332 research outputs found
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Trends in Selected Heart Diseases Among Below Poverty Line Population From Karnataka State, South India
Full text linkObjective: The study aims to reveal the most common heart diseases found among the below-the-poverty-line (BPL) population in Karnataka State (South India) using SAST data. Method: This study has been done using the data found in the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust on below-the-poverty line (BPL) categories Results and
Discussion: It is found that the coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, Bradycardia, pericarditis. Arrhythmia was found common among BPL section
Conclusion: Poverty, material deprivation, social exclusion, health disparity, and poor social cohesion throughout the life course among the BPL community are the key reasons for poor cardiac care and related outcomes
Parental Perception Of Improvement In Prelinguistic Skills In Kids With Autism In Two Months Of Goal Directed Cognitive Approach
Full text linkThe study aimed to assess the parental perception of improvement in prelinguistic skills in children with Autism Spectrum disorder [ASD] after 1 and 2 months of Goal Directed Cognitive Approach. This was assessed by a questionnaire filled by parents of 26 consecutive ASD kids at a neurodevelopmental center. Parents were asked to rate these skills on a Likert scale of 1-5 before and after 1 month and 2 months of GDCA to check for any improvement. 69% of ASD kids were boys. Mean age at presentation was 2.6 years. The children were subjected to GDCA for an average duration of 13.7 months. Of these, 11.5% had seizures and 34.6 % had hyperactivity as a comorbidity. The average duration of sustained eye to eye contact at the time of presentation was 5.96 sec, which improved to 10.3 sec after 1 month ( p-0.0002) and further improved to 12.14 seconds at 2 months (p-0.005). Improvements in turn taking at 1 month( p-0.005) and after 2 months (p-0.002) and purposeful noises after 2 months of GDCA (p-0.003) and imitation after first month of treatment (p-0.0001) were significant. Responding and joint attention did not show any significant change with 2 months of therapy. Therefore, children with autism do improve significantly in eye contact, turn taking, imitation, purposeful noises with 2 months of GDCA. Long term follow up is required to assess responding and joint attention
A Rare Case of Cold Agglutination Syndrome Secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Full text linkMycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is one of the foremost causes of community acquired pneumonia. Most of the cases are, however mild. Although, complications may seldom occur. One such known complication of M. pneumoniae infection is cold agglutinin hemolysis, which is usually benign and transient. This hemolysis is due to formation of cold agglutinins during the course of infection. Cold Agglutination Syndrome (CAS) is a type of acquired Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia (AIHA), which exists due to an underlying disorder, like a viral illness or lymohoid malignancy. It is generally self-remitting, in contrast to Cold Agglutination Disease (CAD), which is a chronic disorder. The antibody implicated in CAS is IgM. Here, we present a case of a young female, presenting with acute and severe hemolysis secondary to M. pneumoniae
Identifying the lead molecule from Carica papaya using computer-aided drug design technique against streptococcus pneumoniae
Full text linkStreptococcus pneumoniae, a gram-positive cocci bacterium found in the oral cavity and nasopharynx of humans causes acute respiratory infections and pneumonia progression. This study aims to identify highly susceptible, antimicrobial, therapeutic phytochemicals from the leaf extract of the medicinal Carica papaya plant which acts as antibiotic by inhibiting the mechanism of action of Streptococcus species. Using an in silico molecular docking approach, the 3D ligand structures of the screened phytoconstituents of Carica papaya are made to dock with the active pocket of targeted proteins i.e. Cytidine deaminase, 5\u27 methylthionadenosine/S-Adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase and phosphomevalonate Kinase in Complex with Phosphomevalonate and AMPPNP with PDB ID 6K63, 1ZOS, 3GON respectively of S. pneumoniaepneumoniae to determine and interpret the binding affinity, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds and finally listed based on the decreasing order of their negative binding energy value using bioinformatics tools. The Epigallocatechin Gallate and Mauritianin ligands exhibited the least binding affinity of -9.5 and -9.4 respectively towards the targeted protein Phosphomevalonate Kinase in Complex with Phosphomevalonate and AMPPNP with PDB ID 3GON. The Epigallocatechin Gallate and Mauritianin organic bioactive phytoconstituent molecules could be used as the best alternative to the standard drugs to inhibit the predominant proteins involved in causing pneumonia progression
Comparison of properties of conventional zinc phosphate cement and zinc phosphate cement containing sodium free BAG: An in-vitro Study
Full text linkBackground: To create bioactive zinc phosphate (ZP) cement with better compressive strength, solubility, sorption, and pH compared to conventional zinc phosphate cement by adding novel sodium-free bioactive glass (BAG) to it.
Materials and Methods: Two test groups were created by mixing BAG in concentrations of 5 wt% and 10 wt% with ZP cement. The control group consisted of conventional ZP cement. Compressive strength (n=90), solubility, and sorption (n=30) were tested. The pH meter was used to measure the pH of the liquid medium (n=30). All tests were conducted for multiple time periods over 28 days. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate bioactivity between ranges of 4000-550 cm-1 and 1500-550 cm-1. Repeated measures ANOVA and independent sample t-tests were used to statistically analyze the results
Results: The study showed that the 10 wt% test group had the highest compressive strength and the lowest water solubility. The 5 wt% group had the highest rise in pH. Both the 5 wt% and 10 wt% concentrations of BAG demonstrated increased water sorption. FTIR showed the presence of the P-O mode and proved the development of a hydroxyl carbonated apatite (HCA) layer.
Conclusion: The addition of sodium-free BAG to ZP cement significantly increased compressive strength, solubility, and pH. The sorption was high for the cement containing bioactive glass. The test groups showed positive results for bioactivity. Key-words: Bioactivity, Compressive Strength, Sodium-free Bioactive Glass, Solubility, Sorption, Zinc Phosphate Cement
Exploring the Link Between Urinary Albumin Excretion and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Full text linkObjectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. A critical aspect of T2DM is its microvascular complications, notably diabetic nephropathy, which progresses from microalbuminuria to overt proteinuria, and eventually End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily measurable marker derived from routine leukocyte analysis, reflecting systemic inflammation. Despite the known association between chronic inflammation and diabetic nephropathy, studies exploring this relationship remain limited. This study aims to investigate the correlation between urine albumin levels and the NLR in patients with T2DM.
Material & Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study, approved by IEC, examined 150 uncomplicated T2DM patients at a Chennai hospital over six months. Urine albumin and NLR were measured, and data analyzed using Pearson\u27s correlation in SPSS.
Results: A strong positive correlation was observed between urine albumin levels and NLR in individuals with T2DM, with a r-value of 0.7.
Conclusions: This study finds a significant link between elevated NLR and increased urine albumin levels in T2DM. This finding suggests that chronic inflammation in T2DM contributes to the development of albuminuria, which may progress to Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)
Clozapine and Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (M-ECT) in Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) – A Case Report
Full text linkSchizophrenia is psychiatric disorder affecting less than 1% of population that can be devastating, characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. This can lead to significant functional impairment. Despite intensive and ongoing research, outcomes from best-practice treatment are often suboptimal. Unfortunately, not all the patients respond to antipsychotic medications. Overall estimates suggest that one-fifth to one-half of patients have treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS).
TRS include failure sequential trial of two different antipsychotics with sufficient dose, duration and adherence as a minimum criterion. TRS represents major clinical challenge.
Clozapine is the only drug approved for TRS as it is the drug that has demonstrated its superiority in effectiveness. Poor response to clozapine is encountered in up to 40–70% of patients with TRS.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the induction of a seizure by the administration of an electrical stimulus via electrodes usually placed bilaterally on the scalp and was introduced as a treatment for schizophrenia in 1938. Modified ECT is ECT given under anesthetic agent. M-ECT used in conjunction with clozapine or other combination antipsychotic regimens, M-ECT can be a potential therapeutic option in preventing symptom exacerbation in TRS. Studies have shown a reduction in hospitalizations for acute exacerbation and significant improvement in the patient\u27s overall functioning without significant adverse effects
Determination of value adding macromolecules from Ok-Rong mango peel biomass
Full text linkMango is a significant economic fruit in Thailand, with an annual production of up to 500,000 tonnes. Ok-Rong is a popular mango type in Thailand, known for its higher price compared to other varieties. However, during the processing, biomass accounts for over 50% of the overall weight and causes a serious environmental problem. However, it has the potential to serve as a source of nutritional components, commonly used as additives in functional food. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional value of the peel, including proximate analysis, amino acid profile, and polysaccharide profile. The proximate analysis results indicate that the primary constituents of mango peel are carbohydrates, accounting for 67.81% of the material, followed by crude fibre at 13.84% and crude protein at 6.13%. The Ok-Rong mango peel has a total of 2330.59 mg/100 g of essential amino acids in its dried form. This includes 938.56 mg/100g of essential amino acids and 1392.03 mg/100g of non-essential amino acids. The ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids was 40.27%, significantly below that of a whole egg. The chemical score indicated that the levels of histidine and phenylamine were higher compared to those observed in eggs. Remarkably, the peel had an essential amino acid index of 0.9, indicating that it is a high-quality source of protein. Different solvents divided the polysaccharide profile into water-soluble and non-water-soluble polysaccharides. Generally, both amino acids and polysaccharides have health benefits. The findings of this research can serve as primary data for the extraction of plant-based proteins, prebiotics, and cellulose from biomass in order to correlate with the BCG model, which has great potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly resource for the food and pharmaceutical industries. As well as its nutritional advantages, it can be serve as a sustainable and adaptable substitute for animal products, attracting health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
Keywords: Amino acids, Biocircular economy, By-product, Polysaccharides, Protein quality, Upcyclin
An Uncommon Culprit in SMA Syndrome: Navigating Through Duodenal Adenocarcinoma-Induced Obstruction
Full text linkSuperior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome is an infrequent vascular compression disorder, characterized predominantly by the extrinsic obstruction of the third part of the duodenum by the SMA, leading to a spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms. While most commonly associated with rapid weight loss and anatomical variations, its occurrence in the context of adjacent malignancies remains exceedingly rare and clinically significant.
Here I detail a compelling case of a 49-year-old male, initially presenting with nonspecific symptoms of intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. The diagnostic journey, propelled by computed tomography (CT) and subsequent investigations, unveiled an underlying duodenal adenocarcinoma exerting extrinsic pressure, precipitating SMA syndrome. This report delineates the diagnostic nuances encountered in distinguishing SMA syndrome\u27s etiology, emphasizing the adenocarcinoma\u27s role in the syndrome\u27s manifestation. The therapeutic strategy entailed a multidisciplinary approach, culminating in surgical intervention, which not only relieved the vascular compression but also addressed the malignant etiology.
This case underscores the imperative for heightened clinical vigilance and comprehensive diagnostic exploration in patients presenting with gastrointestinal obstructions, where SMA syndrome may masquerade as a benign condition. The convergence of SMA syndrome and duodenal adenocarcinoma illustrates a rare clinical entity that necessitates an astute assessment to unveil its malignant underpinnings
Unveiling a Hidden Peril: Unanticipated Emergence of Diaphragmatic Hernia after Trauma
Full text linkThis case report presents a rare instance of a delayed diagnosis of obstructed diaphragmatic hernia in a 57-year-old male, a year after sustaining trauma. The patient initially presented with abdominal pain and obstipation, without any overt signs of diaphragmatic injury. Diagnostic challenges were compounded by the patient\u27s non-specific symptomatology and the absence of immediate post-traumatic complications. The report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic management, underscoring the importance of considering diaphragmatic hernia in differential diagnoses of abdominal pain post-trauma. The case highlights the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance and the pivotal role of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing such atypical presentations of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias