DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF XPERTMTB/RIF ASSAY IN DETECTION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases with high morbidity and mortality. India accounts for one- fourth of the global TB burden (2.7million cases). Material and methods: A total 1056 patients were included in this study. All patients were requested to give two sputum samples, spot sputum sample (at the time of visit) and early morning sputum for mycobacterial testing. All spot samples tested with smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/Rif assay. Rifampicin resistant samples compared with conventional method. Results: Out of 1056 sputum samples GeneXpert MTB Rif assay detected positive 204 (19.3%), not detected 827 (78.31%). There is significant difference founded for positivity in spot samples and early morning sputum samples (P =0.0026). Rifampicins resistant were 8 (3.9%) andshown 100% sensitivity, specificity with Conventional method. Conclusion: For diagnosing tuberculosis and detecting Rifampicin resistance GeneXpert MTB/RIF has been especially recommended.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF XPERTMTB/RIF ASSAY IN DETECTION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases with high morbidity and mortality. India accounts for one- fourth of the global TB burden (2.7million cases). Material and methods: A total 1056 patients were included in this study. All patients were requested to give two sputum samples, spot sputum sample (at the time of visit) and early morning sputum for mycobacterial testing. All spot samples tested with smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/Rif assay. Rifampicin resistant samples compared with conventional method. Results: Out of 1056 sputum samples GeneXpert MTB Rif assay detected positive 204 (19.3%), not detected 827 (78.31%). There is significant difference founded for positivity in spot samples and early morning sputum samples (P =0.0026). Rifampicins resistant were 8 (3.9%) andshown 100% sensitivity, specificity with Conventional method. Conclusion: For diagnosing tuberculosis and detecting Rifampicin resistance GeneXpert MTB/RIF has been especially recommended.

Investigation of multi-mode spin-phonon coupling and local B-site disorder in Pr2CoFeO6 by Raman spectroscopy and correlation with its electronic structure by XPS and XAS studies

Electronic structure of Pr₂CoFeO₆ (at 300 K) was investigated by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. All three cations, i.e. Pr, Co and Fe were found to be trivalent in nature. XPS valance band analysis suggested the system to be insulating in nature. The analysis suggested that Co³⁺ ions exist in low spin state in the system. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy study indicated the random distribution of the B-site ions (Co/Fe) triggered by same charge states. In temperature-dependent Raman study, the relative heights of the two observed phonon modes exhibited anomalous behaviour near magnetic transition temperature T _N ~ 270 K, thus indicating towards interplay between spin and phonon degrees of freedom in the system. Furthermore, clear anomalous softening was observed below T _N which confirmed the existence of strong spin-phonon coupling occurring for at least two phonon modes of the system. The line width analysis of the phonon modes essentially ruled out the role of magnetostriction effect in the observed phonon anomaly. The investigation of the lattice parameter variation across T _N (obtained from the temperature-dependent neutron diffraction measurements) further confirmed the existence of the spin-phonon coupling.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of the Flow Through Assay for detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) using a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies

A panel of four monoclonal antibodies (C-05, C-14, C-38 and C-56) specific to VP28 of White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) were evaluated individually and in cocktail to increase sensitivity of the Flow Through Assay (FTA) for detection of the virus. Recombinant VP28 and semi purified WSSV was used as antigen for evaluation. Out of the total 11 cocktails and four individual of MAbs, 2 MAb cocktails C-05 + C-56 and C-14 + C-56 exhibited highest sensitivity in the FTA. The two MAb cocktail were 100 times more sensitive than 1-step PCR and nearly equivalent to 2-step PCR for the detection of WSSV. The detection limit of WSSV by MAb cocktail increased by two fold compared to the single MAb C-05 currently being used in (FTA).

Trapping/Pinning of colloidal microspheres over glass substrate using surface features

Suspensions of micro/nano particles made of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate), Silicon dioxide etc. have been a standard model system to understand colloidal physics. These systems have proved useful insights into phenomena such as self-assembly. Colloidal model systems are also extensively used to simulate many condensed matter phenomena such as dynamics in a quenched disordered system and glass transition. A precise control of particles using optical or holographic tweezers is essential for such studies. However, studies of collective phenomena such as jamming and flocking behaviour in a disordered space are limited due to the low throughput of the optical trapping techniques. In this article, we present a technique where we trap and pin polystyrene microspheres ~10 μm over ‘triangular crest’ shaped microstructures in a microfluidic environment. Trapping/Pinning occurs due to the combined effect of hydrodynamic interaction and non-specific adhesion forces. This method allows trapping and pinning of microspheres in any arbitrary pattern with a high degree of spatial accuracy which can be useful in studying fundamentals of various collective phenomena as well as in applications such as bead detachment assay based biosensors.

P-selectin can promote thrombus propagation independently of both von Willebrand factor and thrombospondin-1 in mice

Essentials The main receptor for platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα is von Willebrand factor (VWF). P-selectin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) have been suggested as counter receptors for GPIbα. In a laser injury model, P-selectin promotes thrombus propagation independently of VWF and TSP1. In a laser injury model, thrombus persists in interleukin-4 receptor α/GPIbα-transgenic mice.

SUMMARY

Background P-selectin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) have been suggested as counter ligands that may mediate GPIbα-dependent thrombus growth independently of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in vitro. However, residual thrombus formation still persists in Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice, suggesting existence of other mechanisms that modulate thrombus propagation. Objective We determined whether P-selectin modulates thrombus propagation in injured arterioles independently of TSP1 and VWF. Methods CD-62P blocking antibody in Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice was used to inhibit P-selectin. We determined thrombus growth kinetics in two models of thrombosis: FeCl3 injury-induced and laser injury-induced thrombosis. Results In a 10% FeCl3 injury-induced thrombosis model, the initial platelet adhesion, time to form first thrombus, and non-occlusive residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable between P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice and control IgG-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice. On the other hand, in a laser injury-induced thrombosis model, residual thrombus growth kinetics were significantly decreased in P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice vs. control IgG-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice. Because P-selectin has been suggested as a counter ligand for platelet GPIbα, we determined the role of GPIbα in a laser injury-induced thrombosis model. Surprisingly, in a laser injury model, unlike in a FeCl3 injury model, thrombus formation was not completely inhibited in IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice. Residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable between P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice and control IgG-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice. Comparison of slopes over time showed that residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable in P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- and control IgG-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice Conclusion In a laser injury-induced thrombosis model, P-selectin modulates thrombus propagation independently of VWF and TSP1.

Novel Bio-Markers for Prediction of Preeclampsia

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy related disorder. It is an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Two to eight percent of pregnancies were affected by PE. It is characterized by de novo hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but recent studies have revealed that placenta is the place of origin of this disorder and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction is the characteristic feature of the disease. Some biochemical molecules are identified recently which are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, which may help in early identification of patients at risk and help in providing proper prenatal care. Several promising biomarkers have been proposed, alone or in combination. Maternal serum concentrations of these biomarkers either increase or decrease in PE during gestation. This review focuses on the various biomarkers available and their utility in prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Root Extract of <i>Decalepis hamiltonii </i>Wight &amp; Arn

The present study was quantitative analysis and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol root extracts. The gram positive and gram negative bacterial and fungal species by the disc diffusion method at various concentration (250μl-1000μl). The results was present in the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to extracts. All the root extract against to Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal species Candida albicans at highest inhibition at concentration of methanolic root extract of zone formation. The preliminary studies on Decalepis hamiltonii root extract exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further and future pharmaceutical, therapeutic efficiency and food preservation and applications.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Root Extract of <i>Decalepis hamiltonii </i>Wight &amp; Arn

The present study was quantitative analysis and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol root extracts. The gram positive and gram negative bacterial and fungal species by the disc diffusion method at various concentration (250μl-1000μl). The results was present in the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to extracts. All the root extract against to Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal species Candida albicans at highest inhibition at concentration of methanolic root extract of zone formation. The preliminary studies on Decalepis hamiltonii root extract exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further and future pharmaceutical, therapeutic efficiency and food preservation and applications.

Spectrum of Presentation of Anorectal Malignant Melanoma: Experience of a Tertiary Care Centre of North India

Malignant melanoma of the anorectum is a rare but highly aggressive tumor. We report our experience of anorectal melanoma in five patients. Of these, two have advanced disease, two had localized disease and one patient had florid systemic metastases with a history of hemorrhoidectomy one year prior. One patient whose metastatic workup was negative, expired on post-op day 15 of abdominoperineal resection due to unsuspected but florid cerebral metastases. Another patient with localized disease underwent an APR with curative resection and post-op whole body PET scan negative for occult or residual disease. Advanced stage patients were referred for chemotherapy. To improve prognosis, it is important to detect anorectal melanoma at an early stage.

Passivity of memristor-based BAM neural networks with different memductance and uncertain delays

This paper addresses the passivity problem for a class of memristor-based bidirectional associate memory (BAM) neural networks with uncertain time-varying delays. In particular, the proposed memristive BAM neural networks is formulated with two different types of memductance functions. By constructing proper Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and using differential inclusions theory, a new set of sufficient condition is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities which guarantee the passivity criteria for the considered neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.

The prevalence of early childhood caries and its associated risk factors among preschool children referred to a tertiary care institution

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and its association with infant feeding and oral health-related behavior among preschool children aged 6-71 months in Lagos.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 302 children aged 6-71 months were selected from four pediatric outpatient clinics in Lagos, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, breast and bottle feeding, birth weight of child and socioeconomic status of the family, from mothers of the children. The status of dental caries was recorded according to the World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ECC among 302 children aged 6-71 months was 21.2% while the mean deft was 0.735. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the correlation of ECC with the associated risk factors. ECC was significantly higher in children who were bottle-fed at night. Method of tooth cleaning other than using fluoridated toothpaste significantly increased the prevalence of ECC. Breastfeeding for duration of 3-6 months showed significantly lesser caries prevalence. Caries significantly increased with age.

CONCLUSION

Early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease in which prolonged duration of breastfeeding, nocturnal bottle feeding, and use of cleaning methods other than fluoridated toothpaste are risk factors for ECC. Oral health promotion programs should be targeted at mothers, pediatricians, nurses, caretakers at day care centers and primary care health workers.

Fasciolopsiasis: Endemic focus of a neglected parasitic disease in Bihar

PURPOSE

To describe a newly discovered, previously unreported endemic focus of fasciolopsiasis in the Phulwaria village, under tehsil Sugauli, East Champaran, Bihar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study was conducted at village Phulwaria, following diagnosis of fasciolopsiasis in three children from the village. A total of 120 individuals, including all the children and adults who gave history of recent passage of red fleshy masses in their stool, were included in the study. The cases of fasciolopsiasis were treated with Praziquantel 25 mg/kg, three doses a day. Risk factors for the transmission of the parasite in the village were also studied.

RESULTS

Questionnaire revealed majority of the population suffering from abdominal discomfort and passage of red fleshy masses in stool. These fleshy masses were identified as Fasciolopsis buski. One hundred and eighteen individuals were presumably considered as cases of the parasitic infection. After treatment with Praziquantel, all of them passed the parasite in their stool for the next 2-3 days. On investigating, it was observed that all the conditions required for effective continuation of the life cycle of the parasite were present in this village.

CONCLUSION

This study draws attention to a new endemic focus of fasciolopsiasis in Bihar, with a very high prevalence due to poverty, the lack of awareness about the parasite in villagers as well as ignorance among local medical practitioners. There is an urgent need for mass campaign around the region for its effective control.