50 hypothyroid subjects with TSH levels >4.5 mcg IU/mL and 50 euthyroid subjects of 20-50 years in RMCH, Bareilly. TSH was estimated by ECLIA, serum calcium and phosphorus were estimated by autoanalyzer and serum zinc & magnesium by the kit method using semi autoanalyzer. All the biochemical parameters were expressed as median with Interquartile Range (IQR). Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare the parameters of cases and control. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient 2-tailed was used to correlate the parameters among the cases.Results: A significantly decreased level of serum calcium and increased level of serum magnesium and phosphorus were observed in hypothyroid cases. A significant negative correlation between TSH and serum calcium while a significant positive correlation of serum magnesium and phosphorus with TSH was observed.Conclusions: The indexed study indicates the significant effect of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism over the mineral status of the body which may have inconsistent effect over the various metabolism and enzymes and thereby clinical manifestations.

Application of Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Hector Battifora Mesothelial-1 (HBME-1) immunohistochemical markers in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma of the thyroid

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy accounting for >90% of malignancies of endocrine glands. The inter and intraobserver variation in the histomorphological diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas may sometimes pose a diagnostic difficulty. Application of IHC biomarkers may play an active or complementary role in their accurate classification. Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate if HBME-1 and TPO immunohistochemical analysis can reliably differentiate papillary carcinomas from other thyroid lesions. Material and Methods: 50 cases of benign and malignant thyroid lesions were taken. Immunohistochemical staining for HBME-1 and TPO was performed. HBME-1 and TPO score was interpreted as absent and positive. Medical records were retrieved and their clinical data, surgical treatment, and pathological findings were noted. Results: Out of 50 cases, 19 (73.1%) cases were diagnosed PTC, 4 (15.4%) cases were FTC, 3(11.5%) cases were of MTC and 24 cases of benign thyroid lesions. TPO expression was found positive in 91.7% of cases of Benign thyroid lesions. In malignant thyroid lesions, negative expression of TPO was seen in 63.16%, 0% and 33.33% of PTC, FCT, and MCT respectively. HBME-1 showed negative expression in 83.3% of cases of benign thyroid lesions. Whereas, in malignant thyroid lesion HBME-1 expression was positive in 78.95%, 50% and 0% cases of PTC, FCT, and MCT respectively. Conclusion: Testing for expression of HBME-1 has been shown to improve the diagnostic accuracy for thyroid malignant nodules. The combination of HBME-1, and TPO may contribute to an accurate diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the future of artificial intelligence in oral radiology in India: A survey

Purpose@#This study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the future of artificial intelligence (AI) for radiological diagnosis among dental specialists in central India. @*Materials and Methods@#An online survey was conducted consisting of 15 closed-ended questions using Google Forms and circulated among dental professionals in central India. The survey consisted of questions regarding participants’ recognition of and attitudes toward AI, their opinions on directions of AI development, and their perceptions regarding the future of AI in oral radiology. @*Results@#Of the 250 participating dentists, 68% were already familiar with the concept of AI, 69% agreed that they expect to use AI for making dental diagnoses, 51% agreed that the major function of AI would be the interpretation of complicated radiographic scans, and 63% agreed that AI would have a future in India. @*Conclusion@#This study concluded that dental specialists were well aware of the concept of AI, that AI programs could be used as an adjunctive tool by dentists to increasing their diagnostic precision when interpreting radiographs, and that AI has a promising role in radiological diagnosis.

An infant with a palatal fistula secondary to Candida infection

Candida osteomyelitis affecting maxillofacial bones has been scantly documented in the literature. Infantile osteomyelitis is an uncommon and life-threatening disease. Candida osteomyelitis causes significant morbidity. The present report describes a case of a 9-month-old infant with infantile osteomyelitis secondary to Candida infection. This report describes its presentation and the management of palatal fistula in an infant.

Effectiveness of Mobilization with Exercise V/S Mulligan Internal Rotation MWM with Stretching in Patient with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit

Background: The glenohumeral joint consists of dynamic and static stabilizer, which works, in concert to allow for stability and mobility through a large arc of motion, in recent years there has been significant focus on shoulder motion, particularly in overhead throwing athletes. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD) are common physical impairments in evaluated both adolescent and overhead sports such as baseball, cricket, and tennis. Therefore the aim of the study firstly was to determine the effectiveness of mobilization with exercise in patients with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and secondly to determine whether mulligan internal rotation MWM with stretching in patients with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. Materials and methods: 60 patients were included in the study which was divided into two groups; Group A and Group B, 30 patients in each group. All the subjects were randomly selected and assigned to each group. A pretest measurement with the help of two measures - Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSI) for disability, and inclinometer for an internal range of motion shoulder was Sreenivasu Kotagiri, Anup Kumar Songa, Mayuri Vijay Gad, Jaideep Lad. Effectiveness of Mobilization with Exercise V/S Mulligan Internal Rotation MWM with Stretching in Patient with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit. IAIM, 2018; 5(5): 138-145. Page 139 done in each group. Subjects in Group-A were given mobilizations with stabilization exercise for capsule for a total of 12 minutes a minimum of 4 times per week over a 4-week period and Group-B were given mulligan mobilization with Posterior Capsule Stretching As follows, 1st day 3 glides, 2 nd day 3 sets of six glides, 3rd day 3 sets of 10 glides were given and 4th day again 3 sets of 10 was given. A patient who failed to come for 4 days with stretching performed 3–5 repetitions each repetition was held for 30 seconds, four days a week for four weeks total 16 sessions. Results: On comparing Group A and Group B for post-treatment OSI score, results showed a significant difference (p=0.001) in improvement in terms of OSI. On comparing Group A and Group B for post-treatment inclinometer score, results showed a significant difference in improvement in terms of the inclinometer. This study showed that Mulligan MWM along with stretching exercises was more effective to that patient as compared to mobilization with strengthening exercises given to a patient with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. Conclusion: The study showed a significant difference between both the groups when the values obtained were analysed. It indicated that Group B in Range mulligan mobilization with Posterior Capsule Stretching of Motion in internal rotation and external rotation. Their scores in Index Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSI) have reduced which indicates the decreased level of disability and better functional ability.

Diagnostic accuracy of CT scan in diagnosing paranasal fungal infection

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT scan in detecting paranasal sinus fungal infections

Study Design: Cross-sectional, observational study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Radiology, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, from April to September 2014

Methodology: Patients with clinical suspicion of fungal sinusitis were included in this study. Patients with already diagnosed or history of recurrent fungal infections were excluded. All these patients underwent CT scan examination of paranasal sinuses. Findings were recorded. Final diagnosis was based on smear analysis for fungal culture. Accuracy analysis was conducted for CT diagnosis using smear analysis as the gold standard. Kappa analysis was conducted to determine agreement

Results: Out of the 120 patients, 71 [59%] were male. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CT were 96.19%, 93.33%, 99.01%, 77.77%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 95.83%. Kappa statistics showed 82% agreement beyond chance

Conclusion: CT scan is highly accurate in diagnosing and characterizing fungal infection of paranasal sinuses. It also determines the extent of disease which eventually aids in deciding the surgical approach to be used

Evaluation of plasma reactive oxygen metabolites levels in obese subjects with periodontal disease.

Background: Obesity represents the systemic condition capable of influencing the onset and progression of periodontal disease. Obesity is associated with oxidative stress. Plasma level of reactive oxidative metabolites (ROMs) is measured as an indicator of oxidative stress in the body. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the plasma ROM levels in obese subjects with healthy and inflammatory periodontal status. Materials and Methods: Sixty subjects selected were grouped as 15 obese or overweight subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis, 15 obese or overweight subjects with generalized chronic gingivitis, 15 obese or overweight subjects with healthy periodontium, and 15 nonobese and healthy periodontium. The clinical periodontal parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured. Blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma levels of ROM. Result and Conclusion: In this study, obese subjects with chronic periodontitis (Group I) had mean plasma ROM levels (442.3 ± 15.65 Carratelli unit [CARR U]) showing 100% subjects with high oxidative stress. Obese subjects with chronic gingivitis (Group II) had mean plasma ROM levels (358.7 ± 20.61 CARR U) indicating 86.7% subjects with oxidative stress. Obese subjects with healthy periodontium (Group III) had 46.7% subjects with slight oxidative stress, and the mean ROM level was 320.2 ± 17.57. Nonobese subjects with healthy periodontium (Group IV) had 80% of subjects with normal oxidative stress and the mean plasma ROM level was 296.9 ± 20.35 CARR U. The intra‑ and inter‑group comparison showed significant difference (P < 0.001). From our study, we report that obese subjects with periodontitis have more oxidative stress compared to obese subjects with healthy periodontium.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography [CT] in patients with neck and mediastinal lymphoma and correlate with gold standard histopathology results

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Computed Tomography [CT] in patients with neck and mediastinal lymphoma and correlate with gold standard histopathology results. Period: This study was conducted during six months period extended from March 2013 to September 2013. Setting: Department of diagnostic radiology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi

Methodology: A total of 366 patients presenting with sign and symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss or having any swelling in the cervical region were included and CT was performed; regardless of scan result suggestive of either presence or absence of lymphoma; patients were followed and histopathological findings of each patient was collected and recorded on Performa. Other demographic variables were also obtained and data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] -17

Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value as well as accuracy of computed tomography in the detection of neck andmediastinal lymphoma were found to be 75%, 89.9%, 59.2, 94.8% and 87.4% respectively. For patients with 10 months duration of disease, the accuracy of CT scan was observed as 84.7% and 93.6% respectively

Conclusion: CT scan is cross-section modality of choice for evaluating patients with suspected malignant tumors. CT is readily available and has high accuracy in distinguishing a mass compared with other tumors

Role of CT- scan in assessment of anatomical variants of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

Objective: To evaluate the role of CT scan of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in preoperative assessment of anatomical variants and in determining their frequencies

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was done as a part of residency training for FCPS in the subject of Radiology on 132 patients who visited the hospital, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation [SIUT] from March 2012 to April 2013. All CT scans were reviewed for presence of concha bullosa, variations of uncinate process, haller cell, onodi cells, aggernasi cells, ethmoid bulla, paradoxical middle turbinate, deviated nasal septum [DNS], pneumatization in the nasal septum, superior and middle turbinate, and uncinate process. Frequencies of all anatomical variants were calculated using SPSS version 16

Results: Deviated nasal septum was found to be the most frequent variant 31% followed by Concha bullosa 18.9% and variations in uncinate process 12%. Rhino sinusitis was found in all cases with paradoxical medial turbinate and patients with variation in uncinate process

Conclusion: CT scan can play an important role in preoperative assessment of variants and in determining their frequencies in nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It could be of great help for surgical planning and minimizing the surgical complications in patients

Effect of preservatives, temperature and storage duration on stability of nucleic acids of pleopod tissues of Penaeus vannamei (Boone) and screening of viral infections.

In shrimp farming, screening for economically significant viral pathogens in nucleic acids of shrimps is vital for disease surveillance programmes and further, to take necessary precautions to ensure the sustainability of the farms and thereby the shrimp industry. Different preservatives, temperature and storage durations of the pleopod tissues of Penaeus vannamei broodstock were tested to investigate its effect on the quality and quantity of the nucleic acids. The pleopods were subjected to two preservation regimes and the yield and stability of the extracted nucleic acids were monitored over a time period of 12 months. Stability of the nucleic acids was assessed with nested polymerase chain reaction, and the yield was checked spectrophotometrically. Data was analysed by performing two way ANOVA and Tukeys Paired test. Preservation treatments included storage at −20°C and 5°C in RNAlaterTM and in 70 % ethanol. Significant variation (P<0.05) was observed in both DNA and RNA yield and stability from ethanol and RNAlaterTM stored pleopods at 5°C. However, the yield and stability did not differ (P >0.05) in both the preservatives at −20°C. The RNA was degraded and yielded lesser quantity when pleopod tissues were stored in ethanol at −20°C than when stored in RNAlaterTM during storage duration of 9 months. This study would help the shrimp farmers and researchers to adopt better preservation strategy, vital for shrimp disease surveillance programmes and for traceability studies in the event of any disease outbreak.

Defensins in periodontal health.

Defensins are abundant and widely distributed peptides in human and animal tissues that are involved in host defence. Defensins not only have the ability to strengthen the innate immune system but can also enhance the adaptive immune system by chemotaxis of monocytes, T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells and mast cells to the infection site. Defensins also improves the capacity of macrophage phagocytosis. A greater understanding of how these peptides act in the healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis conditions would definitely open new opportunities for identifica¬tion, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. This discussion focuses on recent studies about biological function of defensins in human diseases and animal models.