Knowledge and Awareness about Chair-Side Diagnostic Techniques for the Screening of Suspicious Oral Lesions among General Dental Practitioners - A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: General dental practitioners (GDPs) play an important role in screening and early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer. Aim: This survey aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of general dental practitioners about chairside diagnostic techniques for screening of inflammatory oral lesions, potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Materials and Methods: GDPs (n=125) were surveyed about their knowledge about chairside diagnostic techniques for early detection and screening of suspicious oral lesions. The interview was based on a pre-structured questionnaire containing 14 closed ended questions. Chi square test was used for evaluating the association of survey parameters. Result: 95.2% of dentists do diagnosis and management of suspicious oral lesions along with chief complaints. There is a strong association between the educational status of GDPs and their method for management of suspicious oral lesions (p=0.002). 84.5% of the postgraduate GDPs are aware of chemiluminescence methods than graduate level GDPs (p =0.0009). Majority of the graduate GDPs are unaware of VELScope(p=0.0009). Usage of all non-invasive techniques was found to be less among graduate GDPs (p=0.002). Conclusion: The overall awareness of the dentists involved in the study were good and postgraduate GDPs are more aware and practically ahead about the non-invasive diagnostic techniques than graduate GDPs.

A correlation biomarker between BMI and lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without other complications

Objectives: Body mass index (BMI) is a traditional measurement practice that divides a person’s weight by their height to find out whether they have a healthy range of weight. The objective of this study is to understand the relation between BMI and prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Material and Methods: BMI distribution among these patients was compared with and without hypertension and dyslipidemia. The improper of secretion of insulin leads to changes in metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates also characterized hyperglycemia generally considered as diabetes mellitus (DM). Results: The excessive formation of free radicals induces oxidative stress, and the antioxidant defense system becomes weaken and hence arises diabetic disorder and overproduction of malondialdehyde (MDA). In cells, the polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation is considered as the final product and marker of oxidative stress. Conclusion: In this study, significantly increased BMI is observed in diabetic victims in comparison with control group. A significant positive correlation was noticed between glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, and MDA. In conclusion, for the prevention and management of vascular complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus, maintaining normal levels of MDA and body weight are very important. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm it

Phylogenetic diversity and predictive functional profile of bacteria associated with marine microalgae, Isochrysis galbana using next generation sequencing- Supplementary Data

In aquaculture, microalgal-bacterial interaction has ecological significance, and thus demands better understanding for improvement of sustainability and productivity of large scale microalgal cultivation. Here, we assessed the bacterial diversity, including the uncultivable bacterial assemblage associated with the marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana using next generation sequencing approach. Isochrysis has been considered as one of the most favoured types of live feed in aquaculture and hence, chose Isochrysis galbana MBTDCMFRI S002. Total genomic DNA was extracted from I. galbana culture and 16S rDNA V3 region was sequenced with an Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 30 different known bacterial genera were detected from 1190 identified operational taxonomic units. These bacterial phylotypes were affiliated to Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidimicrobiia, Bacteroidia, Flavobacteriia and Bacilli classes. These 30 bacterial genera comprise only 4.62% of the total OTUs obtained and remaining 95.38% of the sequences do not exhibit any similarity against known bacterial genera in the taxonomic database. The functional profile of bacterial communities was predicted using PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) analysis. The results indicated that these associated bacterial communities are mainly involved in environmental as well as genetic information processing, membrane transport and nutrient metabolism. These functions may mediate their interaction with the phytoplankton host, and thus improve bacterial survival in microalgal habitat. Overall, the present study enhances the understanding of microalgal-bacterial interaction in terms of diversity and functional role of associated microbial community.

Phylogenetic diversity and predictive functional profile of bacteria associated with marine microalgae, Isochrysis galbana using next generation sequencing

In aquaculture, microalgal-bacterial interaction has ecological significance, and thus demands better understanding for improvement of sustainability and productivity of large scale microalgal cultivation. Here, we assessed the bacterial diversity, including the uncultivable bacterial assemblage associated with the marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana using next generation sequencing approach. Isochrysis has been considered as one of the most favoured types of live feed in aquaculture and hence, chose Isochrysis galbana MBTDCMFRI S002. Total genomic DNA was extracted from I. galbana culture and 16S rDNA V3 region was sequenced with an Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 30 different known bacterial genera were detected from 1190 identified operational taxonomic units. These bacterial phylotypes were affiliated to Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidimicrobiia, Bacteroidia, Flavobacteriia and Bacilli classes. These 30 bacterial genera comprise only 4.62% of the total OTUs obtained and remaining 95.38% of the sequences do not exhibit any similarity against known bacterial genera in the taxonomic database. The functional profile of bacterial communities was predicted using PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) analysis. The results indicated that these associated bacterial communities are mainly involved in environmental as well as genetic information processing, membrane transport and nutrient metabolism. These functions may mediate their interaction with the phytoplankton host, and thus improve bacterial survival in microalgal habitat. Overall, the present study enhances the understanding of microalgal-bacterial interaction in terms of diversity and functional role of associated microbial community.

Outcome of combination of methods of educational interventions in physiology for first-year MBBS students

Background: This comparative, before and after study (without controls) was conducted in a municipal medical college to compare the cognitive domain scores obtained by first-year MBBS students after didactic lectures with that obtained after an educational intervention that combined integrated teaching with clinical scenarios.Methods: After obtaining prior permissions, the purpose of the study was explained to first-year MBBS students and written informed consent was obtained. After attending curriculum-based didactic lectures on the alimentary system, the students (n=62, females: n=29, 46.77% and males: n=33, 53.23%) took a pre-test comprising ten questions (total 20 marks). After the pre-test, the participants attended an educational intervention that combined integrated teaching with clinical scenarios on the same topic. Subsequently, the post-test was administered using a questionnaire that was identical to that of the pre-test.Results: The mean overall marks obtained in the pre-test was 14.73±1.87 (95% CI: 14.26-15.19), while that obtained in the post-test was 17.16±1.73 (95% CI: 16.73-17.59), exhibiting highly significant (p <0.00001) difference. The gender difference in scores was significant (p=0.011) for only question no. 1 in the pre-test and there was no significant gender difference in the post-test.Conclusions: A combined method of educational intervention was found to enhance the cognitive domain scores of students. Though a larger study would be needed to generalize the findings, male students seem to need an additional educational intervention to improve their cognitive domain scores. Despite time limitations in the teaching schedule for the first-year MBBS course, integrated teaching with case scenarios can be implemented to impart early clinical exposure.

Clinicopathological Study Of Salivary Gland Tumors: A Three Years Prospective Observational Study

Background: The salivary glands are one of the few tissues in the body that are subjected to diverse and heterogeneous range of tumors and tumor like conditions. The relative infrequency of these tumors makes their diagnosis and management quite complicated. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a useful diagnostic procedure which has a recognized role in the evaluation of salivary gland lesions. A pre-operative diagnosis about nature of lesion, whether benign or malignant, will help in making decision about proper management of patient. Aim and Objective: Aim of this study was to know the epidemiology of salivary gland tumors in our region and to evaluate sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology taking histopathology as the gold standard. Material and Method: It was 3yrs prospective observational study conducted from oct 2015 to oct 2018 in department of pathology KMC/MGM Hospital. Total 59 cases were studied with particular reference to age, sex, site, cytologic details & histological types as per WHO classification. FNAC & histopathological examination was done in all cases came to pathology laboratory . Correlation between cytological & histopathological diagnoses was assessed. Diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was evaluated by comparing cytological & histopathological diagnoses. Results and Discussion : Parotid gland was the most common site of involvement (70% cases). Maximum number of patients was in age range of 41-50 years & male to female ratio was 0.8:1. Most common benign & malignant tumors were pleomorphic adenoma (69.89% cases) & mucoepidermoid carcinoma (8.60% cases) respectively. On cytology, 54 cases while on histopathology 57 cases were diagnosed as neoplastic. Cytological diagnoses correlated with histopathological diagnoses in 94% cases. Sensitivity, specificity & diagnostic accuracy of FNAC were found to be 96.87%, 100% & 96% respectively. Conclusion: FNAC in salivary gland masses is fairly reliable for correct preoperative diagnosis. Multiple sampling and special attention to cytologic features should help to minimize errors

Study on association of serum lipoprotein(a) with coronary artery disease

Background: Most studies of lipid-lowering therapy for the prevention of coronary heart disease (CAD), focused on lowering low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. Other dyslipidemias, such as an elevated level of lipoprotein(a), also may promote atherosclerosis, establishment of relationship between lipoprotein(a) excess and risk for CAD, interventions directed toward altering these have only infrequently been evaluated in clinical trials. Objectives was to study the association of raised serum lipoprotein(a) in coronary heart disease.Methods: This study was conducted in 50 patients of CAD and 50 people as control group. All patients underwent a standard clinical examination and a blood draw for a lipid profile and lipoprotein(a) assay. Pearson chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance.Results: Lipoprotein(a) value of more than 30 mg/dl is considered as elevated. In case group 19 patients (38%) were showed elevated lipoprotein(a) and in control group these were 9 patients (18%). p value is 0.026. It shows elevated lipoprotein(a) is statistically significant with the relative risk of 2.79.Conclusions: The association of elevated lipoprotein(a) with CAD was statistically significant. Higher lipoprotein(a) levels were observed in patient with family history of premature CAD.

Morbidity Pattern Among Women And Children Living In An Urban Slum

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in an urban slum in Thane, Maharashtra, India. Women (n=64) with self-reported morbidity and symptomatic children (40 girls and 36 boys) were clinically examined and treated using the “camp approach”. The mean age of girls, boys, and women was 6.04 +/- 4.08 years, 4.49 +/- 2.88 years, and 34.52 +/- 10.01 years, respectively. The health problems in the examined children included upper respiratory infections, fever, loss of appetite, eye and ear-related problems and diarrhoea. out of the 51 under-five children examined, 72.55% were undernourished. Among women, reproductive health problems, anaemia, and musculoskeletal disorders predominated. Specific nutrition and health interventions for under-five children are necessary to combat under-nutrition, while community-based educational interventions for women would help overcome the social taboos attached to reproductive health problems.

In Vitro Activity Of Colistin Against Multidrug Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli (MDR Gnb) Isolated From Various Clinical Specimens

Introduction: Currently colistin is increasingly being used against multidrug resistant gram negative bacteria which include Pseudomonas aeruginosa,,Acinetobacterbaumanii,Escherichia coli, Klebsiellapneumoniae& Salmonella enterica. [1] Colistin resistant organisms are reported in various parts of world. Methods: Total 200 MDR GNB isolates were included in the study & tested for their susceptibility to colistin by Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion Test. Results:Isolates consisted of 64 Escherichia coli,45 Pseudomonas aeruginosa,44 Klebsiella pneumoniae,32 Citrobacter koseri,13 Acinetobacterbaumanii& 2 Proteus mirabilis. Of these, 69 (34.5%) were resistant to Colistin. Colistin resistance in highest number was detected in Escherichia coliisolates obtained from various samples. Conclusion: As colistin resistance is emerging rapidly,measures are necessary to restrict indiscriminate use of antimicrobials& to adhere strictly to the hospital antibiotic policy. it is also the need of an hour that newer antimicrobials get discovered soon to tackle such MDR microorganisms.

A Study of Causes of Neonatal Mortality in Tertiary Care Hospital, Bagalkot

Neonatal deaths account for a major proportion of child deaths globally. Major causes of neonatal deaths are preterm birth, asphyxia, sepsis, pneumonia, congenital anomalies, diarrheal diseases, and tetanus. Without a sound knowledge about the changing trends in morbidity and mortality, it will be difficult to formulate appropriate strategies in management, prevention, and review. The present study was aimed at providing statistical data related to mortality pattern seen in hospitalized neonates. Methodology: A descriptive case series study was conducted with records of the patients who were admitted in the Paediatric Department of HSK Hospital and Research Centre over a 12-month period. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and appropriate statistical test was used to interpret the data. Results: A total of 101 infants died in our hospital, among them maximum 87 (86.14%) mortality was observed in early neonatal period. Causes of mortality were classified as direct and antecedent causes. The most common direct cause was found to be birth asphyxia 35 (34.66%) followed by respiratory distress syndrome 15 (14.85%) and meconium aspiration syndrome 15 (14.85%). Congenital cardiomyopathy (n = 3) was the most common congenital anomaly. 79.35% of the neonates had low birth weight and 20.65% were small for gestational age. Conclusion: With birth asphyxia being the most common cause, education and training regarding neonatal resuscitation will play a major role in decreasing the neonatal mortality.

A Simplified Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for Simultaneous Determination of Pyrimethamine, Sulphadoxine and Artesunate in Human Plasma.

This paper presents the development of a new LC-MS method for the determination of pyrimethamine, sulphadoxine and artesunate in human plasma. The analytes were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. The analytes and internal standard artemether were separated on a Phenomenex C18 column using gradient elution with 20mM ammonium acetate (mobile phase A) and methanol (mobile phase B) both containing 0.5% acetic acid at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. The calibration curves were constructed over the range of 5-30 ng/ml for pyrimethamine, 50-300 ng/ml for sulphadoxine and 25-150 ng/ml for artesunate respectively. Within day and between-day precision and accuracy did not exceed 8%. All the three analytes were found to be stable in plasma samples with no evidence of degradation during three freeze-thaw cycles and three months storage in -20 °C. According to the validation results, the proposed method was found to be specific, accurate, precise and could be applied to the simultaneous quantitative analysis of pyrimethamine, sulphadoxine and artesunate in human plasma.

Cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications of erythrina indica. Lam.

Medicinal plants are the nature’s gift to human being to make disease free healthy life. It plays a vital role to preserve our health. In our country more than 2000 medicinal plants are recognized. Erythrina indica (Fabaceae) is one of the important medicinal plants of coasts of India and Malaysia. Some of its medicinal usage has been mentioned in traditional system of medicine such as ayurveda, siddha and unani. This review attempts to encompass the available literature of Erythrina indica with respect to traditional uses, phytochemistry and summary of its pharmacological activities and clinical effects. Other aspects such as toxicity are mentioned.

Approaches for gastrotentive drug delivery systems.

Much attention have been focused in pharmaceutical research in the area of gastroretensive oral drug delivery systems. Henceforth a wide spectrum of dosage forms have been developed for drugs which are unstable in alkaline pH, soluble in acidic pH, having a narrow absorption window, site of action specific to stomach. This article provides the entire classification of gastroretensive systems, formulation considerations for developing gastroretensive systems, factors affecting gastroretensive systems, merits and demerits, applications in pharmacy and a comparative diagrammatic representation limelight this article. Those gastroretensive systems which depend on liberation of carbondioxide show poor patient compliance because of flatulence and belching.

Epilepsy with myoclonic absences.

Epilepsy with myoclonic absences is a rare seizure disorder with intellectual impairment and resistance to conventional anti-convulsants. It is essential to diagnose epilepsy with myoclonic absences earlier for a better outcome. The authors present a case report to highlight this fact.