Recently Published Articles
Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Associated with Large Soft Drusen and Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation
Abstract:
Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 is a rare retinal condition usually characterized by parafoveal telangiectatic vessels, hyperplastic pigment plaques and seldom a full thickness macular hole or a retinal neovascularisation. Herein we describe an atypical presentation of this disease. Review of the patient’s clinical and angiographic records. A 87-year-old white man was diagnosed with idiopathic macular telangectasia type 2. Ophthalmological and angiographic examination disclosed telangiectasia of the parafoveal capillaries together with extensive bilateral granular soft drusen and unilateral retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Initially photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) and subsequently intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were used to treat RAP lesion. This a...
Arm Span is an Alternative to Standing Height for Calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) amongst Older Adults
Abstract:
Accurate measurement of height is difficult in older adults because of the reduction in height that occurs during the ageing process. Therefore, several western studies have demonstrated the arm span as an alternative anthropometric measurement to height among older adults, as the length of arm span is less affected by aging. The aim of the study was to use arm span as an alternative to standing height for calculation of body mass index (BMI) amongst older adults. A community-based cross sectional study was carried out during 2011-12 among 400 (Men: 180; Women: 220) urban geriatric population (age 60-years and over)of the town of Khammam. Weight, height and arm span were measured with standard procedures. Nutritional status of older adults was calculated by body mass index (BMI) classificati...
Antiretroviral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Awareness, Experience and Acceptance among Men who have Sex with Men in Southwest Switzerland
Abstract:
Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV acquisition has been shown to be safe and effective in populations at risk of HIV acquisition. We examined PrEP awareness, experience and acceptance among men who have sex with men (MSM) in southwest Switzerland. Between 1st June 2011 and 31st August 2012, individuals attending 1) MSM screening clinics (Checkpoint Geneva) and 2) meeting areas were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire covering sexual practices and PrEP awareness, experience and interest in participating in future PrEP trials. Of 918 men approached, 654 (71%) agreed to participate, the majority (536/654, 82%) enrolled via Checkpoint. Most particip...
GR-RNF43 Regulation in Colorectal Cancer
Abstract:
In contrast to approaches that compare pair-wise control (i.e. normal) to treated (i.e. disease) samples, we compared colorectal cancer samples not only to a set of control samples but also against a wide range of samples and conditions to collect the differentially expressed genes and identify target genes. We identified specific genes for colorectal cancer and showed that they are significantly associated with colorectal cancer in the literature. Analysis of independent datasets revealed a significantly distinct expression pattern for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and ring finger protein 43 (RNF43) in colorectal cancer samples. GR was downregulated whereas RNF43 was upregulated in colorectal cancer with respect to various conditions in different datasets. In HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line, knock-down of GR levels with siRNA resulted in increased RNF43 levels, suggesting that GR might be a negative regulator of RNF43. Our study suggests that the downregulation...
A High Volume, User-Friendly Immunization Clinic in Vellore, India: A Model for Urban Hospitals
Abstract:
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in India delivers vaccines under its policy, through government hospitals, health centers and outreach clinics. However, the national average full immunization coverage is stagnating at about 70%. The days and times of clinics are not always convenient for mothers working at home or employed outside. Moreover, vaccines not under EPI, but recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), are unavailable there, forcing mothers to go to private sector immunization clinics to get them. Recognizing the local need for user-friendly immunization clinic, we designed one in the Department of Child Health. The impetus came from local demand by a civil society organization (Rotary Club of Vellore). Our immunization clinic is open every working day (8.30 am to 4.00 pm) offering both groups of vaccines. Its success is illustrated by the fact that over 7000 children per month receive immunization in this clinic. We describe its d...
Search for New Targets of Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy Treatment
Abstract:
Although clinical trials in refractory epilepsy are currently carried out, the field of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in epilepsy is still at its initial stage. Little is known about where, when and how to stimulate and what would be the short and long consequences. Animal studies might provide clinicians with new ideas regarding targets for DBS. Here an overview is given regarding old and new targets in rodent models of temporal lobe epilepsy. The evidence from animal models showed that stimulation of the subiculum – either in responsive or scheduled manner - is anticonvulsant in different seizure and epilepsy models, indicating that the subiculum might be a promising candidate for DBS targets. For the rest, the antiepileptic effects of low frequency stimulation were established mostly in kindling models. The presence of a critical time window in which stimulation was effective following after discharges on kindling acquisition, demonstrates that ...
Basal Serum Cortisol Levels, Depression and Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Abstract:
Read ArticleAssociation of Risk Factors in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Pregnant Mothers Attending at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Abstract:
To observe association of risk factors with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh. Risk factors of GDM were evaluated in pregnant subjects (n=385; age: 26.4±4.9 yrs; body mass index, BMI: 25.3±4.3 kg/m2; mean ± SD) screened by 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following WHO 1999 criterion irrespective of gestational age in the Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). BMI, maternal age, parity, trimester and family history of diabetes were considered as risk factors. Plasma glucose was measured by glucose-oxidase method on the same day. GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) showed s...
Localization of Angina Related Artery by Admission ECG in Unstable Angina and NSTEMI Patients
Abstract:
To find out the diagnostic accuracy of admission ECG against coronary angiography (CAG) to predict the ARA in patients with USAP /NSTEMI. In USAP even though multiple active plaques are documented, one critical lesion would be responsible for the index episode of angina. Contrary to STEMI there is no standard methodology to identify the Angina related artery (ARA) in USAP.Therefore we plan to determine whether admission ECG could predict the ARA in patients with USAP/NSTEMI. 250 eligible patients with USAP/NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. After locating the ARA , the patient’s admission ECG was compared with CAG finding �...