Showing 149 results for Ph
Mazhar Khan , Akash Sarkate , Poonam Wade , Sushma Mailk ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common clinical abnormality in newborns during the first week of life. Phototherapy is the standard treatment but may cause complications, including hypocalcemia, a lesser-known yet significant adverse effect. This study investigated the impact of phototherapy on serum calcium levels in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
Methods: This observational study was conducted in the NICU of BYL and T.N. Medical College, Mumbai, over 12 months after ethical approval. We included 100 neonates (> 34 weeks gestational age) with hyperbilirubinemia receiving phototherapy. Serum calcium levels were measured before and after phototherapy, and neonates were monitored for clinical hypocalcemia. Data were recorded in a pre-formatted proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 27 (p <0.05 was considered statistically significant).
Results: The mean age of neonates was 3±1.2 days, the mean gestational age was 37±1.2 weeks, and the mean jaundice duration was 2.8±1.10 days. Median serum calcium levels decreased significantly from 8.6 mg/dL (8.49-8.61) pre-phototherapy to 7.35 mg/dL (7.33-7.50) post-phototherapy (p <0.001). Hypocalcemia (serum calcium ≤7 mg/dL) occurred in 16% of neonates, with 60% exhibiting mild symptoms like jitteriness or irritability.
Conclusion: Phototherapy significantly reduces serum calcium levels in jaundiced neonates, with a notable incidence of hypocalcemia. Clinicians should monitor calcium levels and watch for symptoms during phototherapy to prevent complications. Further studies are needed to establish preventive strategies.
Parisa Hasanein , Fahime Javadi Hedaiat Abad, Mousa Bohlooli , Mostafa Khajeh , Sedigheh Esmaielzadeh Bahabadi , Neda Poormolaei ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: DNA glycation, a process where Glc non-enzymatically binds to DNA, is implicated in various detrimental effects, including strand breaks, mutations, and altered gene expression. This damage is considered a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in identifying antiglycation agents as a strategy for preventing and mitigating these complications. Prior research has indicated that extracts from Tamarix aphylla (T. aphylla) leaves possess antidiabetic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the impact of T. aphylla extract on Glc-mediated DNA glycation.
Methods: DNA samples were incubated with Glc over a four-week period. Subsequently, the modulatory effects of T. aphylla on Glc-induced DNA structural alterations were investigated employing a range of analytical techniques. These methodologies encompassed ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: The results obtained from UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that T. aphylla extract led to a reduction in the formation of DNA-advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Furthermore, CD spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that the structural alterations of glycated DNA were diminished in the presence of T. aphylla extract.
Conclusion: Based on the evidence presented, T. aphylla demonstrates protective properties against DNA glycation. Consequently, pending further rigorous investigation, it may represent a potentially valuable therapeutic agent for mitigating the detrimental consequences of glycation, particularly in environments characterized by elevated Glc concentrations and hyperglycemic states.
Moshami Shinde, Bharati Avinash Dalal, Meera Sujit Modak,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The prevalence of dermatophytosis is influenced by factors, such as climate, age, gender, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. In tropical and subtropical regions, like India, hot and humid conditions contribute to its high incidence. This study aimed to isolate and identify dermatophytes from clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis.
Methods: A total of 100 clinically diagnosed cases were examined by direct microscopy (KOH mount) and fungal culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM).
Results: The most common clinical presentation was Tinea corporis (42%), followed by Tinea cruris (25%) and Tinea unguium (21%). Out of 100 samples, 53 were culture-positive. The predominant isolates were Trichophyton rubrum (30%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (20%), and Trichophyton violaceum (13.3%). Among culture media, SDA yielded 92.45% isolates, while DTM showed higher sensitivity (96.22%).
Conclusion: Isolation and identification of dermatophytes are crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and epidemiological surveillance. Understanding the local prevalence and etiological agents aids in managing therapeutic challenges and preventing transmission.
Priyadarshini Kumaraswamy Rajeswaran , Preethi Muthusamy Sundar, Prasanna Nedungadi Kumar, Karthikeyan Shanmugam,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background: Several hematological indicators have been linked to the intensity and course of Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19), including platelets, total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, neutrophils (as well as the neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios), and hemoglobin. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of cell population data (CPD) of lymphocyte and monocyte parameters in the early diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Methods: The baseline complete blood count examination was performed for 222 patients with positive results for COVID-19 (case group) and 161 patients with negative results for COVID-19 (control group). Lymphocyte and monocyte CPD were calculated in both groups. The independent t-test was used to compare the mean values between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminating capacity of the individual parameters.
Results: The analysis revealed that Standard Deviations of Monocyte Volume (SDMV) and Standard Deviations of Lymphocyte Conductivity (SDLC) showed the highest significance in predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, SDMV had a sensitivity of 93.7% and SDLC had a sensitivity of 80.6% at cut-off values of 22.25 and 10.9, respectively. In the case group, 49 of the 222 patients treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) showed a higher SDMV compared with the remaining 173 patients who were asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic (P-value <0.03).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that SDMV and SDLC can serve as reliable and cost-effective markers for early prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, SDMV shows potential as a prognostic biomarker. These findings highlight the potential utility of CPD parameters in COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis.
Sahar Siddiqui , Mohd Suhail Lone , Umar Amin Qureshi , Rayees Khanday ,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a virulent bacterium responsible for a spectrum of infections, from superficial dermatological issues to severe, life-threatening sepsis. The emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, encompassing both hospital-acquired (HA) and community-acquired (CA) variants, presents significant challenges to effective treatment, especially in pediatric sepsis cases. This research endeavored to characterize S. aureus sepsis in pediatric patients, differentiate between cases caused by CA S. aureus (CA-SA) and HA S. aureus (HA-SA), and evaluate patterns of antibiotic resistance.
Methods: This study, conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Postgraduate Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir, J&K, investigated patients aged 1 month to 18 years with suspected S. aureus sepsis or disseminated disease. Standard methods (BacT Alert and Vitek II Compact) were employed for culturing various samples. Continuous data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), while categorical variables are expressed as proportions.
Results: Out of 56 patients, CA-SA was observed in 66.1% of cases, while HA-SA accounted for the remaining 33.9%. The cohort primarily consisted of males (62.5%) and individuals residing in rural areas (71.43%). Localized musculoskeletal symptoms were a prominent feature, present in 91.9% of patients (P ≤ 0.05). Pleuropulmonary disease showed an association with HA-SA, whereas necrotizing soft tissue infections were linked to CA-SA. Common clinical manifestations included pneumonia and abscesses. Complications (such as septic shock, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction) were more frequently encountered in patients with HA-SA. Among 50 culture-confirmed cases, 96% were identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Survival rates differed between the two groups, with 94.6% for CA-SA patients and 89.5% for HA-SA patients.
Conclusion: The current study reveals a high prevalence of MRSA in pediatric sepsis, emphasizing the critical need for urgent antimicrobial stewardship. The observed distinct clinical profiles of CA-SA and HA-SA further underscore the necessity for tailored management strategies, particularly in resource-limited environments.
Azam Shareh , Behnoush Khasheii , Tayebeh Faraji , Masoud Khoshnia , Shaghayegh Anvari , Ailar Jamalli ,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (7-2025)
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori infections can lead to treatment failure. This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, and fluoroquinolone in H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsy specimens.
Methods: This study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 on 80 biopsy specimens obtained from Golestan province. Resistance to metronidazole (rdxA) and fluoroquinolones (gyrA) was determined using PCR. Mutations in the loci of the 23S rRNA gene associated with clarithromycin resistance were analyzed using PCR-RFLP with the BsaI and BbsI enzymes.
Results: In this study, 25% of H. pylori strains showed resistance to clarithromycin. Mutations in the A2143G locus (65%) and the A2142G locus (35%) were detected in these strains. Resistance to fluoroquinolones (27.5%) was observed, with the most common mutations being at the 91 amino acid position of aspartate (63.63%) and the 87 amino acid position of asparagine (36.36%). Resistance to metronidazole was not observed in any of the strains of this study, and concomitant resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones was observed in 13.75% of H. pylori strains.
Conclusion: According to our study, in Iran, the resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin is increasing, which may lead to treatment failure. The mechanism of clarithromycin resistance is related to mutations in the A2143G and A2142G positions, and a mutation in the gyrA gene causes resistance to fluoroquinolones, which often occurs in the 91 amino acid position.
Maryam Enshaei Mojarad , Hajar Abbaszadeh , Parvin Farzanegi ,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (7-2025)
Abstract
Background: Obesity and prediabetes are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, and macrophage-related markers such as IL-10, Dectin-1, and IL-1Ra play a key role in modulating inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on IL-10, Dectin-1, and IL-1Ra in prediabetic obese women to assess the impact of this exercise modality on M2 macrophage markers.
Methods: Thirty eligible female volunteers aged 35-40 years were selected and homogeneously divided into two groups: 1) control (n=15) and 2) training (n=15). The training group underwent a 16-week HIFT program based on CrossFit protocols, incorporating squats, deadlifts, barbell/dumbbell exercises, kettlebell swings, and aerobic/weight-bearing movements in a Workout of the Day format (60 min/session). The control group maintained their daily routines without structured exercise. Serum levels of Dectin-1, IL-10, and IL-1Ra were measured via ELISA. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard deviation) were used for data analysis.
Results: After 16 weeks, HIFT significantly reduced Dectin-1 (P = 0.048) and increased IL-10 (P < 0.0001) and IL-1Ra (P < 0.0001) levels in prediabetic obese women.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that 16 weeks of HIFT may enhance anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10, IL-1Ra) and modulate Dectin-1, potentially mitigating obesity-related inflammatory complications in prediabetic women.
Apurba Sankar Sastry , Shuruthi Kirubakaran , Sarumathi Dhandapani , Ketan Priyadarshi ,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms has limited the choice of therapeutic options to treat infections. The lack of development of new antimicrobials paved the way for considering the reassessment of older antibiotics like fosfomycin. In this context, we assessed the in-vitro effect of fosfomycin against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream isolates by agar dilution, disk diffusion, and screen agar.
Methods: In this study, 141 consecutive blood isolates resistant to carbapenem and 62 MRSA blood culture isolates were collected over a period of 8 months. The methods used were fosfomycin agar dilution (0.25 µg/ml to 512 µg/ml), Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion (150 µg of fosfomycin + 50 µg of glucose-6-phosphate), and fosfomycin screen agar (32 µg/ml, 48 µg/ml, and 64 µg/ml). All three methods were interpreted using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. The agreement between the new method and the reference method was calculated.
Results: Among the tested isolates, 100% of MRSA, followed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) (86.4%), Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) (65.2%), and E. cloacae (50%) were susceptible to fosfomycin. The MIC50 and MIC90 of fosfomycin were 0.5 µg/ml and 2 µg/ml for MRSA, 16 µg/ml and 32 µg/ml for K. pneumoniae, 4 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml for E. coli, and 8 µg/ml and 32 µg/ml for E. cloacae, respectively.
Conclusion: Fosfomycin demonstrated a good in-vitro effect on most of the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and MRSA isolates tested.
Aneesha Asok Kumar, Subaida A K, Anandan K R, Feroze M,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Covid-19 is a global pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). So far different clinical and hematological findings that can predict disease severity have been identified. This study explores the role of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR) in predicting the severity of Covid-19 infection.
Methods: After obtaining Ethics committee clearance, patients with laboratory confirmed Covid-19 infection admitted during their first two weeks of illness were included in this prospective study. NLR, PLR and NPR were derived from the CBC reports. These ratios were compared in each clinical category groups to assess the severity.
Results: The total number of cases was 160. The mean age at diagnosis was 56 years. Proportion of males were slightly higher (54.4%) than that of females (45.6%). The proportion of Category C patients (66.9%) were more than Category B (25%) and Category A (8.1%) patients. It was found that the NLR, PLR and NPR ratios has statistically significant association with severe Covid-19 infection and hence these can be used to differentiate between Category C from Category A or B. NLR is the better parameter in predicting the severity of Covid-19 disease than PLR and NPR.
Conclusions: NLR, PLR and NPR ratios can be used as predictive markers of disease severity in Covid-19 infection. Among these ratios, NLR has the highest predictive value for disease deterioration.
goums.ac.ir , mljgoums
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