Significance of microbial genome in environmental remediation

Environmental pollutants seriously threaten the ecosystem and health of various life forms, particularly with the rapid industrialization and emerging population. Conventionally physical and chemical strategies are being opted for the removal of these pollutants. Bioremediation, through several advancements, has been a boon to combat the existing threat faced today. Microbes with enzymes degrade various pollutants and utilize them as a carbon and energy source. With the existing demand and through several research explorations, Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs) have paved to be a successful approach to abate pollution through bioremediation. The genome of the microbe determines its biodegradative nature. Thus, methods including pure culture techniques and metagenomics are used for analyzing the genome of microbes, which provides information about catabolic genes. The information obtained along with the aid of biotechnology helps to construct GEMs that are cost-effective and safer thereby exhibiting higher degradation of pollutants. The present review focuses on the role of microbes in the degradation of environmental pollutants, role of evolution in habitat and adaptation of microbes, microbial degenerative genes, their pathways, and the efficacy of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology for creating GEMs for bioremediation. The present review also provides a gist of existing GEMs for bioremediation and their limitations, thereby providing a future scope of implementation of these GEMs for a sustainable environment.

Thiourea mediated ROS-metabolites reprogramming restores root system architecture under arsenic stress in rice

Arsenic (As) is a ubiquitous carcinogenic metalloid that enters into human food chain, through rice consumption. To unravel the conundrum of oxidative vs. reductive stress, the differential root-system architecture (RSA) was studied under As (a ROS producer) and thiourea (TU; a ROS scavenger) alone treatments, which indicated 0.80- and 0.74-fold reduction in the number of lateral roots (NLR), respectively compared with those of control. In case of As+TU treatment, NLR was increased by 4.35-fold compared with those of As-stress, which coincided with partial restoration of redox-status and auxin transport towards the root-tip. The expression levels of 16 ROS related genes, including RBOHC, UPB-1 C, SHR1, PUCHI, were quantified which provided the molecular fingerprint, in accordance with endogenous ROS signature. LC-MS based untargeted and targeted metabolomics data revealed that As-induced oxidative stress was metabolically more challenging than TU alone-induced reductive stress. Cis/trans-ferruloyl putrescine and γ-glutamyl leucine were identified as novel As-responsive metabolites whose levels were decreased and increased, respectively under As+TU than As-treated roots. In addition, the overall amino acid accumulation was increased in As+TU than As-treated roots, indicating the improved nutritional availability. Thus, the study revealed dynamic interplay between "ROS-metabolites-RSA", to the broader context of TU-mediated amelioration of As-stress in rice.

Comparative metabolite profiling of rice contrasts reveal combined drought and heat stress signatures in flag leaf and spikelets

Under semi-irrigated ecosystem, rice is often exposed to a combination of drought and heat stress, especially at the reproductive stage, leading to substantial yield loss. Combined stress studies are very limited in rice partly due to the difficulty in creating heat stress on a larger scale. Here, 24 cultivars with specific stress adaptive traits were phenotyped for spikelet sterility under combined stress using the natural summer temperatures and open drought phenotyping facility, simulating the field conditions. LC-MS/MS based metabolite profiling was performed in flag leaves and spikelets of three cultivars contrasting for spikelet sterility and source (leaf weight) treated to drought, heat and combined stress. Constitutively regulated metabolites, metabolic signatures common to all stresses, cultivars and tissues, metabolites common to both the tissues across the stresses and cultivars and metabolites common to each cultivar across the tissues and stresses were identified. Under combined stress, metabolites differentially accumulated between cultivars contrasting for spikelet sterility but similar for source and cultivars contrasting for both spikelet sterility and source have been identified. These metabolites would serve as markers towards improving combined stress tolerance of rice.

The Effect of Community-Based Nutritional Interventions on Children of Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Rural India: A 2 × 2 Factorial Intervention Trial

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a common clinical concern among children in low-income communities affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined the effect of a community-based nutritional intervention on anthropometric and clinical outcomes of children of women living with HIV in rural India.

METHODS

We assigned women living with HIV and their child (oldest 3-8 years) to 1 of 4 programs: (1) community-based HIV care program, (2) program 1 + nutrition education, (3) program 1 + food supplement, and (4) all elements of programs 1-3. Study data were collected at baseline and months 6, 12, and 18. We applied mixed-effects modeling with restricted maximum likelihood estimation to examine changes in weight (all children) and CD4+ T-cell counts (children with HIV only).

RESULTS

Overall, 600 mother-child pairs were enrolled (150/group) with 100% retention at follow-up visits. Approximately 20% of children were living with HIV. Children in program 4 had higher weight gain than those in programs 1, 2, and 3 at all time points (adjusted P < .001). We found a higher increase in CD4+ T cells across all time points among participants in programs 3 and 4 compared with program 1 (adjusted P < .001). Factorial analysis suggested a synergistic effect of combining nutrition education and food supplements for weight gain but not for increase in CD4+ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of nutrition education and food supplements provided to women living with HIV significantly increased weight and CD4+ T cells, and such interventions can be integrated into HIV-care programs in low-income settings.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Challenges among Rural Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India: A Qualitative Study

Rural women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in India experience challenges self-managing HIV/AIDS in their rural communities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore factors influencing their care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence. Themes that emerged from the qualitative focus groups among WLHA (N = 24) in rural Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India, included: (1) coming to know about HIV and other health conditions, (2) experiences being on ART, (3) challenges maintaining a nutritious diet, (4) factors affecting health care access and quality, and (5) seeking support for a better future. Chronic disease self-management in rural locales is challenging, given the number of barriers which rural women experience on a daily basis. These findings suggest a need for individual- and structural-level supports that will aid in assisting rural WLHA to self-manage HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness.

Household Food Insecurity as Mediator of the Association Between Internalized Stigma and Opportunistic Infections

Internalized HIV stigma can affect health outcomes, but the mechanism underlying this relationship is poorly understood. We investigated the potential pathways for the association between internalized stigma and opportunistic infections (OIs) among women living with HIV in rural India. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving in-person interviews with 600 participants. We modeled two outcome variables, total number of OIs and fungal dermatoses, which was the most frequently reported OI. Causal mediation analysis was performed to estimate the total effect, direct effect, and indirect effect through mediators while controlling for confounders. Food insecurity was a strong mediator of the association between internalized stigma and the number of OIs (70% of the total effect) and fungal dermatoses (83% of the total effect), while the indirect effect of stigma through adherence was minimal for both outcomes. Household food insecurity may be an important mediator of the impact of HIV-related stigma on opportunistic infections.

A method for comparative metabolomics in urine using high resolution mass spectrometry

Developing a workflow for metabolite profiling from biological fluids using mass spectrometry is imperative to extract accurate information. In this study, urine samples from smokers (n=10) and nonsmokers (n=10) were analyzed using an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) system. For the analysis, two different chromatographic methods [Reversed phase chromatography (RPC) and Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)], in two ionization modes (positive and negative) were used. Spiked reserpine (positive ion mode) or taurocholate (negative ion mode) were used for data extraction and normalization. Quality controls (QCs), prepared by pooling urine samples from both smokers and non-smokers (each n=10), were used to assess the reproducibility of the method. The final data output from SIEVE 2.2 after applying a cut-off for QC coefficient of variation (CV) <20% and p-value <0.05 showed 165, 83, 177 and 100 unique components in RP positive/negative, HILIC positive/negative modes, respectively. Statistical analysis showed clustering of the two groups and the QCs, while the variable importance in projection (VIP) scores for the top fifteen metabolites in each of the four modes indicated the metabolites most responsible for the differences. Application of the developed workflow for comparative metabolomic analysis of urine in different diseased models will be of great use in the field of clinical metabolomics.

Abstract WMP8: Results of Trevo Acute Ischemic Stroke Thrombectomy Registry: Predictors of Clinical Outcome

Background and Purpose: Recent randomized clinical trial (RCTs) demonstrated efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using stent-retrievers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The main purpose of TRevo ACute Ischemic StroKe (TRACK) stent-retriever thrombectomy multicenter registry is to demonstrate safety and efficacy in real life clinical practice.

Methods: The investigator-initiated TRACK multicenter registry recruited 24 sites in north America to submit demographic, clinical, site-adjudicated angiographic, and outcome data on consecutive AIS patients treated with Trevo stent-retriever device as the first treatment option. Standard clinical safety (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality) and efficacy (revascularization and disability) outcomes and predictors of clinical outcome were analyzed.

Results: 624 patients were enrolled in the TRACK registry. Median age was 68 years (range 16-94, 118 (18.1%) >80), male gender was 51.4%, and 67.7% were white. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Severity Scale (NIHSS) was 17 (IQR 13-22). Transfer cases were 50.6% with IV-rtPA use in 318 cases (51.3%). Median onset to groin puncture (OTG) time was 283 min (IQR 198.5-443), and groin puncture to revascularization was 66 min (IQR 37.5-103). Anterior circulation occlusion was 86.2% (MCA/M2 in 55.2% followed by ICA in 15.9% and M2 in 12.7%). Use of GA was in 389 cases (62.3%), number of passes were ≤ 3 in 92% of the cases (1: 45.2%, 2:28%, and 3:18.7%), 291 (46.7%) had BGC use. Rescue use was seen in 21.7%. Revascularization of ≥ TIMI 2 was 81.8% and ≥ TICI 2b was 70%. The primary outcome of mRS of ≥ 2 was 48.3% in the full cohort, and 50.6% in TREVO-2 like group. sICH and mortality were 7.2%, and 20.1% in the full cohort vs 6.9% and 17.5% in the TREVO-2 like group, respectively. The independent predictors of clinical outcome were lower baseline NIHSS, younger age, use of BGC, successful recanalization, and no general anesthesia (GA).

Conclusions: The real life clinical practice Trevo registry demonstrated good clinical outcome and high rate of recanalization. Younger age, lower baseline NIHSS, use of balloon guide catheter, successful recanalization, and avoiding endotrachaeal GA independent predictors of good clinical outcome.

ASHA-Life Intervention Perspectives Voiced by Rural Indian Women Living With AIDS

In this focus group study, we explored the experiences of 16 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) who participated in the Asha-Life (AL) intervention to gain an understanding of the environmental, psychosocial, and cultural impact of the AL on their lives. Four themes emerged among AL participants: (a) the importance of tangible support, (b) need for social support, (c) ongoing challenges to accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), and (d) perspectives on future programs. Our research findings support the development of future programs targeting mother-child dyads which emphasize nutritional knowledge, while reducing barriers to receiving ART, and physical, emotional, and financial support.

Religious/spiritual characteristics of indian and indonesian physicians and their acceptance of spirituality in health care: a cross-cultural comparison

Religious/spiritual (r/s) characteristics of physicians influence their attitude toward integrative medicine and spiritual care. Indonesia physicians collaborate with traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) professionals within modern healthcare system, while Indian physicians are not reported to do so. The aim of the study was to understand the r/s characteristics and their influence on Indian and Indonesian physicians' acceptance of TCAM/spirituality in modern healthcare system. An exploratory, pilot, cross-cultural, cross-sectional study, using Religion and Spirituality in Medicine, and Physician Perspectives (RSMPP) survey questionnaire, compared r/s characteristics and perspectives on integrative medicine of 169 physicians from two allopathic, Sweekar-Osmania University (Sweekar-OU), India, University of Airlanga (UNAIR), Indonesia, and a TCAM/Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM) institute from India. More physicians from UNAIR and CRIUM (89.1 %) described themselves as "very"/"moderately" religious, compared to 63.5 % Sweekar-OU (p = 0.0000). Greater number of (84.6 %) UNAIR physicians described themselves as "very" spiritual and also significantly high (p < 0.05) in intrinsic religiosity as compared to Sweekar-OU and TCAM physicians; 38.6 % of UNAIR and 32.6 % of CRIUM participants reported life-changing spiritual experiences in clinical settings as against 19.7 % of Sweekar-OU; 92.3 % of UNAIR, compared to CRIUM (78.3 %) and Sweekar-OU (62 %), felt comfortable attending to patients' spiritual needs, (p = 0.0001). Clinical comfort and not r/s characteristics of participants was the significant (p = 0.05) variable in full regression models, predictive of primary outcome criteria; "TCAM or r/s healing as complementary to allopathic treatment." In conclusion, mainstreaming TCAM into healthcare system may be an initial step toward both integrative medicine and also improving r/s care interventions by allopathic physicians.

A quantitative metabolomics peek into planarian regeneration

The fresh water planarian species Schmidtea mediterranea is an emerging stem cell model because of its capability to regenerate a whole animal from a small piece of tissue. It is one of the best model systems to address the basic mechanisms essential for regeneration. Here, we are interested in studying the roles of various amines, thiols and nucleotides in planarian regeneration, stem cell function and growth. We developed mass spectrometry based quantitative methods and validated the differential enrichment of 35 amines, 7 thiol metabolites and 4 nucleotides from both intact and regenerating planarians. Among the amines, alanine in sexual and asparagine in asexual are the highest (>1000 ng/mg) in the intact planarians. The levels of thiols such as cysteine and GSH are 651 and 1107 ng mg(-1) in planarians. Among the nucleotides, the level of cGMP is the lowest (0.03 ng mg(-1)) and the level of AMP is the highest (187 ng mg(-1)) in both of the planarian strains. We also noticed increasing levels of amines in both anterior and posterior regenerating planarians. The blastema from day 3 regenerating planarians also showed higher amounts of many amines. Interestingly, the thiol (cysteine and GSH) levels are well maintained during planarian regeneration. This suggests an inherent and effective mechanism to control induced oxidative stress because of the robust regeneration and stem cell proliferation. Like in intact planarians, the level of cGMP is also very low in regenerating planarians. Surprisingly, the levels of amines and thiols in head regenerating blastemas are ∼3 times higher compared to those for tail regenerating blastemas. Thus our results strongly indicate the potential roles of amines, thiols and nucleotides in planarian regeneration.

Indian health care professionals' attitude towards spiritual healing and its role in alleviating stigma of psychiatric services

Persons with mental illnesses in India and rest of developing world continue to consult religious/spiritual (R/S) healers or traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) professionals prior to seeking psychiatric services that are devoid of spiritual components of care. We aim to understand TCAM and allopathic professionals' perspectives on patients' R/S needs within mental health services, cross-sectional study was conducted at five TCAM and two allopathic tertiary care hospitals in three different Indian states; 393 participants completed RSMPP, a self-administered, semi-structured survey questionnaire. Perspectives of TCAM and allopathic health professionals on role of spirituality in mental health care were compared. Substantial percentage, 43.7 % TCAM and 41.3 % allopathic, of participants believe that their patients approach R/S or TCAM practitioners for severe mental illness; 91.2 % of TCAM and 69.7 % of allopaths were satisfied with R/S healers (p = 0.0019). Furthermore, 91.1 % TCAM and 73.1 % allopaths (p = 0.000) believe that mental health stigma can be minimized by integrating with spiritual care services. Overall, 87 % of TCAM and 73 % of allopaths agreed to primary criterion variable: 'spiritual healing is beneficial and complementary to psychiatric care.' A quarter of allopaths (24.4 %) and 38 % of TCAM physicians reportedly cross-refer their grieving patients to religious/TCAM healer and psychiatrist/psychologist, respectively; on logistic regression, significant (p < 0.05) predictors were clinical interactions/references to r/s healers. Providing spiritual care within the setup of psychiatric institution will not only complement psychiatric care but also alleviate stigma against mental health services. Implications on developing spiritual care services like clinical chaplaincy are discussed.

Perspectives of Indian traditional and allopathic professionals on religion/spirituality and its role in medicine: basis for developing an integrative medicine program

Allopathic medical professionals in developed nations have started to collaborate with traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) to enquire on the role of religion/spirituality (r/s) in patient care. There is scant evidence of such movement in the Indian medical community. We aim to understand the perspectives of Indian TCAM and allopathic professionals on the influence of r/s in health. Using RSMPP (Religion, Spirituality and Medicine, Physician Perspectives) questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at seven (five TCAM and two allopathic) pre-selected tertiary care medical institutes in India. Findings of TCAM and allopathic groups were compared. Majority in both groups (75% of TCAM and 84.6% of allopathic practitioners) believed that patients' spiritual focus increases with illness. Up to 58% of TCAM and allopathic respondents report patients receiving support from their religious communities; 87% of TCAM and 73% of allopaths believed spiritual healing to be beneficial and complementary to allopathic medical care. Only 11% of allopaths, as against 40% of TCAM, had reportedly received 'formal' training in r/s. Both TCAM (81.8%) and allopathic (63.7%) professionals agree that spirituality as an academic subject merits inclusion in health education programs (p = 0.0003). Inclusion of spirituality in the health care system is a need for Indian medical professionals as well as their patients, and it could form the basis for integrating TCAM and allopathic medical systems in India.

Screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors at baseline and post intervention among adults with intellectual disabilities in an urbanised Asian society

BACKGROUND

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) face significant barriers to screening participation. We determined predictors for regular cardiovascular health screening at baseline among adults with ID in Singapore, and evaluated the effectiveness of a 3-month screening intervention.

METHODS

The study population involved all adults with ID aged ≥40 years receiving services from the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), the largest such provider in Singapore. Over 3 months in 2011, adult clients not screened regularly at baseline for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were offered free and convenient blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid testing; data on other cardiovascular disease risk factors were also collected. Chi-square and logistic regression identified predictors of regular screening at baseline.

RESULTS

Participation was 95.0% (227/239). At baseline, among adults with ID, 61.8% (118/191), 24.8% (52/210) and 18.2% (34/187) had gone for regular hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia screening respectively; post intervention, rates rose to 96.9%, 89.5% and 88.8% respectively. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (22.5% with hypertension, 10.6% with diabetes, 34.8% with dyslipidaemia, 10.7% obese and 90.6% lacking regular exercise) was high compared against the general population. While receiving residential services was associated with regular hypertension screening, receiving non-residential services and being independently mobile were associated with regular participation in fasting blood tests (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are common among adults with ID and clinicians should proactively screen such populations. Provision of free and convenient screening for cardiovascular disease risk improved screening participation.

405 nm Light exposure of osteoblasts and inactivation of bacterial isolates from arthroplasty patients: potential for new disinfection applications?

Infection rates after arthroplasty surgery are between 1-4 %, rising significantly after revision procedures. To reduce the associated costs of treating these infections, and the patients' post-operative discomfort and trauma, a new preventative method is required. High intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) 405 nm light has bactericidal effects on a wide range of medically important bacteria, and it reduced bacterial bioburden when used as an environmental disinfection method in a Medical Burns Unit. To prove its safety for use for environmental disinfection in orthopaedic theatres during surgery, cultured osteoblasts were exposed to HINS-light of intensities up to 15 mW/cm2 for 1 h (54 J/cm2). Intensities of up to 5 mW/cm2 for 1 h had no effect on cell morphology, activity of alkaline phosphatase, synthesis of collagen or osteocalcin expression, demonstrating that under these conditions this dose is the maximum safe exposure for osteoblasts; after exposure to 15 mW/cm2 all parameters of osteoblast function were significantly decreased. Viability (measured by protein content and Crystal Violet staining) of the osteoblasts was not influenced by exposure to 5 mW/cm2 for at least 2 h. At 5 mW/cm2 HINS-light is an effective bactericide. It killed 98.1 % of Staphylococcus aureus and 83.2 % Staphylococcus epidermis populations seeded on agar surfaces, and is active against both laboratory strains and clinical isolates from infected hip and knee arthroplasties. HINS-light could have potential for development as a method of disinfection to reduce transmission of bacteria during arthroplasty, with wider applications in diverse surgical procedures involving implantation of a medical device.

Correlates of stigma among rural Indian women living with HIV/AIDS

AIDS-related stigma has received increasing attention in the literature; however, little is known about the devastating impact it has on rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India. This cross-sectional study (N = 68), analyzed from complete baseline data, identified a number of correlates of stigma among rural WLA in South India. Structured instruments were used to capture sociodemographic history, stigma, knowledge of HIV, depressive symptoms along with the recording of CD4 data. A higher level of felt stigma and more AIDS symptoms were related to avoidant coping, while fewer adherence strategies and lower support for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were also associated with avoidant coping. These findings promote the need for support and resources for rural Indian WLA.

Intravesical pressure: A new prognostic indicator in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

AIMS

To evaluate the usefulness of intravesical pressure as a prognostic indicator in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 25 cases, bladder pressure was measured intraoperatively during repair.

RESULTS

Cases were divided into three groups according to the intravesical pressure. Group 1: pressure <10 cm (n.9), Group 2: 10-15 cm (n.11) and Group 3: >15 cm (n.5). Number of ventilated days was tabulated against these groups. Median number of ventilated days for Group 1, with the lowest pressure, was 3 days, while that for Group 2 was 5 and for Group 3, with the highest pressure, was 10 days. This was significant, with a P-value of 0.016.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of intravesical pressure is a reliable prognostic indicator in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It also helps in predicting postoperative ventilatory requirement.

Impact of an Asha intervention on depressive symptoms among rural women living with AIDS in India: comparison of the Asha-Life and Usual Care program

The purpose of this randomized pilot study is to conduct an intervention with 68 rural women living with AIDS to compare the effectiveness of two different programs on depressive symptoms. The trial was designed to assess the impact of the Asha-Life intervention engaging with an HIV-trained village woman, Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist), to participate in the care of women living with AIDS (WLA), along with other health care providers compared to a Usual Care group. Two high prevalence HIV/AIDS villages in rural Andhra Pradesh, which were demographically alike and served by distinct Public Health Centers, were selected randomly from a total of 16 villages. The findings of this study demonstrated that the Asha-Life participants significantly reduced their depressive symptom scores compared to the Usual Care participants. Moreover, women living with AIDS who demonstrated higher depressive symptom scores at baseline had greater reduction in their depressive symptoms than women with lower scores.

Physical and mental health of rural southern Indian women living with AIDS

The purpose of this descriptive study is to highlight the physical and mental health symptoms of 68 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India, their compliance to antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication, and barriers to accessing health care within the past 6 months. Physical and mental health status was obtained by self-report, administered by questionnaire and physician-determined clinical assessment, as well as selected objective parameters. Findings revealed that while rural WLA had been on antiretroviral therapy for just under 2 years, they self-reported a high prevalence of physical symptoms, and more than half reported high levels of depressive symptoms and major barriers to accessing health care. CD4 levels, body weight, and basal metabolic rate were also low. While the rural and urban WLA faced similar health care challenges, the demographic characteristics of the rural women may make them more vulnerable, as they are less adherent to ART and slimmer than their urban counterparts.

Correlates of Adherence among Rural Indian Women Living with HIV/AIDS

In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, correlates of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assessed using a baseline questionnaire among 68 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India. Unadjusted analyses revealed positive relationships of ART adherence with Hindu religion, and support from spouses and parents, whereas negative associations were found with depression, poor quality of life, and having ten or more HIV symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis also revealed that WLA who were Hindu, not depressed, had ART support from spouses and parents, and perceived some benefit from ART were more adherent to ART than their respective counterparts. This study reveals the unique challenges which rural WLA experience and the need to mitigate these challenges early in ART treatment. Further, the findings enable the refinement of an intervention program which will focus on strengthening ART adherence among rural WLA.

A simple and safe technique for trocar positioning in vesicoscopic ureteric reimplantation

PURPOSE

Anchoring of the urinary bladder to the anterior abdominal wall is essential to prevent perivesical gas leak and dislodgement of trocar. Existing techniques have the risk of going through the peritoneal cavity and injuring the bowel. Our aim was to find a safe technique to anchor the bladder wall to the abdominal wall.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen cases were studied prospectively. A curved urethral dilator was introduced and made to point on the anterior abdominal wall. Abdominal wall was incised over the tip of the dilator till the bladder was seen which was then sutured to the anterior abdominal wall. The bladder was then incised and the trocars were railroaded on the dilator into the bladder. Cohen's reimplantation was then done.

RESULTS

Out of the 19 cases, conversion to open was done in two early cases. In one case, the trocar got pulled out, but was easily reintroduced. Mean operating time was 210 min. Mean follow up was 20.9 months. There was a resolution of reflux in 13, reduction in the grade of reflux in 1 and no failures. In five cases, post op MCU is awaited.

CONCLUSION

This technique of fixing the bladder to the anterior abdominal wall is safe and easy to perform. It is recommended while doing vesicoscopic reimplantation.

Challenges experienced by rural women in India living with AIDS and implications for the delivery of HIV/AIDS care

Researchers explored the barriers to AIDS care for rural women living with AIDS, and they investigated alternative delivery models to increase the women's adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Community-based participatory research focus groups were conducted by the researchers with a convenience sample of 39 women living with AIDS from a primary health center (PHC) near Chennai, India, and with nurses, physicians, and Accredited Social Health Activists (Ashas), who are lay health care workers. The most prevalent barriers expressed by the women were sickness-related, psychological, financial issues with childcare, and distance, or transportation to the site. Women living with AIDS reviewed Ashas favorably.

Anti-apoptotic effect of hyperglycemia can allow survival of potentially autoreactive T cells

Thymocyte development is a tightly controlled multi-step process involving selective elimination of self-reactive and non-functional T cells by apoptosis. This developmental process depends on signaling by Notch, IL-7 and active glucose metabolism. In this study, we explored the requirement of glucose for thymocyte survival and found that in addition to metabolic regulation, glucose leads to the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Under hyperglycemic conditions, both mouse and human thymocytes demonstrate enhanced survival. We show that glucose-induced anti-apoptotic genes are dependent on NF-κB p65 because high glucose is unable to attenuate normal ongoing apoptosis of thymocytes isolated from p65 knockout mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vivo hyperglycemia decreases apoptosis of thymocytes allowing for survival of potentially self-reactive thymocytes. These results imply that hyperglycemic conditions could contribute to the development of autoimmunity through dysregulated thymic selection.

Correlates of depression among rural women living with AIDS in Southern India

Although depression may be commonly experienced by persons living with AIDS, it may be challenging for health care providers to identify persons who are suffering from depression symptoms, particularly if they are living in the more isolated rural areas of India. The purpose of this study is to assess correlates of depression among women living with AIDS in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 68 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) completed baseline data and were assessed by means of structured instruments. Regression modeling revealed that disclosure avoidance and making at least six health care visits in the last six months were all associated with depression. Further, living with a spouse was associated with lower depressive symptom scores. Stigma was not found to be associated with depression. Understanding correlates of depression can lead the way toward designing culturally-tailored interventions that can mitigate disclosure avoidance and improve the health of women. A more comprehensive health focus may be needed to empower the women to seek quality care for both physical health, as well as mental health, symptomatology.

Experience with laparoscopy-assisted retroperitoneal pyeloplasty in children

PURPOSE

To describe a laparoscopy-assisted retroperitoneal pyeloplasty (LARP) and results of initial experience.

METHODS

Port placement used by Farhat in retroperitoneal-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty was modified for better cosmetic results. Surgery was done using 2-cm incision for 5-mm camera port and two 3-mm working ports. Dissection was done anterior to the kidney. The ureteropelvic junction was brought out through the 2-cm trocar site and the pyeloplasty was performed extracorporeally. Between January 2004 and February 2008, a total of 39 kidneys in 38 children with mean age of 4.1 months underwent LARP. The operative time, hospital stay, functional outcome and follow-up renogram studies were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 147 min. 2-cm incision was extended in one patient with malrotated kidney. There was improvement in function in 37 (95%) with no failure. The mean split renal function, preoperative and at follow-up were 35.7 and 44.2%, respectively (P = 0.000). The mean glomerular filtration rate (ml/min), preoperative and at follow-up were 27.4 and 39.1%, respectively (P = 0.000). Mean follow-up period was 24 months.

CONCLUSION

LARP is safe in treating UPJ obstruction in infants. It is recommended especially in small babies where laparoscopic pyeloplasty is difficult.

Quality of life as a key indicator of patient satisfaction and treatment compliance in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the IMPROVE study: a multicentre, open label, non-randomised, observational trial

Diabetes is a debilitating chronic illness having multiple impacts on physical and mental well-being of patients. When treating chronic conditions like diabetes, psychosocial aspects and quality of life (QoL) have to be considered; however, these receive less attention due to various reasons. Patients with diabetic complications have increased levels of depression and decreased QoL This necessitates evaluating QoL of patient which now is used as a primary or secondary end point in clinical trials eg, Diab-MedSat QoL questionnaire used in diabetes. At some point all diabetic patients may require insulin to control hyperglycaemia and disease progression. The traditional insulin syringe and needle delivery system has been the principal barrier in the treatment of diabetes as it was not well accepted among the patients due to various reasons. A success over this approach has been pen like devices like FlexPen and Novopen3 which are becoming more popular than the conventional syringe-and-needles as they have several advantages like, easy to carry, use, maintain and also reduces administrative errors ensuring accurate doses are delivered. The objective of IMPROVE study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart (NovoMix 30) in normal clinical practice conditions, in India. This is an open label, non-randomised, non-interventional, observational, safety and effectiveness study in approximately 17,995 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cohort of Indian patients (n = 349) from all 4 geographical locations (North, West, East and South of India) were administered QoL instrument Diab-MedSat at baseline and 346 patients at final visit (n = 346) to assess their satisfaction with the treatment they received. The results were included in the final statistical analysis as additional outcome variables. The Diab-MedSat Novo Nordisk June 2004 English (UK) version is used. The Diab-MedSat has 21 items that need to be answered and it is scored as an overall score (all 21 items) as well as three subscale scores regarding burden (11 items), symptoms (5 items), efficacy (5 items). The complete analysis took into account all 21 items of Diab-MedSat questionnaire with their subscales. Analyses of the cohort showed higher patient satisfaction among the patients administered Diab-MedSat questionnaire from baseline (n = 349) to final visit (n = 346). The mean of overall score was 52.33 (baseline visit) versus 79.03 (final visit). The difference in the overall score and sub parameters like burden, symptoms and efficacy between the baseline and final visits were statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). The mean value of difference in overall score between the baseline visit and final visit was 26.73 +/- 20.83; while the difference for burden, symptoms and efficacy were respectively 27.86 +/- 20.81, 19.75 +/- 20.94 and 32.87 +/- 28.08. A fairly clear picture emerged that the use of biphasic insulin aspart resulted in improved QoL of the patients substantially. This is demonstrated in the results for all the parameters that were used like symptoms, efficacy and burden. The overall number of extremely satisfied patients had increased from 5.4% in the baseline visit to 91% in the final visit. This unambiguously proves that the satisfaction of patients on biphasic insulin aspart (NovoMix 30) is beyond question.

A Simple and Safe Technique for Pneumatic Reduction of Intussusception

BACKGROUND

Pneumatic reduction has a higher success rate and lower incidence of complications compared to barium enema and hydrostatic reductions. What is deterrent to its common use is the cumbersome technique. Our aim is to develop a simple technique that can be used in any hospital with locally available facilities.

METHODS

An intercostal drainage bottle and an enema can were used to pass air into the rectum at a controlled pressure determined by the height of the enema can. Water running in from the enema can displaces the air in the intercostal drainage bottle into the rectum effecting the reduction of intussusception.

RESULTS

This system was tried in 12 patients. Successful air delivery was obtained in all cases. In two cases, the intussusception could not be reduced. Laparotomy revealed these to be ileoileal intussusceptions.

CONCLUSION

The technique described is easy to assemble, safe and effective. We recommend it for regular use in pneumatic reduction of intussusception.

Lactation failure in crossbred Sahiwal Friesian cattle

Milk producers in Malaysia make extensive use of crossbred Sahiwal Friesian dairy cattle. These animals have, however, been found susceptible to lactation failure. A survey of cows in an experimental herd of F1 Sahiwal Friesian animals indicated that, in 30% of animals, milk yield decreased to negligible levels within the first 8 weeks post partum. Lactation failure was associated with a progressive increase in the amount of residual milk left in the udder after normal milking. By week 3 of lactation, residual milk volume was significantly greater than that in animals that, based on previous lactation history were not susceptible to lactation failure, and accounted for up to 30% of milk available at the morning milking. The cellular consequences of residual milk accumulation were evident in the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthetase and galactosyltransferase, key enzyme markers of cellular differentiation, which decreased in glands undergoing lactation failure and were lower than values measured in tissue of control cows. Mammary cell number, estimated by tissue DNA content, was also reduced in animals undergoing lactation failure. These indices of mammary development indicate that lactation failure is the result of premature involution in susceptible animals. Premature involution is a predictable consequence of progressive milk stasis in failing lactation, and attributable to an increase in autocrine feedback by inhibitory milk constituents. The progressive increase in residual milk is, on the other hand, unlikely to be attributable to impaired mammary development. Measurements of milk storage during milk accumulation showed no differences between control and lactation failure cows in the distribution of milk between alveolar and cisternal storage compartments. We conclude that lactation failure in Sahiwal Friesian cows is due to a failure of milk removal, and probably the result of an impaired milk ejection reflex rather than to the glands' milk storage characteristics.

Functional expression of two KvLQT1-related potassium channels responsible for an inherited idiopathic epilepsy

Benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC), a class of idiopathic generalized epilepsy, is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder of newborns. BFNC has been linked to mutations in two putative K+ channel genes, KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. Amino acid sequence comparison reveals that both genes share strong homology to KvLQT1, the potassium channel encoded by KCNQ1, which is responsible for over 50% of inherited long QT syndrome. Here we describe the cloning, functional expression, and characterization of K+ channels encoded by KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 cDNAs. Individually, expression of KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 in Xenopus oocytes elicits voltage-gated, rapidly activating K+-selective currents similar to KCNQ1. However, unlike KCNQ1, KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 currents are not augmented by coexpression with the KCNQ1 beta subunit, KCNE1 (minK, IsK). Northern blot analyses reveal that KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 exhibit similar expression patterns in different regions within the brain. Interestingly, coexpression of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 results in a substantial synergistic increase in current amplitude. Coexpression of KCNE1 with the two channels strongly suppressed current amplitude and slowed kinetics of activation. The pharmacological and biophysical properties of the K+ currents observed in the coinjected oocytes differ somewhat from those observed after injecting either KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 by itself. The functional interaction between KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 provides a framework for understanding how mutations in either channel can cause a form of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Mechanism of the antioxidant effect of Bordetella pertussis extract

In order to gain insight into the antioxidant effect of the cell extract from Bordetella pertussis (strain 18-323, phase I) pancreatic antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH), lipid conjugated dienes, DNA strand breaks in islet cells and the in vitro ROM scavenging potential of the extract were studied in 18 hr-fasted mice after administration (i.v.) of the extract (1 mg/kg body wt) 1 hr before alloxan treatment. The antioxidant enzymes activities as well as the glutathione content, which were severely depleted in the alloxan group, were found to be significantly restored in the extract treated group at the end of 48 hr. Moreover, the extract arrested the two-fold increase in lipid conjugated dienes, the primary products of lipid peroxidation, and afforded significant protection against DNA strand breakage in islet cells of pancreas in alloxan diabetic mice. In addition, it caused a six-fold increase in serum insulin levels of normal mice in 15 min and also demonstrated an unique in vitro superoxide anion radical scavenging activity at a dose of 37.5 micrograms/ml in 10 min. B. pertussis extract thus appears to exert its antioxidant protection through stimulation of insulin release from pancreas and hitherto unobserved intrinsic superoxide anion radical scavenging ability.

Bordetella pertussis extract induces increase in the activities of glycolytic enzymes in mouse liver

The hypoglycemic effect of Bordetella pertussis (Challenge strain No.18323) purified cell extract (protein with traces of carbohydrates, 2 mg%) administered (0.1 mg/100 g body wt. i.v.) into mice on the activities of the key regulatory enzymes, viz. glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde phosphodehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) and lactate dehydrogenase, of glycolytic pathway in liver has been studied at varying intervals after injection. The maximum hypoglycaemic effect was observed at the end of 12 hr, while activities of all the enzymes studied showed significant enhancement after 18 hr, thus suggesting increased glucose utilization towards the formation of pyruvate. Actinomycin D is found to inhibit stimulation of G-6-PD activity in B. pertussis treated animals, thereby indicating the role of B. pertussis in synthesis of this enzyme.