Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19: A review.

As of August 16, 2021, there have been 207,173,086 confirmed cases and 4,361,996 deaths due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the pandemic remains a global challenge. To date, no effective and approved drugs are available for the treatment of COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a crucial role in the invasion into host cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19. Notably, ACE2 density is influenced by medical conditions, such as hypertension, or by drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which can change the fate of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. ACE2 is a target for these drugs and can be manipulated to limit the viral entry and replication within the cells. Different strategies aimed at blocking ACE2 with small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, or by neutralizing the virus through its competitive binding with human recombinant soluble ACE2 (hrsACE2) are currently under investigation. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge that emphasizes the need to find effective therapeutic agents against COVID-19 by exploiting ACE2 as a potential target. The increased soluble ACE2 levels and the application of hrsACE2 in patients with COVID-19 can be implemented to control the disease. It has not yet been established whether hypertension and other comorbidities, independent of age, have a direct role in COVID-19. Therefore, the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, ACEIs and ARBs, should not be discontinued during COVID-19 treatment.

Effect of 0.5% povidone-iodine on the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal viral loads in patients with COVID-19: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Background and Objective: The povidone-iodine (PvP-I) nasal antiseptic has been shown to completely inactivate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro at variable concentrations. This study was performed to investigate the effect of 0.5% PvP-I nasal drops and oral gargles on the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal viral loads in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial among patients aged ≥18 years with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed in the mild to moderate category of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 32 patients were randomly assigned to receive either freshly prepared 0.5% PvP-I solution or distilled water in the form of supervised self-administered 4-5 nasal drops, followed by 20 ml for gargling for at least 30 seconds. The main outcome measure was the mean change in viral titer and Ct values in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples at baseline, 5 minutes, and 3 hours post intervention. Results: The mean change in viral titers across the time duration for the test group when compared with the control group was not statistically significant (P = 0.109). However, the mean change in Ct value was found to be borderline statistically significant (P = 0.042). Noticeable differences were noted among the mean viral titers and Ct values in the intervention group when plotted against the time of testing as compared to the control group. PvP-I solution at 0.5% dilution was well tolerated, and no evident side effects were reported. Conclusions: This study shows that 0.5% PvP-I has an effect on reducing nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal viral loads in COVID-19 patients. This can be of substantial aid for the primary care physicians, especially for the practitioners in remote and resource poor areas.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19:A review / 药物分析学报

As of August 16,2021,there have been 207,173,086 confirmed cases and 4,361,996 deaths due to the coronavirus disease(COVID-19),and the pandemic remains a global challenge.To date,no effective and approved drugs are available for the treatment of COVID-19.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)plays a crucial role in the invasion into host cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the etiological agent of COVID-19.Notably,ACE2 density is influenced by medical con-ditions,such as hypertension,or by drugs,including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEIs)and angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs),which can change the fate of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.ACE2 is a target for these drugs and can be manipulated to limit the viral entry and replication within the cells.Different strategies aimed at blocking ACE2 with small molecules,peptides,and antibodies,or by neutralizing the virus through its competitive binding with human recombinant soluble ACE2(hrsACE2)are currently under investigation.In this article,we review the current state of knowledge that em-phasizes the need to find effective therapeutic agents against COVID-19 by exploiting ACE2 as a potential target.The increased soluble ACE2 levels and the application of hrsACE2 in patients with COVID-19 can be implemented to control the disease.It has not yet been established whether hypertension and other comorbidities,independent of age,have a direct role in COVID-19.Therefore,the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors,ACEls and ARBs,should not be discontinued during COVID-19 treatment.

Pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission capability of SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic females: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care rural hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading throughout the world along with its strange and frightening mutations, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it as a global pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation aims to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mother and newborn outcomes and the vertical transmission potential of this virus. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care dedicated COVID-19 hospital. A total of 40 pregnant females (RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2) and their 41 neonates (including stillbirths and a twin delivery) were included in the present study. RESULTS: All the mothers in the study were SARS-CoV-2 positive on the RT-PCR test, but none had any COVID-19 symptoms (pneumonia-like fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, shortness of breath, and diarrhea). Out of 41 newborns, 38 (92.7%) were healthy, one (2.4%) was a stillbirth, and two newborns (4.9%) could not be revived. All the 41 (100.0%) neonates, including stillborn and preterm were negative for the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. Twenty-Six neonates (63.4%) were delivered by caesarean section, whereas 15 cases (36.6%) had a normal vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: The present study showed no suggestion of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant females. Therefore, the placenta might function as a barrier to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, there were no complications come upon during the delivery of any neonate in the present study.

An Update on Assessment, Therapeutic Management, and Patents on Insomnia.

Insomnia is an ordinary situation related to noticeable disability in function and quality of life, mental and actual sickness, and mishappenings. It represents more than 5.5 million appointments to family doctors every year. Nonetheless, the ratio of insomniacs who are treated keeps on being low, demonstrating the requirement for proceeding with advancement and dispersal of effective treatments. Accordingly, it becomes significant to provide a compelling treatment for clinical practice. It indicates a need for the determination of various critical viewpoints for the evaluation of insomnia along with various accessible alternatives for treatment. These alternatives incorporate both nonpharmacological therapy, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, and a number of pharmacological treatments like orexin antagonists, "z-drugs," benzodiazepines, selective histamine H1 antagonists, nonselective antihistamines, melatonin receptor agonists, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Besides in individuals whose insomnia is due to restless leg syndrome, depression/mood disorder, or/and circadian disturbance, there is insignificant proof favouring the effectiveness of different prescriptions for the treatment of insomnia though they are widely used. Other pharmacological agents producing sedation should be prescribed with care for insomnia therapy because of greater risk of next-day sleepiness along with known adverse effects and toxicities. This review is also aimed at providing an update on various patents on dosage forms containing drugs for insomnia therapy.

Evaluation of Cognitive Functions in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Using Mini Mental State Examination and Clock Drawing Test.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the leading cause of morbidity, mortality, disability, and socioeconomic losses globally, but of more concern, in India and other developing countries. The Mini mental state examination (MMSE) and clock drawing test (CDT) are the two mostly adapted methods for cognitive impairment screening. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a robust evaluation system exclusively for post-TBI cognitive impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four cases treated previously at the health facility for TBIs were evaluated for cognitive functions during the follow-up period ranging from 3 weeks to 6 months in the out-patient department. All cases underwent mini-mental score examination (MMSE) and CDT to assess their cognitive performances. The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square and ANOVA tests of significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant association (P < 0.001) between the cognitive status of patients on the basis of overall MMSE score and the site of brain injury was observed. It was noted that 76 (56.7%) of the cases had cognitive impairment (MMSE score <24) with majority 44 (32.8%) patients having frontal lobe injuries, followed by 14 (10.1%) having brain injuries in the temporal lobe. On the other hand, using CDT score, it was observed that 102 (76.1%) of the cases had cognitive impairment (CDT score <5) with the majority 49 (36.6%) cases having frontal lobe injury followed by 19 (14.2%) having brain injury in the parietal lobe. CONCLUSION: The CDT was able to access cognitive function disruption in those patients, in whom the mini-mental score examination was not able to assess the same, and this difference in detection capabilities of both the tests was statistically found significant.

Epidemiological characteristics, reinfection possibilities and vaccine development of SARS CoV2: A global review.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 37,704,153 cases and 10,79,029 deaths due to COVID-19 till the 13th October 2020 in the world. Day by day, rise in the number of COVID-19 deaths has created great pressure on health facilities, governmental bodies, and health workers. There is a need for knowledge regarding lifecycle, transmission, and different strains of SARSCoV2, so that countries can stop the disease as early as possible. The present study was conducted to review various epidemiological aspects along with measures used in the containment and prevention of this new pandemic. The scientific literature database was searched using the terms: coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, SARSCoV2, and COVID-19. Articles with appropriate topics fulfilling the objective of the present work were included. The epidemiological characteristics regarding life-cycle, intermediate hosts, viability on various surfaces, strains, case fatality rate, and their implication to reduce the transmission of SARSCoV2 have been identified. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta (updated till October 05, 2020) people with recurrent or persistent positive COVID-19 tests in South Korea and USA did not show to have live virus in their bodies. As per WHO web-page information till 15 October 2020, there were 42 candidate vaccines in clinical evaluation and 156 vaccines are in preclinical evaluation phase. As the virus can easily be transmitted to the people either via droplets, fomites, and may be via the fecal-oral route, knowledge regarding the above-mentioned areas is needed for time to be prepared for the next waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caspase-3: A primary target for natural and synthetic compounds for cancer therapy.

Caspases, a group of protease enzymes (cysteine proteases), exist as inactive zymogens in the cells and execute apoptosis (programmed cell death). Caspase-3, an executioner caspase, plays an imperative role in apoptosis and becomes a primary target for cancer treatment. A number of analogues of quinazoline, quinazolinone, indoloquinazolines, quinone, naphthoquinones, pyrroloiminoquinones, styrylquinolines, tetheredtetrahydroquinoline, fluoroquinolone, thiosemicarbazones, benzotriazole, pyrimidines, chalcone, and carbazoles have been reported till date, representing caspase-3 mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy. Simultaneously, plant isolates, including lysicamine, podophyllotoxin, and majoranolide, have also been claimed for caspase-3-mediated apoptosis-induced cytotoxicity. Procaspase-activating compound-1 (PAC-1) is the first FDA approved orphan drug, and its synthetic derivative WF-208 also showed fascinating caspase-3 mediated anticancer activity. Till date, a large number of compounds have been reported and patented for their caspase-3-mediated cytotoxicity and now scientist is also focusing to introduce new compounds in market to encompass anticancer activity.

Systemic review of CNS involvement and its manifestations in SARS-CoV2 positive patients.

Coronavirus is known to cause various systemic infections both in human and animal which are mostly mild in nature. However, recent years have seen major pandemics caused by coronavirus which are very invasive and virulent in nature. The recent SARS-CoV2 is a new addition to this list of coronavirus pandemics. So the present study was done to systematically review the CNS involvement and its manifestations in SARS-CoV2 positive patients. Systemic review of article published between 1st Dec 2019 to 31st July 2020 searched through web-based database of MEDLINE (Pubmed) and Google scholar using following keywords "COVID -19" OR "CORONAVIRUS" OR "SARS-CoV2" AND "NEUROLOGICAL" OR "CNS" OR "BRAIN". Using the steps of systemic review eight article were selected for qualitative analysis. Majority of these article were reporting neurological symptoms among patients admitted in different wards along with others general symptoms. None of the study was specifically devoted to study the neurological manifestations and complications in SARS-CoV2 positive patients. The present study concludes that there is a scarcity of good quality research which attempts to establish the role of SARS-CoV2 infection in CNS and its manifestations. However, there are evidences that CNS involvement is present in majority of the patients. Proper documentation of theses involvement and indentification of these into mild, moderate and severe infection will help in early identification and treatment of these patients.

Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Disturbance in COVID-19 Patients at Tertiary Care Center of North India.

Background and Objective The novel Coronavirus pandemic surfaced in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly across the globe. In recent available literature, most of the studies were done to estimate the burden of psychiatric problems among general population due to this pandemic, Therefore, this study was planned to assess depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance among Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Materials and Methods A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was done from June 2020 to August 2020 among 100 COVID-19 patients who were admitted and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Assessment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance were done by patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI), respectively. Results In this study, 73% were males and 27% were females. The mean age of the patients in present study was 42.90 ± 16.33 years. This study reveals that depression was in 27%, anxiety in 67%, and sleep disturbance in 62% of patients. Depression and anxiety were found significantly associated with presence of comorbidity and severity of illness ( p < 0 0.05). The association of sleep disturbance with severity of illness was also found statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The risk of psychological stress is high in COVID-19 patients. The psychological problems among COVID-19 patients are commonly related to the consequences of disease, and severity and contagiousness of the disease. Therefore, in this present pandemic situation, it is more important to identify these psychological problems among COVID-19 patients, so that better care and timely interventions can be done with respect to psychological issues.

Neurological Involvement in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belonging to the coronavirus family. The primary target of SARS-CoV-2 is peripheral mucosal cells of respiratory tract. Recent days have seen few cases where virus has affected extrapulmonary organ such as nervous system. Materials and Methods The present study was a narrative review done using techniques of systemic review, that is, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases such as PubMed (Medline) and Google Scholar were searched systematically for published article from December 1, 2019 to June 5, 2020. A total of 189 articles were initially selected by the authors. A final list of 17 articles was prepared and following information were extracted from selected studies: study design, main result, and limitations of the study. Results Majority of these article were descriptive studies describing spectrum of signs and symptoms among admitted patients. In majority of these studies, patients have developed symptoms suggestive of neurological involvement. Most common central nervous system symptoms reported were headache, followed by dizziness and confusion. Similarly, the most common peripheral nervous system involvement was loss of taste and smell. Conclusion The present study concludes that there are enough evidences to prove that SARS-CoV-2 infection affects both central and peripheral nervous system. Various mechanisms are proposed to explain the pathophysiology of neurological manifestations in COVID-19-positive patients that needs to be established and verified.

Ivermectin: Potential Role as Repurposed Drug for COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory illness caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), officially named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in late December 2019 is an extremely communicable disease. World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic as it has spread to at least 200 countries in a short span of time. Being a new disease there is lack of information about pathogenesis and proliferation pathways of this new coronavirus. Currently there is no effective treatment for coronavirus infection; major effort is to develop vaccine against the virus and development of therapeutic drugs for the disease. The development of genome-based vaccine and therapeutic antibodies require thorough testing for safety and will be available after some time. In the meanwhile, the available practical approach is to repurpose existing therapeutic agents, with proven safety record as a rapid response measure for the current pandemic. Here we discuss the presently used repurposed drugs for COVID-19 and the potential for ivermectin (IVM) to be used as a therapeutic option in COVID-19.

Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 - A review of current methods.

At present the whole world is facing pandemic of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease has rapidly spreads across the world from its origin of Wuhan, China and affected millions people worldwide and make them to remain in their homes. The knowledge of available laboratory methods is essential for early and correct diagnosis of COVID-19 to identify new cases as well as monitoring treatment of confirmed cases. In this review we aim to provide the updated information about selection of specimens and availability of various diagnostic methods and their utility with current findings for the laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This will guide the healthcare professionals and government organizations to make strategy for establishing diagnostic facilities for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Comparison between Erigo tilt-table exercise and conventional physiotherapy exercises in acute stroke patients: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common, serious, and disabling health-care problem throughout the world. Although great advances have been made in acute stroke management, the most of post-stroke care to reduce a patient's dependency relies on rehabilitation. PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of exercises using an Erigo tilt-table and conventional physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of acute stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 110 acute stroke patients (age 51.08 ± 7.48 years, 8.69 ± 4.62 days after stroke) were assigned randomly into two groups, 55 in each for 30 days of conventional physiotherapy (Group A) or Erigo tilt-table (Group B) rehabilitation. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Mini-Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Modified Ashworth Scale were used to measure muscle tone, quality of life (QOL) and muscle strength (MMT), Affected upper (UE) and lower limb (LE) outcomes were assessed at baseline (day 0), after day 30 of the intervention and on 90th day of follow up. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test and independent Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis to evaluate the improvement in outcome variables within and between the groups. RESULTS: Both the treatments were effective. Notably, Group B patients showed a significant improvement in both QOL (p < 0.001) and lower limb strength (p = 0.030) at day 90 and muscle tone (p = 0.011) at day 30 compared to Group A. CONCLUSION: Both the groups improved with time but the Erigo tilt-table group experienced greater improvement in QOL, NIHSS and muscle strength of the lower limb. Thus, Erigo tilt-table can be used for early rehabilitation of acute hemiplegic patients and improving their quality of life and motor system, resulting in better functional performances.

Perturbation of muscle metabolism in patients with muscular dystrophy in early or acute phase of disease: In vitro, high resolution NMR spectroscopy based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Muscular dystrophy is an inherited muscle disease, characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness of variable distribution and severity. METHODS: In vitro, high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based analysis was performed on perchloric acid (PCA) extract of muscle specimens of patients suffering from various types of muscular dystrophies to identify alteration in hydrophilic low-molecular weight substances (aqueous metabolites) as compared to muscle of control subjects as well as in between the types of muscular dystrophy. Muscle tissue specimens were obtained from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [n=11], Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) [n=12], facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) [n=9] and limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)-2B [n=22]. Control muscle specimens [n=40] were also taken. RESULTS: Concentration of branched chain amino acids (BCA), glutamine/glutamate (Gln/Glu), acetate (Ace) and fumarate (Fum) was decreased and His was increased in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B patients as compared to control subjects. Alanine (Ala) was significantly reduced in BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B patients as compared to control subjects. Tyrosine (Tyr) was present only in the muscle tissue of control subjects. Propionate (Prop) was present in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B patients and was absent in muscle tissue of control subjects. Concentration of BCA and Prop is significantly reduced in patients with DMD as compared to BMD, but Glucose is significantly higher in patients with DMD as compared to BMD. Quantity of Glucose, His and Gln/glu are significantly higher in patients with DMD as compared to FSHD, but Prop is significantly reduced in patients with DMD as compared to FSHD. Concentration of Ala and His is significantly higher in patients with DMD as compared to LGMD-2B, but BCA, Glucose and Prop are significantly reduced in patients with DMD as compared to LGMD-2B. Concentration of His is significantly higher in patients with BMD as compared to FSHD. Concentration of His is significantly reduced and Glucose is higher in patients with LGMD-2B as compared to BMD. Glucose concentration is significantly reduced in patients with FSHD as compared to LGMD-2B. ROC curves supported the noticeable discrimination in between the patients with DMD and FSHD for the quantity of Gln/Glu, and patients with LGMD-2B and DMD for the quantity of Ala. Collectively, these findings showed the perturbation of muscle metabolism in muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The data of presented study may be used as supporting information for existing methods of the diagnosis for patients with muscular dystrophy.

Abnormal lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy: In vitro, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy based observation in early phase of the disease.

PURPOSE: Qualitative (assignment of lipid components) and quantitative (quantification of lipid components) analysis of lipid components were performed in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease as compared to control/normal subjects. METHODS: Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based experiment was performed on the lipid extract of skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease and normal individuals for the analysis of lipid components [triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acid)]. Specimens of muscle tissue were obtained from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [n=11; Age, Mean±SD; 9.2±1.4years; all were males], Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) [n=12; Age, Mean±SD; 21.4±5.0years; all were males], facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) [n=11; Age, Mean±SD; 23.7±7.5years; all were males] and limb girdle muscular dystrophy-2B (LGMD-2B) [n=18; Age, Mean±SD; 24.2±4.1years; all were males]. Muscle specimens were also obtained from [n=30; Mean age±SD 23.1±6.0years; all were males] normal/control subjects. RESULTS: Assigned lipid components in skeletal muscle tissue were triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), total cholesterol (CHOL) and unsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acid)]. Quantity of lipid components was observed in skeletal muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B patients as compared to control/normal subjects. TG was significantly elevated in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD and LGMD-2B patients. Increase level of CHOL was found only in muscle of DMD patients. Level of PL was found insignificant for DMD, BMD and LGMD-2B patients. Quantity of TG, PL and CHOL was unaltered in the muscle of patients with FSHD as compared to control/normal subjects. Linoleic acids were significantly reduced in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B as compared to normal/control individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Results clearly indicate alteration of lipid metabolism in patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease. Moreover, further evaluation is required to understand whether these changes are primary or secondary to muscular dystrophy. In future, these findings may prove an additional and improved approach for the diagnosis of different forms of muscular dystrophy.

Comparison of Antigen Detection and Nested PCR in CSF Samples of HIV Positive and Negative Patients with Suspected Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The cases of cryptococcal meningitis and other forms of cryptococcosis have increased in recent time and the present scenario of the condition with significant morbidity and mortality is actually posing a serious threat to the community, so an early and prompt diagnosis is necessary to prevent serious complications and thus improving the overall disease outcome. AIM: Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) in the Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) samples of the cases of meningitis in HIV positive and negative cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have compared the diagnostic efficacy of Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) with nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in 200 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) samples, including 14 HIV positive also, in the cases of suspected cryptococcal meningitis. Nested PCR was done in all cases reporting positive by LAT and results were then compared with that of India ink and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), and the isolates were further identified by urease, nitrate and sugar assimilation tests. RESULTS: Of the 200 cases, including 14 HIV positive, LAT was positive in 46 cases while 154 were negative. Out of these 46 LAT positive cases, nested PCR was positive in 40 cases only, while culture and India ink was positive in 38 and 33 cases respectively. Majority of the cases, 30 (65.2%) were between age group 21-50 years, while 2 (4.3%) in 0-20, and 14 (30.4%) in 51-80 years age group. CONCLUSION: Although negative staining like India ink and nigrosin are most widely used techniques, but these suffer with subjective error. Rapid method like LAT is available but it always has the scope of false positive and negative results. In such cases nested PCR can help in establishing final diagnosis.

Isolated lingual dystonia : responding to anticholinergic treatment.

We report a 42 year-old woman with 6 month history of isolated lingual dystonia induced during speaking and was treated with anticholinergic drug. She experienced a marked improvement in her abnormal tongue movements. Primary lingual dystonia is a rare presentation.