Clinical study of ventilator-associated pneumonia in tertiary care hospital, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Background: Ventilator‑associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection acquired by patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is very less information or clinical data available on the occurrence of VAP in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.Methods: study aims to determine the Incidence of VAP in ICU, to study the association between causative microorganism and sensitivity, and to study the association between prognosis and incidence of VAP. Settings and Design: Tertiary level, medical‑surgical ICU; prospective, observational study.Results: Patients coming to Medicine Department of the hospital subjected to mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours in critical Care Facility during the period of two years May 2014 to April 2016.Conclusions: In the incidence of VAP was found to be 78% among ICU patients. Majority (36%) patients had diabetes mellitus, 30% had hypertension before the admission. It is observed that chances of developing VAP were more in patients with co-morbid conditions. The microbiological results of Endotracheal Aspirate showed that, majority 36% had pseudomonas, 26% had Acinetobacter, 22% had no growth, 14% staphylococci (Staphylococcus is a gram-positive, round-shaped bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes, and is frequently found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin), 2% proteus mirabilis as compared to similar studies. Out of all, Pseudomonas is the most commonly isolated organism. This could be attributed to decreased immunity and a compromised general condition due to associated illness. Also, prolonged hospital stay is also of significance

Comparative bioequivalence studies of tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release 200 mg tablets

Suhas S Khandave1, Satish V Sawant1, Santosh S Joshi1, Yatish K Bansal2, Sonal S Kadam21Accutest Research Laboratories (I) Private Limited, Koparkhirne, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; 2Ipca Laboratories Limited, Kandivli Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaBackground: Tramadol hydrochloride is available as 50 mg immediate-release (IR) and 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg sustained-release (SR) tablets. The recommended dose of tramadol is 50–100 mg IR tablets every 4–6 hours. The tramadol SR 200 mg tablet is a better therapeutic option, with a reduced frequency of dosing, and improved patient compliance and quality of life. The present study evaluated the bioequivalence of a generic tramadol SR 200 mg tablet.Methods: A comparative in vitro dissolution study was performed on the test and reference products, followed by two separate single-dose bioequivalence studies under fasting and fed conditions and one multiple-dose bioequivalence study under fasting conditions. These bioequivalence studies were conducted in healthy human subjects using an open-label, randomized, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, crossover design. The oral administration of the test and reference products was done on day 1 for both the single-dose studies and on days 1–5 for the multiple-dose study in each study period as per the randomization code. Serial blood samples were collected at predefined time points in all the studies. Analysis of plasma concentrations of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol (the M1 metabolite) was done by a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analytical method. The standard acceptance criterion of bioequivalence was applied on log-transformed pharmacokinetic parameters for tramadol and its M1 metabolite.Results: The ratios for geometric least-square means and 90% confidence intervals were within the acceptance range of 80%–125% for log-transformed primary pharmacokinetic parameters for tramadol and its M1 metabolite in all the three studies.Conclusion: The test product is bioequivalent to the reference product in terms of rate and extent of absorption, as evident from the single-dose and multiple-dose studies. Both the treatments were well tolerated.Keywords: tramadol, multiple-dose, steady state, bioequivalenc

Varadia, a new helicarionoidean semi-slug genus from India’s Western ghats (Stylommatophora: Helicarionoidea)

We here describe a new Indian helicarionoidean genus, Varadia Bhosale & Raheem gen. nov., containing the single species Varadia amboliensis Bhosale, Thackeray, Muley & Raheem gen. et sp. nov. This new semi-slug is endemic to the northern and central Western Ghats and is primarily a forest living species. We describe and figure the shell, reproductive system, radula, spermatophore and external morphology of this new species, and detail its known distribution. We explore its relationships to other helicarionoideans using phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data for part of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and discuss the morphology of the new genus in relation to other, primarily South Indian, helicarionoidean taxa. Based on characters of the reproductive system, particularly the male genitalia and the gametolytic sac, we provisionally place Varadia gen. nov. in the Macrochlamydinae (Ariophantidae). This is consistent with the results of our molecular phylogenetic analyses. The combination of large size, broad, densely tuberculated shell lobes and a shell with ca 4 whorls and a disproportionately large body whorl makes V. amboliensis gen. et sp. nov. unique among the helicarionoidean taxa of the Western Ghats. The new semi-slug is also highly distinctive in the morphology of its male genitalia

Varadia, a new helicarionoidean semi-slug genus from India’s Western ghats (Stylommatophora: Helicarionoidea)

We here describe a new Indian helicarionoidean genus, Varadia Bhosale & Raheem gen. nov., containing the single species Varadia amboliensis Bhosale, Thackeray, Muley & Raheem gen. et sp. nov. This new semi-slug is endemic to the northern and central Western Ghats and is primarily a forest living species. We describe and figure the shell, reproductive system, radula, spermatophore and external morphology of this new species, and detail its known distribution. We explore its relationships to other helicarionoideans using phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data for part of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and discuss the morphology of the new genus in relation to other, primarily South Indian, helicarionoidean taxa. Based on characters of the reproductive system, particularly the male genitalia and the gametolytic sac, we provisionally place Varadia gen. nov. in the Macrochlamydinae (Ariophantidae). This is consistent with the results of our molecular phylogenetic analyses. The combination of large size, broad, densely tuberculated shell lobes and a shell with ca 4 whorls and a disproportionately large body whorl makes V. amboliensis gen. et sp. nov. unique among the helicarionoidean taxa of the Western Ghats. The new semi-slug is also highly distinctive in the morphology of its male genitalia

Morphology, Palynology and Molecular Phylogeny of <i>Barleria cristata</i> L. (Acanthaceae) Morphotypes from India

Barleria cristata L., commonly known as the Philippine violet, is native to South Asia. It is an ornamental plant and is also used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In India, it is found throughout the country in many forms, varying in its floral attributes (calyx and corolla) and habitat. In order to understand the species limits in B. cristata, we studied morphological as well as palynological variation and assessed the phylogenetic relationships among five different morphotypes. The studied morphotypes (populations) came from three phytogeographical regions, namely the Western Ghats, the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya. The naturally occurring populations from the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya showed conspicuous differences in their morphology. All the morphotypes had oblate spheroidal, tri-brevicolporate and honey-combed pollen grains which differed only in their quantitative parameters. The distinct-looking morphotypes, namely, Nandi Hills, Uttarakhand and cultivated morphotypes, could not be separated based on pollen characters. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequences revealed that our samples formed a clade sister to the B. cristata specimen used in the previous study. The genetic variation within morphotypes was not enough for the genomic regions investigated; however, it revealed among morphotype genealogies in detail. Phylogenetic analyses showed that there were three monophyletic groups within the B. cristata complex that exhibited some morphological differences. Nevertheless, based on the present sampling, it is not possible to delimit these morphotypes at specific or infraspecific level. To reach such conclusions, further investigations like sampling this species across its distribution range in India and assessment of intraspecific relationships, and their cytogenetical characterization should be done

New molecular phylogenetic evidence for Indian endemic species of the tribe Merremieae, Convolvulaceae

Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics in the family Convolvulaceae Juss., (particularly in formerly recognized tribe Merremieae) have brought new insights on generic delimitation. Therefore, many species were transferred across genera to accommodate in the new classification. However, additional morphological and molecular analyses are still needed to address the affinities and position of some species formerly included in Merremia Dennst. ex Endl.s.l. and allied genera. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic framework for the placement of Indian species in a new generic arrangement and to address the status of doubtful distinct species. Distimake rhyncorhiza (Dalzell) A.R.Simões & Staples is proved to have its place in Distimake Raf., while Operculina tansaensis Santapau & Patel is validated as a distinct species from O. turpethum (L.) Silva Manso. A nomenclatural clarification for the misuse of the name “Merremia gangetica (L.) Cufod.” in India is provided, with an encouragement to use the correct name Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. The addition of the Indian species to the molecular phylogeny suggests the possible non-monophyly of Camonea Raf., and a new placement for Camonea vitifolia (Burm.f.) A.R.Simões & Staples, albeit still weakly supported. We have provided morphological descriptions, distribution maps and notes on nomenclature

Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence and Biogeographic History of Indian Endemic Portulaca L. (Portulacaceae) Species

The genus Portulaca L. belongs to the monogeneric family Portulacaceae and consists of about 157 species worldwide. In India, it is represented by 11 taxa; among them, Portulaca badamica, Portulaca lakshminarasimhaniana, Portulaca oleracea var. linearifolia, and Portulaca laljii are endemic. So far, the phylogenetic positions of these species have not yet been analyzed. We have reconstructed the Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies based on a combined chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequence dataset to reveal phylogenetic placements of Indian Portulaca. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that all the sampled Indian Portulaca species (except Portulaca wightiana) are placed in the AL clade, which contains most of the known species of the family Portulacaceae. We used reconstructed phylogeny to study the historical biogeography of Indian endemic species by employing S-DIVA analysis. S-DIVA analysis suggested P. lakshminarasimhaniana has origin in India, it may be the result of in situ speciation in India, and P. badamica was dispersed from Africa to India. We have also discussed the systematic placements of endemic species and their morphological relationships with closely allied species. In addition, this study also provides taxonomic treatment for endemic species

Cytogenetics, Typification, Molecular Phylogeny and Biogeography of <i>Bentinckia</i> (Arecoideae, Arecaceae), an Unplaced Indian Endemic Palm from Areceae

Bentinckia is a genus of flowering plants which is an unplaced member of the tribe Areceae (Arecaceae). Two species are recognized in the genus, viz. B. condapanna Berry ex Roxb. from the Western Ghats, India, and B. nicobarica (Kurz) Becc. from the Nicobar Islands. This work constitutes taxonomic revision, cytogenetics, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography of the Indian endemic palm genus Bentinckia. The present study discusses the ecology, morphology, taxonomic history, distribution, conservation status, and uses of Bentinckia. A neotype was designated for the name B. condapanna. Cytogenetical studies revealed a new cytotype of B. condapanna representing 2n = 30 chromosomes. Although many phylogenetic reports of the tribe Areceae are available, the relationship within the tribe is still ambiguous. To resolve this, we carried out Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis using an appropriate combination of chloroplast and nuclear DNA regions. The same phylogeny was used to study the evolutionary history of Areceae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Bentinckia forms a clade with other unplaced members, Clinostigma and Cyrostachys, and together they show a sister relationship with the subtribe Arecinae. Biogeographic analysis shows Bentinckia might have originated in Eurasia and India