Characteristics of ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterise the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential using clicks and 500 Hz tone burst stimuli in healthy adults.

METHOD

Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential was recorded from 20 healthy participants aged 19-28 years (11 males and 9 females). Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential was recorded using 500 Hz tone burst and click stimuli in ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral modes.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed between ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation for p11 latency, n21 latency and p11-n21 amplitude for both click and 500 Hz tone burst stimuli. The amplitude of the p11-n21 complex was higher for ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral stimulations for 500 Hz tone burst than for click stimulus.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a significant difference for p11-n21 amplitude between click and 500 Hz tone burst evoked masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential. In addition, bilateral stimulation elicited a larger response than ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation.

A Meta-Analysis on Comparison of Open vs Closed Reduction of Gartland Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Although there are numerous studies on outcomes and comparison of open and closed reduction but there is no clarity on relationship between outcomes and complications with type of surgical intervention done for Type 3 Gartland supracondylar humerus fracture. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes and complications of closed vs open reduction in Type 3 Gartland supracondylar humerus fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Electronic literature searches of Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library was conducted in February 2022 using the terms "supracondylar", "humerus", "fracture", "Gartland type 3" and synonymous. The data extracted included the study details, demographic data, procedure performed, final functional and cosmetic outcome according to Flynn criteria and complications of included studies. RESULTS Pooled data analysis revealed no significant difference in mean satisfactory outcome rate according to Flynn cosmetic criteria in open group (97%, 95% CI 95.5%-98.5%), as compared to closed group (97.5%, 95% CI 96.3%-98.7%), although a statistically significant difference in mean satisfactory rate according to Flynn functional criteria in open group (93.4%, 95% CI 90.8%- 96.1%) as compared to closed group (98.5%, 95% CI 97.5%-99.4%) was noted. On separate comparison of the two-arm studies, closed reduction favoured better functional outcomes (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation have better functional outcome than open reduction with K-wire fixation. But there was no significant difference in cosmetic outcomes, overall complication rate and nerve injury with either open or closed reduction. The threshold of converting a closed reduction to an open reduction in supracondylar humerus fractures of children should be high. Key words: supracondylar humerus, open reduction, percutaneous pinning, Flynn criteria.

The fluctuation-dissipation measurement instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The development of new modes at x-ray free electron lasers has inspired novel methods for studying fluctuations at different energies and timescales. For closely spaced x-ray pulses that can be varied on ultrafast time scales, we have constructed a pair of advanced instruments to conduct studies targeting quantum materials. We first describe a prototype instrument built to test the proof-of-principle of resonant magnetic scattering using ultrafast pulse pairs. This is followed by a description of a new endstation, the so-called fluctuation-dissipation measurement instrument, which was used to carry out studies with a fast area detector. In addition, we describe various types of diagnostics for single-shot contrast measurements, which can be used to normalize data on a pulse-by-pulse basis and calibrate pulse amplitude ratios, both of which are important for the study of fluctuations in materials. Furthermore, we present some new results using the instrument that demonstrates access to higher momentum resolution.

Assessing and Managing Unintentional Weight Loss: A Global Survey of Geriatrician Practice and Their Use of Ice Cream to Address It

OBJECTIVES

Unintentional weight loss (UIWL) is common among older adults but lacks standardized methods for its diagnosis and management. With a limited understanding on how geriatricians actually address UIWL, we conducted a survey to examine how they diagnose and manage it, and their opinions regarding the use of ice cream to address it.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An international descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey conducted over a 16-week period in 2019 involving 1131 geriatricians in clinical practice across 51 countries.

MEASUREMENTS

We collected information around respondent demographics, use of screening tools and diagnostic investigations, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to address UIWL.

RESULTS

89.1% of respondents reported frequently seeing UIWL. The most common methods reportedly used to evaluate UIWL were performing a comprehensive history and physical examination (97.4%) and assessing for cognitive impairment (86.5%). 74.2% noted that they routinely prescribed oral nutritional supplements and 71.6% involved non-medical professional(s) to help manage UIWL. While 50.4% reported recommending ice cream to their patients with UIWL, only 30.6% reported being aware of other colleagues recommending it. Geriatricians in practice for 30+ years were significantly more likely to recommend ice cream (P < 0.05). A thematic analysis of qualitative responses identified that prescribing ice cream tended to align both with patient preferences and socio-economic realities.

CONCLUSION

While a majority of geriatricians surveyed routinely prescribe ONS and involve others to manage UIWL, at least half are also recommending ice cream. A key practice amongst experienced geriatricians, the use of ice cream could be better acknowledged as a practical and cost-effective way to address UIWL.

Predictors of no-reflow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

No reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a complex issue with serious outcomes. Multiple studies have studied predictors of no-reflow during primary PCI, but data on patients with the late presentation is sparse, which constitutes the majority of patients in peripheral centers. This study aimed to determine predictors of no-reflow during PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 7 days.

METHODS

It was a single-center prospective case-control study performed at a tertiary care center and included 958 patients with STEMI who underwent PCI within 7 days of symptom onset. Baseline and angiographic data of patients undergoing PCI were recorded and patients divided into reflow and no-reflow group.

RESULTS

Of 958 who underwent PCI, 182 (18.9%) showed no-reflow by myocardial blush grade (MBG)<2. No-reflow group had a higher mean age (66.46±10.71 vs. 61.36±9.94 years), lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) on admission (100.61±26.66 vs. 112.23±24.35, P<0.0001), a higher level of peak Troponin I level (9.37±2.81 vs. 7.66±3.11ng/dL, P<0.0001), low left ventricular ejection fraction (36.71±3.89 vs. 39.58±4.28% respectively P<0.0001). Among angiographic data and procedural features, multivariable logistic regression analysis identified that advanced age, reperfusion time>6hours, SBP<100mmHg on admission, functional status of Killip class for heart failure≥3, lower EF (≤35%), low initial myocardial blush grade (≤1) before PCI, long target lesion length, larger reference diameter of vessel (>3.5mm) and high thrombus burden on angiography were found to be independent predictors of no-reflow (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

No-reflow phenomenon after PCI for STEMI is complex and multifactorial and can be identified by simple clinical, angiographic, and procedural features. Preprocedural characters of the lesion and early perfusion decides the fate of the outcome.

Altered expressions of circulating microRNAs 122 and 192 during antitubercular drug induced liver injury indicating their role as potential biomarkers

Drug induced liver toxicity is a serious health complication leading to high mortality rates and post marketing withdrawal of drugs. Although considered to be the gold standard biomarkers; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase have been found to have specificities beyond liver, therefore more specific and predictive markers for the detection of antitubercular drug mediated liver damage are required. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of currently used first line antitubercular drugs namely isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide is often accompanied with liver injury, impeding the cure of patients. Keeping in view, the prognostic and diagnostic applications of microRNAs in various diseases, we tried to assess the importance of microRNAs 122 and 192 in antitubercular drug associated liver injuries. The study included subjects having tuberculosis of any type with antitubercular drug induced liver injury; naïve or newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients, tuberculosis patients on drugs not having toxicity and healthy controls. Observations from this study revealed that expression levels of miR-122 and miR-192 were significantly decreased in the serum of antitubercular drug induced liver injury patients only. Therefore, these microRNAs or the pathways associated with them can be used as a tool to predict or cure antitubercular drug associated liver injury in future.

Variability of contrast enhancement of pancreas on computed tomography in patients with acute pancreatitis and isolated extrapancreatic necrosis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

To evaluate the variability in the enhancement of pancreas on computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and isolated extrapancreatic necrosis (EPN) and to investigate whether it affects the extrapancreatic findings and patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study comprised of consecutive patients with isolated EPN evaluated between April 2017 and April 2019. A radiologist measured the pancreatic attenuation values (PAV) of head, body, and tail on a contrast enhanced CT. Using a cut-off PAV of 100HU, patients were divided into two groups. The extrapancreatic CT findings and outcome parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (mean age, 42.13 years, 17 males) with isolated EPN were evaluated. The mean PAV in the head, body, and tail was 83.13 HU (range, 59-161), 84.17 HU (range, 60-160), and 82.23 HU (range, 53-137). The overall mean PAV was 83.12 HU (range, 58-152). There were six patients with overall mean PAV≥100 HU. The group with PAV≥100 HU had a higher number of patients with infected necrosis (66.6% vs. 14.2%, P=0.018). PAV had a significant association with length of hospitalization (P=0.045).

CONCLUSION

There is significant variability in the pancreatic enhancement on CT among patients with AP and isolated EPN. Patients with PAV≥100 HU had a significantly longer hospital stay. This, however, may be related to a greater number of patients with infected necrosis in this group.

Evaluating sensitivity of hyperspectral indices for estimating mangrove chlorophyll in Middle Andaman Island, India

Mangroves are the highly productive and extensive ecosystem in the tropical coasts. Chlorophyll is the key foliar determinant of mangrove productivity. Optical characteristics of mangrove markedly differ from land vegetation; hence, defining narrowband spectral indices most sensitive to mangrove chlorophyll is crucial, in view of their importance to the coastal environment and mounting biotic pressures. We assessed the sensitivity of a set of satellite hyperspectral remote sensing indices to mangrove canopy chlorophyll in Middle Andaman Island, India, and propose most robust spectral indices for mangrove chlorophyll estimation. We generated simple, modified simple, normalized difference vegetation, and non-linear indices from all possible two band combinations of EO-1 Hyperion bands in the 500-900 nm spectral range. The strength of correlation between each pair of spectral indices to mangrove chlorophyll was analyzed in 2D correlograms and validated using k-fold cross-validation technique. Results show that 549 nm, 559 nm (green) and 702 nm, 722 nm, 742 nm, and 763 nm (red-edge) wavelengths are the most sensitive to mangrove chlorophyll. We report performance of traditional chlorophyll indices and new indices with higher predictive capability for mangrove chlorophyll prediction. Simple ratio (559 nm/885 nm) offered the strongest correlation with mangrove chlorophyll (R²-0.75, RMSE-0.60, p < 0.05). Study findings will help researchers in deciding suitable chlorophyll indices for mangrove productivity and stress assessment. The best calibrated index was used to prepare mangrove chlorophyll spatial variability map of the study area.

Magnitude of unreported kala-azar cases in a highly endemic district of Bihar, India: A positive impact of Indian elimination programme

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

In India, kala-azar surveillance is weak and no public-private partnership exists for disease containment. Estimate of disease burden is not reliably available and still cases are going to private providers for the treatment. The present study aimed to assess the magnitude of kala-azar cases actually detected and managed at private set-up and unreported to existing health management information system.

METHODS

Institution based cross-sectional prospective pilot study was conducted. List of facilities was created with the help of key informants. The information about incidence of kala-azar cases were captured on monthly basis from July 2010 to June 2011. Rapid diagnostic strip test (rk-39) or bone marrow/splenic puncture were applied as laboratory methods for the diagnosis of kala-azar. Descriptive statistics as well as chi-square test for comparison between proportions was conducted.

RESULTS

Overall availability of private practitioners (PPs) was 4.59/1,00,000 population and maximum PPs (46; 93.9%) were from qualified category. The median years of medical practice was 25 yr (inter quartile-range [18, 28]). Interestingly, only a small proportion (240; 19%) of cases was managed by PPs. Amongst the PPs, only low proportion (32; 18.2%) managed >2 cases per month. The mean number of kala-azar suspects and cases identified varied significantly between different PPs' professions with p <0.048 and p <0.032, respectively. A highly significant difference (p <0.0001) was observed for kala-azar case load between qualified and unqualified practitioners. A small proportion (38; 15.8%) of kala-azar cases was not present in the public health system record.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Still sizeable proportions of cases are going to PPs and unrecorded into government surveillance system. A mechanism need to be devised to involve at least qualified PPs in order to reduce treatment delay and increase case detection in the region.

Role of computed tomography in prediction of gastrointestinal fistula in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM

To identify computed tomography (CT) features that predict gastrointestinal fistula (GIF) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with AP and GIF from June 2017 to June 2018. The diagnosis of GIF was based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy or surgery. A cohort of 19 matched patients from a prospective database of AP served as control group. Measures of severity, and clinical outcome were evaluated. CT parameters were compared between the groups to assess the features that could predict the development of GIF.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the two groups in terms of disease etiology, severity, drainage, and mortality. On univariate analysis, the CT features that were found to be significantly different between the two groups were the presence of bowel wall thickening (P=0.005), maximum thickness of the bowel wall (P=0.007), presence of air foci in extra pancreatic necrosis/ collection (P=0.013), discontinuity of the bowel wall (P=0.046) and the displacement/ compression of bowel by fluid collection (P=0.014). On multivariate analysis, all the above-mentioned CT findings except discontinuity of bowel wall were found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

CT is helpful in predicting GIF in patients with AP.

Quantitative Characterization of the Nanoscale Local Lattice Strain Induced by Sr Dopants in La_{1.92}Sr_{0.08}CuO_{4}

The nanometer scale lattice deformation brought about by the dopants in the high temperature superconducting cuprate La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} (x=0.08) was investigated by measuring the associated x-ray diffuse scattering around multiple Bragg peaks. A characteristic diffuse scattering pattern was observed, which can be well described by continuum elastic theory. With the fitted dipole force parameters, the acoustic-type lattice deformation pattern was reconstructed and found to be of similar size to lattice thermal vibration at 7 K. Our results address the long-term concern of dopant introduced local lattice inhomogeneity, and show that the associated nanometer scale lattice deformation is marginal and cannot, alone, be responsible for the patched variation in the spectral gaps observed with scanning tunneling microscopy in the cuprates.

Spectrum of IgG4-related Kidney Disease at a Tertiary Care Center

IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4 RKD) is increasingly reported with varied manifestations. The present study was carried out to study the spectrum of IgG4 RKD. All patients with renal manifestation associated with conditions known to be associated with IgG4-related diseases (IgG4 RDs), or renal imaging or histology suggestive of IgG4 RKD were included and evaluated further. Patients with known extrarenal IgG4RD were also screened for renal involvement. Out of 40 patients screened over a period of 15 months, IgG4 RKD was diagnosed in 8. Majority were male (87.5%) with mean age being 56 years. Disease spectrum ranged from normal renal function in one to renal failure requiring dialysis in another two patients. Significant proteinuria was uncommon (12.5%) while hematuria was not seen in any patient. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was seen in all four patients who underwent kidney biopsy. Two patients had associated glomerular lesions in the form of immune complex crescentic glomerulonephritis. The most common imaging abnormality was hypodense renal lesions seen in 2 patients. Elevated IgG4 levels had 87.5% sensitivity and 78.3% specificity for IgG4 RKD and levels did not correlate with disease severity. Of 4 patients treated with steroids, 3 showed improvement in renal function. IgG4 RKD is an uncommon disease even at a referral tertiary care center. Elevated IgG4 levels alone are neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of IgG4 RKD, and a combination of clinical, imaging, serological, and histological features are required for diagnosis.

Nanosecond X-Ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy on Magnetic Skyrmions

We report an x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy method that exploits the recent development of the two-pulse mode at the Linac Coherent Light Source. By using coherent resonant x-ray magnetic scattering, we studied spontaneous fluctuations on nanosecond time scales in thin films of multilayered Fe/Gd that exhibit ordered stripe and Skyrmion lattice phases. The correlation time of the fluctuations was found to differ between the Skyrmion phase and near the stripe-Skyrmion boundary. This technique will enable a significant new area of research on the study of equilibrium fluctuations in condensed matter.

Effect of high and low roughage total mixed ration diets on rumen metabolites and enzymatic profiles in crossbred cattle and buffaloes

Aim::

A comparative study was conducted on crossbred cattle and buffaloes to investigate the effect of feeding high and low roughage total mixed ration (TMR) diets on rumen metabolites and enzymatic profiles.

Materials and Methods::

Three rumen-fistulated crossbred cattle and buffalo were randomly assigned as per 3×3 switch over design for 21-days. Three TMR diets consisting of concentrate mixture, wheat straw and green maize fodder in the ratios of (T₁) 60:20:20, (T₂) 40:30:30, and (T₃) 20:40:40, respectively, were fed to the animals ad libitum. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post feeding for the estimation of rumen biochemical parameters on 2 consecutive days in each trial.

Results::

The lactic acid concentration and pH value were comparable in both species and treatments. Feed intake (99.77±2.51 g/kg body weight), ruminal ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen were significantly (p<0.05) higher in buffalo and in treatment group fed with high concentrate diet. Production of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was non-significant (p>0.05) among treatments and significantly (p<0.05) greater in crossbred cattle than buffaloes. Molar proportions of individual VFAs propionate (C3), propionate:butyrate (C3:C4), and (acetate+butyrate):propionate ([C2+C4]:C3) ratio in both crossbred cattle and buffalo were not affected by high or low roughage diet, but percentage of acetate and butyrate varied significantly (p<0.05) among treatment groups. Activities of microbial enzymes were comparable among species and different treatment groups. A total number of rumen protozoa were significantly (p<0.05) higher in crossbred cattle than buffaloes along with significantly (p<0.05) higher population in animal fed with high concentrate diet (T₁).

Conclusion::

Rumen microbial population and fermentation depend on constituents of the treatment diet. However, microbial enzyme activity remains similar among species and different treatments. High concentrate diet increases number of rumen protozoa, and the number is higher in crossbred cattle than buffaloes.

Integration and decentralisation of TB-HIV services increases HIV testing of TB cases in Rajasthan, India

The proportion of tuberculosis (TB) patients tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the state of Ra-jasthan, India, is limited by the availability of HIV testing facilities. Rajasthan implemented a policy of initiating TB-HIV diagnosis at all health institutions in July 2013. The number of TB diagnostic facilities increased from 33 to 63 in Banswara District and from 22 to 68 in Jhunjhunu District, while the number of HIV testing facilities in these districts increased from 1 to 53 and from 10 to 81, respectively, after the policy implementation. The proportion of TB patients tested for HIV increased by respectively 27% and 19%.

Thrombocytosis and Raised CRP Levels Predicts Advanced Stage in Esophageal Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The significance of thrombocytosis and raised C-reactive protein (CRP) as prognostic markers in esophageal cancer is unclear.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 50 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer and analyzed the relation of preoperative platelet count and CRP levels with the clinico-pathological characteristics and stage of the disease. The platelet count of 319 × 10(9)/L for thrombocytosis and CRP level >6 mg/dl were taken as cut-off values.

RESULTS

The incidence of thrombocytosis as well as raised CRP level was 50 %. Eighty percent of patients with thrombocytosis had raised CRP levels. None of patients with early disease (stage I) had thrombocytosis while patients with advanced stage were associated with thrombocytosis, 81.81 % in stage III and 100 % in stage IV (p < 0.001). The incidence of elevated CRP levels has shown progressive linear co-relation with the stage of carcinoma, i.e., 0 % in pathological stage I, 16.67 % in stage II, 45.45 % in stage III, and 100 % in stage IV disease (p = 0.011). Patients with thrombocytosis and patients with raised CRP were associated with pathological nodal metastases in 84.61 % cases (p 0.005) and 61.53 % (p 0.030), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Thrombocytosis alone or in combination with raised CRP had progressive linear relation with the stage of esophageal carcinoma.

Hereditary Multiple Gastrointestinal Atresia associated with Choledochal Cyst: A Rare Entity with Management Dilemma

Multiple intestinal atresias are rare and its treatment is challenging. Here, we present a case of multiple gastrointestinal atresia associated with choledochal cyst posing us a surgical challenge.

N-acetyltransferase 2, cytochrome P4502E1 and glutathione S-transferase genotypes in antitubercular treatment-induced hepatotoxicity in North Indians

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of illness and death in developing countries. Hepatotoxicity is a serious side effect of antituberculosis treatment (ATT). NAT2, CYP2E1 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms may play an important role in ATT-induced hepatotoxicity. So, elucidating the genetics involved in anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity in patients would be of utmost clinical significance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to elucidate the role of NAT2, CYP2E1 and GST gene polymorphisms in ATT-induced hepatotoxicity in North Indian patients.

METHODS

Three hundred patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB were enrolled. Total genomic DNA was isolated from each patient's peripheral lymphocytes using phenol-chloroform method, and genetic polymorphic analysis for N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) and GST was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Of the 300 patients, 185 were males and 115 females. Among them, 33 males and 22 females developed ATT-induced hepatotoxicity. There were significant increases in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels in patients with ATT-induced hepatotoxicity at 1 month of treatment. NAT2 5/7 and 6/7 were significantly higher in hepatotoxicity patients as compared to the non-hepatotoxicity group. c1/c1 allele of CYP2E1 gene was lower (50·9%) in ATT-induced hepatotoxicity patients as compared to non-hepatotoxicity patients (61·2%), whereas c1/c2 and c2/c2 alleles were higher, but not statistically significant. GSTM1 was significantly higher in hepatotoxicity patients as compared to non-hepatotoxicity patients, whereas GSTT1 and GSTT1/M1 were lower, but not statistically significant.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

This study indicates that patients with slow-acetylator genotypes (NAT2 5/7, 6/7) and GSTM1 allele of GST enzyme were at higher risk of ATT-induced hepatotoxicity.

Dextran Carrier Macromolecules for Colon-specific Delivery of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid

Present manuscript describes the sustained and targeted delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid to the distal ileum and proximal colon, using dextran (40 kDa) as a carrier for targeting 5-aminosalicylic acid at the colonic site by attaching p-aminobenzoic acid and benzoic acid as linkers. Prepared conjugate were characterized by UV, HPLC, FT-IR, and ¹H NMR. The degree of substitution was estimated by complete hydrolysis of conjugates in borate buffer and in vitro hydrolysis study of conjugates was performed in different biological media. It was observed that 5-aminosalicylic acid alone have produced high incidence of gastric ulcer with high ulcer index whereas lower ulcer index was found for the dextran conjugates of 5-aminosalicylic acid. The release pattern of conjugates in 3% w/v rat caecal content was confirmed the colon specificity of 5-aminosalicylic acid conjugates.

Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine response in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is referred to as a functional bowel disorder which is diagnosed by a number of characteristic symptoms (Rome II criteria) in the absence of detectable structural abnormalities. Low-grade inflammation of the intestine may be one of the reasons for development of diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). We undertook this study to estimate the serum levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in IBS-D patients.

METHODS

A total of 108 diarrhoea patients were screened. Out of these only 63 adult IBS-D patients were enrolled. Age and sex matched 62 apparently healthy controls with no GI symptoms were also recruited. Out of 63 IBS-D patients, 37 were males while there were 32 males among the controls. The patients with IBS-D were diagnosed according to the Rome II criteria. Levels of serum IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-10 were measured in all subjects using ELISA.

RESULTS

Mean (+/- SD) age of IBS-D patients (42.6 +/- 19.5 years) was comparable (p = 0.64) to that of controls (43.5 +/- 18.7 years). The mean (+/- SD) levels of IL-6 in IBS-D patients (32.2 +/- 12.01 pg/ml) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in controls (7.48 +/- 2.55 pg/ml). The levels of TNF-alpha in IBS-D patients (16.3 +/- 5.2 pg/ml) were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in controls (7.94 +/- 2.19 pg/ml). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of IL-10 (p = 0.23) between IBS-D patients (5.75 +/- 2.1 pg/ml) and controls (5.84 +/- 1.9 pg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that mild inflammation is involved in IBS-D patients as proinflammatory cytokines were increased although no difference in anti-inflammatory cytokine was observed.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and orocecal transit time in patients of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). These two conditions share many common features-diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is frequent in patients with CD but it has not been studied in UC Indian patients.

AIM

The study was planned to measure orocecal transit time (OCTT) and SIBO in UC and CD patients.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven patients of IBD (95 UC and 42 CD) and 115 healthy controls were enrolled. OCTT and SIBO were measured by lactulose and glucose hydrogen breath test respectively. Concentration of hydrogen and methane were measured by SC microlyser from Quintron, USA.

RESULTS

Mean±standard deviation (SD) of OCTT in patients of IBD was significantly higher as compared to controls. Furthermore, OCTT was significantly higher in CD patients as compared to UC patients. It was also observed that occurrence of SIBO was significantly higher in IBD patients as compared to controls. The occurrence of SIBO in CD (45.2%) was significantly higher as compared to patients in UC (17.8%) group. Percentage of methane positive IBD patients (2.9%) was significantly lower as compared to methane positive controls (24.4%).

CONCLUSION

OCTT was significantly delayed in IBD patients as compared to controls and in CD patients as compared to UC patients. OCTT was significantly higher in SIBO positive IBD patients as compared to SIBO negative patients. Thus, we can suggest that delayed OCTT would have been the cause of increased SIBO in these patients.

Jamming behavior of domains in a spiral antiferromagnetic system

Using resonant magnetic x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, we show that the domains of a spiral antiferromagnet enter a jammed state at the onset of long-range order. We find that the slow thermal fluctuations of the domain walls exhibit a compressed exponential relaxation with an exponent of 1.5 found in a wide variety of solidlike jammed systems and can be qualitatively explained in terms of stress release in a stressed network. As the temperature decreases, the energy barrier for fluctuations becomes large enough to arrest further domain wall fluctuations, and the domains freeze into a spatial configuration within 10 K of the Néel temperature. The relaxation times can be fitted with the Vogel-Fulcher law as observed in polymers, glasses, and colloids, thereby indicating that the dynamics of domain walls in an ordered antiferromagnet exhibit some of the universal features associated with jamming behavior.

Comparison of lactulose and glucose breath test for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Validity of the lactulose breath test (LBT) to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been questioned. Therefore, a study was planned to compare LBT with glucose breath test (GBT) to diagnose SIBO in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and controls.

METHODS

175 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and 150 apparently healthy controls were enrolled. IBS was diagnosed according to Rome II criteria. Breath samples were collected every 10 min up to 180 min. Breath H₂ and CH₄ were measured using an SC MicroLyzer. SIBO was positive with a sustained increase in breath H₂ or CH₄ or both ≥10 ppm over a baseline value within <90 min in case of LBT and within <120 min in GBT.

RESULTS

SIBO was positive in 60/175 (34.3%) patients by lactulose and in 11/175 (6.2%) patients by GBT. In controls, LBT was positive for SIBO in 45/150 (30%) patients and in 1/150 (0.66%) patients by GBT. Positive LBT for SIBO was not significantly different in patients and controls; while using GBT, SIBO was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients as compared to controls. By using GBT as gold standard for SIBO, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of LBT in IBS patients was 63.6, 67.7, 11.7 and 96.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION

LBT is not a good test to discriminate SIBO in IBS patients from controls.

Integration of tobacco cessation in general medical practice: need of the hour

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disability. Tobacco use causes almost one million deaths annually in India, which is much more than the combined mortality due to malaria/TB and HIV/AIDS. It is estimated to cause one billion deaths in the 21st century, eighty per cent of which will occur in the developing countries like India. Tobacco use is increasing in the country. Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2010, estimated that more than one-third of adults (35%) in the country use tobacco, out of which 21% use smokeless tobacco, 9% smoke and 5% use both. The prevalence of overall tobacco use among men was 47.9% and among women was 20.2%. Global Youth Tobacco Survey, India, 2009, estimate 14.6% of 13-15 years school going children use tobacco. There is urgent need for addressing the tobacco epidemic in India. Though effective interventions for tobacco cessation such as brief counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, non-nicotine pharmacotherapy are available, their use by general practitioners is restricted due to lack of adequate dissemination of information in their use. Use of these simple assessment tools and practice of these effective interventions by general medical and healthcare practitioners will go a long way in addressing the rising tobacco epidemic in India and making general healthcare more comprehensive.

Impact of an irreversibly adsorbed layer on local viscosity of nanoconfined polymer melts

We report the origin of the effect of nanoscale confinement on the local viscosity of entangled polystyrene (PS) films at temperatures far above the glass transition temperature. By using marker x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy with gold nanoparticles embedded in the PS films prepared on solid substrates, we have determined the local viscosity as a function of the distance from the polymer-substrate interface. The results show the impact of a very thin adsorbed layer (~7 nm in thickness) even without specific interactions of the polymer with the substrate, overcoming the effect of a surface mobile layer at the air-polymer interface and thereby resulting in a significant increase in the local viscosity as approaching the substrate interface.

Comparison between acetylator phenotype and genotype polymorphism of n-acetyltransferase-2 in tuberculosis patients

BACKGROUND

Isoniazid (INH) is one of the most important drugs of antitubercular treatment regime, and in some cases it causes hepatotoxicity. It is metabolized by hepatic N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2).

AIM

To compare whether both methods, i.e., genotype NAT2 and phenotype test of measuring serum INH levels, are useful to identify acetylator status of patients on antitubercular treatment (ATT).

METHODS

A total of 251 tuberculosis (TB) patients on standard treatment were followed up to 6 months for this study. NAT2 genotype was assessed by PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) whereas serum INH levels were measured by fluorometry.

RESULTS

Of the 251 patients, 50 (19.9%) developed ATT-induced hepatotoxicity. By phenotypic estimation, in the hepatotoxicity group, 17/50 (34%) were slow acetylators whereas 33/50 (66%) were fast acetylators. Genotypically, 19/50 (38%) were slow acetylators and 31/50 (62%) fast acetylators. By phenotypic analysis, in non-hepatotoxicity group, 46/201 (22.9%) were slow acetylators and 155/201 (77.1%) fast acetylators. By genotypic analysis, 30/201 (14.9%) were slow acetylators and 171/201 (85%) fast acetylators. Overall, slow acetylators (25.1%) measured phenotypically were not significantly different from slow acetylators (19.5%) measured genotypically.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the acetylator status of TB patients can be detected by phenotypic method as efficaciously as by genotypic method. Therefore, phenotypic method can replace genotypic method to determine acetylating status as phenotypic method is simple and inexpensive.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of ophthalmic assistants as screeners for glaucoma in North India

AIM

To assess whether ophthalmic assistants are effective in screening people for glaucoma in India.

METHODOLOGY

The study subjects were examined by both trained ophthalmic assistants and an ophthalmologist in both hospital and community settings. Specific tests for the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects included visual field examination using frequency doubling technology perimetry, intraocular pressure measurement (Tonopen), A-scan central anterior chamber depth measurement and dilated optic disc examination. The findings recorded by the ophthalmic assistants were masked to the ophthalmologist to avoid measurement bias.

RESULTS

In the hospital setting, there was a substantial level of agreement between the ophthalmic assistants and the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects (89.29%, k=0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.54-0.86). The diagnostic accuracy of the ophthalmic assistants in detecting glaucoma suspects was high for sensitivity (95.2%, 95% CI=91.4-97.7%) but lower for specificity at 71.4% (95% CI=60.0-78.7%).In the community setting, there was a moderate level of agreement between the ophthalmic assistants and the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects (78.23%, k=0.50, 95% CI=0.37-0.64). The diagnostic accuracy of the ophthalmic assistants in detecting glaucoma suspects was moderate for sensitivity (82.9, 95% CI=69.7-91.5%) but lower for specificity at 76.8% (95% CI=72.7-79.5%).

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmic assistants can be used for opportunistic case detection of glaucoma suspects in the community. Structured training of the ophthalmic assistants together with enhanced clinical experience would improve their performance in detecting glaucoma suspects in the community.

Pseudothrombocytopenia -- a caveat

Pseudothrombocytopenia is an ex vivo thrombocytopenia, counted by an automated cell counter, but not configured by microscopic examination of a well prepared blood smear. Incidences of pseudothrombocytopenia reported in different studies range from 0.09-0.21%, which could account for 15-30% of all cases of thrombocytopenla. Failure to identify pseudothrombocytopenia has led to a lot of clinical problems like unnecessary platelet transfusion, glucocorticoid therapy and so on. Haematological cell counters count platelets as particles with volume between 2 and 20fl. Thus platelet clumps are counted as leucocytes while fragmented RBCs as platelets. This study found pseudothrombocytopenia due to causes like EDTA blood stored at less than 32 degrees C for more than 2 hours (35%), excess EDTA in sample (10.7%), hyperlipidaemia, auto-immune disease, pregnancy, etc. No apparent cause could be found in 52% of cases. Hence it is emphasised that direct microscopic examination of a well stained blood smear from EDTA-venous blood (within 1hour) and or direct counting under Neubauer chamber with 1% ammonium oxalate (in special cases) is almost mandatory before releasing a report of platelet count. Also factors related to ratio and storage of EDTA-blood, calibration of instruments, proper selection of reagents, supervision of laboratory staff are essential to rule out any error of report including pseudothrombocytopenia.

Molecular simulation of the frictional behavior of polymer-on-polymer sliding

Molecular simulations of the sliding processes of polymer-on-polymer systems were performed to investigate the surface and subsurface deformations and how these affect tribological characteristics of nanometer-scale polymer films. It is shown that a very severe deformation is localized to a band of material about 2.5 nm thick at the interface of the polymer surfaces. Outside of this band, the polymer films experience a uniform shear strain that reaches a finite steady-state value of close to 100%. Only after the polymer films have achieved this steady-state shear strain do the contacting surfaces of the films show significant relative slippage over each other. Because severe deformation is limited to a localized band much thinner than the polymeric films, the thickness of the deformation band is envisaged to be independent of the film thickness and hence frictional forces are expected to be independent of the thickness of the polymer films. A strong dependency of friction on interfacial adhesion, surface roughness, and the shear modulus of the sliding system was observed. Although the simulations showed that frictional forces increase linearly with contact pressure, adhesive forces contribute significantly to the overall friction and must therefore be accounted for in nanometer-scale friction. It is also shown that the coefficient of friction is lower for lower-density polymers as well as for polymers with higher molecular weights.

Measurement of the interior structure of thin polymer films using grazing incidence diffuse x-ray scattering

A method is developed for calculating the small-angle x-ray scattering originating from within the interior of a thin film under grazing incidence illumination. This offers the possibility of using x-ray scattering to probe how the structure of polymers is modified by confinement. When the diffuse scattering from a thin film is measured over a range of incident angles, it is possible to separate the contributions to scattering from the interfaces and the contribution from the film interior. Using the distorted-wave Born approximation the structure factor, S(q), of the film interior can then be obtained. We apply this method to analyze density fluctuations from within the interior of a silicon supported molten polystyrene (PS) film. Measurements were made as a function of film thickness ranging from one to ten times the polymer radius of gyration (Rg). The compressibility, calculated by extrapolating the measured S(q) to q=0, agrees well with that of bulk PS for thick films, but thinner films exhibit a peak in S(q) near q=0. This peak, which grows with decreasing thickness, is attributed to a decreased interpenetration of chains and a consequent enhanced compressibility.

Reduced viscosity of the free surface in entangled polymer melt films

By embedding "dilute" gold nanoparticles in single polystyrene thin films as "markers", we probe the local viscosity of the free surface at temperatures far above the glass transition temperature (T(g)). The technique used was x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy with resonance-enhanced x-ray scattering. The results clearly showed the surface viscosity is about 30% lower than the rest of the film. We found that this reduction is strongly associated with chain entanglements at the free surface rather than the reduction in T(g).

Long term follow-up of very low birthweight infants from a neonatal volume versus pressure mechanical ventilation trial

BACKGROUND

A previous randomised trial showed volume controlled ventilation (VCV) was efficacious in ventilating very preterm and extremely low birthweight babies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare long term survival, pulmonary morbidities and gross neurodevelopmental outcomes of babies randomised to either VCV or pressure limited ventilation (PLV) for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome.

DESIGN/METHODS

Masked evaluation of health status, including frequency of respiratory illness, use of medications, hospital admissions, and gross neurodevelopmental status were obtained using a structured parental questionnaire and verification from medical records.

RESULTS

94 of 109 children (86%) survived to discharge. Three died after discharge (2 VCV, 1 PLV). Modality of ventilation did not affect overall mortality; seven VCV children died (12%) versus 11 PLV (21%) (OR 0.5 (95% CI 0.1 to 1.4), p = 0.13). Respiratory abnormalities were present in 32 (37%), and 26 (30%) required hospital readmission. There was no significant difference in readmission rates between the two groups: VC 13/45 (29%) and PLV 19/40 (47%) (OR 0.4 (0.1 to 1.1), p = 0.07). Modality of ventilation did not affect frequency of respiratory illness: VC 12 (27%) and PLV 14 (35%) (OR 0.46 (0.1 to 1.1), p = 0.09). However, significantly fewer VCV children (13%, n = 6) compared to PLV children (32%, n = 13) required treatment with inhaled steroids/bronchodilators (OR 0.3 (0.1 to 0.9), p = 0.04). Nine children had severe neurodevelopmental disability (cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness) (9.8%; 3 VCV, 6 PLV 6) (OR 0.4 (0.09 to 1.7)).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of VCV in very preterm and low birth babies appears to be maintained on longer term evaluation.

Effect of predominant methanogenic flora on outcome of lactose hydrogen breath test in controls and irritable bowel syndrome patients of north India

The relationship between methanogenic flora and hydrogen (H(2)) production is considered to be a possible confounding factor in the interpretation of hydrogen breath tests (H(2)BT). Therefore, the present study was conducted prospectively and included 154 IBS patients (fulfilling Rome II criteria) and 286 age-and-sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Each subject underwent H(2)BT after overnight fasting using 25 g lactose. Methane and H(2) were measured using an SC Microlyser from Quintron, USA, at baseline and every 30 min for a total of 4 h. Subjects with fasting methane concentration <10 ppm were labeled as low methane producers (LMP) and >10 ppm as predominant methane producers (PMP). A rise >20 ppm over base line in hydrogen concentration was taken as +ve hydrogen breath test. IBS and control groups included 66.78% and 67.53% males, respectively. Mean age in the two groups were 48.52 +/- 30.54 years (range 15-68 years) and 45.67 +/- 30.54 years (range 15-78 years), respectively. Hydrogen breath test was +ve in 77/154 (50%) IBS patients and in 142/286 (49.65%) in controls (P > 0.05). It was also observed that the hydrogen breath test was -ve due to PMP in 5/77 (6.49%) of IBS patients and in 29/154 (20.14%) in controls. PMP affected lactose hydrogen breath tests in 6.49-20.14% subjects. This effect is more apparent in apparently healthy subjects as compared to patients with IBS.

Influence of previously ingested wheat on fasting breath hydrogen in celiac patients

The excretion of hydrogen in breath commonly persists, despite an overnight fast. Although the elevation of hydrogen concentration above the fasting value after the administration of a test sugar is evidence of malabsorption, the level of the fasting value itself in untreated celiac patients is unknown. Therefore, we studied the fasting breath hydrogen (FBH(2)) concentration in 40 healthy controls, 35 subjects with functional bowel disorders, and 30 patients of untreated celiac disease with and without bread or wheat diet one day before the test. The fasting level of hydrogen concentration in untreated celiac patients (28.7 +/- 19.5 ppm) was significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (9.5 +/- 3.4 ppm) and subjects with functional bowel disorders (10.6 +/- 4.5 ppm). The percentage of patients with elevated H(2) fasting levels in untreated celiac disease (82.5%) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (10%) and subjects with functional bowel disorders (17.1%). In 30 celiac patients, studied with and without wheat-free diet one day before the test, the fasting hydrogen levels decreased from 28.7 +/- 19.5 ppm to 10.6 +/- 3.5 ppm, and becoming normal in all patients of celiac disease. Our results show that the patients of untreated celiac disease should be instructed not to eat things made up of wheat one day before hydrogen breath testing so that the normal fasting hydrogen concentration can be obtained and false-negative hydrogen breath test results can be avoided.

The effect of two levels of pressure support ventilation on tidal volume delivery and minute ventilation in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of different levels of pressure support ventilation (PSV) on respiratory parameters in preterm infants during the weaning phase of mechanical ventilation.

DESIGN/METHODS

In this quasi-experimental crossover study, a total of 19 154 breaths were analysed from 10 ventilated infants of <32 weeks' gestation. Breath-to-breath data on minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure and mean airway pressure were collected during three study epochs: synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) alone, SIMV with partial PSV (PS(min)), and SIMV with full PSV (PS(max)). PS(min) was set to provide an exhaled tidal volume (V(Te)) between 2.5-4 ml/kg and PS(max) 5-8 ml/kg V(Te). Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures.

RESULTS

The addition of full PSV (PS(max)) was associated with a significant increase in total minute ventilation as compared with SIMV alone (392 ml/kg/min vs 270 ml/kg/min, respectively; p<0.05). This difference in minute ventilation was still present when PS(min) was used (332 ml/kg/min as compared with 270 ml/kg/min in SIMV; p<0.05). There was also a concomitant decrease in the respiratory rate with both PS(max) (59 breaths per minute) and PS(min) (65 breaths per minute) compared with SIMV alone (72 breaths per min) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure support ventilation increases total minute ventilation and stabilises breathing in proportion to the level of pressure support used. This may be advantageous and provide a useful ventilation strategy for use during weaning stages of mechanical ventilation in preterm infants.

Complex dynamics in polymer nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites offer the potential to create a new type of hybrid material with unique thermal, optical, or electrical properties. Understanding their structure, phase behavior, and dynamics is crucial for realizing such potentials. In this work we provide an experimental insight into the dynamics of such composites in terms of the temperature, wave vector, and volume fraction of nanoparticles, using multispeckle synchrotron x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy measurements on gold nanoparticles embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. Detailed analysis of the intermediate scattering functions reveals possible existence of an intrinsic length scale for dynamic heterogeneity in polymer nanocomposites similar to that seen in other soft materials like colloidal gels and glasses.

Thickness induced structural changes in polystyrene films

Changes to the structure of polystyrene melt films as measured through the spectrum of density fluctuations have been observed as a function of film thickness down to the polymer radius of gyration (Rg). Films thicker than 4Rg show bulklike density fluctuations. Thinner films exhibit a peak in S(q) near q=0 which grows with decreasing thickness. This peak is attributed to a decreased interpenetration of chains resulting in an enhanced compressibility. Measurements were made using small angle x-ray scattering in a standing wave geometry designed to enhance scattering from the interior of the film compared to interface scattering.

Orocecal transit time in patients with celiac disease from North India: a case control study

AIM

The mechanisms responsible for bowel disturbances in celiac disease are still unknown. Small bowel motor abnormalities may be involved in this pathological condition; however, there is no study addressing small bowel transit in patients of celiac disease from Northern India.

METHOD

The mouth-to-cecum transit time was studied in 80 celiac patients and 80 age and sex matched apparently healthy controls.

RESULTS

Orocecal transit time in celiac patients was significantly delayed being 180+/-10.6 minutes (Mean+/-SE) as compared to 105+/-12.4 minutes in apparently healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

This prolonged orocecal transit time could be due to impaired small bowel function (deranged motility) in patients with celiac disease.

Squeeze-out of branched alkanes on graphite

We study squalane and heptamethylnonane (HMN) confined between a conducting atomic force microscope tip and a graphite surface. Solvation layering occurs for both liquids but marked differences in the squeeze out mechanics are observed for ordered or disordered monolayers. The squalane monolayer at 25 degrees C is an ordered solid, as verified by direct imaging, and the squeeze out can be modeled using elastic continuum mechanics. HMN is in a disordered state at 25 degrees C and cannot be modeled as a single elastic asperity even in solid-solid contact because HMN liquid is trapped in the contact zone.