POTENTIAL OF BAJRA [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R. BR.] IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Bajra, also known as pearl millet, African millet or spiked millet, originated in Northern-Central Sahel of West Africa, was introduced 2500 years ago into Indian subcontinent. However, it is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts from 14th Century AD onwards as Nali under Truna dhanya or Kudhanya vargas. It is considered as a major source of Gluten free diet and is used in the management of Coeliac disease and other gluten allergy conditions worldwide. Indians are also including millet into their day to day diet in accordance with the global trend.  However the conditions of Gluten allergy and Coeliac disease are not common in Southern India. Hence, the necessity of Gluten free diet in South Indian Population is under question. It is hypothesized that excessive millet usage could be a reason behind thyroid dysfunction and goitre. Regular millet only diet may also lead to a nutrition deprived state in people who are not gluten sensitive. Ayurveda also emphasizes on avoidance of regular use of Kudhanyas. This review comprises different aspects of dietary inclusion of Bajra. The properties and usability of Bajra as a gluten free diet, utility of Bajra in populations which are not gluten allergic and the effects of Bajra on health and disease form the core of this review.

Identification of a Novel Microdeletion Causative of Nance-Horan Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by ophthalmologic and dental anomalies as well as dysmorphic facies. The clinical phenotype in males includes congenital cataracts, vision loss, microcornea, nystagmus, microphthalmia, glaucoma, screwdriver blade-shaped incisors, supernumerary maxillary incisors, diastema, delays, intellectual disability, and dysmorphic facies. With the evolution of array-CGH technology, a total of five kindreds with NHS have been reported in the medical literature with microdeletions encompassing the NHS gene rather than sequencing variants. METHODS: The patient is a 19-year-old male born to non-consanguineous parents with a past medical history of bilateral congenital cataracts, nystagmus, poor vision, glaucoma, screwdriver blade-shaped incisors, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, axial hypotonia, and bilateral foot contractures. RESULTS: A chromosomal microarray (CMA) was performed and revealed a 1.83-Mb interstitial microdeletion at Xp22.2p22.13 (16,604,890-18,435,836) (GRCh37/hg19) that included NHS, CTPS2, S100G, TXLNG, RBBP7, REPS2, SCML1, RAI2, and SCML2. CONCLUSION: Here, we report the second largest microdeletion causative of NHS which also encompasses the remaining four kindreds in hopes of offering a unique perspective at the clinical variability within NHS, investigate genes of interest, and expand the phenotype

Histo-pathological findings in kidneys with polar artery: a demystifying endeavor

Background: The kidneys are supplied by renal arteries which enter the hilum and branch progressively from the pyramids to the cortex into lobar, interlobar, arcuate, interlobar, interlobular, and finally terminate as afferent arterioles that enter the glomeruli. Thus there is a normal pattern of blood flow towards the cortex from the pyramids when the artery enters at the hilum. The aim of the study was to explore the glomeruli pattern in kidneys with polar arteries.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of anatomy at a tertiary care referral institute. Twenty-two kidneys with polar arteries were obtained by conventional method of dissection from cadavers for the study. Sections were taken from the upper pole and lower pole in each kidney. The sections were taken perpendicular and close to the polar arteries. The sections were subjected to routine histological processing and staining as per the standard operating procedure. Histological findings were observed and documented.Results: The study found that the kidneys were histologically different with polar arteries as compared to normal kidneys. The number of glomeruli per high power field was higher nearer to the polar arteries. The glomeruli were viable and not sclerosed. An agglomeration of arterioles were present close to the polar arteries but they were distinct and did not seem to be associated with glomeruli.    Conclusions: The study found an agglomeration of arterioles, increased number of viable glomeruli and cystic changes associated with kidneys having polar artery. Thus this warrants a detailed study with special stains for research to elucidate the mechanisms of the circulation in polar arteries and correlation of the same findings with clinical conditions such as hypertension or any other diseases of the kidney

A systematic review of coastal vulnerability assessment studies along Andhra Pradesh, India: A critical evaluation of data gathering, risk levels and mitigation strategies

The establishment and alteration of any coastal feature is largely dependent upon complex hydrological and geomorphologic processes. Therefore, understanding hazard factors and threat risk level is crucial for mitigating risk in coastal zones. This study examines coastal vulnerability factors and their influence along the Coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) region in India. CAP has been exposed to frequent hydrological and meteorological hazards due to variations in the geographical, geological, and bathymetric characteristics. Despite substantial vulnerabilities, the risk to the coastline of Andhra Pradesh has not been rigorously evaluated. The current research systematically reviews the drivers and effects of hazards and vulnerabilities in CAP. Findings indicate that urban cities have a considerably higher risk of cyclones and floods due to their locations on the Bay of Bengal tectonic plate, the topology of this coastal region and higher population density. The study revealed that the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) data along CAP is mostly gathered using low-resolution satellite data and/or field observation surveys. The study further revealed that there are very few existing mitigation strategies developed or discussed within the obtained results. However, more accurate data gathering techniques for coastal vulnerability factors are available such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Air-borne and LiDAR sensors which provide very high resolution data and low-cost accessibility to physically inaccessible places, making them suitable for vulnerability data collection in coastal locations. These findings are useful for stakeholders seeking to reduce or ameliorate the impact of coastal disasters and their impacts on the CAP economy, environment and population. The study further helps to reduce the existing shortcomings in the assessment techniques used previously

Improving Medical Students' Understanding of Patients with Cognitive Disabilities Through Service Learning.

11 students to date have participated in a Special Olympics volunteer event as part of the study. After completing the event, 10 students reported improved knowledge of healthcare barriers faced by IWCD and improved knowledge of needs of family members of IWCD. 8 students reported improved ability to demonstrate respect to IWCD. 5 students reported improved comfort level in interacting with IWCD. 9 students reported an increased likelihood that they would ask friends and colleagues not to use the word 'retarded' as a negative descriptor (I consider this an important measure of how willing medical students are to advocate for this population in daily life). Students provided qualitative written and verbal feedback that demonstrated that they felt inspired and moved by the events. All students surveyed would like formal teaching in this subject, implying that they think this population will be a small but historically underserved portion of their patient population no matter what residencies they choose to pursue

Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy in two siblings

Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy (BSCL) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by various dermatological and systemic manifestations such as lipoatrophy, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, acanthosis nigricans, and acromegaloid features. BSCL type 2 is more common and severe, with onset in the neonatal period or in early infancy. The locus for BSCL2 has been identified on chromosome 11q13. Early recognition and differentiation from other congenital generalized lipodystrophies help in the initiation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures such as lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy that helps postpone the onset of metabolic syndrome. We report BSCL type 2 in two siblings with several cutaneous manifestations like acanthosis nigricans, hypertrichosis, prominent subcutaneous veins, and increased lanugo hair