Current status and future prospects of bacilli-based vector control

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and Zika contribute significantly to health problems of developing as well as developed nations. Vector control is central to control of vector borne diseases. In the last four-five decades, biological control methods have been inducted in the integrated vector management strategy, advocated nationally as well as globally by the World Health Organization. Currently, biological control of vectors is globally acknowledged as the best available strategy in the wake of growing concerns about vector resistance as well as adverse effects of insecticides on the environment and non-target fauna co-inhabiting the same ecological niches as vectors. In India and elsewhere, efforts are ongoing to screen newer isolates to bring forth new biolarvicidal products of public health importance. In this review, by carrying out extensive literature survey, we discuss advances thus far and the prospects of bacilli-based control of vectors and vector borne diseases.

Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Comparison to Steroid for the Management of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Planter fasciitis is an injury of unknown origin in more than 80% cases. It affects quality of life as well as daily activity of the patients. Various surgical procedures, autologous blood and steroid injection also have been applied without constant success. Platelets rich plasma have been found effective in various orthopedically disorders like osteoarthritis, tennis elbow etc. That is why the present study was designed to compare the efficacy of platelets rich plasma injections and steroidal injections for the treatment of planter fasciitis. Methods: The present interventional study was conducted fromJuly 2016 to June 2018. Study population was divided into groups. Group I included patients (n=40) of a single ultra sound guided platelets rich plasma injection whereas, group II contained patients (n=40) with a single ultra sound guided depomedrol 40 mg injection. Scores of VAS and AOFAS were recorded at the initial level and follow ups after the injections. Follow up examinations were done at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Results: There was a significant improvement in mean VAS scores of platelet rich plasma group patients (1.8) compare to corticosteroid injection group patients (3.4) after one year of the treatment. However, results showed that steroids failed to show long term decrease in VAS score (p<0.05). Mean AOFAS was significantly increased (64.4) in the steroid group at 6wks as in comparison of platelet rich plasma group (52.2). Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed that improvement in steroid group was faster but benefits were lost in longer run. In contrast, platelets rich plasma was more effective in sustaining the long term beneficial effects.

Monitoring effects of atenolol versus olmesartan medoxomil on metabolic parameters

Background: The increase in CVS morbidity and mortality could be significantly reduced by control of SBP and DBP, as well as reduction in Hyperlipidemia.Methods: The patients of stage-1 HTN with either sex according to JNC VII criteria were included and were followed up every 2 weeks from baseline upto 12 weeks. The randomized patients were divided into two groups to receive beta blocker viz. Atenolol 50 mg (group A, N=50) and ARB Olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg (group B, N=50).Results: The average Total cholesterol measured among Group A subjects was significantly increased by 1.8% by the end of 12th week whereas the average cholesterol measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was reduced by 7.9% after 12 weeks therapy. The average HDL measured among Group A subjects at baseline period significantly reduces by 5.9% by the end of 12th week whereas the HDL levels measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by after 12 weeks therapy. The average Triglyceride (TG) levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 12.4% by the end of 12th week whereas the Triglyceride (TG) levels measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 9.5% after 12 weeks therapy. The average LDL levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 1.5% by the end of 12thweek whereas the average LDL measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 11.2% to after 12 weeks therapy. The average VLDL levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 12.4% by the end of 12th week whereas the average VLDL measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 9.5% after 12 weeks therapy.Conclusions: ARB- Olmesartan medoxomil is a better drug than beta blocker-Atenolol as it leads to greater deduction in lipid profile.

Phase 4, Post-Marketing Safety Surveillance of the MF59-Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccines FLUAD® and VANTAFLU® in South Korean Subjects Aged ≥65 Years

BACKGROUD: Influenza vaccination is recommended for adults aged ≥65 years as they are at high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. This open-label, multicenter, post-marketing surveillance study assessed the safety of the MF59-adjuvanted trivalent inactivated subunit influenza vaccine, which is marketed as FLUAD® and VANTAFLU®, in South Korean subjects aged ≥65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs) were collected from day 1 to 4 of the study. All unsolicited AEs and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded from day 1 until study termination (day 29). RESULTS: Of the 770 subjects enrolled (FLUAD®, n = 389; VANTAFLU®, n = 381), 39% overall experienced any solicited AE. Local AEs were reported by 33% of subjects overall; with the most common events being injection-site pain (30%) and tenderness (27%). Systemic AEs were reported by 19% of subjects overall with the most common events being myalgia (11%) and fatigue (8%). CONCLUSION: These results show that the MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine known as FLUAD® or VANTAFLU® had acceptable safety profiles in older adults (aged ≥65 years) in South Korea.

Phase 4, Post-Marketing Safety Surveillance of the MF59-Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccines FLUAD® and VANTAFLU® in South Korean Subjects Aged ≥65 Years

BACKGROUD: Influenza vaccination is recommended for adults aged ≥65 years as they are at high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. This open-label, multicenter, post-marketing surveillance study assessed the safety of the MF59-adjuvanted trivalent inactivated subunit influenza vaccine, which is marketed as FLUAD® and VANTAFLU®, in South Korean subjects aged ≥65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs) were collected from day 1 to 4 of the study. All unsolicited AEs and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded from day 1 until study termination (day 29). RESULTS: Of the 770 subjects enrolled (FLUAD®, n = 389; VANTAFLU®, n = 381), 39% overall experienced any solicited AE. Local AEs were reported by 33% of subjects overall; with the most common events being injection-site pain (30%) and tenderness (27%). Systemic AEs were reported by 19% of subjects overall with the most common events being myalgia (11%) and fatigue (8%). CONCLUSION: These results show that the MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine known as FLUAD® or VANTAFLU® had acceptable safety profiles in older adults (aged ≥65 years) in South Korea.

In vivo antianxiety and antidepressant activity of Murraya paniculata leaf extracts / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Different parts of Murraya paniculata have been used traditionally for treating several ailments including mental disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant potential of M. paniculata leaves using elevated plus maze model and forced swim test, respectively.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Extracts of M. paniculata made with petroleum ether (60-80 °C), chloroform, ethanol and water were evaluated for antianxiety and antidepressant activity. The anxiolytic chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography, yielding five fractions (F-F). Fraction F(100 mg/kg), which showed notable anxiolytic activity, was further chromatographed to get four subfractions (F-F). Simultaneously, the ethanol extract was partitioned with ethyl acetate to obtain ethyl acetate soluble fraction (EASF) and ethyl acetate insoluble fraction. Phytochemical screening of bioactive extracts/fractions and detection of mahanimbine in M. paniculata leaf extract by thin-layer chromatography was also carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fraction F(25 mg/kg) and EASF (20 mg/kg) showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity, respectively. Thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening demonstrated the absence of mahanimbine in M. paniculata leaves. Coumarins were observed to be responsible for the anxiolytic activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results validate the traditional use of M. paniculata leaves in the treatment of mental disorders.</p>

Prevalence and determinants of depression among elderly persons in a rural community from northern India.

Background. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Elderly persons are more vulnerable to depression. We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of depression, and to study the association of depression with sociodemographic and clinical variables among elderly persons in a rural community. Methods. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 395 randomly selected elderly persons aged 60 years and above in a rural area of Ballabgarh, Haryana, India. The participants were screened by using the Geriatric Depression Scale, and diagnosis was confirmed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Multivariate analysis was done for independent predictors of depression. Results. The prevalence of depression was 11.4% (95% CI 8.6%–14.9%). Living in a nuclear family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.98, 95% CI 3.40–23.71), lack of physical activity (AOR 4.95, 95% CI 2.00–12.27), whole-time involvement in household work (AOR 4.47, 95% CI 1.18–16.93), presence of two or more chronic diseases (AOR 4.45, 95% CI 1.60–12.35), having no role in family decision-making (AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.19–6.42), sleep problems in past one year (AOR 2.97, 95% CI 1.32–6.69) and bilateral hearing impairment (AOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.80–8.88) were factors associated with depression in elderly persons. Conclusions. Depression is common among elderly persons in rural areas. Individuals providing healthcare to elderly persons need to be trained to identify depression and take appropriate action; elderly persons with chronic diseases and hearing impairment deserve special attention. Natl Med J India 2016;29:129–35

Mirtazapine in Paroxetine Induced Hyper-prolactinemic Galactorrhoea

No abstract available.

Copy number polymorphism of glutathione-S-transferase genes (GSTM1 & GSTT1) in susceptibility to lung cancer in a high-risk population from north-east India.

Background & objectives: Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione-S-transferase genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) have been studied intensively for their potential role in lung cancer susceptibility. However, most of the studies on association between the polymorphisms and lung cancer do not distinguish between genotypes with one or two copies of the genes. The present study investigates the gene dosage effects of GSTT1 and GSTM1 copy number and their environmental interactions to examine the association of lung cancer risk with trimodular genotypes of the GSTs in a high-risk population from north-east India. Methods: A total of 154 lung cancer cases and 154 age and sex matched controls from the high risk region of north-east India were analyzed by multiplex real-time PCR to determine the trimodal genotypes (+/+, +/- and -/-) in both the genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1). Results: No significant association and gene dosage effect of GSTM1 gene copy number with lung cancer risk (Ptrend=0.13) were found. However, absence of GSTT1 conferred 68 per cent (OR=0.32;95%CI=0.15-0.71;P=0.005) reduced risk compared to the two copy number of the gene. tThere was evidence of gene dosage effect of GSTT1 gene (Ptrend=0.006). Tobacco smoking was a major environmental risk factor to lung cancer (OR=3.03;95%CI=1.73-5.31;P<0.001). However, its interaction with null genotype of GSTT1 conferred significant reduced risk to lung cancer (OR=0.30;95%CI=0.10-0.91;P=0.03). Further in only tobacco smokers, null genotype was associated with increased reduced risk [0.03(0.001-0.78)0.03; Ptrend=0.006]. No effect modification of GSTM1 was observed with lung cancer risk by environmental risk factors. Interpretation & conclusions: The results suggest that absence of GSTT1 null genotype may be associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer and the effect remains unchanged after interaction with smoking.

Multiple unilateral variations in medial and lateral cords of brachial plexus and their branches / 대한해부학회지

During routine dissection of the upper extremity of an adult male cadaver, multiple variations in branches of medial and lateral cords of brachial plexus were encountered. Three unique findings were observed. First, intercordal neural communications between the lateral and medial cords were observed. Second, two lateral pectoral nerves and one medial pectoral nerve were seen to arise from the lateral and medial cord respectively. The musculocutaneous nerve did not pierce the coracobrachialis. Finally, the ulnar nerve arose by two roots from the medial cord. Knowledge of such variations is of interest to anatomists, radiologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. The aim of our study is to provide additional information about abnormal brachial plexus and its clinical implications.

Molecular Characterization of Gastrothylax crumenifer (Platyhelminthes: Gastrothylacidae) from Goats in the Western Part of India by LSU of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA

The rumen parasite, Gastrothylax crumenifer (Platyhelminthes: Gastrothylacidae), is a highly pathogenic trematode parasite of goat (Capra hircus). It sucks blood that causes acute disease like anemia, and severe economic losses occur due to morbidity and mortality of the ruminant infected by these worms. The study of these rumen paramphistomes, their infection, and public health importance remains unclear in India especially in the western part of state Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Meerut, India, where the goat meat consumption is very high. This paper provides the molecular characterization of G. crumenifer recovered from the rumen of Capra hircus from Meerut, U.P., India by the partial sequence of 28S rDNA. Nucleotide sequence similarity searching on BLAST of 28S rDNA from parasites showed the highest identity with those of G. crumenifer from the same host Capra hircus. This is the first report of molecular identification of G. crumenifer from this part of India.

Multiple splenic infarcts in acute Plasmodium vivax malaria: a rare case report

In tropical countries like India, malaria has been one of the most common parasitic illnesses leading to frequent hospitalization and causing major economic burden among the masses. Although Plasmodium vivax infection is considered to be benign, in contrast to Plasmodium falciparum infection which is notorious for its severe splenic complications can occur frequently. Splenomegaly tends not to receive special attention, as it is not usually accompanied by any symptoms and can be gradually resolved via standard antimalarial therapy. Splenic infarction, although rarely attributable to malaria in an endemic region with high parasitemia, can be a rare presentation of this disease entity.

Implication of DNA repair genes in prostate tumourigenesis in Indian males.

Background & objectives: Prostate cancer (CaP) is the fifth most common cancer among Indian men. Tumour protein p53 (TP53) gene increases the fidelity of DNA replication and homologous recombination by transcriptional transactivation of mismatch repair (MMR) genes. DNA repair thus has a potential role in molecular carcinogenesis of CaP. The aim of the present study was to identify mutations, and polymorphisms in TP53 gene and MMR protein expression in CaP in Indian male population. Methods: TP53 codon 72 polymorphism was analysed in 105 CaP, 120 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cases and 106 normal controls. Mutational analysis of TP53 was done in DNA extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue of 80 CaP and 24 BPH cases. Expression of MMR proteins viz. hMLH1, hMSH2, hPMS1 and hPMS2 was studied in 80 CaP, 15 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 15 BPH cases. Results: A somatic C/A variation at the intronic boundary of exon 7 in TP53 gene was observed in one each biopsy samples from CaP and BPH. A significant association of codon 72 TP53 Pro/Pro genotype was observed with the risk of CaP (OR, 2.59, P=0.02) and BPH (OR, 6.27, P<0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis of MMR proteins showed maximum loss of hPMS1 expression in cases of CaP and PIN while no loss in expression of MMR proteins was observed in BPH cases. The study also identified a significant loss of hPMS2 protein in poorly differentiated tumours (Gleason score >7) than in well differentiated tumours (Gleason score 3-6) (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that TP53 codon 72 polymorphism plays significant role in the pathogenesis and susceptibility to CaP and BPH. Also, an aberrant MMR protein expression could be involved in progression of prostate cancer through PIN, early CaP to aggressive CaP. The loss of hPMS2 protein expression may serve as a marker for progression of CaP.

Bipartite clavicular attachment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle: a case report / 대한해부학회지

Morphological variations of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle assume relevance during attempted surgical interventions in the cervical region. The present study reports bipartite clavicular attachment of the SCM in the neck of an adult male cadaver during performance of a routine anatomy demonstration. The anomaly was unilaterally observed on the left side of the neck. The clavicular head of the muscle exhibited two bellies, one medial and one lateral. While the medial belly was fused with the sternal head, the lateral belly appeared to blend with the medial. Cranially, the SCM attached to the mastoid process and superior nuchal line. We have attempted to elucidate the embryological basis of the above muscular variant. Additionally, we discuss its clinical relevance, highlighting the utility of the SCM in various reconstructive procedures. We assert that detailed anatomical knowledge of such SCM variants is of utility not only to the gross anatomist, but also for neck and orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists. Moreover, radiologists require familiarity with such aberrations to decipher magnetic resonance imaging scans of the cervical region.

Salmonella enteritidis from a case of fever with thrombocytopenia

Non typhoidal Salmonella species are thought to be potentially infectious to humans. We isolated Salmonella enteritidis from a 10-year-old boy with fever and thrombocytopenia. We reviewed the literature concerning infections caused by Salmonella but we could not find any such case report from India.