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Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of benzydamine hydrochloride against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with ethanol (100 mM) and benzydamine hydrochloride (7.5 μM). The inflammatory status was confirmed by measuring pro-(TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines through ELISA and RT-PCR assays. Reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated to study the protective role of benzydamine hydrochloride against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Apoptosis detection was also investigated using flow cytometry and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Results: Benzydamine hydrochloride significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species inside the cells, thereby stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing DNA fragmentation. The ethanol-induced cellular necrosis was also reversed by the administration of benzydamine hydrochloride. Conclusions: Benzydamine hydrochloride ameliorates ethanol-induced cell apoptosis and inflammation in RAW macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is an important predictor of the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease over and above low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), especially in statin-treated patients. Assays of Apo B are not available widely. Objectives: The objective of this study is to derive the Apo B from a lipid profile, using a regression equation and a neural network and compare the results, to compare LDL-C measured by direct assay and a Friedewald equation derived LDL-C in their efficacy to predict Apo B, to determine the effect of lower levels of LDL-C on the prediction models, and to develop an android app "Apo B Calculator" which will calculate the Apo B and also give the predictive accuracy of the result. Methodology: Eight hundred and eighty-five persons were split into a training set and a validation set. Both the regression equation and neural network methods were applied on the training set of 442 patients and the best regression equation and neural network predictive model for Apo B were derived. This was then applied on the validation set of 443 patients to test the R2 of the models. Results: The regression equation Apo B = 25.199 + 0.266 (LDL) + 0.062 (triglycerides level [TGL]) + 0.248 (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) was the best predictor of Apo B when directly measured LDL-C was used. The predictive accuracy of the neural network was lesser than the regression equation (75% vs. 87.4% at 95% confidence interval [CI]). The regression equation for the Friedewald equation derived LDL-C was Apo B = 25.077 + 0.528 friedewald equation (F. LDL) +0.138 (TGL) and was comparable with the neural network (86.4% vs. 85% at 95% CI). The overall efficacy of both the direct assay and Friedewald equation-derived LDL-C were nearly the same (87.4% vs. 86.4% at 95% CI). There was a linear decline in the predictive accuracy of both methods at diminishing LDL-C levels. At lower levels of LDL-C (<70 mg/dl), the accuracy of the Friedewald equation derived LDL-C was a better predictor of Apo B (70% vs. 59.8%). With this data, we developed an android app "Apo B Calculator" which will calculate the Apo B from a directly measured or Friedewald equation derived LDL-C. The app will also mention the predictive accuracy of the results. Conclusions: The regression equation derived from directly measured LDL-C and Friedewald equation derived LDL-C, and the neural network using the Friedewald equation showed near similar efficacy in predicting the Apo B value (87.4%, 86.4%, and 85%). A regression equation using a Friedewald formula is a better predictor of Apo B at LDL-C levels <70 mg/dl. The app "Apo B Calculator" can predict the Apo B from both directly measured and Friedewald equation derived LDL-C and give the predictive accuracy for the method - This will help the clinician to know the Apo B and also the predictive accuracy of such calculated value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outbreaks are emergencies, requiring skilled peripheral health workers in the health system. Given the lack of evaluation of the knowledge and practices of peripheral health workers regarding outbreak investigation and response, we surveyed to estimate the performance level of health workers in outbreak detection and response. Methods: We developed a simulation exercise based on hepatitis and fever outbreak to ascertain knowledge and skills in outbreak detection and response. Following a pilot test and with inputs from public health experts, we finalized the instrument in the local language. The simulation exercise was self-administered among all health inspectors (HI) (n = 39) from a district in South India responsible for outbreak investigation. We collected sociodemographic factors, training, education level, awareness about the surveillance program, outbreak triggers, and prior experience with an outbreak. We assigned a score of 0.25 for each correct response (range 0 to 10.75). We categorized a score of <75% as poor performance. The academic ethics committee of ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology approved the protocol. Results: All the HIs were male except one. Median age is 51 years (Range: 37.5–54). The median years of service is 12 (range 5.3 to 23). Twenty-two received training, and fifteen had prior exposure to an outbreak in the previous year. The overall performance of HIs was poor, with the highest mark being below 40%. The median score in the section of history taking was 0.25 [interquartile range (IQR) 0–0.5], 31% (n = 12) scored zero. The median score in the section of data entry, analysis, and outbreak detection was 0.25 (0–0.25), 28% (n = 11) scored zero. The median score in the section of outbreak response was 0.75 (IQR 0.75–1.13), 5% (n = 2) scored zero. Conclusion: The HIs performed poorly in outbreak preparedness and response. We recommend improving their performance through field-epidemiology training and regular field or facility-based evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited information is available about the risk factors associated with death among patients of influenza A (H1N1) in India. Aims: To describe the epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed influenza A (H1N1) patients and identify risk factors associated with death. Settings and Design: We reviewed the surveillance data of laboratory-confirmed patients in Tamil Nadu, India, for the year 2010. We conducted a case-control study by comparing 70 laboratory-confirmed A (H1N1) patients who died (cases) with 210 A (H1N1) patients who recovered (controls) to identify the risk factors for deaths. Materials and Methods: We interviewed the controls and immediate care-takers of the influenza patients who died to collect information about socio-demographic details and co-morbid conditions. We used an abstraction form to collect the information about the clinical details from the case records of the hospitals where the cases and controls received treatment. Statistical Analysis: We analysed the surveillance data by time, place and person. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for identifying factors associated death. Results: During 2010, 1302 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the Tamil Nadu surveillance unit. Of these, 72 patients died (case fatality=5.5%). About 2/3 of the cases and 40% of the deaths were from three districts. On multivariate analysis, past history of diabetes, treatment in private hospitals, treatment with corticosteroids during illness, visit to >1 healthcare facility before laboratory confirmation and delay of >48 h in starting antivirals were found to be independently associated with the deaths. Conclusions: Influenza patients with previous history of diabetes, who had treatment with corticosteroids during illness, and started with antivirals after 48 h of onset of symptoms, were at higher risk of adverse outcome. In order to reduce the risk of death during future waves of influenza in Tamil Nadu, the physicians need to be sensitised regarding (1) higher risk of adverse outcomes among A (H1N1) patients with diabetes; (2) adherence to the national protocol for categorisation of cases; (3) prompt initiation of antivirals for severe cases; and (4) avoidance of systemic corticosteroids during management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection according to age group. Methods: H. pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai Petani Hospital for oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy (OGD). The patients were divided into 9 age groups (10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89 and 90–99 years). In addition these groups were further divided into three minor group namely young adults (10–39), older adults (40–69) and geriatric groups (70–99). Results: Overall prevalence of infection of H. pylori was analyzed and found that the prevalence increase with age (P<0.05). When the patients divided by ethnic and gender group with age, prevalence rate among young adults and older adults significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to geriatric groups across all races and gender (P<0.05). Furthermore, significantly higher number of males were infected compared to female (P<0.05) but such trend was only observed among older adult groups. In addition, there is a significant differences in H. pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups (highest in Indians adults, followed Chinese and low in Malays, P<0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of H. pylori did increase with age group across ethnicity and gender, in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta (Lour). Burkill. Methods: Total phenolic content was estimated using the Folin Ciocalteu method. The flavonoid content was determined using aluminium chloride. In vitro antioxidant activities and reducing power capacity were determined using standard methods. Results: Total phenolic content in methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta was found to be 0.79g/100g and flavonoids content was found to be 0.26 g/100g. The extract was screened for its potential antioxidant activities using tests such as DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical cation scavenging activity and reducing power activity. Conclusions: The present studies confirm the methanol extracts have potential in vitro antioxidant activity. The phytochemical phenols and flavonoids could be the reason for its antioxidant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To develop a standard micropropagation protocol for an important vulnerable mangrove Excoecaria agallocha. Methods: Collection of explants, surface sterilization, phenolic exudation and medium was standardized. Shoot induction, shoot multiplication and rooting were carried out in MMS medium supplemented with BAP, Kinetin, Zeatin, 2ip, NAA, IAA and IBA. Hardening was carried out after root well established. Results: The best phenolic exudation removal was resulted in 4 g/L activated charcoal. The maximum shoot induction response showed in MMS medium and better shoot induction was performed in the concentration of BAP (3.9 μmol) and NAA (1.34 μmol). Rooting induction was performed high range at 5.02 μmol of IAA. Well rooted micro-shoots were hardened and acclimatized. Conclusions: From the present investigation, it can be concluded that a standard micropropagation protocol was developed for an important vulnerable mangrove species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]