Observations of scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic jaundice, and central vestibular disorder in Brugia pahangi-infected dogs.

Brugia pahangi is known to infect humans and dogs. Its associated symptoms and complications, however, have not been fully understood in dogs. Herein, we reported the observations of B. pahangi infections in dogs with scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic jaundice, and central vestibular disorder.

Observations of scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic jaundice, and central vestibular disorder in Brugia pahangi-infected dogs

@#Brugia pahangi is known to infect humans and dogs. Its associated symptoms and complications, however, have not been fully understood in dogs. Herein, we reported the observations of B. pahangi infections in dogs with scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic jaundice, and central vestibular disorder.

An Enhanced PSO-Based Clustering Energy Optimization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network.

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a network which formed with a maximum number of sensor nodes which are positioned in an application environment to monitor the physical entities in a target area, for example, temperature monitoring environment, water level, monitoring pressure, and health care, and various military applications. Mostly sensor nodes are equipped with self-supported battery power through which they can perform adequate operations and communication among neighboring nodes. Maximizing the lifetime of the Wireless Sensor networks, energy conservation measures are essential for improving the performance of WSNs. This paper proposes an Enhanced PSO-Based Clustering Energy Optimization (EPSO-CEO) algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network in which clustering and clustering head selection are done by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm with respect to minimizing the power consumption in WSN. The performance metrics are evaluated and results are compared with competitive clustering algorithm to validate the reduction in energy consumption.

A novel nine base deletion mutation in NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase gene in an Indian family with recessive congenital methemoglobinemia-type-II.

Recessive hereditary methemoglobinemia (RCM) associated with severe neurological abnormalities is a very rare disorder caused by NADH- cytochrome b5 reductase (cb5r) deficiency (Type II). We report a case of 11 month old male child who had severe mental retardation, microcephaly and gross global developmental delay with methemoglobin level of 61.1%. The diagnosis of NADH-CYB5R3 deficiency was made by the demonstration of significantly reduced NADH-CYB5R3 activity in the patient and intermediate enzyme activity in both the parents. Mutation analysis of the CYB5R gene revealed a novel nine nucleotide deletion in exon 6 leading to the elimination of 3 amino acid residues (Lys173, Ser174 and Val 175). To confirm that this mutation was not an artifact, we performed PCR-RFLP analysis using the restriction enzyme Drd I. As the normal sequence has a restriction recognition site for Drd I which was eliminated by the deletion, a single band of 603-bp was seen in the presence of the homozygous mutation. Molecular modeling analysis showed a significant effect of these 3 amino acids deletion on the protein structure and stability leading to a severe clinical presentation. A novel homozygous 9 nucleotide deletion (p.K173-p.V175del3) is shown to be segregated with the disease in this family. Knowing the profile of mutations would allow us to offer prenatal diagnosis in families with severe neurological disorders associated with RCM - Type II.

Recent advances on the use of biochemical extracts as filaricidal agents.

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection that causes a devastating public health and socioeconomic burden with an estimated infection of over 120 million individuals worldwide. The infection is caused by three closely related nematode parasites, namely, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori, which are transmitted to human through mosquitoes of Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes genera. The species have many ecological variants and are diversified in terms of their genetic fingerprint. The rapid spread of the disease and the genetic diversification cause the lymphatic filarial parasites to respond differently to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This in turn prompts the current challenge encountered in its management. Furthermore, most of the chemical medications used are characterized by adverse side effects. These complications urgently warrant intense prospecting on bio-chemicals that have potent efficacy against either the filarial worms or thier vector. In lieu of this, we presented a review on recent literature that reported the efficacy of filaricidal biochemicals and those employed as vector control agents. In addition, methods used for biochemical extraction, screening procedures, and structure of the bioactive compounds were also presented.

Estimation of blood glucose by non-invasive infrared thermography for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes: an alternative for blood sample extraction.

The present study aims to estimate and validate the glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) using non-contact infrared thermography. The diagnostic threshold was set as (HbA(1c)≥48 mmol/mol). The optimal regression model [r=0.643, p=0.000] was achieved from the significant variables correlating with the HbA(1c) and the validation was performed against the bio-chemical assay to indicate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and with an accuracy of [90%, 55%, 65%, 85% and 72%] respectively. The non-invasive core body temperature measurement at the inner canthi of eye [r=-0.462, p<0.01] indicated negative correlation with HbA(1c), that signifies the early metabolic changes. In type 2 diabetes, the core body temperature decreases with a decrease in the body metabolism. Thereby, a truly non-invasive infrared thermography could be used for obtaining the accurate HbA(1c) with no blood sample extraction; further, it could be used as the preferred diagnostic tool for type 2 diabetes.

Vector and reservoir host of a case of human Brugia pahangi infection in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia.

A case of human eye infection caused by Brugia pahangi was reported in 2010 in a semi rural village in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia. Our report here reveals results of investigation on the vector and animal host for the transmission of the infection. We conducted entomological survey and cat blood examination in the vicinity of the patient's home. The mosquito species Armigeres subalbatus was incriminated as the vector, whereas cat served as the reservoir host.

Medical thermography: a diagnostic approach for type 2 diabetes based on non-contact infrared thermal imaging.

To test the potential of Infrared (IR) thermography in diagnosing as well as predicting type 2 diabetes and its complications compared with biochemical assay of HbA(1c) as standard. As per American Diabetes Association criteria, threshold for diagnosis of diabetes was set as HbA(1c) ≥ 6.5 % (7.7 mmol L⁻¹). The total subjects (n = 62) were studied out of which control (n = 32) and diabetic subjects (n = 30). IR camera was used to capture the thermal images of the skin for diagnosis of the disease; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to set temperature (°C) as threshold for statistically significant body regions under t test. In diabetic group, HbA(1c) showed negative correlation with carotid region (r = -0.471, p < 0.01) and the mean skin temperature was lower than the normal group at body regions namely knee (p = 0.002), tibia (p = 0.003), forehead (p = 0.014), and palm (p = 0.019). The palm region showed highest area under the curve of 0.711 (95% CI: 0.581-0.842) and the threshold was set as ≤33.85 °C, thereby sensitivity (90%) and specificity (56%) was obtained in determining the undiagnosed diabetes with positive predictive value of 65%, negative predictive value of 85% and accuracy of 73%. As HbA(1c) increases, skin temperature decreases. Skin temperature enables early detection of diabetes as compared to HbA(1c). The decrease in skin temperature may be due to the decrease in the basal metabolic rate, poor blood perfusion and high insulin resistance. Thermography can be used as a diagnostic as well as prognostic tool for the diabetes.

Nephrotic syndrome following a single bee sting in a child.

The occurrence of nephrotic syndrome following a bee sting is rarely reported in the literature. Hypersensitivity is believed to be the precipitating factor for the renal disease. We report a two-year-old boy, who developed generalized edema and decreased urine output, seven days after a bee sting. Physical examination and laboratory findings were consistent with nephrotic syndrome; and corticosteroid treatment induced prompt remission with resolution of clinical symptoms and normalization of laboratory findings. There was no relapse of the disease during a one-year follow up.

Modified Field stain - rapid viability test for Trichomonas vaginalis.

AIMS: We previously reported that Modified Field Stain (MF) can be used as a rapid stain for diagnosis. In the present study we extend the observation to include the stain as an alternative method to assess viability of the cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis were used to assess the utility of the Modified Field stain as a rapid viability test for T. vaginalis and to compare with 0·4% Trypan Blue dye exclusion test in three conditions; normal in vitro culture growth using Hollander medium, lysed in distilled water and treated with metronidazole. MF stain showed similar growth profile pattern as Trypan Blue dye exclusion for identifying viable cells of T. vaginalis. Although, Trypan Blue dye exclusion test is ready made, rapid and widely used in laboratory as reliable viability assay, however, the limitation using Trypan Blue is the dye was unable to show internal morphological changes during the parasite's transition from being viable to non-viable. On day 3 where cultures peaked the correlation factor of both assays done to assess the viability of parasites harvested from the controls, metronidazole and distilled water treated parasites were more than 0·9 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This confirms that MF staining does not only record permanently the morphological changes and retain internal structural details but also provides a reliable and rapid viability assay for the parasites. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Therefore, in our study, Modified Field's stain may offer the researchers and laboratory technologists the opportunity to get the result on the same day and the most important thing is the ability to differentiate between viable and non-viable of T. vaginalis under three different conditions (normal culture, drug and distilled water condition). Modified Field's staining method enhanced the morphological identification of T. vaginalis compared to Trypan Blue dye exclusion.

Familial recurrence of congenital heart diseases.

Familial recurrence of congenital heart disease (CHD), in particular, d-transposition of great arteries (d-TGA) is rare. However, there have been several reports in the literature of sibling recurrence of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). This is the first case report in the literature, describing mother to offspring recurrence of d-TGA. We describe two cases of non-syndromic CHD with mother to offspring and sibling recurrence. The first case is an antenatally diagnosed d-TGA on fetal echocardiogram at 25 weeks of gestational age in the offspring of a 30-year-old mother with d-TGA. The second case is a sibling reoccurrence of TAPVR diagnosed antenatally at 30 weeks of gestational age, with supradiaphragmatic TAPVR on fetal echocardiogram in a mother, whose first child was diagnosed with infradiaphragmatic TAPVR in infancy.

Changes of skin temperature of parts of the body and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in type-2 diabetes mellitus Indian patients.

In India, number of people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) would be 87 million by the year 2030. DM disturbs autonomic regulation of skin micro-circulation, and causes decrease in resting blood flows through the skin. The skin blood flow has a major effect on its temperature. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes of skin temperature of all parts of the body and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA (µmol/L) in type-2 DM Indian patients. Group-I: Normal (n = 17; M/F: 10/15, mean ± SD = 43.2 ± 9.4 years); Group-II: Type-2 DM without cardiovascular (CV) complications (n = 15; M/F: 10/7, mean ± SD = 46.3 ± 14.0 years); Thermograms of all parts of the body were acquired using a non-contact infrared (IR) thermography camera (ThermaCAM T400, FLIR Systems, Sweden). Blood parameters and thyroid hormone were measured biochemically. Indian diabetic risk score (IDRS) was calculated for each subject. In type-2 DM patients without CV group (n = 15), there was a statistically significant (p = 0.01) negative correlations between HbA(1c) and skin temperature of eye and nose (r = -0.57 and r = -0.55 respectively). ADMA was correlated significantly (p = 0.01) with HbA(1c) (r = 0.65) and estimated average glucose, eAG (r = 0.63). In normal subjects, mean minimum and maximum values of skin temperatures were observed at posterior side of sole (26.89 °C) and ear (36.85 °C) respectively. In type-2 DM without CV, mean values of skin temperature in different parts of the body from head to toe were lesser than those values in control group; but this decreases were statistically significant in nose (32.66 Vs 33.99 °C, p = 0.024) as well as in tibia (32.78 Vs 33.13 °C, p = 0.036) regions.

Modified Field's staining--a rapid stain for Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate protozoan parasite commonly found in the human genitourinary tract, is transmitted primarily by sexual intercourse. Diagnosis is usually by in vitro culture method and staining with Giemsa stain. There are laboratories that use Gram stain as well. We compared the use of modified Field's (MF), Giemsa, and Gram stains on 2 axenic and xenic isolates of T. vaginalis, respectively. Three smears from every sediment of spun cultures of all 4 isolates were stained, respectively, with each of the stains. We showed that MF staining, apart from being a rapid stain (20 s), confers sharper staining contrast, which differentiates the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the organism when compared to Giemsa and Gram staining especially on parasites from spiked urine samples. The alternative staining procedure offers in a diagnostic setting a rapid stain that can easily visualize the parasite with sharp contrasting characteristics between organelles especially the nucleus and cytoplasm. Vacuoles are more clearly visible in parasites stained with MF than when stained with Giemsa.

Concomitant laparoscopic urological procedures: Does it contribute to morbidity?

AIM: With advancement in minimal access surgery two laparoscopic procedures can be combined together shortening the total hospital stay, decreasing morbidity and overall reduced cost. Combining two laparoscopic procedures in a single session has been reported in general surgery. Very few articles are available in literature with regard to combined urological laparoscopic surgeries. This article retrospectively analyses the outcomes of multiple laparoscopic procedures performed in a single stage at our centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing simultaneous procedures from May 2003 to Jan 2009 were included in the study. Patients were categorised into three groups according to the primary urological organ involved, for better comparison with the control group. Diseases involving the adrenals gland were grouped in (group 1), kidney (group 2) and renal collecting system/ureter (group 3). All patients had one urological procedure for either of the above-mentioned organs combined with another surgical procedure. Similarly three control groups were chosen according to the primary urological organ involved (group 1c- unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy, group 2c- unilateral laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and group 3c- unilateral laparoscopic ureterolithotomy) for comparative study. The operative details, hospital stay and complications were analysed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent 64 laparoscopic procedures under single anaesthesia. The most common procedure in this series was laparoscopic adrenalectomy (n=34) followed by laparoscopic nephrectomy (n=13). Group 1 patients had a prolonged operative time ( P=0.012) and hospital stay ( P=0.025) when compared with group 1c. However, blood loss was comparable in both the groups. Patients in groups 2 and 3 had comparable operative times, blood loss and recovery period with respect to their controls. Intraoperatively, the end tidal carbon dioxide levels were within permissible limits. All procedures were completed using the laparoscopic approach, without any conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous laparoscopic procedures can be done for urological diseases in selected patients with the advantages of single anaesthesia and hospital admission without increasing the morbidity.

Emerging role of multi-detector computed tomography in the diagnosis of hematuria following percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A case scenario.

Persistent hematuria is one of the most dreaded complications following percutanous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Although invasive, a catheter-based angiogram is usually used to localize the bleeding vessel and subsequently embolize it. Advances in imaging technology have now made it possible to use a non invasive multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiogram with 3-D reconstruction to establish the diagnosis. We report a case of post-PCNL hemorrhage due to a pseudo aneurysm that was missed by a conventional angiogram and subsequently detected on MDCT angiogram.

Field's stain--a rapid staining method for Acanthamoeba spp.

Acanthamoeba sp. is a free-living amoeba known to cause chronic central nervous system infection or eye infection in humans. Many cases remain undetected for want of a good detection system. We report for the first time a rapid staining method to facilitate the identification of Acanthamoeba sp. using the modified Field's staining technique. A. castellanii, which was used in the present experiment, is maintained in our laboratory in mycological peptone medium (Gibco). The cultures were pooled together and smears were made on glass slides for staining purposes. Different types of stains such as Field's stain, modified Field's stain, Wright's stain, Giemsa stain, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and trichrome stain were used to determine the best stain for the identification of this amoeba. The concentration of various stains and the duration of staining were varied to provide the best color and contrast for each stain. Acanthamoeba was also obtained from the brain of experimentally infected mice and was stained with various stains as mentioned above to determine the best stain for use in identifying the presence of this parasite in experimentally infected animals. The modified Field's stain gives a very good color contrast as compared with other stains. Furthermore, it takes only 20 s to be carried out using the least number of reagents, making it suitable for both laboratory and field use.