An emerging protagonist: Sodium Glucose Co-transporters (SGLTs) as a burgeoning target for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Contemporary therapies to rationalize the hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) generally involve insulin-dependent mechanisms and lose their effectiveness as pancreatic b-cell function decreases to a greater extent. The kidney emerges out as a novel and potential target to trim down the T2DM. The filtered glucose is reabsorbed principally through the sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2), a low affinity transport system, which is present at the luminal surface cells that cover the first segment of proximal tubules. Competitive inhibition of SGLT2 therefore represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hyperglycaemia and/or obesity in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes by enhancing glucose and energy loss through the urine. Selective inhibitors of SGLT2 reduce glucose reabsorption, causing excess glucose to be eliminated in the urine; this decreases plasma glucose. SGLT2 inhibitors are coupled with osmotic dieresis and loss of weight which aid in reducing blood pressure. The observation that individuals with familial renal glycosuria maintain normal long-term kidney function provides some encouragement that this mode of action will not adversely affect renal function. This novel mechanism of targeting the kidney for the treatment of T2DM is reasonably valuable and is independent of insulin and clutch with the low risk of hypoglycemia

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants against clinical isolates of oral cancer cases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Suppression of immune system in treated cancer patients may lead to secondary infections that obviate the need of antibiotics. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the occurrence of secondary infections in immuno-suppressed patients along with herbal control of these infections with the following objectives to: (a) isolate the microbial species from the treated oral cancer patients along with the estimation of absolute neutrophile counts of patients (b) assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity medicinal plants against the above clinical isolates.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Blood and oral swab cultures were taken from 40 oral cancer patients undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy unit of Regional Cancer Institute, Pt. B.D.S. Health University,</p> <p>Rohtak, Haryana. Clinical isolates were identified by following general microbiological, staining and biochemical methods. The absolute neutrophile counts were done by following the standard methods. The medicinal plants selected for antimicrobial activity analysis were <it>Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Asparagus racemosus </it>Willd., <it>Balanites aegyptiaca </it>L.<it>, Cestrum diurnum </it>L., <it>Cordia dichotoma </it>G. Forst, <it>Eclipta alba </it>L., <it>Murraya koenigii </it>(L.) Spreng. <it>, Pedalium murex </it>L.<it>, Ricinus communis </it>L. and <it>Trigonella foenum graecum </it>L. The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants was evaluated by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. MIC and MFC were investigated by serial two fold microbroth dilution method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated were <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>(23.2%), <it>Escherichia coli </it>(15.62%), <it>Staphylococcus epidermidis </it>(12.5%), <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>(9.37%), <it>Klebsiella pneumonia </it>(7.81%), <it>Proteus mirabilis </it>(3.6%), <it>Proteus vulgaris </it>(4.2%) and the fungal pathogens were <it>Candida albicans </it>(14.6%), <it>Aspergillus fumigatus </it>(9.37%). Out of 40 cases, 35 (87.5%) were observed as neutropenic. Eight medicinal plants (<it>A. tenuifolius, A. racemosus, B. aegyptiaca, E. alba, M. koenigii, P. murex R. communis </it>and <it>T. foenum graecum</it>) showed significant antimicrobial activity (P < .05) against most of the isolates. The MIC and MFC values were ranged from 31 to 500 μg/ml. <it>P. aeruginosa </it>was observed highest susceptible bacteria (46.6%) on the basis of susceptible index.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients.</p

Blockcloud: Merger of two Big Technologies Blockchain & Cloud Computing

A Blockchain is a continuous list - a structure like a file containing blocks connected by links, and the storage of blocks is done with the help of cryptography whereas Cloud computing is the need for computing resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without the direct control of users. Large cloud operations are often distributed across multiple locations, each with a data center. Both these technologies have their individual working and responsibilities and plays their roles very perfectly which makes them high demanding in today’s world but if they both work together then it will upgrade the future of IT market because Blockchain makes a difference in cloud storage which keeps information secure and tamper-proof. Companies can be certain that their information is secure; erasing information from a computer does not erase information held on other blockchain arrange gadgets. In this way, information put away within the cloud utilizing blockchain innovation is secure and secure. In cloud computing, blockchain can make an organize of hubs that share data and handle vitality. This guarantees that companies don't require a central benefit supplier. Instep, they can depend on organized computers that are not controlled by a single company which is beneficial in all aspect. This paper showcase all benefits by merging these two big technologies Blockchain and Cloud computing and propose new term for this Merger as “BlockCloud”

Dentists’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B, C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome In Northeast Part of Rajasthan

Introduction: Healthcare professionals including surgeons, dentists and paramedical personnel’s belong to high risk group of transmitting blood borne pathogens. Keeping this in view a study was proposed to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of dental professionals towards different viral diseases in northeast part of Rajasthan. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 500 randomly selected dentists in Jaipur district. Questions regarding KAP of hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were included in the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done through SPSS Ver. 20.0. software using chi-square test, independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the differences between parameters. Results: The result indicates that the majority of the study subjects (60%) were female. The mean (+Standard Deviation) for age and work experience was 35.5+8.85 and 5.6+8.76 respectively. The mean value of KAP was 38.4+3.23, 21.5+4.34 and 23.05+5.67 respectively. It was observed that knowledge regarding HBV, HCV and HIV/AIDS was statistically significant with work experience (&gt;10 Years; p&lt;0.001), year of graduation (after 2006; p&lt;0.001). Attitude of study subjects for HBV, HCV and HIV/AIDS was significantly inclined by age group (&lt; 30 years:&nbsp;P = 0.011), work experience (≥10 years:&nbsp;P &lt; 0.001), and place of work (dental clinic:&nbsp;P = 0.013). Conclusions: The observations of the study highlighted a reasonable level of knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners for HBV, HCV and HIV/AIDS infections. However there is a need of improvement in the knowledge level which can alter their attitude and practice towards patients with HBV, HCV and HIV/AIDS infection

STUDENT’S PERCEPTION TOWARDS PLAGIARISM: A CASE STUDY OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF HARYANA (INDIA)

Plagiarism is an academic misconduct in which a person use or steals others intellectual property and presents it as own. This paper indicates about the perception of Central University Haryana students towards plagiarism. It is observed that the issue of plagiarism is a matter of great concern in higher educational institutions. This survey study was conducted on 150 post graduate level students of central university of Haryana where student’s perception towards plagiarism was assessed on the basis of a questionnaire. Results revealed that most of the students had a positive perception towards the plagiarism aspect assessed in this study. The favorable perception could be the result of their understanding about plagiarism and its consequences in academics. It might be due to the notification of UGC about plagiarism according to which it is considered as a crime in academics and UGC has zero tolerance policy on plagiarism with a penalty

ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA BY INTER SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS (ISSR) AND EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGGED- SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS (EST-SSR)

Objective: In this study, assessment of genetic diversity was carried out using two kinds of molecular markers: Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Expressed Sequence Tag Simple Sequence Repeats (EST-SSR) in T. cordifolia. Methods: A total of 20 primers/primer pairs were tested for the detection of polymorphism. For genetic diversity assessment, certain parameters such as Polymorphic Information Content (PIC), Marker Index (MI), effective multiplex ratio (EMR) and DDI (Diversity detecting Index) were used. Results: The PIC, MI, EMR and DDI values ranges from 0.306-0.351, 0.76-1.18, 3.86-2.16 and 0.739-0.175 respectively. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard`s similarity coefficient using an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) classified all 24 accessions in to two major clusters respectively for both the marker system which demarcated the accessions according to different climatic zones. Similarity indices ranged from 0.68-1.0 for ISSR and 0.52-0.96 for EST-SSR. Conclusion: Both marker systems ISSR and EST-SSR separate out the accessions from different climatic zones in to different groups. In addition, both have shown a high genetic diversity and a good consistency among different genotypes of T. cordifolia. Out of these two, EST-SSR proves more efficient as it directly correlates with the geographical distribution of the plant

Cholestasis of pregnancy: a prospective analysis from a South Andaman teaching hospital

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is one of the commonest pregnancy related liver disorder. Although the maternal course is usually benign, there is an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, fetal compromise, meconium stained amniotic fluid and even intrauterine fetal demise. The objective of this study was to study the incidence of IHCP and its impact on maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: A prospective study carried out in 68 number of IHCP cases. Diagnosis was done on the basis of clinical and laboratory parameters. All the cases were followed up to the puerperium to find out maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: The incidence of cholestasis of pregnancy was 2.73%. Most (88%) of the cases were presented with generalized pruritus, relived with ursodeoxycholic acid and complete recovery was observed after delivery. The rate of instrumental delivery was 8.82% and caesarean section rate was 30.88%. Most common indication of caesarean section was fetal distress and non-progress of labour. There was one stillbirth at 35 weeks however none of the mother had complication during labour or puerperal period.Conclusions: Increased level of liver enzymes in patients of IHCP associated with poor perinatal outcome. Therefore, careful monitoring during antenatal period and termination of pregnancy at term will result in favourable outcome of both mother and baby

Efficacy of Pre-Operative Submucosal Injection of Dexamethasone in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Control Trial

INTRODUCTION: Surgical extraction of third molar irrespective of any technique results in postoperative pain, swelling of face and limited mouth opening. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the effects of Dexamethasone (4mg) administered prior to surgery.MATERIALS AND METHOD: A randomized control trial was conducted which included a total of fifty patients. All the patients were randomly put in two groups of twenty five each. Group I patients underwent transalveolar extraction of third molar under local anesthesia and standard oral drug regime. Group II patients received an additional submucosal injection of dexamethasone 4 mg, thirty minutes prior administration of local anaesthesia. Pain, swelling and mouth opening was recorded on second, seventh and tenth post-operative days after surgery.RESULTS: The difference in pain scores on second post-operative day between two groups were found statistically non-significant. However, there was significant reduction in pain scores on seventh and tenth day in both groups. Mouth opening showed statistically significant difference between the two groups.CONCLUSION: The observations of the present study provide a fundamental basis for the use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate in the form of submucosal administration in lower than usual doses to decrease postoperative inflammation when compare to other routes of drug administration