Evaluation of a novel immuno-magnetic assay technology for rapid detection of dengue NS1 antigen

Background: Serological diagnosis of dengue fever is based on the detection of NS1 antigen and further confirmed by the assay of dengue IgM and IgG. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are no longer recommended for use by the Government of India. However, there is a requirement of rapid results without compromising on the test quality. Accordingly, we undertook an evaluation of a novel cartridge-based system employing a unique table-top diagnostic device for dengue NS1 antigen by BluSense Diagnostics incorporating a patented Immuno-Magnetic Assay (IMA).Methods: A total of 309 samples were tested on unlinked anonymous basis. Each sample was tested using NS1 Ag ELISA (Microlisa, J. Mitra), ViroTrack and NS1 RDT (SD Alere) and results were recorded. Discordant samples were further tested by dengue NS1 AG ELISA (Panbio) and dengue IgG/IgM Maclisa (J. Mitra).Results: When compared with approved ELISA kits used globally the Virotrack test returned a sensitivity of 94.74%; specificity of 97.44%; PPV of 97.30%; NPV of 95% and accuracy of 96.10%. Hourly throughput is 5-6 samples.Conclusions: The Virotrack system is highly suitable as a POCT module in HCFs with low to moderate workload that employs novel technology, is rapid, user friendly and comparable to the ELISA in sensitivity and specificity. The equipment is user friendly and can work both on plasma/serum and whole blood. Model with multiple modules (3-4) will improve the throughput and turnaround time. Evaluation of this novel technology has been done in India for the first time

A CONCISE PICTURE OF HERNIA

A hernia is a disease wherein organs or tissues, like the bowel, bulge through the abdominal wall. The etiological, as well as precipitating factors for hernia include abdominal pressure, pre-existing weakness of abdominal muscles, gender, obesity, age, diet, lack of regular exercise, and smoking. Swelling, stiffness, and discomfort seem to be the most prevalent hernia symptoms, particularly while straining, moving, or bending down. Open and laparoscopic techniques are mainly used for hernia repair, both use mesh to counterbalance the abdominal wall flaws and provide a tension-free restoration

Introduction to concept of personal drugs, essential drug list and awareness of cost of drugs

Background: Undergraduate medical students acquire knowledge about use of drugs during teaching sessions related to prescription of drugs. Appropriate selection of drugs from the available list of numerous formulations requires skill. This can be imparted using the concept of personal drugs (P-drugs). Knowledge of the price of drugs is important consideration in selection of drug. This paper describes method of introducing medical student to the concept of P-drugs, essential drug list (ED list) and economic aspects of drug utilization.Methods: Students are divided into groups, guided by faculty member. Each group is allotted a clinical case scenario with specific questions; students have to select suitable drugs which can be prescribed. They also have to search for the suitable drug included in the ED list and price of different brands of the same drug. The work done by the group is presented as a report to the whole class.Results: Each group presented the list of P-drugs and ED list and price of the drugs for the selected cases viz.: pharyngitis, urinary tract infection, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. After collecting the information on these aspects each group selected the most appropriate drug for the clinical condition allotted to them. Comparison of prices of various brands provided opportunity to learn about economic aspects of drug use.Conclusion: This method of study using patient oriented problems is a useful method to impart knowledge to medical students about concept of P-drugs, ED list and economic aspects of using drugs

Profile of pharmacological effects of combination of buspirone with selected antidepressants: a behavioral study in mice

Background: Antidepressants are commonly prescribed drugs. Co-existing disorders like anxiety require therapy with other drugs. The profiles of pharmacological effects of these drugs on central nervous system are influenced by the administration of these drugs either as single or combination. This study is designed to observe the behavioral effects of antidepressants along with the antianxiety agent buspirone in mice.Methods:  Four antidepressant drugs belonging to different groups are selected for the study. Amitriptyline, citalopram, venlafaxine and mirtazapine are given orally for 2 weeks. Subsequently, buspirone is added to each antidepressant drug for a period of 3 weeks. The behavioral effects in mice are observed at weekly intervals using photoactometer, rotarod, forced swim test and elevated plus maze.Results: The antidepressant drugs amitriptyline and citalopram showed any change in spontaneous motor activity recorded by photoactometer. In rotarod test venlafaxine showed an increase in values, which showed further increase when buspirone was added. In the forced swim test also, venlafaxine showed a different pattern of effects when compared to other antidepressants. In the elevated plus maze test, the four antidepressants did not show any increase in the time spent in open arm excepting citalopram. Venlafaxine showed an increase in time spent in closed arm.Conclusions: The test drugs do not show any significant depression of central nervous system at the dose used. Venlafaxine showed a different pattern of activity in the rotarod test and swim test. The variation in response is attributed to their effects on central neurotransmitter