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Introduction: Knee joint problems, such as Osteoarthritis (OA), primarily affect the upper weight-bearing end of the tibia. Total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty are commonly performed as treatment options. However, existing studies on morphometric assessment of the knee joint mainly focus on the Western population, with a lack of data among the Indian population. Obtaining such data is crucial for designing tibial components of knee prostheses tailored to the Indian population. Aim: To compare the morphometric data of the upper end of the tibia between the North and East Indian populations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy at FMHS Medical College, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, North India, involving 41 dry tibias, and at Medical College and Hospital Kolkata in East India, involving 43 dry tibias. Measurements of the Anteroposterior (AP) and Transverse Diameters (TD) of the Medial Tibial Condyle (MTC), Lateral Tibial Condyle (LTC), and Total Tibial Condyles (TTC) were performed using digital Vernier callipers with a least count of 0.01 mm. The data was statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 21.0), and Student's t-test was applied, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean TD and AP diameters of the tibial plateau were found to be greater in the East Indian population (TD: 65.47±5.46, AP: 44.29±4.36). In both samples, the AP diameter of MTC (North Indians: 38.30±3.54, East Indians: 40.63±3.46) was greater than that of LTC (North samples: 35.30±3.51, East samples: 35.70±3.96). When comparing parameters between the North and East samples using Student's t-test, significant differences were found on the right-side for the mean AP (p-value=0.0065) and TD (p-value=0.0213) of TTC, mean AP (p-value=0.0006) and TD (p-value=0.0219) of MTC, mean TD of LTC (p-value=0.0002), mean AP (p-value=0.0005) and TD (p<0.0001) of the Intercondylar area at anterior ends, and mean AP (p<0.0001) and TD (p-value=0.0017) of the Intercondylar area at posterior ends. On the left-side, significant differences between the North and East population were found for mean TD of LTC (p-value=0.0348), AP (p<0.0001) and TD (p-value=0.0207) of the Intercondylar area posterior end. When comparing the areas between the North and East populations, significant differences were found on the right-side only for the MTC (p-value=0.0013), LTC (p-value=0.0083), and TTC (p-value=0.0055). Conclusion: There are significant regional variations in the anthropometric measurements of the North and East Indian populations, emphasising the need to develop populationspecific tibial prostheses for improved surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Determination of age and gender using bones of skull is central aspect of forensic odontology. Maxillary sinuses in this regard have shown high accuracy in predicting gender. Aim: To identify gender using the volumetric and linear measurements of maxillary sinuses obtained from a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) by using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based tool. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 80 volumes of CBCT (derived from n=80 patients) with equal gender distribution. The CBCT images were analysed for eight linear and two volumetric measurements namely the maxillary sinus height, maxillary sinus length, maxillary sinus width, distance between infraorbital foramen and distance between maxillary sinus. The data from these parameters were reported by two experts and subjected to discriminant analysis and McNemars test for gender determination. The same data was also fed to the ANN software and the accuracy of its gender prediction was analysed by Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) and Area Under the Curve (AUC). Results: The ROC test and AUC (ANN-test) had shown high accuracy for prediction of gender form the data of the CBCT parameters for maxillary sinuses. McNemars test showed that the difference in proportion between the actual gender and ANN predicted gender was not significant (p-value=0.687) and the agreement between the actual gender and ANN in measuring the gender was 84.6%. The male sex was predicted correctly upto 89.7% and female sex upto 94.9%. Conclusion: This study has found ANN to have an encouraging predictive power in gender determination based on linear and volumetric measurements of maxillary sinus obtained from CBCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reference intervals are important for interpretation of clinical laboratory tests. The platelet parameters are recently reported newer haematological parameters and serve as clinically valuable biomarkers. It provides further information on platelet morphology and proliferation kinetics. The lack of information from manufacturers about the geographical reference ranges for the Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters highlights the need for laboratories to establish reference intervals. Aim: To determine the reference interval for platelet parameters using Sysmex XN-1000 haematology analyser in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective record-based study was carried out during July 2021 to September 2021 and the data was retrieved from a continuous 12-month period (November 2018-October 2019) in the haematology laboratory at a tertiary care dental hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The data of CBC parameters were retrieved from the Sysmex XN-1000 analyser and a total of 1,883 reports labelled as negative/unflagged were included in the study. The reference intervals for platelet parameters which include Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR) and Plateletcrit (PCT) for male and female subjects were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare between the different age groups using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. Results: The data for the platelet parameters are shown as median, with statistically significant difference in the reference interval for all the parameters (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in age divided reference intervals, except for PCT (p=0.04) PDW was found to be 9-16.4 fL for males and 9.1-16.6 fL for females (p<0.001). Similarly, MPV was 9-12.3 fL for males and 9-12.6 fL for females (p<0.001); P-LCR was 16-42.1% for males and 16.6-43% for females (p<0.001); and PCT was 0.15- 0.36% for males and 0.14-0.41% for females (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study has determined the reference interval for platelet parameters with respect to age and gender in area specific population and these results can be utilised for other laboratories using the same analyser system for south Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a significant degree of anatomical variation at the level of the sphenoid sinus and sella turcica and a wide range of these values have been reported in literature and ethnic variation has also been found to contribute to this. Thus preoperative imaging of the central skull base with a knowledge of the normal anatomy and measurements in a specific population is imperative to identify these variations and prevent avoidable intraoperative complications. Aim: To assess the normal intracranial measurements of the intercarotid distance, pituitary fossa width, optic chiasm height, optic chiasm width and the pituitary to optic chiasm distance in healthy subjects of the South Indian population aged between 10 to 80 years and to establish normal reference ranges across the various age groups. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Radiology Department at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from July 2021 to December 2021. The study included normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brains of 700 healthy subjects (378 males and 322 females) in the age range of 10 to 80 years. Subjects were divided into seven groups of 100 subjects for each decade. The variables that were measured included the intercarotid distance, pituitary fossa width, optic chiasm height, optic chiasm width and the pituitary to optic chiasm distance. RStudio version 1.2.1093 was used for statistical analysis and p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Association between age and outcome variables were assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient at 95% confidence interval. Results: The overall mean age was 45.4 years. The overall mean intercarotid distance was 16.2±3.7 mm, optic chiasm width was 13.1±1.6 mm, optic chiasm height was 2.18±2.7 mm, pituitary width was 12.1±2.3 mm, pituitary to optic chiasm distance was 5.7±1.84 mm. The overall pituitary fossa width and pituitary to optic chiasm distance was found to be higher in males (p-value <0.001; p-value=0.03, respectively) than females while there was no significant difference between genders in the rest of the parameters. A low and positive correlation was found between age and the pituitary width, age (r-value=0.175, p-value<0.001) and the pituitary to optic chiasm distance (r-value=0.342, p-value<0.001) and pituitary width and optic chiasm width (r-value=0.236, p-value <0.001). A strong and positive correlation was found between the pituitary width and the intercarotid distance (r-value=0.736, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Establishment of normal reference values across various age groups of the South Indian population may prove useful for future reference and improving diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnant women with chronic hypertension and who developed superimposed Preeclampsia (PE) had a higher rate of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Prospective data on the outcome of pregnancies with chronic hypertension are sparse. Aim: To evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension with and without superimposed PE in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A two group, parallel, prospective observational study was carried out in 270 women with singleton pregnancy and chronic hypertension with and without superimposed PE and who received antenatal care and delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fernandez hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 180 women had chronic hypertension without superimposed PE and 90 had superimposed PE (group A, 180 cases; group B, 90 cases). The medical records were reviewed with specific reference to the treatment, development of Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR), maternal and perinatal outcomes. FGR was considered as the primary outcome variable. Secondary variables were stillbirth rate, low birth weight, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions, Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) at 5 minutes, gestational age at delivery, caesarean section rate and maternal complications. Categorical variables were assessed by Pearson’s Chi-square test. Continuous variables were assessed by unpaired student t-test. Results: The mean maternal age in group A was 32±5 years and in group B was 30±4 years. Adverse maternal outcomes like abruption, Haemolysis, Elevated liver enzymes, and Low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, and pulmonary oedema were all low in women without superimposed PE than those with superimposed PE (1.6% vs 12%, p≤0.001). There were no maternal deaths in either group. Compared to group A, group B showed higher FGR rate (15.5%vs 51.1%, p<0.001), preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) (50.5% vs 80% p<0.001), stillbirths (0 vs 13.3%), low APGAR at 5 minutes (1.1% vs 16.6%%, p<0.001), low birth weight (21.2% vs 71.1%, p<0.001), NICU admissions (14.4% vs 43.3%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the caeserean section rate between the groups (69.4% vs 74.4%, p=0.39). Conclusion: Maternal and perinatal morbidity was higher in women having chronic hypertension with superimposed PE. They need vigilant maternal and foetal surveillance and should be counseled about all the possible adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive disorder characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic/enlarged ovary. Although clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism is one of the major features of PCOS, biochemical hyperandrogenism in the form of high testosterone and/or Free Androgen Index (FAI) is rarely observed in the Asian Indians. Aim: To assess various androgens to determine best available biomarker of androgens in PCOS from North India. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, between January 2016 to December 2019. During this period 137 female with PCOS and 49 female as control were included. Serum total testosterone (T), FAI, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured besides assessment of hirsutism using the Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) scale. Statistical differences were derived using Mann-Whitney U test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Spearman's correlation test. Results: There were 87 PCOS cases with phenotype A, 25 PCOS cases with phenotype B, 10 PCOS cases with phenotype C and 15 PCOS cases with phenotype D. The mean age was 23.7 years in the PCOS group and 26.2 years in the control group. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) in the PCOS group was 25.23 kg/m2 and in the control was 22.6 kg/m2. FG score of ≥9 was observed in 75.9% PCOS cases. High (mean+2SD) levels of T (≥0.51 ng/mL), FAI (≥2.55), DHEAS (≥309 ug/dL), androstenedione (≥2.2 ng/mL) and DHT (≥462 pg/mL) were observed in 35.29%, 56.25%, 14.18%, 18.62% and 61.38% cases, respectively. Mean DHT value was 584.27 pg/mL in study group whereas in control was 257.15 pg/mL (p-value <0.00001) and area under ROC curve was 0.895. Similarly, area under ROC curve was 0.86, 0.817, 0.721 and 0.63 for FAI, testosterone, DHEAS and androstenedione, respectively. Spearman's correlation test of androgens with BMI, age and FG Score did not find any associations with DHT. Conclusion: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is best available biomarker and can be considered as diagnostic biomarker of hyperandrogenemia in PCOS women from North India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Assessing Nuchal Translucency (NT) accurately is necessary in detection of various anomalies as described in the literature. Studies deriving reference range for NT in Indian population is not widely available. Aim: To derive a normal reference range value of NT with respect to Crown Rump Length (CRL) by using ultrasound in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 470 pregnant women from December 2018 to March 2020. Measurement of NT thickness and CRL was performed by ultrasound at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Association between quantitative explanatory and outcome variables was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficient and the data was represented in a scatter diagram. The relationship between NT thickness, CRL and gestational age was studied by using linear regression analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total sample of 470 pregnant females (mean age 25.626±3.82 years, 357 multipara, mean gestational age 12.60±1.36 weeks) was analysed. The mean CRL was 59.84±10.17 mm and mean NT thickness was 1.3±0.26 mm, respectively. The median gestational age was 12.4 weeks. The regression equation which showed relation between median NT thickness and CRL was described as follows: Expected NT thickness=-1.652+(0.050)×CRL mm (R2 linear=0.995, p<0.0001). Conclusion: The study provides normative data of NT thickness in normal foetus. This data can be used as reference to screen various chromosomal abnormalities between 11-14 weeks of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The anterior interosseus nerve syndrome, is a compression neuropathy affecting the anterior interosseus nerve, resulting in motor weakness of the long tendons to the index finger and thumb. Of the many conditions leading to this syndrome, one of the more common yet most overlooked aetiologies is the presence of accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle, also called the Gantzer's muscle. Even though numerous studies have been done in both Indian and international populations regarding the frequency of the Gantzer's muscle, there are hardly any studies involving the South Indian population. Aim: To analyse the frequency and morphology of the Gantzer's muscle in the sub-population of Malabar region, Kerala. Materials And Methods: This descriptive observational study was performed in Department of Anatomy at Malabar Medical College, Atholi, Kerala, India, from July 2021 to August 2021. Study included 60 upper limbs from the cadavers provided for undergraduate medical education. In the limbs where the muscle was identified, parameters such as proximal and distal attachments, shape and length of muscle and tendon, relation to adjacent median and anterior interosseus nerves were studied. Frequencies of each of these parameters were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version version 21.0. Percentages obtained were compared with existing studies. Results: The Gantzer's muscle was found in 28 of the 60 limbs dissected. It was more common on the right side (17 limbs), and the most common origin was the medial epicondyle (53.6%). All the cases identified were inserted onto the ulnar aspect of the Flexor Pollicis Longus tendon, mostly in the upper third. In all cases, the Median Nerve was superficial and the Anterior Interosseus Nerve was deep to the accessory head. In majority of the cases the Anterior Interosseus Nerve was related to the posterior aspect of the belly of the Gantzer's muscle (82.1%). Conclusion: Clinicians and surgeons should be conscious of the possibility of the Gantzer's muscle being the aetiology, in cases of isolated Anterior Interosseus nerve palsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Various studies have shown the correlation between the uric acid levels and acute ischaemic stroke. There are several studies which project the Cerebro-protective effect of uric acid in acute ischaemic stroke patients by its antioxidant effect. However, still it is a wide area of controversy. Aim: To assess the short term (14 days) clinical outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke patients with reference to their serum uric acid levels on day of admission day. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study, which included a total of 74 acute ischaemic stroke patients who presented to Emergency Department in a Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (a tertiary care hospital in South India) within 48 hours from the month of April 2018 and June 2019. The severity of stroke was quantified in all patients using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) during admission and serum uric acid levels and other routine investigations were measured in all cases. All patients were managed as per American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines and at the end of 14 days their outcome was reassessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The correlation between severity of stroke and the clinical outcome on 14 days with reference to admission day serum uric acid was analysed. Results: A total of 74 patients were analysed, 51 were male and 23 were females and mean serum uric acid was 6.07±0.78 (mg/dL), and mean NIHSS score at admission was 18.32±3.8. Severity assessment by NIHSS scoring system showed majority percentage of population in elevated serum uric acid group were in moderate and severe categories (73.7%, 62.9%, respectively) in adjunct with normal uric acid group. Outcome assessment by mRS showed major percentage population in elevated uric acid group with score 2,3 (score 2-89.3%, score 3-80%) in relation to normal uric acid group. Conclusion: The present study supported the hypothesis that acute ischaemic stroke patients with elevated serum uric acid levels at the time of admission had reduced severity and favourable short term clinical outcome due to its neuroprotective effect secondary to antioxidant property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Variability in the levels of these trace elements may reflect altered insulin metabolism and poor glycaemic control in the background of elevated oxidative stress. Mineral metabolism is another entity that may be disrupted by diabetes mellitus. Conversely, there are studies implicating early imbalances of trace elements in upsetting glucose homeostasis and insulin metabolism. Aim: To estimate and compare serum zinc, copper and magnesium in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients with non diabetic controls and to correlate the serum zinc, copper and magnesium with Glycated Haemoglobin levels in Type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The study included 30 Type 2 DM patients and 30 healthy, age and gender matched controls without Type 2 DM. Their serum levels of zinc, copper and magnesium were measured and compared. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software was used to perform the statistical analysis. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Mean±SD of serum zinc in Type 2 DM and controls was 93.44±46.99 μg/dL and 121.74±37.15 μg/dL, respectively. Serum zinc was significantly decreased in Type 2 DM. However, there was no significant alteration with respect to serum copper and magnesium. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the association between HbA1c with zinc (r=0.069, p=0.718), copper (r= -0.094, p=0.622) and magnesium (r=0.116, p=0.543) was random. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency noticed in Type 2 DM patients may be due to increased excretion in urine. Zinc oral preparations are cheap and easily available. Considering these, it can be further explored if micronutrient supplementation would help to improve the glycaemic variability in Type 2 DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The middle hepatic artery is an artery which supplies blood to the fourth segment of the liver. Most commonly, it originates from the right hepatic artery. Injury to the middle hepatic artery during liver transplant surgeries may lead to ischaemia and also may lead to life threatening conditions like hepatic artery thrombosis in donor as well as recipient. The variations in the origin of the middle hepatic artery in the living donors were focused in the present study as it has surgical importance in the liver transplantations. Aim: To find out the incidence of the variations in the origin of the middle hepatic artery in living liver donors using Computed Tomography (CT) angiography. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from August 2018 to October 2021 in the Department of Anatomy, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The images of CT angiographies of 100 living liver donors were collected from the Department of Radiology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. All the CT angiographs of the living liver donors were observed for any variations in the origin of the middle hepatic artery and recorded and the percentage of each variation was calculated. Results: Out of 100 CT angiographs studied, the incidence of the origin of middle hepatic artery was reported as 55% from right hepatic artery, 34% from the left hepatic artery, 5% from replaced left hepatic artery, 2% from the hepatic artery proper, 1% from the common hepatic artery, 1% from left gastric artery. Double middle hepatic arteries were observed in 1% of cases. Accessory middle hepatic artery was observed in 1% cases. Conclusion: To increase the success rate of liver transplantations, the clear knowledge on the possible variations of the middle hepatic artery is needed. The variations of the middle hepatic artery reported in this study are rare and will be useful for the liver transplant surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic kidney failure in India and around the world is a significant health problem. The most effective and affordable treatment may require screening for early detection, intervention and prevention. Public awareness is a key determinant to overcome the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). However, there is a lack of information on CKD among South Indian people. Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge of CKD among the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted through an online form; the questions were generally based on the physiological role of kidney and awareness questions related to CKD. The sample size was 500 participants, of age >18 years and snowball sampling method was implemented. Among the study population, 68 participants had a family history of CKD and they were excluded. The data were analysed through Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: The mean knowledge score was 13 (SD±5.0), with values ranging from 0 to 22. The mean age of the population was 47.80±8.5 years. Multiple regression on demographic data and knowledge yielded statistically negligible results. The study population included 432 participants and the result showed the realms that most responded incorrectly were physiology of kidney, CKD symptoms, risk factors and the domain of testing and diagnosis. Conclusion: The participants had ample knowledge of the risk factors, signs and symptoms of CKD and insufficient knowledge of the physiological function of the kidney and the diagnosis of CKD. Therefore, efforts are necessary to create awareness and educate people about the early detection and prevention of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is one of the most populous countries in the world. The adolescent population in India constitutes about one fifth of the total Indian population. Adolescent phase is a transitional phase in life and the adolescents are neither child nor adult at this stage and are full of energy, have significant drive and new ideas. The relatively lower death rate and relatively good health status of the adolescents has always been a misleading measure to adolescent health and thus given lesser priorities. In order to respond effectively to the needs of adolescent health and development, it is important to place adolescence in a life-span perspective within dynamic sociological, cultural and economic realities. For this, government of India has started a national programme known as "Rashtriya Kishor Swathya Karyakram" in 2014. However, India as a country does not have an adolescent health policy till date and hence the country requires a national adolescent health policy. The key priorities should include sexual and reproductive health, nutritional problems (both under and over nutrition), substance abuse, mental health, road traffic accidents, intentional violence and non-communicable diseases. In addition to key priorities, the policy draft should include pertinent components such as a preamble, guiding principles, coordinating agencies, monitoring and evaluation, research and documentation components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: C1q play an important role in clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic cell debris. Impaired clearance leads to exposure of C1 native antigen and development of anti- C1q antibody formation. Anti-C1q antibody is well studied in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Significance of anti-C1q Ab in Indian SLE patients and their clinical manifestations is not clear. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between anti-C1q antibody and clinical as well as serological markers of SLE. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of SLE patients fulfilling either American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 classification criteria were recruited from inpatients and outpatients services of the Clinical immunology and Rheumatology Department, Christian Medical College at Vellore, India between March 2013 and January 2015. Anti- C1q antibody was assayed by ELISA (Demeditec Diagnostics GmbH, Germany). Logistic regression analysis was performed to find the association of anti-C1q antibodies with serological and clinical parameters in SLE including Lupus Nephritis (LN). Results: Sixty nine patients (54.76%) out of 126 SLE patients had LN. Anti-C1q levels were higher in patients with LN as compared to those without (p<0.05). Anti-C1q antibody was also significantly associated with positive C1q immunofluorescence staining in renal biopsy specimens (p<0.05). Overall, renal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) {OR 1.35 (1.08-1.69)}, low C4 {OR 3.11 (1.04-9.26)} and mucocutaneous manifestation {OR 4.72 (1.38-16.05)} were independently associated with anti-C1q levels in serum. Conclusion: Renal SLEDAI, low C4 and mucocutaneous manifestations were independently associated with raised anti C1q antibody in SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vertical Jump (VJ) is a good measure of athletic performance and occupational activities. Earlier studies reported conflicting results on anthropometric influence. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and VJ in national level hockey and cycling players. Materials and Methods: Fifty four (32 males) national level hockey and cycling players of 11-21 years were the volunteers. Following standard protocols, these variables were measured: VJ, Weight (WT), Height (HT), Trochanterion-Height (TH), Sum of Skinfold Thickness (SSF), Lengths [Acromiale-Stylion (AS) and Midstylion-Dactylion (SD)], Breadths [Biacromial (AB), Biiliocristal (IB), Biepicondylar Humerus (HB) and Biepicondylar Femur (FB)], Girths [Relaxed Arm (AG), Mid Thigh (TG) and Calf (CG)], Lower Back and Hamstring Flexibility (SR), Grip [Left Hand Grip (LHG) and Right Hand Grip (RHG)] and Back Strength (BS). International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) procedures were followed for anthropometric variables measurement. Unpaired-'t'-test was used for comparison between genders. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate correlates and predictors of VJ respectively. Results: Males had significantly higher VJ, HT, SD, AB and BS; but lower SSF, AS and TG. VJ correlated positively with age, WT, HT, SD, TH, girths, SR and strength among males; but only with WT and LHG among females. After controlling gender, TH and LHG predicted VJ significantly with 69% of total variance. HT, SSF and BS; and LHG were the significant predictors among males and females respectively. Conclusion: Anthropometric and physiological variables like TH, grip, HT, skinfold and BS had major influence on VJ. The result might help in training-monitoring and player's selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994, first time reported a significant, positive association in iron storage and heart disease risk. Thereafter several researchers have found an association between iron overload, serum ferritin (SF) and MI. No such Indian study was available in the literature and so we decided to find out the relation of lipid profile and Serum Ferritin with myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: Fifty indian patients of AMI (study group) and fifty indian healthy volunteers (control group) were included for the present study. Lipid profile including TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c & TG and SF levels were estimated in all subjects. Observations and Results: Mean ± SD of TC level was 250.64 ± 25.61, of HDL-c was 36.52 ± 2.86, of LDL-c was 165.69 ± 26.80, of VLDL-c was 42.35 ± 8.53 and of TG was 211.83 ± 42.65 in study group while these values were 174.46±47.68, 43.2±12.52, 98.37±41.13, 32.88±21.45 and 164.42±107.29 respectively in control group. All the parameters were found not only raised in patients of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but were also statistically significant when compared with control group (p=<0.01). Mean ± SD of SF levels was 268.43±30.17 ng/ml in study group and 110.96±56.5 ng/ml in control group; this level was found not only raised in patients of AMI but were also statistically significant when compared with control group (p=<0.01). Conclusion: TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, TG and SF levels were raised in patients of AMI and found to be statistically significant; while HDL-c levels were reduced in such patients and is also statistically significant. It can be concluded that there exists an association in lipid profile and SF with AMI therefore dyslipidemia and raised SF levels are the features of AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and delta beta thalassemia are heterogeneous disorders characterised by increased levels of fetal hemoglobin and high level of this Hb continues in adulthood. The distinction between these two conditions is not always possible with routine hematologic analysis and molecular characterisation of the defect is required. We encountered such a rare case of 8p thalassemia in a 10-year-old male child who presented with features of thalassemia intermedia. Hemoglobin analysis showed 100% HbF while molecular analysis revealed Asian Indian inversion-deletion GγAγ(δβ) zero thalassemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]