Sumathi Publications (E-Journals)
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DOWN TO THE GROUND ZERO: PERSPECTIVE FROM TISSUE DIAGNOSIS IN NEUROLOGICAL TB
BACKGROUND/AIM Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB), a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis presents with non specific symptom leading to delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity. This study compares different modalities of diagnosis of CNS-TB [Multiplex real-time PCR/ GeneXpert, TB culture, Ziehl-Neelsen staining( Z-N staining) and histopathology].
METHOD This is a cross sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Neuropathology from October 2016 to May 2019. Total 128 brain and spinal cases which were clinically suggestive of TB and operated were evaluated.
RESULT Granuloma, giant cell and necrosis were less evident in spinal TB compared to brain. GeneXpert and culture positivity were higher(100%) in tissue having poorly formed granuloma compared to well formed granuloma. Z-N stain has poor sensitivity (around 32%). Compared to culture GeneXpert was 100% sensitive and 96% specific in brain TB( detected from tissue) and 87% and 89% in spinal TB respectively.
CONCLUSION Combined together all these modalities provide a wholistic approach so that not a single case of tuberculosis is missed
ATTENUATION OF IRON OVERLOAD AND EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS SUPPLEMENTATION ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN HOMOZYGOUS β-THALASSEMIA
It has been projected that ferritin and iron yoke in homozygous thalassemic children is coupled with the enhanced free radical formation and blemished in antioxidative defense coordination. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to analyze the consequence of serum iron, erythrocyte catalase, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (ESOD) in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Method: 60 beta-thalassemia major patients were studied before and after supplementation of A – Z antioxidants for 20 weeks, and status were compared with 60 age and sex-matched healthy normal. Serum Iron estimation was carried out by Ramsay’s Dipyridyl Method. Estimation of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase was done by Kajari Das Method. The levels of Catalase concentration in erythrocytes were analyzed by the Goth method. All the objectives mentioned above were run by using a UV visible Spectrophotometer (Systronix). Results: A marked enhancement was seen in the intensity of serum iron, and superoxide dismutase (p<0.001) with parallel decline was observed in the level of erythrocyte catalase (p<0.001) in homozygous thalassemia patients when compared with healthy subjects. After 20 weeks of regular supplementation of antioxidants A-Z syrup, which consists of multimineral multivitamins, the concentration of catalase was increased whereas iron and ESOD (p<0.001) were reduced significantly when compared with normal and baselines thalassemic patients. Conclusion: Due to multiple blood transfusions, beta-thalassemia major children are at advanced risk due to secondary iron surplus and intense oxidative stress. Such kind of circumstances may be handled with supplementation of antioxidants A-Z syrup with their regular treatment.
 
Association between serum uric acid and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case control study in Indian population
Background and Aim: Uric acid is a pro-oxidant molecule that might be implicated in increasing oxidative stress and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess serum uric acid and HbA1c level (an indicator of glycemic control) in these patients and speculate the association between the two.
Methods: 40 newly diagnosed cases of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (20 males and 20 females) with age ranging between 35-70 years were statistically compared against 40 age and sex-matched healthy subjects with respect to their uric acid and HbA1c levels. Demographic data like the height and weight of patients was also recorded and statistically compared.
Results: No statistical difference in age, height and weight were observed in type 2 diabetes cases vs. controls indicating that the groups were comparable. HbA1c and uric acid levels of males and females with type 2 diabetes mellitus were significantly higher in comparison to normal males and females(controls). Correlation analysis showed a positive and significant correlation between HbA1c and uric acid levels in male and female cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Conclusion: Uric acid might have a role in the development or worsening of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, further studies are required with a larger sample size to clearly establish the relationship between uric acid and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus since studies in the literature have shown conflicting results and hence the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus remains poorly understood with respect to uric acid.
Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus; uric acid, HbA1c; etiopathogenesis; correlation
VACUUM AND THERMOPLASTIC MOULD-BASED IMMOBILIZATION SYSTEMS USED IN PATIENT UNDERGOING PELVIC RADIATION THERAPY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare two immobilization systems for comparison of setup errors in targeted radiotherapy.
Methods: Retrospective analysis was done for the patients undergoing radiotherapy from May 2012 to December 2018 at our institution. Immobilization was performed on 30 patients sessions (Vacuum cushion i.e., Vac-Lok™ = 15; Thermoplastic mould i.e., Pelvicast pelvic masks = 15). A total of 763 cone-beams were analysed. The target lesion location was verified by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) prior to each session, with displacements assessed by CBCT simulation prior to each treatment session. Systematic setup errors, random setup errors, isocenter deviations in the Medio-lateral (ML), Supero-inferior (SI), Antero-posterior (AP), Rotation (yaw) directions of the patient position was calculated.
Results: On comparing the Vac-Lok™ and Pelvicast pelvic masks group with respect to Systematic and random error in the lateral, longitudinal, vertical and YAW direction, no statistically significant difference was seen except the random error in YAW direction (P=0.037, Unpaired t-test). There was no difference observed in comparing the isocentric deviation.
Conclusion: It was inferred and concluded that using a vacuum cushion for pelvic radiotherapy provides no added benefit compared to using a thermoplastic mould. Thermoplastic mould is recommended for patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy to improve overall reproducibility.Keywords: Rotational therapy; Radiotherapy; Systematic, random error; Thermoplastic mould; Vacuum cushion
Pulmonary function tests in petrol pump workers exposed for three years to petrol/diesel fumes in Mathura District Uttar Pradesh
Background: Occupational and environmental exposure to petroleum refinery products poses a great threat to human health and petrol pump workers by virtue of their occupation are continuously exposed to petroleum gases and petroleum products. This community is generally neglected regarding their health.
Aims and objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the Pulmonary functions of petrol pump workers with age-sex matched normal healthy individuals by using computerized Spirometry.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design in which 100 participants out of 50 petrol pump workers and 50 control group. Age, weight, height, ethnicity and socioeconomically matched subjects with minimum exposure of 3 years from different areas of Mathura district were recruited. Respiratory health of participants is ruled out by exclusion criteria. The Parameters TV, FVC (L), FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV and PEFR are measured by computerized spirometry (Helios).
Results: The Spirometry values were significantly reduced in participants working in the petrol pumps as compared to the controls. A significant decline in lung function parameters TV, FVC (L), FEV1, MVV, and PEFR were observed and no significance found in FEV1 /FVC among Petrol Pump workers when compared to controls.
Conclusion: Subjects working in Petrol Pumps have significantly impaired lung functions. The lung function impairment pattern provides evidence in the favour of obstructive and restrictive lung disease and suggests improving control measures in petrol pumps
Photoperiod regulates the daily profiles of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 gene expression the raphe nuclei of rats
Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 mRNA (TPH, the rate limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis) expression levels display circadian variations in the median and dorsal raphe nuclei. This circadian pattern is under the control of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the master clock. Photoperiodic cue is encoded by the SCN which convey the seasonal message to target sites. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of photoperiodic changes on the serotonergic neurones of the raphe nuclei. We have assessed the daily expression of TPH2 mRNA in both median and dorsal raphe nuclei of rats housed either under long photoperiod (18 h light/6 h dark cycle, LP18:6) or short photoperiod (SP6:18). Our results demonstrate that under LP18:6, TPH2 mRNA levels display a progressive decrease during the dark period and a maximal expression is reported at the beginning of the light period. The expression pattern of TPH2 mRNA under SP6:18 remains unchanged during the dark period and increases significantly before the day/night transition. This latter expression pattern is in line with the daily profiles of TPH2 mRNA reported previously under standard lighting regimen (12 h light/12 h dark cycle). The present results suggest that TPH2 mRNA expression pattern within DR and MR is affected by photoperiod which might in turn affect TPH content and 5HT release within the circadian structures, but also in all the serotonergic projection areas of the brain
Comparison of Blood Pressure in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients with that of Control
Introduction and Objectives : β-thalassemia major patients need to have repeated blood transfusions throughout their life for survival, which leads to so many complications. Heart disease is the most important complication and the main determinant of survival in these patients. Our study shows comparison of blood pressure between these patients and that of normal subjects.
Material and Methods : Present study was a cross sectional type of study and consisted of 100 normal subjects (control group) and 100 patients of beta thalassemia major (study group). Blood pressure was recorded in both the groups using mercury sphygmomanometer and statistical analysis of the observations was done using Z test.
Results : There was no statistically significant difference in the Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of study group as compared to control group whereas there was a difference in the Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of study group and control group which was statistically significant (p value <0.0001).
Conclusion : There was an overall reduction in the blood pressure of study group as compared to control group but the difference in SBP was statistically not significant whereas that of DBP was statistically significant.
Key Words: Beta thalassemia major, Diastolic blood pressure, Systolic blood pressur
Effect of practicing Yoga on Aerodynamic measures of Voice
Yoga is a Sanskrit word which interprets to the meaning “the unity of body and mind”. It is a blend of breathing drills, physical stances, and contemplation, and has been practiced in eastern conventional medicine for more than thousands of years [1]. A modest effort was taken in this study to examine the effect of Long term yoga training on Aerodynamic measures and also to compare and contrast these measures between individuals who practice yoga and who don’t.
A total of 120 phonation samples were obtained from participants who practice yoga and who don’t between the age ranges of 20-40 years. Samples assessing respiratory capacities were also taken from the above subjects. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference [p<0.05] between control group and experimental group for all parameters. Significant difference was also seen between genders [p<0.05]. Significant difference was seen in gender within control group [p=0.02] and also within experimental group [p=0.00].
The prevailing study establishes a positive correlation between practicing yoga and betterment in aerodynamic capacities. The results declare that there was significant escalation in vital capacity, maximum phonation duration, phonation quotient and mean air flow rate for individuals who practice regular yoga when compared to people who don’t. The outcome of the present study is a preliminary step towards creating evidence base for the practice of yoga towards overall aerodynamic improvement in healthy adult
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AND INTELLIGENCE IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN FROM RURAL KONKAN
Aim: To study association between anthropometric parameters and intelligence in preschool children from Rural KONKAN.Method: Children between 3 to7 years of age were examined for anthropometry, dietary recall and Intelligence (Intelligent Quotient-IQ) assessment from rural anganwadis. IQ test was performed by clinical psychologist using Binet-Kamat test of intelligence (version 4). Nutritional information was collected from 24- hour dietary recall and food diversity. Results: Results were interpreted using Prorated IQ We studied 159 (82 boys, 78 girls) out of which 15 (9.6%) had higher IQ. 25 (15.8%) were born LBW. Anthropometry classification showed that 61 (38.4%) were stunted and 25(15.7%) were wasted. According to IOTF, 72 (46%) were thin, 83(52%) were normal and 3 (2%) were overweight. we found that there is no significant difference in IQ with respect to anthropometric parameters, birth weight and nutritional status. Conclusion: We could not find any association of anthropometric parameters with IQ inspite of high prevalence of malnutrition. Brain is vital organ which can be protected by redistribution of blood flow at the cost of other organs like liver and abdominal viscera, which are the markers for future risk of diabetes. There is need to improve nutritional status. New update of IQ test is much needed as the current test is more than 50 years old and does not take into account the social, cultural transition over last 2 decades.
 
Impact of Sever Plasmodium falciparum infection on Platelets Parameters among Sudanese children Living in Al-Jazira State
Background: Falciparum malaria remains one of the most global infection among children particularly in communities with poor resources. Falciparum malaria associated with several hematological changes that affect the major blood cell lines such as platelets lead to platelets parameters (platelets count and indices) abnormalities.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of falciparum malaria on platelets parameters (platelets count and indices) among Sudanese children. In addition to study relationships and correlation between platelets parameters and malaria parasitemia and parasite count.
Materials and Methods: A case control study was conducted in Wad Medani Pediatric Hospital in collaboration with Faculty of Medical laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan among 100 children with severe falciparum malaria (mean age 8.63 ± 3.40 years; 61% males), 100 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria (mean age 8.83 ± 4.20 years; 45% males) and 100 children with normal healthy children controls (mean age 10.08 ± 3.58 years; 50% males). Parasitemia and parasite count (%) was determined directly from thick and thin blood films respectively. The platelets parameters (platelets count and indices) measured by using Sysmex XP 300 N automated analyzer, and platelets count was confirmed and assessed using stained thin blood film. SPSS software (V 20.0) and Stat disk software (V 13.0) were used for data analysis.
Results: 72 % of severe falciparum malaria (SM) have hyperparasitemia, while 18 % among uncomplicated falciparum malaria (UM). The thrombocytopenia account for 43 % (SM: 30.5 %; UM: 12.5 %), low PCT account for 35.5 % (SM: 27 %; UM: 8.5 %) and high PDW account for 46.5 % (SM: 23.5 %; UM: 23 %) in falciparum malaria cases. The mean PLTs count and PDW were statistically significantly differences between falciparum malaria cases and normal healthy control (P value 0.000 and 0.008 respectively). The mean PLTs count and PCT in severe falciparum malaria cases were lower than uncomplicated falciparum malaria cases (P value 0.005 and 0.000 respectively). The PLTs count and PCT had significant negative correlation within malaria parasitemia (P value 0.000; r -0.286; P value 0.004; r -0.205 respectively) and malaria parasite count (P value 0.000; r -0.450; P value 0.000; r -0.270 respectively).
Conclusion: The study concluded that thrombocytopenia, low PCT and high PDW were observed as most platelets parameters changes in falciparum malaria. PLTs count along with PCT to be recommended as hematological diagnostic markers and prognostic tool to assess the disease severity and to improve the management of falciparum malaria among patients