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1.
Birth ; 2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38887141

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Centering affected individuals and forming equitable institutional-community partnerships are necessary to meaningfully transform care delivery systems. We describe our use of the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework to design, plan, and implement a novel care delivery system to address perinatal inequities in San Francisco. METHODS: Community engagement (PRECEDE phases 1-2) informed the "Pregnancy Village" prototype, which would unite key organizations to deliver valuable services alongside one another, as a recurring "one-stop-shop" community-based event, delivered in an uplifting, celebratory, and healing environment. Semi-structured interviews with key partners identified participation facilitators and barriers (PRECEDE phases 3-4) and findings informed our implementation roadmap. We measured feasibility through the number of events successfully produced and attended, and organizational engagement through meeting attendance and surveys. RESULTS: The goals of Pregnancy Village resonated with key partners. Most organizations identified resource constraints and other participation barriers; all committed to the requested 12-month pilot. During its first year, 10 pilot events were held with consistent organizational participation and high provider engagement. CONCLUSION: Through deep engagement and equitable partnerships between community and institutional stakeholders, novel systems of care delivery can be implemented to better meet comprehensive community needs.

2.
Cureus ; 15(3): e36773, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37123735

ABSTRACT

Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, several laboratories used different RNA extraction methods based on the resources available. Hence this study was done to compare the Ct values in qRT-PCR, time taken (sample processing-loading to PCR), manpower requirement, and cost of consumables between manual and automated methods. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was done on 120 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs received in VRDL for RT-PCR testing. Based on the results of automated RNA extraction (Genetix, HT 96 Purifier) and RT-PCR (Trivitron PCR Kit) detecting E gene (screening) and ORF gene (confirmatory), the division into Group- I (Ct 15-22), Group- II (Ct 23-29), Group-III (Ct 30-36) and Group-IV (Ct >36) was done. Manual RNA extraction was done using magnetic beads (Lab system, Trivitron). Statistical analysis Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 version software. Ct values obtained in the two methods were compared by paired t-test, GroupWise. Z test was used to compare the other parameters. Results The difference in Ct values for target genes was statistically significant (p<0.05) in Group-I to III; however, no variation in result interpretation. The difference in time, manpower, and cost were statistically significant (p<0.05). The manual method required twice more manpower; 40 minutes more time & automated method cost 3.5 times more for consumables. Conclusion The study showed that RNA yield was better with automated extraction in comparison to manual extraction. The samples extracted by the automated method detected the virus at a lower Ct range by PCR than the manual method. Automated method processed samples in less time and with less manpower. Considering the cost factor, manual extraction can be preferred in resource-limited settings as there was no difference in the results of the test. The manual method requires more hands-on time with potential chances of cross-contamination and technical errors.

3.
JMIR Form Res ; 6(3): e34088, 2022 Mar 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35148271

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted safety-net health care systems to rapidly implement telemedicine services with little prior experience, causing disparities in access to virtual visits. While much attention has been given to patient barriers, less is known regarding system-level factors influencing telephone versus video-visit adoption. As telemedicine remains a preferred service for patients and providers, and reimbursement parity will not continue for audio visits, health systems must evaluate how to support higher-quality video visit access. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess health system-level factors and their impact on telephone and video visit adoption to inform sustainability of telemedicine for ambulatory safety-net sites. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among ambulatory care clinicians at a hospital-linked ambulatory clinic network serving a diverse, publicly insured patient population between May 28 and July 14, 2020. We conducted bivariate analyses assessing health care system-level factors associated with (1) high telephone adoption (4 or more visits on average per session); and (2) video visit adoption (at least 1 video visit on average per session). RESULTS: We collected 311 responses from 643 eligible clinicians, yielding a response rate of 48.4%. Clinician respondents (N=311) included 34.7% (n=108) primary or urgent care, 35.1% (n=109) medical, and 7.4% (n=23) surgical specialties. Our sample included 178 (57.2%) high telephone adopters and 81 (26.05%) video adopters. Among high telephone adopters, 72.2% utilized personal devices for telemedicine (vs 59.0% of low telephone adopters, P=.04). Video nonadopters requested more training in technical aspects than adopters (49.6% vs 27.2%, P<.001). Primary or urgent care had the highest proportion of high telephone adoption (84.3%, compared to 50.4% of medical and 37.5% of surgical specialties, P<.001). Medical specialties had the highest proportion of video adoption (39.1%, compared to 14.8% of primary care and 12.5% of surgical specialties, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Personal device access and department specialty were major factors associated with high telephone and video visit adoption among safety-net clinicians. Desire for training was associated with lower video visit use. Secure device access, clinician technical trainings, and department-wide assessments are priorities for safety-net systems implementing telemedicine.

4.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 22(1): 195, 2022 Feb 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35164746

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented expansion of outpatient telemedicine in the United States in all types of health systems, including safety-net health systems. These systems generally serve low-income, racially/ethnically/linguistically diverse patients, many of whom face barriers to digital health access. These patients' perspectives are vital to inform ongoing, equitable implementation efforts. METHODS: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews exploring a theoretical framework of technology acceptability were conducted from March through July 2020. Participants had preferred languages of English, Spanish, or Cantonese and were recruited from three clinics (general medicine, obstetrics, and pulmonary) within the San Francisco Health Network. Both deductive and inductive coding were performed. In a secondary analysis, qualitative data were merged with survey data to relate perspectives to demographic factors and technology access/use. RESULTS: Participants were diverse with respect to language (52% non-English-speaking), age (range 23-71), race/ethnicity (24% Asian, 20% Black, 44% Hispanic/Latinx, 12% White), & smartphone use (80% daily, 20% weekly or less). All but 2 had a recent telemedicine visit (83% telephone). Qualitative results revealed that most participants felt telemedicine visits fulfilled their medical needs, were convenient, and were satisfied with their telemedicine care. However, most still preferred in-person visits, expressing concern that tele-visits relied on patients' abilities to access telemedicine, as well as monitor and manage their own health without in-person physical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: High satisfaction with telemedicine can co-exist with patient-expressed hesitations surrounding the perceived effectiveness, self-efficacy, and digital access barriers associated with a new model of care. More research is needed to guide how healthcare systems and clinicians make decisions and communicate about visit modalities to support high-quality care that responds to patients' needs and circumstances.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Telemedicine , Female , Humans , Pandemics , Patient Satisfaction , Personal Satisfaction , Pregnancy , SARS-CoV-2 , United States
5.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 21(1): 714, 2021 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34284758

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extreme disparities in access, experience, and outcomes highlight the need to transform how pregnancy care is designed and delivered in the United States, especially for low-income individuals and people of color. METHODS: We used human-centered design (HCD) to understand the challenges facing Medicaid-insured pregnant people and design interventions to address these challenges. The HCD method has three phases: Inspiration, Ideation, and Implementation. This study focused on the first and second. In the Inspiration phase we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of stakeholders who had either received or participated in the care of Medicaid-insured pregnant people within our community, with a specific emphasis on representation from marginalized communities. Using a general inductive approach to thematic analysis, we identified themes, which were then framed into design opportunities. In the Ideation phase, we conducted structured brainstorming sessions to generate potential prototypes of solutions, which were tested and iterated upon through a series of community events and engagement with a diverse community advisory group. RESULTS: We engaged a total of 171 stakeholders across both phases of the HCD methodology. In the Inspiration phase, interviews with 23 community members and an eight-person focus group revealed seven insights centered around two main themes: (1) racism and discrimination create major barriers to access, experience, and the ability to deliver high-value pregnancy care; (2) pregnancy care is overmedicalized and does not treat the pregnant person as an equal and informed partner. In the Ideation phase, 162 ideas were produced and translated into eight solution prototypes. Community scoring and feedback events with 140 stakeholders led to the progressive refinement and selection of three final prototypes: (1) implementing telemedicine (video visits) within the safety-net system, (2) integrating community-based peer support workers into healthcare teams, and (3) delivering co-located pregnancy-related care and services into high-need neighborhoods as a one-stop shop. CONCLUSIONS: Using HCD methodology and a collaborative community-health system approach, we identified gaps, opportunities, and solutions to address perinatal care inequities within our urban community. Given the urgent need for implementable and effective solutions, the design process was particularly well-suited because it focuses on understanding and centering the needs and values of stakeholders, is multi-disciplinary through all phases, and results in prototyping and iteration of real-world solutions.


Subject(s)
Perinatal Care , Universal Design , Child , Female , Focus Groups , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Medicaid , Pregnancy , Prenatal Care , United States
6.
Obstet Gynecol ; 137(3): 487-492, 2021 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33543895

ABSTRACT

The use of telemedicine in U.S. perinatal care has drastically increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and will likely continue given the national focus on high-value, patient-centered care. If implemented in an equitable manner, telemedicine has the potential to reduce disparities in care access and related outcomes that stem from systemic racism, implicit biases and other forms of discrimination within our health care system. In this commentary, we address implementation factors that should be considered to ensure that disparities are not widened as telemedicine becomes more integrated into care delivery.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/prevention & control , Delivery of Health Care/standards , Healthcare Disparities , Perinatal Care/methods , Telemedicine/economics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Health Policy , Humans , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Pregnancy , United States
7.
Lupus ; 30(5): 762-774, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33497307

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Despite the significant advancement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) variable clinical response to newer therapies remain a major concern, especially for patients with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). We performed this study with an objective to comprehensively characterize Indian SLE patients with renal and neuropsychiatric manifestation with respect to their gene signature, cytokine profile and immune cell phenotypes. METHODS: We characterized 68 Indian SLE subjects with diverse clinical profiles and disease activity and tried to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways. To understand the temporal profile, same patients were followed at 6 and 12-months intervals. Additionally, auto-antibody profile, levels of various chemokines, cytokines and the proportion of different immune cells and their activation status were captured in these subjects. RESULTS: Multiple IFN-related pathways were enriched with significant increase in IFN-I gene signature in SLE patients as compared to normal healthy volunteers (NHV). We identified two transcriptionally distinct clusters within the same cohort of SLE patients with differential immune cell activation status, auto-antibody as well as plasma chemokines and cytokines profile. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of two distinct clusters of patients based on IFN-I signature provided new insights into the heterogeneity of underlying disease pathogenesis of Indian SLE cohort. Importantly, patient within those clusters retain their distinct expression dynamics of IFN-I signature over the time course of one year despite change in disease activity. This study will guide clinicians and researchers while designing future clinical trials on Indian SLE cohort.


Subject(s)
Interferon Type I/genetics , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/metabolism , Lupus Nephritis/immunology , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/immunology , Adult , Autoantibodies/immunology , Case-Control Studies , Cohort Studies , Cytokines/blood , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Gene Expression , Humans , India/epidemiology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/physiopathology , Lupus Nephritis/metabolism , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/metabolism , Male , Microarray Analysis/methods , Severity of Illness Index
8.
J Health Care Poor Underserved ; 32(2 Suppl): 220-240, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37020792

ABSTRACT

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented expansion of telemedicine services. We sought to describe clinician experiences providing telemedicine to publicly-insured, low-income patients during COVID-19. Methods: Online survey of ambulatory clinicians in an urban safety-net hospital system, conducted May 28 2020-July 14 2020. Results: Among 311 participants (response rate 48.3%), 34.7% (N=108/311) practiced in primary/urgent care, 37.0% (N=115/311) medical specialty and 7.7% (N=24/311) surgical clinics. 87.8% (273/311) had conducted telephone visits, 26% (81/311) video. Participants reported observing both technical and non-technical patient barriers. Clinicians reported concerns about the diagnostic safety of telephone (58.9%, 129/219) vs video (35.3%, 24/68). However, clinician comfort with telemedicine was high (89.3% (216/242) for telephone, 91.0% (61/67) for video), with many clinicians (220/239 or 92.1% telephone, 60/66 or 90.9% video) planning to continue telemedicine after COVID-19. Conclusions: Clinicians in a safety-net healthcare system report high comfort with and intention to continue telemedicine after the pandemic, despite patient challenges and safety concerns.

9.
Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl ; 112: 110915, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32409067

ABSTRACT

We have developed surface functionalised Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based system that can be used for tumor-targeted multimodal therapies and MR imaging. Biocompatible, non-essential amino acid (glutamic acid) was introduced onto the surface of Fe3O4 MNPs to provide functional sites for binding of chemotherapeutic drugs. These glutamic acid-coated Fe3O4 MNPs (GAMNPs) exhibit good water-dispersibility, magnetic responsivity and pH dependent charge conversal feature. The magnetic core as well as organic shell of GAMNPs was characterized by XRD, TEM, DLS, FTIR, PPMS and UV-visible spectroscopy and zeta-potential analyzer etc. The broad spectrum anticancer drugs, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and methotrexate (MTX) were electrostatically and covalently conjugated to the surface of GAMNPs, respectively for combination chemotherapy. These dual drugs loaded system (DOX-MTX-GAMNPs) shows pH dependent release behaviour of both the drugs and enhanced toxicity towards breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) as compared to their individual treatment. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analyses confirmed the successful uptake of drug loaded system into MCF-7 cell lines. Further MTX being analogue of folic acid, its co-delivery with DOX would help in internalization of both the drugs into MCF-7 cells. These GAMNPs also show good heating efficiency under AC magnetic field (Intrinsic loss power, ILP = 0.95 and 0.73 and 0.48 nHm2/Kg at Fe concentration of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ml, respectively) and transverse relaxivity (r2 = 152 mM-1 s-1) indicating their potential capability for hyperthermia therapy and MRI tracking. Furthermore, it has been observed that the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and hyperthermia leads to an enhancement of cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media/chemistry , Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemistry , Glutamic Acid/chemistry , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Cell Survival/drug effects , Doxorubicin/chemistry , Doxorubicin/metabolism , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , MCF-7 Cells , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Methotrexate/chemistry , Methotrexate/metabolism , Methotrexate/pharmacology , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Surface Properties
10.
Future Sci OA ; 5(7): FSO407, 2019 Jul 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31428453

ABSTRACT

AIM: The goal of this study was to use phylogenetic evidence to determine plant families with high representation of antibacterial activity and identify potential sources to focus on for antibacterial drug discovery. MATERIALS & METHODS: We reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of plant taxa with antibacterial activity and mapped antibacterial mechanisms of action on the phylogeny. RESULTS: The phylogeny highlighted seven plant families (Combretaceae, Cupressaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Zingiberaceae) with disproportionately represented antibacterial activity. Phytochemicals produced were primarily involved in the disruption of the bacterial cell wall/membrane and inhibition of quorum sensing/biofilm production. CONCLUSION: The study provides phylogenetic evidence of seven plant families that should be examined as promising leads for novel antibacterial development.

11.
Am J Obstet Gynecol ; 218(4): 411.e1-411.e6, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29338994

ABSTRACT

Many Medicaid programs and private health plans are implementing new models of maternity care reimbursement, and clinicians face mounting pressure to demonstrate high-quality care at a lower cost. Clinicians will be better prepared to meet these challenges with a fuller understanding of new payment models and the opportunities they present. We describe the structure of maternity care episode payments and recommend 4 ways that clinicians can prepare for success as value-based payment models are implemented: identify opportunities to improve outcomes and experience, measure quality, reduce waste, and work in teams across settings.


Subject(s)
Health Care Reform , Maternal Health Services/economics , Efficiency, Organizational , Fee-for-Service Plans , Female , Health Expenditures , Humans , Medicaid , Patient Care Team , Pregnancy , Quality Assurance, Health Care , Reimbursement Mechanisms , United States
12.
J Clin Diagn Res ; 10(11): DD01-DD02, 2016 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28050369

ABSTRACT

Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) are opportunistic pathogens found in the environment. Mycobacterium fortuitum, M. chelonae and M.abscessus are the important human pathogens of this group. They cause wound infections, disseminated cutaneous disease, pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, bone and joint infections and keratitis. Infections due to these Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly reported. Post laparoscopic wound infections, mesh site infections and other surgical site infections due to M. fortuitum and M. chelonae have been reported. Usually wound infections due to atypical mycobacteria have delayed onset and do not respond to conventional antibiotics. Identification of RGM can be done by a set of cumbersome biochemical tests, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), molecular methods using DNA probes or by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We here report a case of post-herniorrhaphy wound infection due to M. fortuitum which was identified by molecular method (HAIN mycobacterial species system). This case report underscores the importance of examining Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain of all exudates with sterile culture on day one for non fastidious bacteria. Timely identification can lead to prompt therapy of patients preventing further complications.

13.
J Nat Sci Biol Med ; 6(2): 383-7, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26283835

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Production of ß-lactamase enzymes by Gram-negative bacteria is the most common mechanism to acquire drug resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics. Limitations in detecting extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) and Amp-C ß-lactamases have contributed to the uncontrolled spread of bacterial resistance and are of significant clinical concern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 148 samples was selected on the basis of resistance against third-generation cephalosporin for screening ESBLs and Amp-C ß-lactamases production. These multidrug-resistant strains were phenotypically screened for ESBL production by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test and double disc synergy test. Modified three-dimensional method was used for Amp-C ß-lactamases detection. RESULT: Among the 148 isolates, 82 (55.40%) were ESBL producers, and 115 (77.70%) were Amp-C ß-lactamases producers. Co-existence of ESBL and Amp-C was observed in 70 (47.29%) isolates. Escherichia coli was the most common ESBL and Amp-C ß-lactamase producer. All ESBL producers were highly resistant to ciprofloxacin (83.10%), cotrimoxazole (95.27%), and gentamicin (89.18%). However, these bacterial strains were sensitive to imipenem 146 (98.64%) and piperacillin/tazobactam 143 (96.62%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ESBL producing organisms were not only resistant to cephalosporins but also to other group of drugs and also that multiple mechanisms play a role in drug resistance among Gram-negative bacteria.

14.
Indian J Pathol Microbiol ; 58(1): 115-7, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25673611

ABSTRACT

Scedosporiasis is an emerging infection in immunocompromised individuals. We report a case of multiple subcutaneous swellings in a diabetic ketoacidotic patient, which was clinically diagnosed as lipoma. On fine-needle aspiration cytology, pus was aspirated, which showed septate branching hyphal elements. The pus culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar yielded Scedosporium apiospermum, which was identified based on its macroscopic and microscopic features. There are very few reports of scedosporiasis from India. The diagnosis of scedosporiasis is difficult and correct etiological diagnosis can help in better management of the patient.


Subject(s)
Mycoses/diagnosis , Mycoses/pathology , Scedosporium/isolation & purification , Soft Tissue Infections/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Infections/pathology , Biopsy, Fine-Needle , Diabetes Complications , Female , Humans , India , Microbiological Techniques , Microscopy , Middle Aged , Mycoses/microbiology , Soft Tissue Infections/microbiology
15.
Indian J Med Res ; 139(6): 945-8, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25109731

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest an increasing antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infection (UTI). We undertook this study to know the resistance pattern of E. coli causing UTI in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in north India, and to know the treatment given and response of the patients. METHODS: The details of E. coli grown from urine samples and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern were collected from the laboratory registers and the patient details were collected from the case records. The urine samples received were processed using standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. RESULTS: Of the total 311 E. coli isolates, 119 (38.2%) were isolated from in-patients, which were considered for the study. Of these 119 E. coli isolates, 91 (76.51%) were multi drug resistant (MDR). The isolates showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (88.4%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (74.4%), norfloxacin (74.2%), cefuroxime (72.2%), ceftriaxone (71.4%) and co-trimoxazole (64.2%). The isolates were sensitive to amikacin (82.6%), piperacillin-tazobactum (78.2%), nitrofurantoin (82.1%) and imipenem (98.9%). Ceftriaxone was most commonly used for empirical therapy for UTI among inpatients in our hospital. Of the 93 cases of UTI due to MDR E. coli, 73 improved on treatment and 12 worsened, which were referred to higher centres. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that 76.5 per cent of E. coli isolates from urine samples of inpatients were MDR. Diabetes, chronic renal disease and catherization were some of the risk factors associated. The high rate of resistance could be because only inpatients were included and the increased usage of cephalosporins in our hospital for empirical therapy.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics , Escherichia coli/genetics , Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Tertiary Care Centers/statistics & numerical data , Urinary Tract Infections/epidemiology , Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology , Ceftriaxone/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests , Humans , India/epidemiology , Urinary Tract Infections/drug therapy
16.
J Colloid Interface Sci ; 418: 120-5, 2014 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24461826

ABSTRACT

We report the development of carboxyl decorated iron oxide nanoparticles (CIONs) by a facile soft-chemical approach for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperthermia applications. These superparamagnetic CIONs (~10 nm) are resistant to protein adsorption under physiological medium and exhibit good colloidal stability, magnetization and cytocompatibility with cell lines. Analysis of the T2-weighted MRI scans of CIONs in water yields a transverse relaxivity (r2) value of 215 mM(-1) s(-1). The good colloidal stability and high r2 value make these CIONs as promising candidates for high-efficiency T2 contrast agent in MRI. Further, these biocompatible nanoparticles show excellent self-heating efficacy under external AC magnetic field (AMF). The infrared thermal imaging confirmed the localized heating of CIONs under AMF. Thus, these carboxyl decorated Fe3O4 nanoparticles can be used as a contrast agent in MRI as well as localized heat activated killing of cancer cells. Furthermore, the active functional groups (COOH) present on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles can be accessible for routine conjugation of biomolecules/drugs through well-developed bioconjugation chemistry.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media/chemistry , Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemistry , Glycine/chemistry , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Animals , Blood Cells/cytology , Blood Cells/drug effects , Cell Line , Contrast Media/pharmacology , Ferrosoferric Oxide/pharmacology , Fibroblasts/cytology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fluorescent Dyes , HeLa Cells , Hemolysis/drug effects , Humans , Hyperthermia, Induced , Magnetic Fields , Magnetite Nanoparticles/ultrastructure , Mice , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Rhodamines , X-Ray Diffraction
17.
J Nat Sci Biol Med ; 4(2): 286-91, 2013 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24082718

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance is an important concern for the public health authorities at global level. However, in developing countries like India, recent hospital and some community based data showed increase in burden of antimicrobial resistance. Research related to antimicrobial use, determinants and development of antimicrobial resistance, regional variation and interventional strategies according to the existing health care situation in each country is a big challenge. This paper discusses the situational analysis of antimicrobial resistance with respect to its problem, determinants and challenges ahead with strategies required in future to reduce the burden in India. Recent data from Google search, Medline and other sources were collected which was reviewed and analyzed by the authors. Hospital based studies showed higher and varied spectrum of resistance in different regions while there are limited number of community based studies at country level. There exists lacunae in the structure and functioning of public health care delivery system with regard to quantification of the problem and various determining factors related to antimicrobial resistance. There is an urgent need to develop and strengthen antimicrobial policy, standard treatment guidelines, national plan for containment of AMR and research related to public health aspects of AMR at community and hospital level in India.

18.
J Pediatr Neurosci ; 8(1): 64-6, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23772250

ABSTRACT

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and reduced diffusion (AESD) is a syndrome of encephalopathy characterized by biphasic seizures and altered consciousness in the acute stage followed in the subacute stage by restricted diffusion in the subcortical white matter on magnetic resonance imaging. The etiology of AESD has been attributed to viral infection like influenza A and human herpes virus 6. The exact pathogenesis of AESD is uncertain. Here we report a case of AESD, diagnosed based on clinicoradiological correlation.

19.
Int J Yoga ; 6(1): 39-46, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23440456

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Yoga improves maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy. Platelet Count and Uric acid (Ua) are valuable screening measures in high-risk pregnancy. AIM: To examine the effect of yoga on platelet counts and serum Ua in high-risk pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This stratified randomized controlled trial, conducted by S-VYASA University at St. John's Medical College Hospital and Gunasheela Maternity Hospital, recruited 68 women with high-risk pregnancy (30 yoga and 38 controls) in the twelfth week of pregnancy. The inclusion criteria were: Bad obstetrics history, twin pregnancies, maternal age < 20 or > 35 years, obesity (BMI > 30), and genetic history of pregnancy complications. Those with normal pregnancy, anemia (< 10 grams%dl), h/o clotting disorders; renal, hepatic or heart disease; seizure disorder; or structural abnormalities in the pelvis, were excluded. The yoga group practiced simple meditative yoga (three days / week for three months). RESULTS: At baseline, all women had normal platelet counts (> 150×10(9)/L) with a decrease as pregnancy advanced. Ua (normal at baseline) increased in both groups. No one developed abnormal thrombocytopenia or hyperuricemia. Healthy reduction in platelet count (twelfth to twentieth week) occurred in a higher (P < 0.001, Chi(2) test) number of women in the yoga group than the control group. A similar trend was found in uric acid. Significantly lesser number of women in the yoga group (n = 3) developed pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) / pre-eclampsia (PE) than those in the control group (n = 12), with absolute risk reduction (ARR) by 21%. CONCLUSION: Antenatal integrated yoga from the twelfth week is safe and effective in promoting a healthy progression of platelets and uric acid in women with high-risk pregnancy, pointing to healthy hemodilution and better physiological adaptation.

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