Quantification of Cardiotonic Steroids Potentially Regulated by Paraoxonase 3 in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease Using UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS

Endogenous cardiotonic steroids (CTSs), such as telocinobufagin (TCB) and marinobufagin (MBG) contain a lactone moiety critical to their binding and signaling through the Na+/K+-ATPase. Their concentrations elevate in response to sodium intake and under volume-expanded conditions. Paraoxonase 3 (PON3) is an enzyme that can hydrolyze lactone substrates. Here, we examine the role of PON3 in regulating CTS levels in a rat model of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). TCB and MBG were extracted from rat urine samples, and the analyses were carried out using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography−Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS). Ten-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive wild type (SS-WT) and Dahl salt-sensitive PON3 knockout (SS-PON3 KO) rats were maintained on a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) for 8 weeks to initiate salt-sensitive hypertensive renal disease characteristic of this model. CTS extraction recovery from urine >80% was achieved. For animals maintained on a normal chow diet, the baseline amount of TCB excreted in 24 h urine of SS-PON3 KO rats (6.08 ± 1.47 ng/24 h; or 15.09 ± 3.25 pmol) was significantly higher than for SS-WT rats (1.48 ± 0.69 ng/24 h; or 3.67 ± 1.54 pmol, p < 0.05). Similarly, for the same animals, the amount of excreted MBG was higher in the urine of SS-PON3 KO rats (4.74 ± 1.30 ng/24 h versus 1.03 ± 0.25 ng/24 h in SS-WT; or 11.83 ± 2.91 pmol versus 2.57 ± 0.56 pmol in SS-WT, p < 0.05). For animals on a high-salt diet, the SS-PON3 KO rats had significantly increased levels of TCB (714.52 ± 79.46 ng/24 h; or 1774.85 ± 175.55 pmol) compared to SS-WT control (343.84 ± 157.54 ng/24 h; or 854.09 ± 350.02 pmol, p < 0.05), and comparatively higher levels of MBG were measured for SS-PON3 KO (225.55 ± 82.61 ng/24 h; or 563.19 ± 184.5 pmol) versus SS-WT (157.56 ± 85.53 ng/24 h; or 393.43 ± 191.01 pmol, p > 0.05) rats. These findings suggest that the presence and absence of PON3 dramatically affect the level of endogenous CTSs, indicating its potential role in CTS regulation.

Sagittal Root Position of Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Nepalese Population Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Background There are no radiographic studies in Nepalese population for determination of sagittal root positioning in maxillary anterior teeth. The sagittal root positioning and root angulation plays a vital role for case selection in immediate implant placement. Objective To evaluate, classify and compare sagittal root position between different maxillary anterior teeth. Method A 2-year retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients (53 males and 47 females) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria using cone beam computed tomographic images. The relationship of root of tooth to its alveolar housing were recorded as Class I to IV. In addition, the root angulation relative to the alveolar process was also measured. Result The sagittal root position (SRP) calculated on six maxillary anterior teeth on average was found to be 87.83% for Class I, 6.67% for Class II, 0.67% for Class III and 5.17% for Class IV respectively. The mean root angulation was found to be higher with canines on both side whereas lateral incisors had lesser mean root angulation. Root angulation of maximum teeth were between 10-20 degrees where immediate implant placement is possible. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, the sagittal root positioning and root angulation in Nepalese population showed a favorable result for immediate implant placement. Maximum teeth were found to be close to the alveolar process with the exception of few teeth.

A PON for All Seasons: Comparing Paraoxonase Enzyme Substrates, Activity and Action including the Role of PON3 in Health and Disease

Paraoxonases (PONs) are a family of hydrolytic enzymes consisting of three members, PON1, PON2, and PON3, located on human chromosome 7. Identifying the physiological substrates of these enzymes is necessary for the elucidation of their biological roles and to establish their applications in the biomedical field. PON substrates are classified as organophosphates, aryl esters, and lactones based on their structure. While the established native physiological activity of PONs is its lactonase activity, the enzymes’ exact physiological substrates continue to be elucidated. All three PONs have antioxidant potential and play an important anti-atherosclerotic role in several diseases including cardiovascular diseases. PON3 is the last member of the family to be discovered and is also the least studied of the three genes. Unlike the other isoforms that have been reviewed extensively, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding PON3. Thus, the current review focuses on PON3 and summarizes the PON substrates, specific activities, kinetic parameters, and their association with cardiovascular as well as other diseases such as HIV and cancer.

Crown Lengthening Surgery for Enhancing Restorative Treatment in Esthetic Zone

For obtaining adequate retention for restoring cases like subgingival caries or extensive caries that shortens the tooth, short clinical crown, and fractures, it is usually necessary to disclose more tooth structure. Crown lengthening procedure is done to increase the clinical crown length for restorative or esthetic reasons without breaching the biologic width. These procedures are also utilized to improve the appearance and retention of restorations placed within the esthetic zone. We report a case of crown lengthening surgery with an internal bevel gingivectomy which was done in our department without compromising tooth support and esthetics.

Necrotizing Stomatitis in Varicella Zoster Infection

Necrotizing periodontal disease are acute periodontal conditions which can present with simple gingivitis to more complex life threatening condition where it can perforate the skin of cheek. They are found in patients with severe illness, stress and reduced immunity. The prevalence of this whole group of disease is usually very low and is stated frequently as the first manifestation in HIV infection. Herpes zoster, a common dermatological condition is a secondary infection due to re-activation of Varicella zoster virus in a person previously acquiring a chicken pox in his/her lifetime. There are limited scientific literatures citing the occurrence of necrotizing stomatitis in varicella zoster infection. Thus, here we present a detail about a case and management of 46 years old female who had a hospital stay of over 5 days for treatment of Herpes zoster infection of mandibular nerve presented with necrotizing stomatitis lesion within oral cavity.

The Study of Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients Living with Psychiatric Disorders in Remote Area of Nepal

Background Family caregivers of psychiatric disorders likely to face burden. There is a paucity of data regarding the caregiver burden in psychiatric disorders in context of Nepal. Objective To study the caregiver burden in families with psychiatric illness and to find association between socio-demographic variables and caregiver burden in families with psychiatric illness. Method This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The participants (n=96) were caregiver of patients visiting outpatient department of two government of Nepal primary health care centers namely, Panchkhal Primary Health Care Center (PHC) Kavre District and Barhabise Health Care Center Sindhupalchowk district. The sample size has been determined by using statistical formula. Family burden assessment schedule (FBIS) was used for the study. Result The majority of the caregivers were females 56.3%. Most of the caregivers were aged below 45 years 54.2%. The large number of participants were single or separated 74%. The mean score of family burden assessment schedule was 27 ± 9.8 (range 0 to 48) with positive rate of 59.4%.Among the objective burden domains disruption of family leisure 61.5% was the most frequently reported burden. The subjective burden was reported in 95%. There were significant differential demographic associations with different domains of caregivers' burden. Conclusion Caregivers of Psychiatric patients experience different kind of burden of care. Our findings highlight the support to the family members to reduce their burden.

Management and Outcome of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Patients

BACKGROUND

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and need immediate medical attention. Early recognition, fluid resuscitation and early antimicrobials are the mainstays of sepsis therapy. This study analyzed the management strategies of severe sepsis and septic shock and evaluated its impact.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on patients admitted through emergency department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital of Nepal, who were diagnosed with severe sepsis and septic shock.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were diagnosed as severe sepsis and septic shock with 45 female patients and mean age 47.69 years ranging from 18 to 83 years. Pneumonia (45.9%) was found to be the major source of infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics and vassopressor at emergency department were ceftriaxone (24.7%) and norepinephrine (44.7%) respectively. The mean length of stay in Emergency department was 13.01 ± 7.03 h, while it was 11.27 ± 5.26 days in hospital. A total of 31 (36.5%) septic patients died. Deceased patients were found to have greater age, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and presence of co-morbid conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study looked in-depth on management and outcome of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Mortality from severe sepsis and septic shock were high, but similar to other studies.

Study of Infertile Couples Attending a Teaching Hospital in Eastern Nepal

INTRODUCTION

Infertility is a global health issue and a socially destabilizing condition for couples with several stigmas including medical, social, psychological burdens and a marital disharmony. The aim was to study the incidence of infertility in couples attending outdoor of Nobel Medical College and to know the contributing factors among the infertile couples.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of a teaching hospital July 2015-June 2016, where the incidence of infertility and the contributing factors for the same were evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence of infertility in this study was 5.45% and it was dominated by secondary infertility. The most important cause was male factor in 37.39%. Majority of male factor abnormality was due to exposure to heat as these male work abroad in Arabian Countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows a dominance of secondary infertility and male factor being a major contributor. The most common semen abnormality was oligospermia.

Myomectomy Revisited: Experiences in a Teaching Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Uterine myomas are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive tract with myomectomy being one of the major modalities of the treatment in our set up. The aim of this study was to share the experiences of open myomectomy from a Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

A observational study was conducted from a records of myomectomy cases in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Nobel Medical College teaching Hospital from June 2014- May 2016.

RESULTS

Total 38 cases of myomectomy were performed during the study period in the women most commong age group being 35-39 years, followed by 30-34. The most common presenting symptoms was abnormal uterine bleeding in 15 (39.47%) followed by mass per abdomen in 10 (26.31%). The most common location of the myoma was intramural followed by subserosal, submucus. Degeneration was also noted in majority of the cases. All the myomectomies were done with Inj Vasopressin injected paracervically except in one case where tourniquet was used. None of the patients had significant post-operative morbidity except fever in the first 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal myomectomy is a safe and effective procedure for uterine myomas for infertile women in the past but it should be offered to those desiring for uterine preservation irrespective of age and reproductive status.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: case report

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal complication of neuroleptic therapy is described. It is found to be associated with a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions. Various risk factors and non specific investigations pathognomic to various medical conditions has been proposed. The mortality and morbidity associated with NMS can be decreased with early recognition, early discontinuation of the neuroleptics and aggressive treatment.

Evaluation of dialysis adequacy in patients under hemodialysis and effectiveness of dialysers reuses

Reuse of dialysers is being practiced since the start of hemodialysis (HD) service in Nepal, which is cost effective as well as safe. A retrospective study was done in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital. We reviewed case records of the year 2008 and retrieved required data such as pre and post urea, post dialysis weight and ultrafiltration volume from 186 sessions of dialysis of 60 patients. Dialysis sessions were divided into nine groups according to the number of use of dialyser. Out of 60 patients, 40 were male. Mean age of the study population was 45.82 +/- 15.42 yrs (range 18-78). Dialysers were reprocessed manually up to 9 times. Adequacy of dialysis was assessed using single pool Kt/v (spKt/v) and urea reduction rate (URR). Mean pre urea, post urea and spKt/v were 160 +/- 51.2 mg/dL, 71.8 +/- 28.5 mg/dL and 0.95 +/- 0.28 respectively. Mean URR was 54.82 +/- 11.24%. Out of total 186 sessions, spKt/v was > or = 1.2 in only 31 sessions (17.0%). There was no significant difference in mean spKt/v between the groups (p=0.87). When compared between the individual groups e.g. 1st vs. 7th, 1st vs. 8th and 1st vs. 9th, there was no significant difference in spKt/v. Dialysis is inadequate in most of our patients undergoing HD twice a week. Reuse of dialyser is effective in urea clearance and the practice of reuse is cost effective and safe.

Vascular access for hemodialysis in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital

Good vascular access is an essential component for hemodialysis (HD). Studies in patterns of vascular accesses used for HD are very few. Eighty two (male 55, female 27) patients attending HD unit of Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) over a period of one year were enrolled for the study. Average age was 46.12 years. Seventy four patients (90.0%) were suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) 5 and 8 (10.0%) patients had acute renal failure. Initial vascular access used was temporary vascular access in 76 (93.0%) and arteriovenous (AV) fistula in 6 (7.0%) patients. As a first temporary vascular access femoral catheterization was used in 54 (66.0%) patients followed by subclavian and internal jugular vein catheterization in 18 (22.0%) and 4 (5.0%) respectively. Fever was observed in 9 (11.0%) patients with first temporary access. There was no complication in 65 (79.0%) cases. Other complications were poor flow, malposition, infection, thrombosis, aneurysm and self removal of catheter. Only 47 patients were analyzed for the second vascular access. Trends towards use of second vascular access was subclavian and internal jugular vein cannulation in 20 (42.5%) and 10 (21.3%) respectively, AV fistula in 13 (27.7%), and femoral catheterization in 4 (8.5%). Second vascular access was associated with fever in 7 (14.9%) and limb swelling in 1 (2.1%). Temporary vascular access was the most common access to initiate HD in CKD 5. Only 7.0% of the patient had AV fistula to start HD. Femoral vein catheterization was the most commonly used first temporary vascular access. Complications with the vascular accesses were negligible.

In-center hemodialysis for end stage kidney disease at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) is defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 5 ml/min. These patients need renal replacement therapy (RRT). Hemodialysis is an established form of RRT. Studies on incenter hemodialysis are very few. Here we would like to present our experience on in-center hemodialysis in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Study period was one year (1st Baisakh 2065 to 31st Chaitra 2065). Total 33 patients (23 male, 10 female) were enrolled in the study. Average age was 42.33 +/- 15 years. Hypertension (55.0%), diabetes mellitus (24.0%), chronic glomerulonephritis (15.0%), rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (3.0%) and others (3.0%) were the causes of ESKD requiring dialysis. Hypotension, hypertension, muscle cramps, chest pain were the common complications observed during dialysis. Average haemoglobin level was 9.44 +/- 1.88 g%. Majority of patients were physically inactive. Blood transfusion was the main modality for correction of anaemia. Approximate cost for one session of hemodialysis was Rs. 2000 (U.S. $.25) and average monthly income of study population was Rs.16312.5 (U.S. $.204) U.S. $1 = NRs.80, (4th May 2009).