Showing 554 results for Research Article: Original Paper
Sajad Jafari, Mohammad Fathi, Masoud Rahmati,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Endurance exercise causes fatigue due to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on lipids peroxidation and antioxidant activity during endurance activities.
Methods: Twenty-four male volunteers aged 27 ± 1.8 years and weighting 74.9 ± 5.9 kg were randomly divided into three groups: taurine supplementation (n=8), placebo (n=8), and control (n=8). The subjects completed a 28-day endurance training protocol. Biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (8 hours before the first session and 8 hours after the last session) and maximum rate of oxygen consumption, were measured to evaluate the antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, and VO2 max status respectively. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software at a significance level of <0.05.
Results: Taurine supplementation significantly increased SOD (p=0.001) and GPX (p=0.001) but significantly decreased MDA (p=0.001). However, it had no significant effect on the VO2 max.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that taurine has antioxidant effects against endurance exercise-induced oxidant stress and lipid peroxidation.
Sadaf Khursheed Baba, Abiroo Jan, Mohd Suhail Lone, Dalip K Kakru, Bashir Ahmad Fomda, Gulnaz Bashir, Nadeem Ahmad Bhat,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Conventional culture and sensitivity methods take around 48 hours to generate antibiotic sensitivity results after a blood culture is flagged as positive by automated systems. However, it is imperative to initiate early targeted antibiotic therapy for effective management of sepsis and to reduce morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the direct sensitivity test (DST) as a potential tool to obtain quicker antibiotic susceptibility results from positive BacT/ALERT blood culture vials and the VITEK-2 system (the reference method).
Methods: Blood culture bottles flagged as positive by BacT/ALERT were Gram-stained. Cultures with polymicrobial growth were excluded from the study. The isolates were then simultaneously cultured and processed for the DST using the disk diffusion method. Agreements or errors were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s guidelines.
Results: Among 76 Gram-positive isolates, we observed 99.2% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4.04% and 1.18%, respectively. Among 75 Gram-negative isolates, we observed 98.99% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4% and 2%, respectively. No very major error was seen in either Gram-negative or -positive isolates.
Conclusions: The DST results are available earlier than the AST results, which can ultimately help in the early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy.
Samaneh Sabouri, Darioush Hamidi Alamdari, Sanaz Salaramoli, Seyyed Isaac Hashemy,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Samaneh Sabouri 
,
Darioush Hamidi Alamdari ,
Sanaz Salaramoli ,
Seyyed Isaac Hashemy
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelination disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which is believed to be associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, researchers try to find reliable biomarkers to monitor the disease and predict its prognosis. Cholesterol and lipids in the myelin sheath are vital for nerve cells. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is susceptible to lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress markers in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and examine their correlation with lipid markers.
Methods: A total of 18 MS patients (14 women and 4 men) and 18 healthy subjects (matched by age and sex) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The serum samples were collected in both relapsing and remitting phases. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were measured as markers of oxidative stress.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.21 (22-42) years. In the comparison between the patient and control groups, the most differences were increased levels of PAB in the patient group (P < 0.05), no difference between relapsing and remitting phases (P = 0.995), increased MDA levels in the relapsing phase (P = 0.013)––but no change in the remitting phase (P = 0.068), no difference in LDL and oxLDL levels in the patient group (P > 0.05), and MDA, LDL, and oxLDL levels did not have any significant correlation with PAB (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: High levels of oxidative stress markers were present in both phases of the disease. Lipid peroxidation markers (such as MDA) increased in the acute phase, but oxLDL did not change. Also, there was no significant correlation between oxidative stress and cholesterol markers.
Gauri Metkar, Shalaka Saraf,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Gauri Metkar ,
Shalaka Saraf
Background: Snakebite is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be treated effectively. Snake envenomation can cause hematologic and coagulation abnormalities. In this respect, tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are commonly used. The present study aimed to determine the value of coagulation parameters in the prognostication of snakebite patients.
Methods: This prospective descriptive observational study examined the coagulation parameters, including PT, INR, and aPTT, in consecutive cases of snake envenomation admitted to a tertiary health care hospital from October 2019 to August 2021. The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other and with prognostic indicators (ie, the number of days spent in the intensive care unit [ICU], the requirement of anti-snake venom [ASV], fresh frozen plasma [FFP], and the total number of blood products) was studied.
Results: A total of 58 patients with snakebite were studied. The majority were males (69%). The highest proportion of patients belonged to the age group of 16-40 years (60%). The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other was statistically significant. The correlation of coagulation parameters with prognostic indicators (ie, the total number of ASV vials administered, the total number of days in the ICU, the total number of FFP units administered, and the total number of blood components administered) was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Coagulation parameters (PT, INR, and aPTT) are essential laboratory investigations for treatment monitoring and can be used effectively for the prognostication of snakebite patients. In cases where the coagulation profile of snakebite patients shows abnormalities, conducting repeated coagulation studies at intervals of 12 hours can contribute to improved prognostication.
Nasrin Ramezani, Mahshid Dezhan, Saide Saadaat Khalili, Nader Shakeri, Kayvan Khoramipour,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Omentin-1 plays an important role in insulin function. Despite numerous studies, the effect of interval training on this adipokine is still vague. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (IR), omentin-1 serum levels, and gene expression in the visceral adipose tissue in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats.
Methods: In an experimental study, 20 male rats (8-10 weeks, weight: 250-270 g) were randomly divided into 2 groups: diabetic control (N=10) and diabetic training (N=10). The training protocol was 30 minutes of HIIT (1-min run, 2-min rest) performed 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, omentin-1 serum level, and gene expression were measured in the visceral fat 48 hours after the last exercise for both groups.
Results: The HIIT resulted in lower serum glucose and insulin resistance (P = 0.001), higher serum omentin-1 levels (P = 0.001), and higher visceral fat gene expression (P = 0.004) in the training group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Lower serum glucose and insulin resistance and higher omentin-1 serum levels and gene expression in the training group can prove the effectiveness of HIIT training in T2D, although further research is required.
Seyedabdullah Mosavi, Alireza Barari, Asie Abbassi Daloii,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Significant economic consequences can lead to various problems and complications, including medical complications. Coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious health threat with increasing prevalence, is a major cause of death and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a special training program on cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 16 patients who underwent coronary artery surgery in Babol City, Iran. The patients were selected using a random sampling method and divided into 2 groups: experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in an exercise program consisting of 3 sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The expression levels of CYP and ROS genes were measured by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The analysis was performed by comparing covariances and means.
Results: ROS gene expression levels significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group (P=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in P450 levels between the experimental and control groups (P=0.99).
Conclusion: Special exercises reduced ROS expression and increased P450 expression in patients who had coronary bypass surgery. There is a probability that special exercises, can effectively prevent heart damage by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing ROS.
Shadmehr Mirdar, Monireh Khalili , Neda Aghaei Bahmanbeglou ,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Exercise and dietary supplements can partially mitigate the negative effects of cadmium. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of swimming and silymarin on placental growth factor (PLGF) in pregnant mice exposed to cadmium.
Methods: Seventy-two 8-week-old pregnant Wistar rats (weighing 20 ± 200 g) were divided into 9 groups, with 8 rats in each group. Cadmium chloride at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight was fed to rats by drinking a water solution. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously 3 times a week. The exercise program during pregnancy consisted of 60 minutes of swimming per day, conducted for 5 days a week. The microscopic sections of samples were taken 2 days after birth using the usual method of tissue sectioning. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test at the error level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data.
Results: The PLGF index in the cadmium group showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) compared to the cadmium + silymarin and cadmium + silymarin and swimming groups. However, swimming training alone had no effect on PLGF index (P = 0.162).
Conclusion: Cadmium significantly reduced PLGF levels in neonatal lung tissue, and regular swimming endurance exercises and silymarin supplementation inhibited the effects of cadmium chloride.
Temidayo Adeniyi, Akinpelu Moronkeji, Victor Ekundina,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Human activities continually impact the environment negatively. Some activities are particularly linked to river pollution, and this constitutes a major problem in certain regions of Nigeria. This is a result of economic development, anthropogenic human activities, and agricultural practice that have the potential for adverse health effects. This study evaluated the effect of heavy metals acquired from the waterways on the vital organs of experimental rats.
Methods: Seventy (70) adult male Wistar rats, average weighing between 150-180g, were divided into seven groups of ten animals, each selected by simple randomization. Pooled sampled water and water containing the highest average concentration of singly and combined heavy metals noted in the waterways from three geological zones in Kwara state, Nigeria, were respectively given to the Wistar rats within the treatment groups ad libitum for 65 days. The kidney, liver, and testes were harvested and processed for paraffin embedding, and the effect of the heavy metals was histologically assessed.
Results: Histological staining revealed variable histopathological alterations in the kidney, liver, and testes of rats in the treatment groups in comparison to the control group.
Conclusion: Increased levels of heavy metals in waterways can adversely affect the organs when used for household purposes. Activities in these water bodies must be checked by regulatory agencies, and laws to discriminate against the dumping of waste in water bodies should be enforced.
Aneesha Asok Kumar, Deepak Panasseril Jayapradeep, Gayathri Gangadharan Nair , Sebina Asmi, Ashid Salim,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Blood transfusion is a potentially life-saving procedure that has many consequences and complications. Most of the complications are due to clerical and technical problems. Hence, the proper knowledge and skills of the personnel involved in blood transfusion are critical. Nurses are an integral part of blood transfusion procedures. Our study aimed to evaluate nurses' knowledge about safe blood transfusion practices in a tertiary care center in North Kerala.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 113 registered nurses involved in a blood transfusion procedure in a tertiary care center in North Kerala. The knowledge of the nurses was evaluated by using a questionnaire comprising 20 questions, of which 10 questions were about theoretical knowledge and 10 were about practical knowledge. Scores>75%, between 50% and 75%, and <50% were considered as good, fair, and poor knowledge, respectively.
Results: In our study, 44.25% of the nurses showed fair knowledge, and 32.7% had poor knowledge of knowledgebased questions. Moreover, 48.6 % had fair knowledge, and 14.16% had poor knowledge of practice-based questions. No statistically significant association was found between nurses' years of experience and theoretical and practical knowledge. A statistically significant association was found between the place of work and theoretical and practical knowledge. Many of the nurses lacked proper knowledge regarding the key aspects of blood transfusion.
Conclusion: We recommend more training programs to improve the knowledge and skills of the nurses to ensure the quality and safety of blood transfusion.
Masoomeh Rezanezhadi, Fahimeh Azadi, Shayan Marhamati, Hamid Reza Joshaghani,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are a common cause of dermal, oral, and genital infections worldwide. Rapid diagnosis of infected patients will prevent transmission to uninfected individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in patients from Golestan, Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 645 suspected HSV patients hospitalized in the health centers of Golestan Province were selected between 2015 and 2020. Demographic data were collected, and DNA was extracted from the samples. Detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 was performed by RT-PCR.
Results: Of the 645 samples tested by RT-PCR, 9 samples (1.39 %) were found to be positive for HSV-1/HSV-2, and the rest of the samples (98.6%) were negative. Of the 9 positive samples, 8 cases (88.8%) were HSV-1, of which 7 cases (77.7%) were from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 1 case (12.5%) from the vagina. HSV-2 was seen only in 1 vaginal specimen (11.1%).
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of these viral infections is very important as it can lead to early treatment and avoid further symptoms and even death. Thus, molecular approaches can provide an option for quicker diagnosis.
Sedigheh Shirkhani, Alireza Barari, Asieh Abbasi Daloii, Mehrdad Saravi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery problems, are the main causes of death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of NOs and NOX2 in coronary artery patients after aerobic exercise and omega-3 intake.
Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study in which 32 men with coronary artery disease in the age range of 55 to 65 years were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: control, exercise, omega-3, and omega-3 + exercise. The training program consisted of 8 weeks of intermittent running training, 3 sessions per week, with an intensity of 55 to 65% of the subjects' heart rate reserve and with an emphasis on gradual overload. Subjects consumed 1000 mg of omega-3 daily.
Results: There was a significant increase (P <0.0001) in the mean expression of the NOS gene in the exercise + omega-3 group compared to the control group. The mean ratio of NOX gene expression changes in the exercise group, omega-3, and the combination of exercise + omega-3 was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P <0.0001).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the ability of exercise and omega-3 supplementation to reduce the level of oxidant stress and increase homeostasis control in coronary artery insufficiency shows an important molecular mechanism that underlies the benefits of these interventions.
Mohammad Fayaz, Vahid Tajari, Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini, Abdolhalim Rajabi, Seyed Mehran Hosseini,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: The outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is predictable according to demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging risk factors. We aimed to determine the best outcome predictors and their trends during 30 days of hospitalization.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on moderate to severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 26 January 2020 to 13 January 2021. The length of stay in the hospital was considered as the time interval between admission and discharge, and the patient's final condition was defined as either dead or alive. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the hospital information system. The generalized additive model and the Cox regression model were used to model data.
Results: Of the 1520 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 232 (15.26%) died and 1288 survived or reached the end of 30 days of hospitalization. We selected demographic, clinical, and 131 independent laboratory variables. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had a nearly double average in the dead group (44.603 [± 25.408] mg/dL) than the survived group (21.304 [± 13.318] mg/dL), and the lymphocyte (Lymph) count showed the opposite trend. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) of these 2 factors was higher than 1 and was statistically significant. In daily stay trends, the hazard function of them also increased rapidly after 15 days.
Conclusion: Blood urea nitrogen and complete blood count provide strong predictive clues about the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and rapid dynamic changes in the second week can predict a poor outcome in these patients.
Misha Antani, Anjali Goyal, Jalashree Rana,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: A higher occurrence of raised homocysteine levels has been reported in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly those with macroangiopathy and nephropathy. Given that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for T2D, mitigating this condition could potentially benefit T2D patients. This study aimed to investigate the influence of homocysteine on T2D and cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as the factors that modify homocysteine levels.
Methods: This cross sectional, observational study was conducted on 122 individuals in a tertiary care center in Western India. Data related to anthropometry, demography, and biochemistry were gathered following established standards. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The findings indicated a significantly larger percentage of hyperhomocysteinemia in males, smokers, and individuals with elevated fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels. The proportion of subjects with high homocysteine levels was notably greater in those with high total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A significant correlation was observed between increased serum homocysteine levels and decreased serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Conclusion: Elevated homocysteine levels are observed in smokers and diabetic patients, potentially leading to CVD. Furthermore, this study found a correlation between an increase in serum homocysteine levels and a decrease in serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Smita Bhide, Dr. Rupali Lahane,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal tract complaints are prevalent among individuals in rural settings, encompassing all age groups. This study aimed to examine histopathological lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract through endoscopic biopsy and determine the frequency of various upper gastrointestinal lesions in relation to age, sex, and site.
Methods: The specimens included in our study comprise endoscopic biopsies of the upper gastrointestinal tract during October 2018 to October 2020. A total of 70 biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract were analyzed using endoscopy. All specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and processed following routine hematoxylin and eosin (HE) examination. Special stains were employed when necessary.
Results: Among the 70 upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies studied during this period, 25 (35.71%) were from the esophagus, 35 (50.0%) were from the stomach, and 10 (14.29%) were from the duodenum. Of the 70 upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies, 34 displayed inflammatory lesions, while 36 exhibited neoplastic lesions. There was a male predominance among the cases examined. Non-neoplastic lesions were observed in individuals aged from the second to the fifth decade, while neoplastic lesions were more prevalent in older age groups.
Conclusion: This research highlights the stomach as the predominant location for inflammatory and neoplastic lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The study reveals a notable occurrence of gastric carcinoma among malignant upper gastrointestinal lesions. Thus, early detection and management of upper gastrointestinal lesions necessitate endoscopy and subsequent histopathological evaluation.
Chandralekshmy Chandrika, Archana Jayan, Fathima Beevi Osman,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Type 2 DM is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, increased glucose production, and abnormal fat metabolism. Diabetes mortality primarily results from microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as macrovascular complications like coronary artery, peripheral vascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with diabetes usually have changes in adipose tissue metabolism and abnormalities in the secretion of adipokines such as leptin. The present study aims to study the relationship between serum leptin levels and lipid profile parameters among non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetic individuals.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 41 type 2 diabetic patients and 41 non-diabetic individuals of both sexes between the ages of 40 and 70. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum leptin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were assayed.
Results: The mean serum leptin levels among diabetic patients were lower than those of non-diabetic individuals, and this difference in mean was statistically significant. The study showed a significant negative correlation between serum leptin, TC, TG, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and a positive correlation with HDL. In the final regression model, serum leptin showed a statistically significant association with FBS and HDL.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that serum leptin levels can be a strong predictor of low HDL levels in diabetic patients. It can also contribute to raised levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL, which are responsible for macrovascular complications in diabetics.
Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Sowmya Gayatri C, Swati Suravaram, Bharat Kumar Reddy, Dhanalakshmi A,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: ‘M’ proteins or paraproteins refer to immunoglobulins that are produced by clonal plasma cells and are a characteristic feature of monoclonal gammopathies. Routine electrophoresis on agarose gel and immunofixation can be used to detect immunoglobulin paraprotein (M-protein). We aimed to evaluate the performance of agarose gel electrophoresis alone and in combination with immunofixation for detecting serum M-proteins.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-three patients suspected of paraproteinemia were evaluated. Routine serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) protocols were performed. Data from SPE, and SPE-IFE (gel images and electrophoretograms) were collected and reviewed.
Results: 21% cases were confirmed using the SPE-IFE combination, and among them, 33% had positive light chain (λ) only on IFE. Similarly, nine cases with biclonal gammopathy on SPE were characterized by IFE.
Conclusion: IFE can be a confirmatory test in cases where SPE results are not reliable and it can be a complementary test when characterization of the M protein detected on SPE is required.
Hina Rahangdale, Tejaswini Olambe, Priyanka Klabhor, Sangita Bhalavi, Varsha Wanjare, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.
Jincy W,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients with hypothyroidism, and are also observed in thyrotoxicosis. Creatine kinase (CK) is present in the muscles and is involved in energy metabolism. This study aimed to estimate the serum CK levels in patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and healthy individuals. Moreover, the correlation of CK levels with markers of thyroid function is assessed.
Methods: A total of 120 patients with hypothyroid and 120 with hyperthyroid were compared with 120 healthy individuals aged 20-60 years. The thyroid status was assessed by determining the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum CK was measured the by kinetic method. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation to investigate the correlations between CK and thyroid hormones.
Results: A significant increase (P<0.0001) and a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in serum CK were observed in hypothyroid patients (253.98±129.04 IU/L) and in hyperthyroid patients (34.68±13.15 IU/L), respectively, compared to the control group (72.9±29.01 IU/L). A negative correlation was found between fT4 and CK (r: -0.4253, P<0.0005).
Conclusion: It could be concluded that CK activity in serum may be a useful additional test in thyroid disorders.
Sonakshi Dwivedi, Vaishali Rahangdale, Swati Bhise, Sunanda Zodpey,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Rampant and irrational use of antibiotics led to antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units, directly influencing the clinical outcome. The prior introduction of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, has been identified as a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The present study aims to examine the existing scenario of antibiotic resistance due to multidrug-resistant organisms that are detected in mechanically ventilated patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Central India. A total of 410 endotracheal secretions were collected. The endotracheal aspirate of adult patients admitted to the medicine intensive care unit and on mechanical ventilation was received at the microbiology laboratory for processing by standard bacteriological techniques. Drug susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the indications mentioned in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2021.
Results: Out of 410 collected endotracheal secretion samples, 332 (81 %) samples demonstrated bacterial growth. A total of 265 (80%) cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 265 samples, 92 (34.7 %) patients were clinically and microbiologically confirmed as cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over eighty percent of gram-negative bacilli were multidrug-resistant strains (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Conclusion: Real understanding of multidrug-resistant pathogens, early isolation as well as avoiding long-term antibiotic intake can reduce mortality levels currently linked with late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Piyushkumar Mansinh Pargi , Manish Barvaliya , Bhargav Purohit,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Although the anti-diabetic effects of various Ficus species have been investigated in animal models, research on the blood glucose-lowering potentials of Ficus lacor Buch Ham bark remains sparse. This study evaluated the blood glucose-lowering potentials of an aqueous extract derived from Ficus labor bark in a diabetic rabbit model.
Methods: Diabetes was induced in rabbits through intravenous administration of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). 36 rabbits were divided into six groups, each consisting of six animals. Control groups included a non-diabetic control (Distilled water) and a diabetic control (Distilled water). Two experimental groups received Ficus lacor extract at doses of 100 mg/kg (Low-dose) and 200 mg/kg (High-dose) orally for six weeks. Metformin was used as an active control. A non-diabetic group (Extract control) was also administered Ficus lacor extract at 200 mg/kg. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and post-prandial blood sugar (PP2BS) levels were measured weekly over the 6 weeks. The percentage reduction in blood glucose levels was calculated and compared for each group.
Results: The administration of both low-dose and high-dose Ficus lacor extracts resulted in significant reductions in FBS and PP2BS levels in diabetic rabbits. After six weeks, the low-dose extract group exhibited an average reduction of 38.3% in FBS and 40.5% in PP2BS, whereas the high-dose extract group showed average reductions of 35.3% in FBS and 36.3% in PP2BS.
Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Ficus lacor bark demonstrates substantial glucose-lowering activity, indicating its potential utility as a therapeutic agent in diabetes management.
