Epidemiology of prediabetes and prehypertension-progression, regression and interaction

Background: The major portion of the non-communicable diseases is formed by cardiovascular diseases. The two major modifiable risk factors are hypertension and diabetes. The probable CVD risk with pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes, to some extent, is dependent on whether pre-HTN leads to hypertension and pre-DM leads to diabetes. Our aim was to study: the progression of prehypertension and prediabetes to overt hypertension and diabetes or to normal status, and the association of pre-obesity and obesity with prehypertension and prediabetes. Methods: A total of 1200 patients equally distributed among three groups were studied for progression or regression. Group A included 400 patients of pre-hypertension, and group B included 400 patients of pre-diabetes and group C included 400 patients of pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension. Results: Among the 400 studied patients with prediabetes 31 (7.8%) progressed to diabetes and only 9 (2.3%) progressed to hypertension over a period of two years. Patients with both prehypertension and prediabetes had a higher risk of progression to hypertension and diabetes (3% to hypertension and 15.5% to diabetes). Males were more prone to develop both pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes mellitus and progression. Obesity increased the risk of progression to hypertension and diabetes significantly. Conclusions: The screening of people for pre-diabetes mellitus and pre-hypertension should be carried out at mass levels so as to diagnose them at an early stage and hence, their progression can be either halted or modified

Epidemiological Characteristics of Poliomyelitis during the 21st century (2000-2013)

Poliovirus is the pathogenic agent of paralytic poliomyelitis that belongs to the picornaviridae family. Poliomyelitis has an extended history dating over to the Egyptian eighteenth dynasty. It was recognized as distinct disease in the late nineteenth century when the world was ravaged by large number of outbreaks and epidemics in many countries. Paralytic Polio, the rarest but the most severe form of the disease, is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis of any or rarely both of the limbs. Increasing epidemics during the late 19th and 20th centuries lead to the initiation of a worldwide global effort for polio eradication in 1988, super headed by WHO and various other organizations. The launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative together with the introduction of two polio vaccines resulted in 99% reduction of wild poliovirus cases worldwide while the total number of polio-endemic countries dropped from 24 countries in the year 2000 to only three countries in 2012; Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. This review will focus on the general biology of poliovirus, some historic and geographic epidemiological aspects of poliomyelitis eradication during the year 2000-2012 and also on the major failing factors associated with the efficiency of the vaccines to eradicate polio in Pakistan

Apoptotic Effects of Prunus persica (L) Batsch Leaves against Breast Cancer Cell Line (MDA-MB-231) and Cervical Cancer Cell Line (HeLa) In Vitro

Background: Apoptosis is a normal physiological phenomenon that plays a pivotal role during embryonic development, retention of tissue homeostasis and pathology. The experimental investigation of apoptotic processes is still challenging and routinely based on the assessment of molecular events like chromatin fragmentation and caspase enzyme activity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis inducing effect of the Methanol, aqueous and chloroform extracts of Prunus persica leaves. Methods: Different extracts were obtained by cold extraction process using Methanol, water and Chloroform as solvents. Crude extracts were screened for different phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, tannins, sugars, saponins, and glycosides etc. The apoptotic effect of Prunus persica leaves was examined by DAPI staining assay against MDA-MB-231 (Human breast cancer cell line) and HeLa (Human cervical cancer cell line). Results: The results of the studies revealed that the Chloroform extract have tremendous apoptotic activity on MDA-MB-231 cells and methanolic extract have good apoptotic activity on HeLa cells. Nuclear morphological changes assessed by DAPI shows changes in morphology, apoptotic body formation, cell shrinkage, nuclei that were broken into discrete fragments and cell budding that resulted  in cells of various sizes. Conclusion: The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, tannins, Saponins, steroids and flavonoids. The Chloroform extract has shown more effectiveness and less toxicity against MDA-MB-231 and Methanol extract was more apoptotic against HeLa in comparison to others. The present findings clearly indicated that Prunus persica leaves showed dose dependant cytotoxicity

The Relationship between National Culture and Succession Planning in Malaysian Public Universities

This study investigates the role of national culture in succession planning. Higher education institutions ought to learn from corporate succession planning practices; nevertheless, succession planning principles must be adapted as needed to meet the unique needs of each institution. Studies of the influence of culture on succession planning in higher education institutions have not yet revealed the specific impact of national culture on succession planning. We use Hofstede’s national culture dimensions, which are power distance, collectivism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation. Data were gathered from five universities in Malaysia, and were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our findings show that the national culture of university employees influences succession planning. This study contributes to existing understanding of factors affecting succession planning, points towards further research, helps practitioners by demonstrating the importance of taking national culture into account and indicates the importance of implementing succession planning in public universities in Malaysia

Nematode diversity and community structure assessment in different vegetations of Jammu division of J & K, India

Nematodes are critical for soil processes, and changes in nematode community structure have the potential to have a significant impact on ecosystem functioning. As a result, fluctuations in nematode diversity and community structure can be used to ascertain the functional biodiversity of a soil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different vegetation and soil pH and N on nematode structure and diversity from ten different sites (Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar) of the Jammu division. The highest absolute frequency of plant parasitic nematodes (91-100%) was observed in subtropical forests in Ramban, temperate forests in Doda, while the highest absolute frequency of bacterivorous nematodes (84-87%) was observed in crop soil in Reasi and Jammu. Soil pH had a detrimental effect on nematodes; bacteriovores were abundant at low pH, and plant parasitic at higher pH. The total nitrogen content also increased in all nematode trophic groups except omnivores. Ecological indices such as the enrichment index (EI), channel index (CI) and maturity index (MI) values indicated that crop soil with organic management is more nematode-friendly and has a better soil health status than other soil ecosystems. Nematode community structure indices may be helpful as soil monitoring tools and for assessing ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity

Neglected tracheo-bronchial foreign bodies in adults

Background: Neglected tracheobronchial foreign body in adults is quite rare in clinical practice. The present paper describes our experience of four adult patients who had chronic chest Symptoms (Cough, Chest Discomfort recurrent pneumonia) caused by foreign body inhalation, undetected for 3 months -15 years.Methods: This was a short retrospective study. Four adult patients with neglected trachaeobronchial foreign bodies which were removed in our medical college in the past 1 year were included in this short study. Case sheets were scrutinized for clinical features, X-ray findings, CT findings and bronchoscopic findings.Results: The diagnosis of foreign body was made by radiology (X-ray + CT) in 3 patients and FOB in one patient. In all 4 patients foreign body was removed by fiber optic   bronchospocopy. Endo bronchial electrocautery was used in one patient to cut the web above the FB. Foreign bodies removed were whistle top, end of IV cannula, scarf pin and maize corn.Conclusions: Study concludes that chronic, unexplained respiratory complaints should warrant further investigations to exclude foreign body and despite no history of Foreign Body and normal X-Ray, early diagnosis and intervention would avoid complications.

Clavicular fractures in newborns: What happens to one of the commonly injured bones at birth?

Introduction: The clavicle is one of the most commonly injured bones during the birth process. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and outcome of fractured clavicle amongst neonates born in a five-year period at a Secondary Hospital setting and to determine the Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics involved in such cases and compare them with a control group and determine the significance of any factors.Methods: All cases of fractured clavicle were retrospectively reviewed in a Secondary care hospital setting during a five-year period from July 2015 to June 2020. Maternal and neonatal factors were determined and then compared to a control group.Results: Out of 21,435 live births at our center during the study period, 92 infants were diagnosed to have clavicle fractures, giving an incidence of 4.29 per 1,000 live births (0.43%). 89% cases (n=82) were detected before discharge and 11 % cases (n=10) on routine follow-up visit after discharge. Physical examination identified 77% cases (n=71) whereas 23% cases (n=21) were recognized incidentally on X-ray. All babies with fracture including 3 with Erb’s palsy recovered completely without any complications. On logistic regression analysis, spontaneous vaginal delivery, prolonged second stage, vertex presentation, vitamin D deficiency in mothers, birthweight, macrosomia, all were significant risk factors.Conclusion: Neonatal clavicular fracture appears to be a transient yet unpredictable and unavoidable event with an overall good prognosis. Only the birth weight was identified as the common risk factor affecting clavicular fracture. Parental concerns and anxiety can be decreased with proper counselling and reassurance

Epidemiological Characteristics of Poliomyelitis During the 21st Century (2000-2013)

Poliovirus is the pathogenic agent of paralytic poliomyelitis that belongs to the picornaviridae family. Poliomyelitis has an extended history dating over to the Egyptian eighteenth dynasty. It was recognized as distinct disease in the late nineteenth century when the world was ravaged by large number of outbreaks and epidemics in many countries. Paralytic Polio, the rarest but the most severe form of the disease, is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis of any or rarely both of the limbs. Increasing epidemics during the late 19th and 20th centuries lead to the initiation of a worldwide global effort for polio eradication in 1988, super headed by WHO and various other organizations. The launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative together with the introduction of two polio vaccines resulted in 99% reduction of wild poliovirus cases worldwide while the total number of polio-endemic countries dropped from 24 countries in the year 2000 to only three countries in 2012; Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. This review will focus on the general biology of poliovirus, some historic and geographic epidemiological aspects of poliomyelitis eradication during the year 2000-2012 and also on the major failing factors associated with the efficiency of the vaccines to eradicate polio in Pakistan

Arterial blood gas levels in high altitude Kashmiri population, India

Background: The valley of Kashmir lies at an average height of 1730 m above the sea level with a barometric pressure of 624 mmHg. The fall in atmospheric pressure at higher altitude decreases the partial pressure of inspired oxygen and hence the driving pressure for gas exchange in the lungs. At sea level the normal range of PaCO2 is 35 mmHg to 45 mmHg and at 1500m above sea level (barometric pressure 634 mmHg), the predicted normal PaO2 in a healthy young adult is approximately 80 mmHg; this contrasts with a value close to 95 mmHg at sea level. On these grounds this study was undertaken to formulate normal ABG values for this place as it lies at a higher altitude.Methods: The study was undertaken to measure "arterial blood gases" (ABG) in ethnic Kashmiri population and consisted of a sample of one hundred healthy Kashmiri subjects of either sex after proper inclusion and exclusion by spirometrically measuring Vital Capacity and Forced expiratory volume in one second/Forced vital capacity (Fev1/FVC). A modified Allen's test was performed to check for adequate collateral circulation ruling out Ischemia.Results: The average mean PaO2 of 78.51 ± 4.40 mmHg and the average mean PaCO2 of 33.37 ± 2.38 mmHg was obtained of the volunteers of both the sexes. The average mean pH of males (7.43 ± 0.02) was significantly lower than the mean pH of females (7.45 ± 0.021).Conclusions: The present study might provide useful base line normal values of Arterial Blood Gases for the local population and will be beneficial to the clinicians.

Evidence of apoptosis in some cell types due to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in Heteropneustes fossilis

AbstractThe study aimed to clarify the role of apoptosis in pentachlorophenol (PCP) induced testicular, ovarian and renal cell genotoxicity of Heteropneustes fossilis. It was further intended to find the target germ cell type and assess the cellular and nuclear damage. Treatment of PCP was used for multiduration on the germinal tissues and they were processed to detect structural changes by light and electron microscopic evaluation and kidney cells for subsequent detection of DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis. Findings suggest functional and morphological changes in the tissues are due to apoptosis, as evidenced by some biochemical and cytological signs. Histological observation on germinal epithelium reveals cell suicidal symptoms such as vacuolization, liquefied regions in the cytoplasm of oocytes, margination of nuclei, clumping of chromatin, and compaction of cytoplasmic organelle. Biochemical manifestation concurrent to this, is; cleavage of kidney cell DNA into low molecular weight fragments confirming apoptosis. Subsequently, it is further cleaved into nucleosome size fragments or its multiples. Ultra-structural histopathology and DNA studies conclusively lead to the PCP induced apoptosis in the exposed cell types. Results further support the usefulness of this assay in the related studies and its feasibility in generating a base line data