Advances in social cognition of obsessive-compulsive disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

The main clinical features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are obsessions and/or compulsions. Due to its symptoms are heterogeneous and have a wide range of influences, OCD usually causes different degrees of damage to patients' social functions. Social cognition is the process of perceiving and judging the psychology and behavior of others or oneself. Its core is to understand the information processing process and the underlying mechanism of social psychological phenomena. Studies have shown that social cognitive deficits can affect an individual's social function. Therefore, many scholars believe that the social cognitive function of OCD patients are impaired. Through collecting and sorting out relevant literature, we find that OCD patients can’t perceive social cues accurately, and they have trouble recognizing their own emotions and those of others. In general, they are not prone to emotional response, that is, their ability of emotional experience is impaired, while because of their own emotional regulation dysfunction, they overreact to special events that can induce the obsession and/or compulsion.The patients have poor insight into the mental states of others.The researches on attributions of life events are dificient, so their characteristics of attribution styles are not yet clear.These findings provide a preliminary theoretical basis and reference for the specificity of social cognitive impairment in patients with OCD and for guiding clinical effective and precise intervention.

A study of clinical profile and treatment outcomes in CNS tuberculoma

Worldwide, around 10 million people fall sick every year because of Tuberculosis (TB). In India, the incidence is 2.69 million cases. Central nervous system Tuberculosis (CNS TB), which is one of the most deadly forms of tuberculosis (TB) mainly manifests as TB Meningitis followed by Tuberculoma, Tubercular abscess and other forms. CNS TB is seen in 5 to 10% of extra-pulmonary TB cases, and accounts for 1% of all TB cases and has the highest mortality. They usually present with symptoms such as headache and seizures. They may have other signs and symptoms based on the size and the location of the lesions. The advent of modern technology such as CT, MRI scans helped to diagnose early. Diagnosis is established by CT/MRI Brain, where a granulomatous lesion with/without perilesional edema is seen. MR Spectroscopy brain is indicated when the diagnosis is doubtful. Presence of lipid peak on MR Spectroscopy is diagnostic of CNS Tuberculomas. Medical management is adequate and there is no role for surgery. A course of ATT for 6 months along with corticosteroids is adequate. Addition of corticosteroids is necessary to reduce the paradoxical response; it also reduces the size of the lesion and perilesional edema. Anti epileptic drugs are not necessary. CNS Tuberculoma is curable if treated properly.

Mechanism of Rosa roxburghii Tratt in treatment of hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the ameliorative effects of Rosa roxburghii Tratt on hyperlipidemia and investigate the underlying mechanism by using experimental validation and network pharmacology.Methods The therapeutic effect of Rosa roxburghii Tratt on hyperlipidemia was investigated by constructing a hyperlipidemic rat model and measuring the serum lipid index and liver pathological changes.The literature search method was used to obtain active ingredients and targets of Rosa roxburghii Tratt,the target gene was collected from GeneCards,OMIM,DrugBank database,then generated herbal-active ingredient-potential target networks and protein-protein interactions(PPI)networks.The target GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by DAVID software.Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock.Results Rosa roxburghii Tratt could significantly improve dyslipidemia and liver pathological damage in hyperlipidemic rats.Network pharmacology results showed that RXRA,AKT1,ESR1,PIK3R1 were key targets of Rosa roxburghii Tratt to lower blood lipids.Molecular docking showed that Roxburic acid and α-linolenic acid had good binding to RXRA,AKT1,ESR1,and PIK3R1.Conclusions Combined with pharmacodynamic experiments and network pharmacology-molecular docking,the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of action of Rosa roxburghii Tratt on hyperlipidemia are preliminarily explored,which provides a certain basis for the in-depth study of pharmacodynamic substance basis,mechanism of action and clinical application.

To Evaluate the Effect of Vitamin E Therapy on the Oxidative Stress Markers (Nitric Oxide, SOD, Glutathione Peroxidase) & Vitamin E Levels in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Severe oxidative stress has been reported in TB patients because of infection associated with malnutrition and poor immunity. Mycobacteria can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by activating phagocytes, and enhanced ROS production may promote tissue injury and inflammation. We wanted to compare the effect of antioxidant administration in the outcome of ATT treatment between the test and the control group. METHODSThis perspective study was conducted in the Departments of Biochemistry and Chest Medicine, CMC & Hospital. Hundred patients (fifty controls and fifty tests) who were diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and started on DOT therapy under RNTCP during this period were included in the study. Each participant in the study was subjected to the following test at the first visit, 2nd month and 6th month follow up (biochemical markers Nitric oxide, SOD, Glutathione Peroxidase and Vitamin E levels). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version. RESULTSThe results were based on four categories (male / female, alcoholic / non-alcoholic, smoker / non-smoker, and younger / older age group). Females had responded better with greater fall in percentage of nitric oxide values (69 %) than males (64.1 %). The mean of SOD activity (277.5 + / - 31.5) was more in smokers than non-smokers (261.3 + / - 36.0) & percentage fall of nitric oxide in smokers (65 %) & non-smokers (67 %). In alcoholics the percentage fall of nitric oxide (68.3 %) was higher with more SOD activity (Mean 278.7 + / - 27.6) than non-alcoholics (Mean 256 + / - 38.0) indicating a positive correlation of smoking & alcoholism with tuberculosis. Younger age group responded better with more fall in the percentage of nitric oxide (67 %) & mean SOD activity (265.8 + / - 30.1) than older age group. CONCLUSIONSAntioxidant supplementation reduces oxidative stress, improves the effectiveness of ATT therapy, and thus helps in improving the outcome in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Anticoagulation in pulmonary TB induced deep vein thrombosis is it always warranted: a case report

India is a densely populated developing country and accounts for one quarter of the total tuberculosis cases reported worldwide. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been associated with 1.5-3.4% cases of tuberculosis. A 14 year female presented with complaints of cough with progressive breathlessness (NYHA Grade III) since 15 days along with easy fatiguability and fever for 3 days. The patient was started on Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT) as per RNTCP guidelines after thorough investigations. One week after the patient was started on ATT, the patient developed edema of the right lower limb accompanied by pain. Color doppler was suggestive of thrombosis in the superficial and deep veins. Early immobilization and physiotherapy was started immediately. Over a period of 10 days, the swelling gradually decreased, and pain subsided. Tuberculosis is an independent risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism irrespective of the presence of other risk factors. Emphasis is thus laid on high index of suspicion and early diagnosis to control and prevent further complications like pulmonary embolism. We can propose that in patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, early immobilization and physiotherapy can prevent the development of DVT.

Tuberculosis: a great masquerader

Central nervous system tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most severe form of tuberculosis, accounting for 1% of all TB cases. Intracranial tuberculosis can present as Tuberculous meningitis, Tuberculous encephalopathy, Tuberculous vasculitis, CNS tuberculomas and Tuberculous brain abscess. Here authors present a case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with insidious onset of early morning vomiting, excessive sleepiness with classical neuroimaging findings of intracranial tuberculosis. Authors emphasise that intracranial tuberculoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any intracranial space-occupying lesion with or without pulmonary involvement.

Significance of the anterior tibial translocation sign in predicting the presence of anterior cruciate ligament tears in arthroscopically-proven cases

@#Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury remains a common orthopedic case, especially in young adults with an active lifestyle. Activities of daily living and sports performance may be vastly compromised; thus, immediate diagnosis is essential. The researchers tested the diagnostic ability of the anterior tibial translocation sign (using the 5 mm cut-off) against the gold standard knee arthroscopy using cross-sectional study design. Analysis of the 23 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a sensitivity of 42.9% (true positives: 6 had ≥5 mm reading out of 14 positive arthroscopy fi ndings), specifi city of 77.8% (true negatives: 7 had <5 mm reading out of 9 negative arthroscopy fi ndings) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.0% (6 out of 8 positive arthroscopy fi ndings among ≥5 mm). In the sample data, 7 mm cut-off had the optimal trade-off between sensitivity and type I error, thus being the most predictive of ACL tear.

A study on adverse drug reaction associated co-morbid symptoms on newly diagnosed TB patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Background: The incidence of Tuberculosis and severity increased in immunocompromised state like Diabetes mellitus. When combined with ATT and antidiabetic drugs, the adverse reaction are increased. Aim of the study: To study the incidence of adverse drug reaction associated co-morbid symptoms on newly diagnosed TB patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and methods: 100 cases of newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis (50 diabetic and 50 non -diabetic) fitting the inclusion criteria admitted over the period of 2 years from 2016-2017. Subjects were selected from medicine ward, pulmonology ward and Tuberculosis ward under DTC. The diagnosis of Pulmonary tuberculosis was made with clinical presentation and verification by detection of acid fast bacilli under microscope. Results: Among the diabetic population, 28 (28.00%) were received biguanides, 10 (10.00%) were received insulin, and 12 (12.00%) were received sulphonylureas. Among the study population, 28 (28.00%) had peripheral neuropathy, 25 (25.00%) had liver injury, 4 (4.00%) had hypoglycemia, 11 (11.00%) had back pain, and 52 (52.00%) had nausea vomiting. Conculsion: When treating patients with diabetes and TB, there is increased incidence of polyneuropathy and liver toxicity

Using allogeneic cortical graft preserved in glycerin as spacer in the advancement of tibial tuberosity in 34 dogs / Uso de enxerto cortical alogênico preservado em glicerina como espaçador no avanço da tuberosidade tibial em 34 cães

Cranial cruciate ligament is the main responsible for knee stability by preventing cranial tibial displacement regarding the femur. Deficiency in this ligament (CCLD) may cause subluxation of the tibia and dysfunction of the pelvic member due to overloading. Tibial osteotomies are among the more current surgical techniques for treating CCLD in dogs and they proportionate the dynamic stability by means of modifying bone geometry and the distribution of forces acting on the articulation. The objective of this work is to describe the use of the allogeneic cortical bone graft conserved in glycerin as a spacer on the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treating the CCLD. In order to do that, 34 dogs submitted to TTA surgery correction were evaluated, being 23 males (67.35%) and 11 females (32.35%). Surgical procedures happened from May 2011 to October 2015. Regarding the surgical procedure after osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity, a disk of allogeneic cortical disk, sawn wedge-hapsed, conserved in glycerin, proportions of 2x1mm was applied as spacer, enabling TTA. Advancements from 3 to 12 mm were executed, depending on the need of the patient. For animals with patella dislocation, trochleoplasty and TTA were executed in order to correct the deviation. The mean ± SD age of animals was 6.67±3.58 and weight was 15.16±12.97 kg. Mongrel dogs, Poodles and Yorkshire terriers were the most affected ones. From the 36 evaluated knees, 11 (30.56%) were associated with some traumatic process and in 25 (69.44%) there was no relation with previous trauma. From those wounds, 20 (55.56%) happened in the right limb and 16 (44.44%) in the left limb and two animals had CCLD bilaterally. Animals had continuous support, discreet drawer movement and negative tibial compression 15 days after surgery. At 30 days, 26 cases (72.22%) had firm support (FS); at 45 days, 24 cases (66 test at 7 and 67%) had FS and eight cases (22.22%) without claudication (WC). During subsequent radiographic evaluations the progressive incorporation of the graft and osteotomy union were observed. In this study, most of the diagnosed CCLD occurred in males diverging from results obtained by other authors that found greater frequency in females. Support without claudication it was observed in most of the cases of implants at 60 days. We concluded that the conserved allogeneic cortical bone graft was able to promote bone union in TTA of dogs with CCLD. None of the animals had signs of contamination, infection of the surgical wound or rejection related with the presence of the graft, demonstrated by the complete graft-bone incorporation observed early at 45 days in some animals. The glycerin was a good conservation medium for those fragments intended for grafting because, besides being of low cost, it kept bone fragments free of contamination, reducing antigenicity and preserving the functions of osteoinduction and osteoconduction. The possibility of molding the graft to the animal need is a characteristic favorable to executing the modified technique that could be molded according to the size of the animal, allowing perfect adaptation to the osteotomized local in different breeds. Intercurrences commonly observed in TTA with patellar dislocation, meniscal lesions, tibial crest fracture and displacement were not found in the animals of this study, probably due to the better distribution of forces between the pass screw in TT and the TTA plate confirming that it has good adaptation to the technique conferring to the modified TTA advantages regarding the conventional TTA.(AU)

O ligamento cruzado cranial é o principal responsável pela estabilidade do joelho, impedindo o deslocamento da tíbia cranial em relação ao fêmur. A deficiência neste ligamento (CCLD) pode causar subluxação da tíbia e disfunção do membro pélvico devido à sobrecarga. As osteotomias tibiais estão entre as técnicas cirúrgicas mais atuais para o tratamento de CCLD em cães e proporcionam a estabilidade dinâmica por meio da modificação da geometria óssea da distribuição das forças que atuam sobre a articulação. O objetivo desse estudo é descrever o uso do enxerto ósseo cortical alogênico conservado em glicerina como espaçador no avanço da tuberosidade tibial (TTA) para o tratamento do CCLD. Para isso, 34 cães submetidos à cirurgia de TTA foram avaliados, sendo 23 machos (67,35%) e 11 fêmeas (32,35%). Os procedimentos curúrgicos aconteceram entre maio de 2011 e outubro de 2015. Com relação ao procedimento cirúrgico após a osteotomia da tuberosidade tibial, um disco alogênico cortical, em forma de cunha serrada, conservado em glicerina com proporções de 2 x 1mm foi aplicado como espaçador possibilitando a TTA. Avanços de 3 a 12mm foram executados, dependendo da necessidade do paciente. Para animais com luxação da patela, realizou-se a trocleoplastia e a TTA para a correção do desvio. A idade média dos animais foi de 6,67±3,58 anos e pesos médios de 15,16±12,97kg. Cães sem raça definida, Poodles e Yorkshire Terriers foram os mais afetados. Dos 36 joelhos avaliados, 11 (30,56%) foram associados a algum processo traumático e em 25 (69,44%) não havia nenhuma relação com um trauma prévio. Dos ferimentos, 20 (55,56%) aconteceram no membro direito e 16 (44,44%) no esquerdo, sendo que dois animais apresentavam CCLD bilateralmente. Os animais tiveram suporte contínuo, discreto movimento de gaveta e compressão tibial negativa 15 dias após a cirurgia. Aos 30 dias, 26 casos tinham suporte firme (FS); aos 45 dias, 24 casos tinham FS e oito casos sem claudicação (WC). Durante avaliações radiográficas subsequentes, observou-se a incorporação progressiva da união do enxerto e da osteotomia. Neste estudo, a maior parte do CCLD diagnosticado ocorreu em machos, divergindo dos resultados obtidos por outros autores que encontraram maior frequência em fêmeas. Suporte sem claudicação foi observado na maioria dos casos de implantes aos 60 dias. Foi concluído que o enxerto ósseo cortical alogênico conservado foi capaz de promover a união óssea na TTA de cães com CCLD. Nenhum dos animais apresentou sinais de contaminação, infecção da ferida cirúrgica ou rejeição relacionada à presença do enxerto, demonstrada pela incorporação completa do enxerto ósseo observada precocemente aos 45 dias em alguns animais. A glicerina foi um bom meio de conservação para os fragmentos destinados à enxertia porque, além do menor custo, manteve os fragmentos ósseos livres de contaminação, reduzindo a antigenicidade e preservando as funções de osteoindução e osteocondução. A possibilidade de moldagem do enxerto à necessidade do animal é uma característica favorável à execução da técnica modificada que pode ser moldada de acordo com o tamanho do animal, possibilitando perfeita adaptação ao local osteotomizado em diferentes raças. Intercorrências comumente observadas na TTA com luxação patelar, lesões meniscais, fratura da crista tibial e deslocamento não foram encontradas nos animais deste estudo, provavelmente devido à melhor distribuição de forças entre a passagem do parafuso no TT e a placa do TTA, confirmando que tem boa adaptação à técnica conferindo às vantagens da TTA modificada em relação à TTA convencional.(AU)

A prospective pharmacovigilance study to evaluate adverse effect profile of first line anti-tubercular drugs in newly diagnosed sputum positive patients

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to remain one of the most pressing health problems in India with highest TB burden country in the world. Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced organ toxicities are potentially serious ADRs of first line ATT regimen. The underlying mechanism of ATT-induced ADRs especially hepatotoxicity and the factors predisposing to its incidence which is significantly high in Indians are not clearly understood. It's vital to emphasize on ATT induced ADRs as it has direct influence on therapeutic outcome; result in high dropout rate and potential to develop MDR/XDR cases. ADR monitoring help us to revise the treatment protocol thereby improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcome. Objective of this study is therefore designed to explore and monitor ADRs of first line anti-TB drugs.Methods: In this prospective observational study 60 TB patients (18-70 yrs) of either sex, newly sputum positive with normal parameters were included. Patients were followed up for six months aiming primarily to assess rate of ADRs and to identify preventable and potentially serious ADRs of anti-TB drugs. The ADRs of ATT on various organ systems (heart, kidney and liver), biochemical and haematological parameters were assessed and compared after 2 and 6 months; gender and age specific adverse events were also studied. Data obtained was analysed using student’s t-test of OpenEpi statistical software.Results: Study clearly revealed that ATT exhibit significant increase in toxicity markers viz. liver enzymes (p<0.01), urea and creatinine (p<0.01), ESR (p<0.05) and PTINR (p<0.01), wherein decrease in Hb% (p<0.01) when compared to baseline.Conclusions: ATT related ADRs is the major cause of dropouts and development of MDR/XDR cases. It's crucial to develop strategies to ameliorate ADRs both to improve the quality of patient care and to control TB safely. The data obtained from present study may be helpful in developing these effective strategies.

RSUME promotes apoptosis of pituitary adenoma cell AtT-20 in mice / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the expression and influence of RWD structure small ubiquitin modified enhan-cer (RSUME) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B-alpha (IκB-α) and nuclear factor kappa B-1 (NF-κB1) in pituitary adenomas of mice.Methods Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR ( q-PCR) was used to detect the level RSUME, IκB-α, NF-κB1 mRNA and Western blot was used to detect RSUME and the nucleoprotein of IκB-α, NF-κB1 changes in the level of protein , flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis .Results In protein level, RSUME and IκB-αexpression reduced ( P<0.05 ) , but NF-κB1 raised after transfection ( P<0.05); The level of RSUME mRNA was obviously lower after transfection than before (P<0.05).The level of IκB-αand NF-κB1 mRNA was not significantly changed; Flow cytometry confirmed cell apoptosis rate increased significantly after transfection.Conclusions RSUME can promote apoptosis of pituitary adenoma cells in mice by NF-κB.

Port Site Chronic Sinuses – A Wisdom of 5 Years and 50 Cases.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery has now become an accepted method of minimal invasion of human anatomy but the dreaded problem of port site complications especially the chronic sinuses has rejuvenated the proponents of open techniques. The scope of laparoscopy widened from diagnostic purposes to resecting large tumors in almost all the systems of the body. As the time progressed, the problems associated with use of long instruments and dexterity of movements started creeping in. The vision, which was analogue, to start with, became 3D digital and with the introduction of robotic arm, the problem of dexterity was addressed to some extent. One thing that persisted right through so much of technical development was the problem of infection and sinuses and the enormity of this issue can be gauged by its evergrowing number. Methods: Although minimal invasive surgery is here to stay for all intent and purposes, we have decided to study 50 cases of chronic port site sinuses treated and followed up for 5 years in various wards of department of surgery in Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. In this study the authors present their experience and rationale regarding various factors like age and sex distribution, site of infection, results of microscopy and culture/sensitivity, treatment given (both surgical and non surgical), response time and prognosis. Results: In the cases where there was discharge culture of the pus yielded skin and soft tissue infections like staphylococcus, streptococcus, pseudomonas, E. coli and klebsiella. Out of 50, 20 cases were treated by appropriate antibiotics after culture sensitivity and quinolones.Conclusion: From the above discussion and flow chart, it can be safely concluded that atypical mycobacteria and some of the anaerobes remain the main offending agents.

TB ascitis in cirrhosis of liver – A case report

To diagnose the cause of ascitis in cirrhosis of liver is difficult clinically as fluid is also present in cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The other diseases causing ascitis can also occur in cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. In tropical countries like India tuberculous ascitis is very common, hence tuberculous ascitis can occur even in presence of cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. In this case report, 45 years old male presented with tuberculous ascitis in cirrhosis of liver. This points out that tuberculous ascitis should be thought of even in presence of cirrhosis of liver or cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. The patient recovered completely with anti-tubercular treatment without any complications or toxicity. The role of anti-tubercular treatment and its toxicity in the presence of liver cirrhosis is also discussed.

A clinical study of CNS Tuberculomas

Thirty cases of CNS Tuberculomas were studied as suggested by the CT Scan Brain (Plain and Contrast) from 2007 to 2009, at Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, India. It was most common in second and third decade of life. The most common clinical presentation was convulsions. Routine investigations did not yield the diagnosis of tuberculosis. All patients were treated with Anti Tuberculous Treatment (ATT), for 6 months and oral steroids. ATT consisted of 2 months of intensive phase of HRZE and 4 months of continuation phase of HR. No surgical intervention was done. After completion of chemotherapy, they were followed up for 6 months. Repeat CT Scans were done, which showed clearance of all tuberculomas.

Interpretation of Mantoux test in children

Tuberculosis is the most common infectious cause of death worldwide. Young children especially infants usually are more susceptible to tuberculous infection. Disease usually develops within 1 year of infection. The present study has been conducted upon 41 children in whom Mantoux test was positive (n=41). These children were coming to our outpatient department, in a Teaching Hospital, Nizamabad, Telangana State with mild fever, cough, night sweats, anorexia, and loss of weight. The age group selected for this study was 1 to 12 year, and the period of study was from August, 2013 to December, 2015. Among the 41 children under study 13 children were 1 to 4 year and 28 were 5 to 12 year. Among the total 41 cases of Mantoux positive, 16 (39%) were found to be suffering from tuberculous disease and anti tuberculous drugs were started. In these cases 7 were 1 to 4 year (n=13), and 9 were 5 to 12 year (n=28). After 3 months follow up, all the children who were on ATT became free from their symptoms. It shows association between mantoux positivity and tuberculosis is more in children between 1 and 4 year than children between the age of 5 and 12 year. Most of the other children needed antipyretics, other symptomatic drugs and antibiotics only. But in 3 cases symptoms were not relieved either with antibiotics or with trial ATT. The factors for deciding tuberculosis are history of contact, clinical picture, CBP, ESR, chest- x- ray, Mantoux test, sputum for AFB, antibiotic trial, follow up, trial ATT. All these factors are put together and then only we will decide whether to start ATT or not.

Effects of glivec combined with everolimus on mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells / 医学研究生学报

Objective Medication for pituitary adenomas is mainly targeted on the prolactin-secreting and growth-hormone types and shows poor therapeutic effects on other adenomas .Therefore, new drugs urgently need to be developed for this purpose .This study was to investigate the effects of glivec and everolimus on mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells and their molecular mechanisms in vitro. Methods Mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells were incubated with glivec or everolimus or combination of both and their inhibitory effect on the proliferation of the cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.The mRNA levels of AKT and ERK were determined by q-PCR and the ex-pressions of the phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and ERK (p-ERK) were detected by Western blot. Results Used alone, both glivec and everolimus inhibited the proliferation of the AtT-20 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner , but their combination produced a mutually antagonistic effect, with combination index values of 1.13 ±0.06, 1.12 ±0.03, and 1.07 ±0.03 respectively.The two a-gents , either used alone or in combination , induced no significantly inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expressions of AKT and ERK ( P >0.05 ).Both glivec and everolimus up-regulated the expressions of p-AKT and p-ERK, and their combination manifested an even stronger effect (P>0.05). Conclusion Both glivec and everolimus inhibit the proliferation of AtT-20 cells when administered alone, but their combination produces an antagonistic effect .Their action mechanism might be that when targeting some signaling path-ways to inhibit cell proliferation , glivec, as well as everolimus , in-duces a feedback activation of AKT and ERK .

Wegener’s Granulomatosis: Are We Still Missing It.

We report the case of an 18-year-old female who was mis-diagnosed as a smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis and advised standard antituberculosis treatment. She later presented with clinio-radiological worsening and thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremity. Cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and computed tomographyguided lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis. The rare association of superficial vein thrombosis with lung manifestation is highlighted here as also the need for a high index of clinical suspicion to avoid a missed or delayed diagnosis.

CD4 count evaluation in HIV-TB co infection before and after anti-tubercular treatment.

Background: The global impact of Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is one of the major public health challenge. India has a very high burden of TB according to the WHO. A decrease in CD4 counts in HIV-TB co-infection leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Methods: Information regarding the duration of HIV, type of TB, CD4 counts before and after ATT and any associated Opportunistic Infections (OIs) were collected from the records of 100 patients with HIV-TB co-infection who attended ART centre for a period of one year. The collected data was statistically analyzed. Results: In the study group, 35 had Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and 65 had Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB), 40 had OIs. Mean CD4 count prior to ATT in PTB was 197 (7-940), EPTB 192 (13-683) and with OIs 129 (7-288). After completion in PTB was 300, EPTB 302 and 252 in OIs. Least CD4 count of 121 was observed in patients above 50yrs and after completion it was 133. Incidence of both EPTB and PTB was higher in males 66.2% and 62.9%, and in the age group of 31-50 yrs 50.8% and 60% (Cell counts expressed in cells/μl.). Conclusion: In our study, we found that there was significant recovery of CD4 cells following ATT. Difference in CD4 counts among patients with PTB and EPTB was not significant. There was remarkable reduction of CD4 counts in patients who had other OIs and the recovery after ATT was also marginal.

Butterfly pattern hypopigmentation with antitubercular treatment.

Standard short course chemotherapy is the key element of the DOTS strategy and these drugs cause different kinds of cutaneous adverse drug reactions that usually occur within 2 months of initiation of treatment in around 97% of the patients. We hereby report a case of a 16-year-old female patient who developed butterfl y pattern hypopigmented rashes after 3 months of starting on category 1 antitubercular treatment (ATT). Other causes with similar picture were ruled out with additional investigations and the case was confi rmed as ATT induced hypopigmented rash. WHO-UMC causality assessment showed a probable association.

A Clinical Study of Post-tubercular Bronchiectasis

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important communicable diseases in the world. India is the highest PT TB burden country accounting for one-fifth (21%) of the global incidence (9.4 million cases). This problem is further magnified by the after-effects of the disease—post-tubercular bronchiectasis (PTBX). As a result, the sufferers run from pillar to post with sinister symptomatology. Some of them are retreated with antituberculous treatment, although there is no definite indication. Katuri Medical College is situated in the rural Guntur surrounded by number of dusty industries like granite, quarrying, cotton crop and mills, tobacco, capsicum crop, spices besides being an agricultural area on the brink of mighty Krishna River flowing at a length of more than 700 km through three states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. As a result the flora and fauna is complex. Workers in this area report with variegated granulomatous lung diseases to the faculty of Pulmonology. Over and above the incidence of smoking in both sexes is rampant. The final outcome in all these morbidities is bronchiectasis. Quite a few of them have had treatment for pulmonary TB in the past. With this background the present study was undertaken to find out the vagary of post-tubercular bronchiectasis ruling out the extrinsic atmospheric factors.