Cross sectional study evaluating the correlation of thyroid dysfunction with severity of disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of disease severity in RA and thyroid dysfunction.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study enrolled 164 participants aged 12 years and above diagnosed as having RA. Use of drugs causing thyroid dysfunction, malignancy, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, pregnancy and prior thyroidectomy were the criteria for exclusion. Data was analyzed using R and tests of significance were Chi square test and independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation. Institutional ethics committee approved the study and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants.Results: Serum TSH positively correlated with DAS 28 (r=0.2, p=0.005), ESR (r=0.2, p=0.03), CRP (r=0.2, p=0.006), RA factor (r=0.2, p=0.003), subjective assessment (r=0.3, p= 0.001) and anti TPO antibodies (r=0.7, p=0.001). Free T4 negatively correlated with DAS28 (r=-0.2, p=0.006), ESR (r=-0.2, p=0.02), CRP (r=-0.2, p=0.01). RA factor (r=-0.2, p=0.01), subjective assessment (r=-0.2, p= 0.01), anti TPO (r=-0.6, p=0.001) and Free T3 negatively correlated with DAS28 score (r=-0.2, p=0.02) , ESR (r=-0.2, p=0.03), RA factor (r=-0.3, p=0.001) and anti TPO antibodies (r=- 0.3, p=0.001).Conclusions: Hypothyroidism was significantly associated with disease severity of RA with linear positive correlation of TSH with DAS28 score, ESR, CRP, RA factor, subjective assessment and anti TPO antibodies, linear negative correlation of serum free T4 with DAS 28 score, ESR, CRP, RA factor, subjective assessment and anti TPO antibody and linear negative correlation of free T3 with DAS28 score, ESR, RA factor and anti TPO antibody was observed

BIOPROSPECTING OF MARINE SPONGE (CALLYSPONGIA DIFFUSA) FOR ANTIBACTERIAL COMPOUND.

Objective: Marine sponges are a rich source of new antimicrobial drugs. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the marine sponge (Callyspongia diffusa) against human pathogenic bacteria and to analyze the presence of bioactive compounds in the sponge.Methods: Antibacterial activity of the marine sponge C. diffuser was examined using petroleum ether, chloroform, n-butanol, methanol, ethanol, and water as solvents and tested against human pathogenic bacteria such as Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus by agar well diffusion method. Zoochemical analysis was performed to screen for the presence of secondary metabolites. Bioactive compounds were purified by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.Results: The results obtained show that the sponge extracts had significant antibacterial activity against the tested strains. The methanol extract was found to be the most effective and exhibited the highest potency against all pathogens tested. Zoochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, and sterols. In TLC, spots corresponding to a Rf value of 0.67 were found to possess antibacterial activity against the test bacteria. GC-MS chromatogram showed seven major peaks at retention time of 12.69, 13.81, 24.21, 24.65, 28.01, 28.93, 30.87 minutes. The mass of the compounds and fragments were matched with the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) database for identification of probable compounds present in the sample. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in the sponge.Conclusion: This study confirms the marine natural species provides an excellent source of bioactive metabolites that can exploit to develop novel and potential therapeutic agents

Reconstruction of Acquired Pinna Defects

INTRODUCTION: The pinna is both a functional and aesthetic appendage. The 3dimensional nature of the ear with its many curls, peaks and valleys makes this one of the most elegant body parts. The rigid structure of the cartilage along with its elastic nature is a testament to its unique properties, which make it very difficult to reproduce. Even minor deformities of pinna may cause psychosocial stigmatization. The lack of an ear, or part of it, is a significant deformity, and the psychological trauma should not be underestimated. In some, particularly teenagers, concern over a deformed ear lies at the root of serious behaviour problems. Lack of an ear is also a disability as the ear supports glasses, sunglasses, Bluetooth headsets and headphones. Reconstruction of the ear can be a complex process. Ear reconstruction can be traced back as far as eighth century India and the Susruta Samhita, a text of ancient medicine, which described the use of a cheek flap to repair an earlobe defect. Although auricular reconstruction has been performed for a long time, its technical complexity is still considered a challenge. Many recent innovations have made excellent reconstruction possible. The challenge of matching the flexibility of an ear while maintaining its rigidity and skin covering is the bane of reconstructive surgeons. AIM OF STUDY: 1. To evaluate various surgical procedures for acquired pinna defects and evaluate their aesthetic and functional outcome. 2. To select a treatment protocol based on the algorithmic approach to the problem for improving the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College during the period of September 2005 to April 2008. All patients who presented with acquired deformities of Pinna were included in this study. This includes patients who presented with pinna injuries following Road traffic accidents and chronic defects following trauma, burns, human bites, infections and tumours. Patients with large or torn ear lobule hole also were included. A total of 160 cases were included in this study. Pinna defects – 120 patients – 145 pinnas. Ear lobule repair – 40 patients – 75 ear lobules. All patients were assessed with a thorough history, clinical examination, pre operative planning. Routine investigations done for all patients preoperatively. In stable patients, primary repair of pinna injuries done on the same day itself. Patients with associated severe head injuries were excluded from the study. In some patients ,after Neurosurgeon's intervention, soft tissue repair done by Plastic Surgeons. Patients who presented with keloids in the pinna are excluded from the study. Informed consent obtained from all the patients. Patients with simple defects were operated in a single stage. Patients with composite defects of Pinna needed 2 or 3 stages of reconstruction, with an interval of 1 to 3 months in between each stage based on the type of reconstruction. Proper instructions were given to the patients in the initial stage of reconstruction itself. Follow up on 2nd week, 1st month and then at 2nd month for cases which needed reconstruction with cartilage grafts, flap covers. OBSERVATION & RESULTS 1. Total number of patients operated following RTA, burns, infection, tumour is 120 ( Ears 145). Side: Right ear 44, Left ear 51, Bilateral 25. Sex: Males 104, Females 16. 2. No. of cases operated for large earlobule hole is 40. (Earlobules 75). Side: Bilateral 35, Right ear lobule 4, Left ear lobule 1, All are female patients. ETIOLOGY: Etiology No. of patients; 1. Road traffic accidents 86 (71.6%), 2. Assault 26 ( 21.7%) (Human bite – 14) (Other reasons – 12). 3. Burns sequelae 3 (2.5%), 4. Infection sequelae 2 (1.7%), 5. Tumour (Benign) 3 (2.5%) (Naevus 2) (Pyogenic granuloma1). CONCLUSION: ● Ear reconstruction in acquired pinna defects needs proper preoperative planning, meticulous tissue handling and correct surgical techniques to achieve good results. ● In trauma, proper wound debridement and primary suturing in layers prevented multiple stages of reconstruction to reduce the morbidity to the patient. ● In Patients presenting with composite defects of Pinna, first stage of reconstruction is attempted on the day of injury, utilizing the cartilage of the damaged pinna if possible underneath the flap or banking it in a clean site. This reduces one stage of reconstruction later and also avoids the need for cartilage graft from other sites. ● Timely coverage of exposed cartilage framework of Pinna using skin grafts or with local flap cover prevented the deformities which may need multiple stages of reconstruction. ● In Burns , the damaged ears should be managed properly to prevent infection, dessication and loss .After scar maturation, reconstruction to be attempted in stages methodically. ● In Human bites, tetanus immunization, proper debridement with suturing of skin advised initially, followed by reconstruction at a later date. ● All techniques for Ear reconstruction in our series have produced aesthetically acceptable results. ● Strict road safety measures, wearing of helmets, banning drunken driving could decrease the incidence of Road traffic accidents thereby decreasing the main etiology of Pinna injuries

Clinical outcome of early-stage knee osteoarthritis after intra-articular platelet rich plasma injection

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease due to degradation of articular cartilage, proliferative reformation of subchondral bone and low degree of synovitis resulting in reduced quality of life (QOL), being the major cause of pain and disability in the elderly population. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous mixture of concentrated platelets and growth factors produced by centrifugation of whole blood, used to treat bone, tendon and ligament injuries. The growth factors released by PRP have been shown to promote cell recruitment, proliferation and angiogenesis resulting in a decrease in the expression of inflammatory enzymes. The aim was to study the effectiveness of intra-articular PRP injections in early-stage OA knee patients and to evaluate the clinical outcome and QOL at 6 months.Methods: We conducted an observational study of 100 patients with early OA knee changes with age group >50 years and injected their knees with PRP injections and serial follow up assessment was done.Results: We saw significant improvement in quality of lives evaluated as per world health organization quality of life (WHOQOL) questionnaire after PRP injections on their follow-up. Significant reduction in pain, reduction in joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities shown by significant reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores.Conclusions: OA of knee is one of the commonest rheumatological problems after 50 years of age. It was commonly observed in females more than 60 years age with sedentary lifestyle. PRP therapy has given excellent results in pain relief, reduction of joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities and improvement in QOL

Genome-wide data reveal cryptic diversity and genetic introgression in an Oriental cynopterine fruit bat radiation

Sampling details consisting of information about number of individuals typed for each marker. Populations with mutiple sampling points are represented by one representative coordinate. FA = forearm length, EL = ear length and TIB = tibia length. All morphological measurements are recorded in millimeters (mm). (XLSX 13 kb

Free radical scavenging activity of Lantana aculeata root extract in hyperlipidemic rats.

Abstract: Lantana aculeata is a common weed that grows abundantly in many parts of India. The aerial part of the plant is reported to be toxic while the roots were found to be non-toxic when tested in albino rats. The alcoholic extract of the roots showed a significant hypolipidemic activity in normal rats. Hence the roots were studied for their free radical scavenging potential in hyperlipidemic animals by administering the alcoholic extract (LAR) in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 30 days. The levels of LPO, non-enzymatic antioxidant (TRG) and enzymatic antioxidants viz. SOD, CAT and GPx that showed changes in diseased condition were reverted back to near normal values by LAR extract treatment of plasma, liver and heart tissues. The presence of flavonoids besides oleanolic acid in large amounts might have caused the observed effect

Green Campus Audit Procedures and Implementation to Educational Institutions and Industries

Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites. As we are in the twenty-first century, modernization and industrialization are the two important outputs that have made human life more luxurious and comfortable. Simultaneously, they are responsible for several uses of exploitation of forests, natural resources, and wildlife, polluting the scarce, producing massive solid waste and sacred water resources, and finally making our planet Earth ugly and inhospitable. Today, people are getting more familiar with global issues like global warming, the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, climate change, etc. Now, it is considered a final call by Mother Earth to walk on the path of sustainable development. The time has come to wake up, unite and combat together for a sustainable environment. The present study focuses on the concept of green audit and its importance with respect to the conservation of nature for future generations. Every organization should have its own green campus and environment policy with respect to nature conservation and environmental protection and should maintain a sizable amount of green cover area after building construction along with natural and planted vegetation. A maximum number of more oxygen-producing and carbon-di-oxide-absorbing plants should be maintained to provide a pure atmosphere to the stakeholders. The installation of a rainwater harvesting system, percolation, ponds, check dam, and drip irrigation system to conserve rainwater and groundwater should be noteworthy on the campus

A recent increase in global wave power as a consequence of oceanic warming

Wind-generated ocean waves drive important coastal processes that determine flooding and erosion. Ocean warming has been one factor affecting waves globally. Most studies have focused on studying parameters such as wave heights, but a systematic, global and long-term signal of climate change in global wave behavior remains undetermined. Here we show that the global wave power, which is the transport of the energy transferred from the wind into sea-surface motion, has increased globally (0.4% per year) and by ocean basins since 1948. We also find long-term correlations and statistical dependency with sea surface temperatures, globally and by ocean sub-basins, particularly between the tropical Atlantic temperatures and the wave power in high south latitudes, the most energetic region globally. Results indicate the upper-ocean warming, a consequence of anthropogenic global warming, is changing the global wave climate, making waves stronger. This identifies wave power as a potentially valuable climate change indicator.Funding for this project was partly provided by RISKOADAPT (BIA2017-89401-R) Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the ECLISEA project part of the Horizon 2020 ERANET ERA4CS (European Research Area for Climate Services) 2016 Call

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations. METHODS The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 cause-of-death analysis estimated mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) from 288 causes of death by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2021. The analysis used 56 604 data sources, including data from vital registration and verbal autopsy as well as surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. As with previous GBD rounds, cause-specific death rates for most causes were estimated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model-a modelling tool developed for GBD to assess the out-of-sample predictive validity of different statistical models and covariate permutations and combine those results to produce cause-specific mortality estimates-with alternative strategies adapted to model causes with insufficient data, substantial changes in reporting over the study period, or unusual epidemiology. YLLs were computed as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 1000-draw distribution for each metric. We decomposed life expectancy by cause of death, location, and year to show cause-specific effects on life expectancy from 1990 to 2021. We also used the coefficient of variation and the fraction of population affected by 90% of deaths to highlight concentrations of mortality. Findings are reported in counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2021 include the expansion of under-5-years age group to include four new age groups, enhanced methods to account for stochastic variation of sparse data, and the inclusion of COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality-which includes excess mortality associated with the pandemic, excluding COVID-19, lower respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and pertussis. For this analysis, 199 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 5 country-years of surveillance data, 21 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 94 country-years of other data types were added to those used in previous GBD rounds. FINDINGS The leading causes of age-standardised deaths globally were the same in 2019 as they were in 1990; in descending order, these were, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. In 2021, however, COVID-19 replaced stroke as the second-leading age-standardised cause of death, with 94·0 deaths (95% UI 89·2-100·0) per 100 000 population. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the rankings of the leading five causes, lowering stroke to the third-leading and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the fourth-leading position. In 2021, the highest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (271·0 deaths [250·1-290·7] per 100 000 population) and Latin America and the Caribbean (195·4 deaths [182·1-211·4] per 100 000 population). The lowest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 were in the high-income super-region (48·1 deaths [47·4-48·8] per 100 000 population) and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (23·2 deaths [16·3-37·2] per 100 000 population). Globally, life expectancy steadily improved between 1990 and 2019 for 18 of the 22 investigated causes. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the positive effect that reductions in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and neonatal deaths, among others have contributed to improved survival over the study period. However, a net reduction of 1·6 years occurred in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, primarily due to increased death rates from COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality. Life expectancy was highly variable between super-regions over the study period, with southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania gaining 8·3 years (6·7-9·9) overall, while having the smallest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 (0·4 years). The largest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (3·6 years). Additionally, 53 of the 288 causes of death were highly concentrated in locations with less than 50% of the global population as of 2021, and these causes of death became progressively more concentrated since 1990, when only 44 causes showed this pattern. The concentration phenomenon is discussed heuristically with respect to enteric and lower respiratory infections, malaria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal disorders, tuberculosis, and measles. INTERPRETATION Long-standing gains in life expectancy and reductions in many of the leading causes of death have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects of which were spread unevenly among populations. Despite the pandemic, there has been continued progress in combatting several notable causes of death, leading to improved global life expectancy over the study period. Each of the seven GBD super-regions showed an overall improvement from 1990 and 2021, obscuring the negative effect in the years of the pandemic. Additionally, our findings regarding regional variation in causes of death driving increases in life expectancy hold clear policy utility. Analyses of shifting mortality trends reveal that several causes, once widespread globally, are now increasingly concentrated geographically. These changes in mortality concentration, alongside further investigation of changing risks, interventions, and relevant policy, present an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mortality-reduction strategies. Examining patterns in mortality concentration might reveal areas where successful public health interventions have been implemented. Translating these successes to locations where certain causes of death remain entrenched can inform policies that work to improve life expectancy for people everywhere. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation