Search

Background Snakebite is a common occupational hazard in tropical countries. To date, the literature on snakebite-related acute kidney injury (AKI) has been limited by retrospective study designs, lack of uniformity in case definitions of AKI and limited follow-up. This study aims to identify the in-hospital outcomes and long-term changes in kidney function that follow haemotoxic envenomation. Methods All adult patients admitted with AKI following haemotoxic envenomation from January 2016 to June 2017 were recruited and followed up until July 2018. Predictors of in-hospital mortality was assessed. Long-term follow-up data on kidney function were collected from survivors. Results In total, 184 patients with haemotoxic envenomation and AKI were recruited. The mean age of the subjects was 42.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 40.3–44.7]. The majority were male (71.2%). The mortality of patients with haemotoxic envenomation was 21.5%. The mortality was considerably higher in patients with Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Stage 3 AKI [relative risk (RR) 4.45 (95% CI 1.14–17.42)] and those who met KDIGO urine output criteria [RR 20.45 (95% CI 2.84–147.23)]. A Cox regression model identified mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 5.59 (95% CI 2.90–10.81)], hypotension [OR 2.48 (95% CI 1.31–4.72)] and capillary leak syndrome [OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.05–3.88)] as independent predictors of mortality. Long-term follow-up data were available for 73 patients. A total of 21 patients (28.7%) developed adverse renal outcomes (glomerular filtration rate 30 mg/g and new-onset hypertension or prehypertension). Conclusions AKI resulting from snake envenomation is associated with considerable risk of mortality. The greater the AKI stage the greater the likelihood of mortality. One-third of patients with AKI developed long-term complications like chronic kidney disease, prehypertension and hypertension over the follow-up period.

The local signs and symptoms following snakebites are similar to those of cellulitis caused by bacterial infections. This leads to empirical treatment with antibiotics, which however is not supported by evidence. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker with good diagnostic accuracy for bacterial infection. We studied serum PCT concentration in 100 patients aged 13 years or more, presenting to the hospital with significant local manifestations (crossing the joint proximal to the bitten wound) within 24 hours after snakebite. The extent and progression of local manifestations were monitored 12 hourly. Baseline PCT measurement was carried out for all patients and measurement was repeated 12 hourly only in those patients with progressive local manifestations. The median interqartile range PCT concentration did not differ significantly by the severity of local manifestation at presentation (Grade 2 = 0.28 [0.26–0.30]; Grade 3 = 0.28 [0.26–0.32]; Grade 4 = 0.27 [0.26–0.32] ng/mL; P = 0.15). Furthermore, we did not observe an increase in PCT concentration on serial estimation in those with progressive local manifestation (0.28, 0.29, and 0.29 ng/mL) over 36 hours. These observations suggest that the local manifestations following snakebites were not caused by bacterial infection.

Background: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has not been evaluated extensively for diabetes and prediabetes diagnosis and short-term variability of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h PG post-75 g glucose load (2 hPG) and HbA1c has not been studied among Indians. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the sensitivity of HbA1c, FPG and 2 hPG for diabetes and prediabetes diagnosis as per the American Diabetes Association criteria, assess short-term variability of three tests and determine optimal HbA1c cutoffs for diabetes and prediabetes diagnosis among high-risk south Indians. Methods: This diagnostic accuracy study, conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital located in South India, enrolled 332 adults at high risk for diabetes and subjected them to testing (FPG, 2 hPG, and HbA1c) twice at 2–3 weeks interval. Sensitivity of three tests for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes was determined based on the final diagnosis of normoglycemia/prediabetes/diabetes made with six test results for each participant. Optimal HbA1c cutoffs for diabetes and prediabetes were determined based on the final diagnosis of glycemic status made with four test results of FPG and 2 hPG. Results: FPG, 2 hPG, and HbA1c, at American Diabetes Association recommended values, had sensitivity of 84.4%, 97%, and 93.8% respectively for diabetes diagnosis. HbA1c had lowest short-term variability (CVw = 1.6%). Receiver operating characteristic curve plotted with mean (of two values) HbA1c for each participant showed optimal HbA1c cutoffs of 6.5% for diabetes (area under curve [AUC] =0.990, sensitivity = 95.8%, specificity = 96.2%, accuracy = 95.2%) and 5.9% for prediabetes (AUC = 0.893, sensitivity = 84.3%, specificity = 80%, accuracy = 75.6%) diagnosis respectively. HbA1c

The dose of Anti Snake Venom (ASV) in hemotoxic snake bite depends on the amount of venom injected and species of snake. All trials in South East Asia have studied different doses of ASV, wherein the ASV in high dose group itself was lower than the dose that is recommended in Indian National protocol. These studies favored low dose protocol, as there was no difference in mortality and morbidity between the groups. So, this study intended to assess the efficacy of National protocol in reducing morbidity and mortality in hemotoxic snake bite in comparison to current protocol followed in institution. This was an open label randomized trial of 140 hemotoxic snakebite patients. Group A received national protocol: initial dose of 100 ml followed by 100 ml 6th hourly till 20-min Whole Blood Clotting Time (20WBCT) was negative or 300 ml of ASV was given, whichever was earlier. Group B received 70 ml followed by 30 ml every 6th hourly until two consecutive 20WBCT were negative. There was no statistical difference in the amount of ASV required in both the groups. Mortality and acute kidney injury were higher in group A (statistically not significant), probably due to sicker patients in that group. There was no relapse of clotting time abnormality in both the groups. In a significant number of patients (12%), clotting time was persistently prolonged till death. We found that the use of National ASV dosing protocol did not decrease the mortality and morbidity.

A total of 279 stool samples were screened using microscopy, culture (Jones' medium), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Among the three, PCR is considered the gold standard test for detection ofThe sensitivity and specificity determined on the basis of microscopy were 36.2% and 99.4%, respectively. On the other hand, Jones' medium showed 67.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Further, we documented various morphological and reproductive features ofAlthough molecular diagnosis is a necessary tool for understanding the true epidemiology of

There is limited data on the etiology, clinical and histopathological spectrum and outcomes of crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN) in adult Indian population. This prospective study was done to evaluate the etiology, clinicohistological patterns and predictors of outcome of CrGN in South Indian population. All the patients received standard protocol based immunosuppression in addition to supportive care. Immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) was the most common etiology (n = 31; 77.5%) followed by pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (PauciGN; n = 8; 20%) and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (n = 1; 2.5%). The most common etiology of ICGN was IgA nephropathy (n = 11; 27.5%) followed by lupus nephritis (n = 7; 17.5%) and post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) (n = 7; 17.5%). The patients with PauciGN were significantly older compared to those with ICGN (44.5 ± 15 years vs. 31.8 ± 11 years; P = 0.01). The patients with PauciGN presented with significantly higher serum creatinine (9.7 ± 4.4 vs. 6.6 ± 3.3 mg/dl; P = 0.03). The histopathologic parameters of ICGN and PauciGN were comparable except for a higher proportion of sclerosed glomeruli in ICGN. At the end of 3 months follow-up, only two patients went into complete remission (5.4%). Majority of the patients had end-stage renal failure (48.6%) and were dialysis dependent and seven patients (18.9%) expired. There was no signifi difference in the renal survival (10.9 ± 1.9 vs. 9.6 ± 3.3 months) or patient survival (17.5 ± 2.1 vs. 17.3 ± 4.3 months). The parameters associated with adverse outcomes at 3 months were hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 0.58; confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.94), need for renal replacement therapy (OR: 0.19; CI: 0.04-0.9), serum creatinine at admission (P = 0.019), estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.022) and percentage of fibrocellular crescents (P = 0.022).

Objective To evaluate whether stopping the effective antibiotic treatment following clinical improvement at Day 7 (Truncated treatment) would be non-inferior to continued treatment until Day 14 (Continued treatment) in patients with acute pyelonephritis (APN) requiring hospitalization treated with non-fluoroquinolone (non-FQ) antibiotics. Methods Hospitalized adult men and non-pregnant women with culture-confirmed APN were eligible for participation after they had clinically improved following empirical or culture-guided treatment with intravenous non-FQ antibiotic(s). We excluded patients with severe sepsis, abscesses, prostatitis, recurrent or catheter-associated urinary tract infection, or urinary tract obstruction. We randomized eligible patients on Day 7 of effective treatment and assessed them at Weeks 1 and 6 after treatment completion. The primary outcome was retreatment for recurrent urinary tract infection. The prespecified non-inferiority margin was 15%. Results Between March 17, 2015 and August 22, 2016, we randomly allocated 54 patients—27 patients in each arm. Twenty-four (44%) patients were male, and 26 (48%) had diabetes mellitus. Escherichia coli was the most common urinary isolate (47 [87%] patients); 36 (78%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. In all, 41 (76%) patients received amikacin-based treatment. At the end of 6 weeks, no patient in the truncated treatment arm required retreatment, whereas 1 patient in the continued treatment arm was retreated. Difference (90% CI) in retreatment was −3.7% (−15.01% to 6.15%). Upper bound of the difference (6.15%) was below the prespecified limit, establishing non-inferiority of truncated treatment. Asymptomatic bacteriuria at Week 6 was similar between the two arms (3/24 vs. 3/26; P = 1.0). Patients in the truncated treatment arm had significantly shorter hospital stay (8 [7–10] vs. 14 [14–15] days; P < 0.001) and less antibiotic consumption per patient (8.4 ± 2.8 vs. 17.4 ± 8.3 DDDs; P < 0.001). Conclusion Stopping the effective non-FQ antibiotics following clinical improvement at Day 7 is non-inferior to continued treatment until Day 14 in selected patients with APN requiring hospitalization. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry-India; CTRI/2016/04/006810.

Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a dialysis patient is an uncommon occurrence and is often associated with high mortality. We report for the first time in India, a case of spontaneous nontraumatic, nonaneurysmal SAH without any cerebrovascular malformation in a maintenance hemodialysis patient, following a session of hemodialysis. The dialysis prescription needs to be modified in these patients, in order to prevent worsening of cerebral edema and progression of hemorrhage. Where available, continuous forms of renal replacement therapies, with regional anticoagulation seem to be the best option for such patients, till neurologic stabilization is achieved.

Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology which presents in the paediatric age group with anasarca, diarrhoea, hypoproteinaemia, lymphoedema and chylous effusions. Tuberculosis, filariasis, chest trauma, malignancies and haematological disorders usually contribute to most cases of secondary lymphangiectasia and chylous effusions. We hereby describe a case of PIL presenting with chylous effusions which remained undiagnosed for eight years.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of curcumin on oxidative stress and redox-sensitive kinases in high fructose- and high-fat-fed rats. Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups with ten animals each. Rats were fed with a standard rodent diet, high fructose diet (60%), and high-fat diet (30%). Curcumin was administered to control, high fructose and high fat diet groups for ten weeks. At the end of the study, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured. The antioxidant enzymes GSH (reduced glutathione), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and catalase activities were estimated in the blood. MDA, TAS, and TOS were estimated in the plasma, liver, and kidney. Curcumin treatment decreased body weight and blood glucose levels in the rats fed with fructose and high-fat diet. Antioxidant enzymes and plasma TAS were significantly improved by curcumin treatment in high fructose-fed rats, whereas in high-fat-fed rats, there was an increase only in the GPx activity. Curcumin significantly attenuated the elevation of plasma MDA and TOS in both diet groups. Hepatic MDA and TOS were found to be decreased upon curcumin supplementation in both diet groups, whereas a decrease in the renal MDA levels was observed only in fructose-treated rats, not in fat-fed rats. Curcumin treatment elevated liver TAS in rats fed only with the fructose-rich diet. Curcumin showed a significant decrease in the oxidative stress index (OSI) in plasma, liver, and kidney tissues in both diet groups. ERK phosphorylation was significantly decreased in both diet groups by curcumin treatment. Similarly, curcumin reduced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK only in the high fructose-fed rats, not in the high-fat-fed rats. No significant changes were found in JNK phosphorylation in both diet groups. Thus, curcumin may be effective in the management of diet-induced oxidative stress and could be explored as a therapeutic adjuvant against complications associated with obesity and diabetes.

Introduction Health Care associated Infections (HAI) are the most common complications affecting the hospitalized patients. HAI are more common in developing and under developed countries. However, there are no systematic surveillance programs in these countries. Aim To find out the burden, predisposing factors and multidrug resistant organisms causing HAI in a resource limited setting. Materials and methods This prospective observational study was done at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Patients aged 13 years or more with stay of more than 48 hours in a 16 bedded Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) between November 2011 and April 2013 were included in the study. Patients were prospectively followed up till discharge or death for the development of HAI. Device associated HAI like Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP), Catheter Related-Blood Stream Infection (CR-BSI) and Catheter Associated-Urinary Tract Infections (CA-UTI) were studied. Standard laboratory methods were used for identification of microorganisms causing HAI and to test their antibiotic sensitivity. Results A total of 346 patients were included in the study with median age of 38 years. Common indications for admission to Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) were poisoning (31.5%); neurological illness (23.4%) like Guillian-Barre syndrome, tetanus, meningitis, encephalitis; respiratory illness (14.5%) like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and tropical infections (7.2%) like malaria, scrub typhus, leptospirosis. Fifty percent (174/346) patients developed one or more HAI with VAP being the most common. The rates of HAI per 1000 device days for VAP, CR-BSI, CA-UTI were 72.56, 3.98 and 12.4, respectively. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common organism associated with HAI. Multidrug resistance was seen in 74% of the isolates. Conclusion The burden of HAI, especially with MDR organisms, in resource constrained setting like ours is alarming. There is urgent need for infection control and monitoring system to reduce HAI.

Curcumin, an active principal of Curcuma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae), has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.This study investigated the effects of curcumin on hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in high-fructose-fed Wistar rats.Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups with 10 rats in each. Two groups were fed with standard rodent diet and the other two with 60% high-fructose diet for 10 weeks. Curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered along with the diets simultaneously to each of the aforementioned diet groups. After 10 weeks of experiment, blood samples were collected from tail vein. Liver, adipose and epididymal tissues were collected after sacrifice of the animals and stored for further analyses.Administration of curcumin reduced body weight (280.6 ± 7.4 g), liver weight (2.5 ± 0.2 g/100 g BW), adipose weight (1.4 ± 0.3 g/100 g BW), plasma levels of TAG (86.1 ± 13.5 mg/dL), VLDL-C (17.2 ± 2.7 mg/dL), lipid ratios and increased HDL-C (28.4 ± 4.5 mg/dL) in fructose-fed rats. Curcumin supplementation significantly lowered TAG content and decreased the protein expression of LXR-α (43%) and SREBP1c (59%) in the liver. Furthermore, curcumin suppressed the expression of lipogenic enzymes, ACLY (95%), ACC (50%) and FAS (77%) in rats fed with high-fructose diet. No significant change was found in the expression of PPAR-α.Curcumin prevented the high-fructose induced hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis.

Genetic variants of renin angiotensin system (RAS) gene play a significant role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we investigated the association of RAS gene polymorphisms with hypertension by analyzing the polymorphisms ACE ID, AGT T207M, M268T and AGT1R A1166C in 462 hypertensive patients and 444 healthy subjects. Genotyping was determined by allele specific PCR, PCR-RFLP and RT-PCR Taqman assay. The ACE ID heterozygous (OR=1.5: 95% CI: 1.0-2.3, p

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients are susceptible to hepatitis B infection due to profound immunosuppression and repeated transfusions. However, the comparative effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in different phases of chemotherapy has not been studied. Aim: In this comparative interventional study (CTRI/2017/08/009402), vaccination in the induction phase (IP) was compared to that in the maintenance phase (MP). Materials and Methods: The participating ALL patients in both groups (29 per group) were vaccinated with double the dose of hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, and 2 months. The proportion of patients with seroprotective anti-hepatitis B surface titers (>10 IU/ml) was compared between the two groups after each dose. Results: The seroprotection rates between both the phases were similar following the first (relative risk [RR] = 4, confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–33.65) and third (RR = 1.4, CI: 0.73-2.84) doses of vaccination, whereas following the second dose of vaccination, the seroprotection rate in IP was significantly higher than that of MP (RR = 1.9, CI: 1.07–3.35). Conclusion: This study concluded that a 0, 1, and 2 schedule of hepatitis B vaccination has similar efficacy in both the IP and the MP of chemotherapy in ALL patients. As the IP has a higher trend of seroprotection rates compared to MP, vaccination in IP followed by revaccination postchemotherapy may be preferred in countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection.

Background: Essential hypertension is a complex genetic trait. Genetic variant of alpha adducin ( ADD1 ) gene have been implicated as a risk factor for hypertension. Given its clinical significance, we investigated the association between ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in an Indian population. Further, a meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the risk of hypertension. Methods: In the current study, 432 hypertensive cases and 461 healthy controls were genotyped for the Gly460Trp ADD1 gene polymorphism. Genotyping was determined by real time PCR using Taqman assay. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to detect the association between Gly460Trp polymorphism and hypertension. Results: No significant association was found in the genotype and allele distribution of Gly460Trp polymorphism with hypertension in our study. A total of 15 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no evidence of the association of Gly460Trp polymorphism with hypertension in general or in any of the sub group. Conclusions: We found that the Gly460Trp polymorphism is not a risk factor for essential hypertension in a south Indian Tamilian population. However, the role of ADD1 polymorphism may not be excluded by a negative association study. Further, large and rigorous case-control studies that investigate gene-gene-environment interactions may generate more conclusive claims about the molecular genetics of hypertension.

A 16-year-old girl presented with multiple skeletal deformities. She was diagnosed with ‘renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and hypokalemic paralysis’ at the age of 2 years elsewhere and was started on calcitriol, potassium chloride and Shohl’s solution. She was lost to follow-up 4 years back and discontinued all treatment, except calcitriol. She developed progressive skeletal deformities making her wheelchairbound for past 2 years. She was short statured, weighed 20 kg, had mottled dental enamel (Supplementary Figure S1 online), rachitic rosary, widening of wrists (Supplementary Figure S2 online), and scoliosis and prominent bilateral genu recurvatum (Figure 1) Serum creatinine was 0.4 mg/dl, Blood pH 7.4, Serum HCO310 mEq/l and Urine pH 7.6. X rays revealed multiple skeletal deformities including genu recurvatum (Supplementary Figure S3 online), scoliosis and prominent bilateral nephrocalcinosis (Figure 2), and severe osteopenia. An audiogram performed was normal. She had no evidence of hearing impairment; she did not have night blindness and the optic fundi were normal; 24-h urinary calcium excretion was 160 mg (8 mg/kg/day), the urine–blood pCO2 gradient was 4 mm Hg, and the fractional excretion of bicarbonate was 5%. She was treated with potassium citrate and calcitriol. Growth restriction is a serious cause for concern in the long-term treatment of patients with distal RTA. Institution of effective treatment within first 2 years usually results in significant improvement in growth. The extreme bony deformities in this case, rarely encountered in clinical practice these days, demonstrate the consequences of inappropriate treatment. In addition to supplementation of vitamin D3, in renal tubular acidosis, meticulous correction of metabolic acidosis is necessary to prevent skeletal disease.

The present study investigated the beneficial effects of curcumin on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in high-fat fed male Wistar rats.: Five-month-old male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into two groups (10 rats in each group). Among the two groups, one group received 30 % high-fat diet (HFD) and another group received 30 % HFD with curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight). Food intake, body weight and biochemical parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. After 10 weeks, oxidative stress parameters in skeletal muscle and hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) content were estimated. Histological examinations of the liver samples were performed at the end of the experiment.: High-fat feeding caused increase in body weight, liver and adipose tissue mass. Rats fed with HFD showed increased levels of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), TAG, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). There was also increase in the plasma inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP)] and skeletal muscle oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS)] in these rats. In addition, high-fat feeding increased liver TAG content and caused fat accumulation in the liver. Treatment with curcumin significantly reduced body weight, relative organ weights (liver, adipose tissue), glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR. Curcumin supplementation decreased plasma levels of TC, TAG, VLDL-c, TNF-α and increased HDL-c. Administration of curcumin also reduced MDA, TOS in skeletal muscle, hepatic TAG content and liver fat deposition.: Curcumin supplementation improved HFD-induced dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance.

Emerging evidence suggests that high fructose consumption may be a potentially important factor responsible for the rising incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes worldwide. The present study investigated the preventive effect of curcumin on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in high fructose fed male Wistar rats at the molecular level. Fructose feeding for 10 weeks caused oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. Curcumin treatment attenuated the insulin resistance by decreasing IRS-1 serine phosphorylation and increasing IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle of high fructose fed rats. It also attenuated hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and HOMA-IR level. Curcumin administration lowered tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C reactive protein (CRP) levels and downregulated the protein expression of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), protein kinase theta (PKCθ). In addition, inhibitor κB alpha (IκBα) degradation was prevented by curcumin supplementation. Treatment with curcumin inhibited the rise of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and suppressed the protein expression of extracellular kinase ½ (ERK ½), p38 in the skeletal muscle of fructose fed rats. Further, it enhanced Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity in the muscle of fructose fed rats. At the molecular level, curcumin inhibited the activation of stress sensitive kinases and inflammatory cascades. Our findings conclude that curcumin attenuated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, we suggest the use of curcumin as a therapeutic adjuvant in the management of diabetes, obesity and their associated complications.

Background: Blastocystis was identified almost a century ago, yet its biology and pathogenicity status in humans is obscure. Studies on Blastocystis in India are scanty and are mostly microscopy based. This study compared three detection modalities to determine their efficiency in the identification of Blastocystis in human feces. Materials and Methods: A total of 279 stool samples were screened using microscopy, culture (Jones' medium), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Among the three, PCR is considered the gold standard test for detection of Blastocystis, as it helps to authenticate the sensitivity, specificity, and kappa agreement obtained by the other two tests. The morphological features of Blastocystis were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h. After positive morphological identification, ten samples were cultured on Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) medium and Locke's egg slant medium. Results: The sensitivity and specificity determined on the basis of microscopy were 36.2% and 99.4%, respectively. On the other hand, Jones' medium showed 67.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Further, we documented various morphological and reproductive features of Blastocystis using various staining techniques on cultures positive in Jones' medium. In addition, we also found that LJ medium was not equally efficacious as Jones' medium in assisting the growth of Blastocystis. Conclusions: Although molecular diagnosis is a necessary tool for understanding the true epidemiology of Blastocystis, in laboratories devoid of molecular detection facilities, stool microscopy in conjunction with stool culture on Jones' medium could serve as the best alternative tool for the detection of Blastocystis.

It is known that there is a significant interplay of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of turmeric as an adjuvant to anti-diabetic therapy. Sixty diabetic subjects on metformin therapy were recruited and randomized into two groups (30 each). Group I received standard metformin treatment while group II was on standard metformin therapy with turmeric (2 g) supplements for 4 weeks. The biochemical parameters were assessed at the time of recruitment for study and after 4 weeks of treatment. Turmeric supplementation in metformin treated type 2 diabetic patient significantly decreased fasting glucose (95 ± 11.4 mg/dl, P < 0.001) and HbA1c levels (7.4 ± 0.9 %, P < 0.05). Turmeric administered group showed reduction in lipid peroxidation, MDA (0.51 ± 0.11 µmol/l, P < 0.05) and enhanced total antioxidant status (511 ± 70 µmol/l, P < 0.05). Turmeric also exhibited beneficial effects on dyslipidemia LDL cholesterol (113.2 ± 15.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01), non HDL cholesterol (138.3 ± 12.1 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and LDL/HDL ratio (3.01 ± 0.61, P < 0.01) and reduced inflammatory marker, hsCRP (3.4 ± 2.0 mg/dl, P < 0.05). Turmeric supplementation as an adjuvant to T2DM on metformin treatment had a beneficial effect on blood glucose, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Endothelial derived nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in blood pressure regulation. The role of missense variant eNOS-Glu298Asp has been demonstrated by many studies with conflicting results. Our objective was to investigate the association of eNOS gene polymorphism with essential hypertension in a south Indian population.We carried out a case control study in 438 hypertensive patients and 444 healthy control subjects in a homogenous population. Genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP method. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to detect the association between genotype and hypertension.The homozygous variant genotype Asp298Asp was significantly associated with hypertension (odds ratio 2.4; 95% CI, 1.23-5.0, p0.01). Gender specific analysis showed both the heterozygous (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9, p0.01) and homozygous variants (odds ratio, 7.9; 95% CI, 2.0-4.1, p0.001) were positively associated with hypertension in females. The variant allele Asp was higher in female hypertensives when compared to male hypertensive cases (22% vs. 16%).The eNOS gene polymorphism is a candidate gene for hypertension and the association to be gender specific with respect to females in a south Indian Tamilian population.

A 27-year-old previously healthy man was presented to the emergency department with acute onset breathlessness since 9 h. He denied a history of fever, cough, chest pain and haemoptysis. There was no history of chest trauma. On examination, he was in respiratory distress with a respiratory rate of 40/min. His oxygen saturation was 85% by pulse oximetry while breathing ambient air. His pulse was regular at a rate of 150/min and …

1. Essential hypertension is a complex polygenic disorder, the pathogenesis of which is dependent on an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Various studies suggest an association between beta(1)-adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms (Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly) and cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. 2. The genetic profile of the beta(1)-adrenoceptor gene has not yet been documented for any Indian population. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between beta(1)-adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension in a south Indian Tamil population. 3. The present case-control study included 438 patients with essential hypertensives and 444 healthy volunteers from the Tamil population. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. 4. Genotype and allele frequencies of Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphism were compared between hypertensive patients and healthy volunteers. The homozygous variant genotype Gly49Gly of the Ser49Gly polymorphism was higher in hypertensive patients compared with controls (12.3 vs 7.4%, respectively). After adjusting for confounding variables (odds ratio (OR) 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.9; P < 0.01) by multilogistic regression analysis, the gene was found to be associated with hypertension. A significant interaction was observed in hypertensive patients carrying the Ser49Gly/Gly49Gly x Arg389Gly/Gly389Gly genotypes (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 2.7). 5. In conclusion, the Ser49Gly polymorphism is associated with essential hypertension in a south Indian Tamil population. The results of the present study deviate from those of previous studies, implying that marked interethnic difference exist in beta(1)-adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms.

We present the case of a 35-year-old woman presenting with the rare combination of scleroderma and ischemic heart disease. Her ECG suggested old inferior wall myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed significant coronary artery disease.

Background & objectives: Amoebiasis is a common parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of amoebiasis. The aim of this study was to standardise real-time PCR assays (Taqman and SYBR Green) to detect E. histolytica from liver abscess pus and stool samples and compare its results with nested-multiplex PCR. Methods: Liver abscess pus specimens were subjected to DNA extraction. The extracted DNA samples were subjected to amplification by nested-multiplex PCR, Taqman (18S rRNA) and SYBR Green real-time PCR (16S-like rRNA assays to detect E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii). The amplification products were further confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done for nested-multiplex and SYBR Green real-time PCR and the area under the curve was calculated for evaluating the accuracy of the tests to dignose ALA. Results: In all, 17, 19 and 25 liver abscess samples were positive for E. histolytica by nested-multiplex PCR, SYBR Green and Taqman real-time PCR assays, respectively. Significant differences in detection of E. histolytica were noted in the real-time PCR assays evaluated ( P

A 15-year-old boy presented with progressive weakness of the right lower limb for 2 months associated with bowel and bladder incontinence. Physical examination revealed weakness of the right lower limb (muscle power 3/5) with spasticity. The knee and ankle jerks were exaggerated bilaterally and the cremasteric reflexes were absent; the plantar response was extensor on the …

A functioning vascular access is crucial to the wellbeing of patients on hemodialysis. Thrombosis is the most common complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) resulting in late fistula failure; Its treatment is difficult, and results are often suboptimal. Interventional treatment of AVF thrombosis may not be available all the time, and timely application of an available noninterventional treatment may salvage the fistula. We report the successful treatment of AVF thrombosis using local thrombolytic therapy using tissue plasminogen activator in a patient, for the first time in India.

The term hemihyperplasia refers to an enlargement of body parts beyond the normal asymmetry. Hemihyperplasia can be isolated or associated with various well-described malformation syndromes. Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) has been described with isolated and syndromic hemihyperplasia; the actual prevalence is not known The hemi hypertrophy can be so subtle that it may be easily overlooked. MSK need not be limited to the side of hemihyperplasia – most often it is bilateral. Around 33 cases has been reported from different parts of the world of which 15 cases are isolated hemi hyperplasia (IHH), the remaining occurring in the context of various malformation syndromes So far only one case has been reported from India. We report a case of IHH involving right side of the body, recurrent renal stones, incomplete distal renal tubular acidosis hypercalciuria and imaging showing bilateral MSKs.

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a rare form of cutaneous vasculitis that involves small and medium sized arteries of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue without systemic involvement. It presents with tender subcutaneous nodules, digital gangrene, livedo reticularis and subcutaneous ulcerations. The diagnosis is by skin biopsy and characteristic pathologic feature is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the small to medium-sized arterioles of the dermis. We report a rare case of benign cutaneous PAN in a 14-year-old girl who presented with history of fever, subcutaneous nodules with cutaneous ulcer and digital gangrene. The skin biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis in the dermal vessels. She received treatment with steroids and lesions resolved completely over a period of month.