ADRENAL HISTOPLASMOSIS: AN EASTERN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE.

Context: The clinical presentation of histoplasmosis is varied. Due to its propensity for adrenal involvement, histoplasmosis is an important differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with adrenal mass, bilateral in particular. Objective: Data on clinical presentation, pattern of adrenal involvement, radiological appearance and long-term follow-up of adrenal histoplasmosis are relatively sparse; hence we looked at it. Design: This record based single-centre retrospective study was conducted in one of the tertiary care hospitals, situated in eastern India catering the Gangetic delta. Subjects and methods: Data on demographic characters, presenting manifestations, biochemical & hormonal parameters and radiological appearance of confirmed adrenal histoplasmosis cases (n=9), admitted between 2015-2019 have been retrieved. The treatment outcome and condition of patients after 1-4 years of follow-up has also been discussed. Results: Four out of the nine (44.4%) patients had predisposing immunocompromised conditions in the form of diabetes and/or chronic alcoholism while rest were immunocompetent. Seven out of nine patients (77.8 %) had signs and symptoms suggestive of adrenal insufficiency, while two (22.2%) presented with only pyrexia of unknown origin. All of them had bilateral adrenal mass, though the radiologically appearances were different. All patients received anti-fungal agents with/without hydrocortisone and/or fludrocortisone. One patient died (11.1%), while majority responded favourably to treatment. Adrenocortical function did not recover completely. Conclusions: The possibility of adrenal histoplasmosis should always be considered in patients presenting with bilateral adrenal mass, irrespective of adrenal morphology. Treatment is effective, but many of them require supplemental hydrocortisone for quite a long period, if not lifelong. Mineralocorticoid deficiency, however, is not permanent.

Carnitine uptake defect due to a 5'UTR mutation in a pedigree with false positives and false negatives on Newborn screening.

Carnitine Uptake Defect (CUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations in the SLC22A5 gene. Classically patients present in infancy with profound muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy with characteristic EKG findings. Later presentations include recurrent hypoketotic hypoglycemia, proximal limb girdle myopathy,and/or recurrent muscle pain. Newborn screening detects most of these clinical variants but in addition has identified maternal CUD often in asymptomatic women. We describe a family ascertained through 3 newborn screening (NBS) positive infants found to be unaffected themselves but in whom the mothers (sisters) were affected. There were also two affected children born to an affected male and his heterozygous wife who were false negatives on NBS but had increased fractional excretion of free carnitine in the urine. Analysis on a Next Generation Sequencing panel specifically designed to fully cover newborn screening disease targets showed a homozygous change in the five probands (SLC22A5; NM_003060:c.-149G > A; p.?). The mutation segregates with the CUD within the family. It is in the 5' UTR and has a frequency within the gnomAd database of 0.001198. Plasma carnitine was decreased and fractional excretion of free carnitine was increased in all affected individuals. Functional carnitine uptake studies in cultured skin fibroblasts of one proband showed carnitine uptake at the 5 µM concentration to be 6% of controls. Relative expression of OCTN2 mRNA to beta-actin mRNA by qRT-PCR was increased in a proband relative to controls by a factor of 465-fold. Western blotting revealed a 120 kDa protein band, as well as a weaker 240 kDa band in the proband, the significance of which is unknown at this time.

Extract prepared from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum inhibits the entry of Zika virus.

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks and rapid spread in tropical Latin America since introduction to Brazil in 2014, and now appearing cases in the USA, are alarming. World Health Organization (WHO) has considered transmission of ZIKV, a serious public health problem because of the increasing number of outbreaks. There are currently no drugs approved for the treatment of ZIKV infection. Discovery of safe and effective drugs are hampered by the risk in treating pregnant woman and toxicity to the fetus. Sweet basil, known as Ocimum basilicum in the scientific community, is a very well-known medicinal herb. Numerous studies have documented its beneficial activity against a great variety of human pathogens ranging from bacteria and virus to fungus and protozoans. Although, basil extracts and oils have been tested successfully against other viruses, its application to tackle ZIKV infection has not been exploited at all. In this study, we report for the first time that highly diluted ethanol extracts prepared from basil leaves can effectively inhibit ZIKV replication in Vero E6 cells with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 1:134. The diluted extract as well as the amount of ethanol that goes into its preparation have been found to be completely non-toxic to the above mentioned cell line. The extract seems to inhibit the virus at the step of attachment and entry into the host cell. The specific inhibition of ZIKV observed using the basil leaf extract suggests a new alternative mode of treatment against flavivirus. Keywords: Zika virus; basil extract; antiviral.

Mercury and Organochlorines in the Terrestrial Environment of Schirmacher Hills, Antarctica.

We report the levels of mercury (Hg) and nine organochlorine pesticides [OCPs: α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), ß-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, α-Endosulfan, ß-Endosulfan, Endosulfan sulfate, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD)] in the terrestrial environment (moss and soil) and water (OCPs only) of Schirmacher Hills, Antarctica. This area has never been studied for mercury and not for OCPs since 1988. Mercury levels in moss, 66 ± 37 ng/g dry weight (dw), are comparable to other Antarctic locations. Levels of α-HCH, below detection to 4.48 ng/g dw, and p,p'-DDE, below detection to 31 ng/g dw, in mosses are lower or marginally higher than other Antarctic locations. No other OCPs were detected in moss. None of the OCPs were detected in soil. This suggests that Schirmacher Hills may be considered as a background site with respect to mercury and analyzed OCPs, despite the operation of two old research stations (Maitri, est. 1989, and Novolazarevskaya, est. 1961) in the region.

Assessment of Variations in Oxidative Stress in Newborns from Caesarian and Normal Delivery Based on Apgar Score.

Fetal distress seems to be strongly related to fetal hypoxia, which is known to cause derangement of the balance between pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant factors by depleting the antioxidant reserve and increasing oxidative stress. Reduced Apgar score signify the fetal distress in postpartum period. The current study explores the severity of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress markers along with the antioxidant status in the cord blood of the newborns with low Apgar score (Group 1), fairly low Apgar score (Group 2) and normal Apgar score (Group 3) in both categories born by Cesarean section (CS) and Normal delivery (ND). Cord blood was collected from eighty full terms, mature neonates of both sexes; forty born via ND and 40 delivered by CS. Apgar scores were recorded and they were grouped based on the different levels of the score. Methemoglobin (HbM), RBC glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), RBC reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured as markers of oxidative stress, whereas serum nitrate and nitrite levels were assayed as markers of nitrosative stress. The data obtained were analyzed for the level of significance between study variables. One way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference between the means of HbM (1.48±0.52, 1.03±0.4 and 0.69±0.31 for Group 1, 2 and 3 respectively, p<0.001), RBC G6PD (15.62±1.99, 18.16±2.47, 21.93±3.91) RBC GSH (7.7±1.55, 10.75±2.31, 16±6.10), serum nitrate (63.18±17.14, 49.29±14.39, 40.86±8.83) serum nitrite (4.89±1.8, 4.64±1.04, 3.69±0.72) between the three groups of ND neonates. The results were almost similar in CS neonates (HbM - 2.17±0.95, 1.45±0.62, 0.8±0.3; G6PD - 12.54±2.31, 14.31±2.17, 18.1±3.13; GSH - 7.6±2.23, 9±2.11, 12.78±2.83) except serum nitrate and nitrite where no significant difference was found between means among the different Apgar groups. The results suggest that lowest Apgar score ND neonates are exposed to highest oxidative, nitrosative stress and have the poorest antioxidant defense. The CS neonates have the similar fate except the insignificant difference between the nitrosative stresses among the three Apgar score groups signifying that they are better protected against the nitrosative stress than their ND counterparts.

Unusual rotavirus genotypes in humans and animals with acute diarrhoea in Northeast India.

Rotavirus (RV) infection causes acute infantile diarrhoea in humans and animals and remains a major concern for vaccine development. The close proximity of humans to animals may foster cross-species infection resulting in the emergence of novel/unusual strains by genetic reassortment. In this study, we characterized 500 diarrhoeal samples for group A rotaviruses (RVA) from children (n = 290), piglets (n = 95) and calves (n = 115) in Northeast India during 2012-2013. The data showed that 142/500 (28·4%) faecal samples were positive for RVA with the highest level of infection detected in piglets (57/142, 40·1%) followed by children (51/142, 35·9%) and calves (34/142, 23·9%). Sequence-based G- and P-typing showed G1P[8] (25%) and G1P[7] (35%) were the prevailing genotypes in both humans and animals. Single cases of unusual genotypes, i.e. G9P[8], G5P[8] in humans and G1P[13], G1P[23] and G3P[7] in animals were also identified. Cluster analyses of the sequences showed regional strains were genetically closer to their homologous strains. However, human G5P[8] and porcine G1P[8] strains showed homology to heterologous hosts of their prototype strains. The subsequent global spread of unusual RV strains may result in their establishment over time, presenting challenges to future vaccine evaluation programmes. More studies on emerging genotypes are required to elucidate how RVA strains evolve post-vaccination. This study supports the need for continuous surveillance of RVA infections after detecting from diverse hosts in a common setting.

Isotope fractionation in silicate melts by thermal diffusion.

The phenomenon of thermal diffusion (mass diffusion driven by a temperature gradient, known as the Ludwig-Soret effect) has been investigated for over 150 years, but an understanding of its underlying physical basis remains elusive. A significant hurdle in studying thermal diffusion has been the difficulty of characterizing it. Extensive experiments over the past century have established that the Soret coefficient, S(T) (a single parameter that describes the steady-state result of thermal diffusion), is highly sensitive to many factors. This sensitivity makes it very difficult to obtain a robust characterization of thermal diffusion, even for a single material. Here we show that for thermal diffusion experiments that span a wide range in composition and temperature, the difference in S(T) between isotopes of diffusing elements that are network modifiers (iron, calcium and magnesium) is independent of the composition and temperature. On the basis of this finding, we propose an additive decomposition for the functional form of S(T) and argue that a theoretical approach based on local thermodynamic equilibrium holds promise for describing thermal diffusion in silicate melts and other complex solutions. Our results lead to a simple and robust framework for characterizing isotope fractionation by thermal diffusion in natural and synthetic systems.

Serum Copper Status among Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients in Bangladesh.

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. The aim of the study was to explore the serum copper status among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed AMI patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum copper determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 20. Among the study groups the mean serum copper levels were 150.30±26.16 and 103.65±9.38 in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum copper level was significantly (p<0.01) increased in AMI patients in comparison to that of control group.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).

To evaluate the biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome in case of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients this case control study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013. To assess of serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, to estimate of serum glucose and to establish the association of age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, waist hip ratio and blood pressure of myocardial infarction patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in the study. Among them 60 were subjects of AMI cases and another 60 subjects of non AMI patients as controls. Serum total cholesterol, serum triacylglycerol, serum LDL-Cholesterol & serum HDL-Cholesterol were estimated in each sample. All values were expressed as Mean±SD. Statistical significance of difference between case and control were evaluated by using student's unpaired 't' test. All statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Past history of diabetes Mellitus and hypertension were more common in cases compared to those in control (p<0.001) which was statistically highly significant. There was no significant difference in the history of smoking between case and control. Statistical mean values of serum triacylglycerol, serum FBS, serum total cholesterol were highly significant in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.001). Statistical mean value of HDL-C was significantly decreased in AMI patients in contrast to control (p<0.001). In this study systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly increased in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.05). Waist circumference was highly significant in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.001). Analyzing the findings of the present study there were significant alteration in lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar & WC. These findings reaffirm the clinical importance of the metabolic syndrome as a significant risk factor for AMI. So it may be recommended that estimation of these parameters may help pivotal for better management of AMI.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of rotavirus VP7-encoding gene from humans and animals of Northeast India: a relative study of Indian and global isolates.

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was developed to examine the genetic relationship between 67 (29 Indian, 38 global) rotavirus isolates of human, bovine and porcine neonates. The assay involved direct digestion of RT-PCR amplified VP7 cDNAs with three restriction enzymes (VspI, HaeIII, NlaIV) independently. Forty-eight RFLP patterns were identified for all 67 strains, and of these 20 patterns were associated with Indian isolates. A correlation between the restriction patterns and G type was apparent through deduction of enzyme restriction sites from known sequences. Major G serotypes (G1, G2, G6, G8) with a few mixed types could be differentiated where there was a positive assortment of intrinsic serotypes from multiple host origin, and certain single or combined enzyme profiles were highly dominant in the population. Significant genetic variations were established between global and Indian isolates and none of the RFLP patterns were shared between them. These data suggest that the Indian wild-type rotavirus population is distinguishable based on the VP7 gene, and co-circulation of distinct strains in different hosts is foremost, indicating the possible likelihood of inter-species transmission.

Scaling of near-wall flows in quasi-two-dimensional turbulent channels.

The law of the wall and the log law rule the near-wall mean velocity profile of three-dimensional turbulent flows. These well-known laws, which are validated by legions of experiments and simulations, may be universal. Here, using a soap-film channel, we report the first experimental test of these laws in quasi-two-dimensional turbulent channel flows under two disparate turbulent spectra. We find that despite the differences with three-dimensional flows, the laws prevail, albeit with notable distinctions: the two parameters of the log law are markedly distinct from their three-dimensional counterpart; further, one parameter (the von Kármán constant) is independent of the spectrum whereas the other (the offset of the log law) depends on the spectrum. Our results suggest that the classical theory of scaling in wall-bounded turbulence is incomplete wherein a key missing element is the link with the turbulent spectrum.

Serum magnesium status among acute myocardial infarction patients in Bangladesh.

This case control cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with Cardiology Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the period of July 2004 to June 2005. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum magnesium among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 100 subjects were selected and were grouped as Group I (50 healthy control subjects) and Group II (50 subjects of AMI Cases). Serum magnesium was estimated by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD (Standard Deviation) of Group I and Group II serum magnesium were 2.16±0.25 and 1.71±0.17mg/dl respectively. By comparing Group I with Group II highly significant difference were found in case of serum magnesium (p<0.001). It is evident from the study that serum magnesium level significantly decreases among acute myocardial infarction patients in Bangladesh.

An evaluation of serum magnesium status in pre-eclampsia compared to the normal pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a disease which causes significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing countries. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of pre-eclampsia has not yet been fully elucidated. Although several evidences indicate that various elements such as serum Magnesium, Calcium etc. might play an important role in pre-eclampsia. The present study prospectively determines and evaluate whether maternal serum levels of magnesium has any association with pre-eclampsia or not. It was a cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College from July 2009 to June 2010. A total of 108 subjects were selected with the duration of pregnancy from 28th week of gestation to term of which 42 were normal pregnant women (as control) and 66 were pre-eclamptic (34 with mild and 32 with severe preeclampsia) admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Mymensingh medical college hospital. Serum Magnesium level was determined in the laboratory by colorimetric method using recommended commercial kit. Student's unpaired t-test was used to see the statistical significance of the difference between the mean values of the estimated parameters. The mean serum levels of Magnesium in normal pregnant group was 1.91±0.08mg/dl, mild pre-eclamptic group was 1.8±0.11mg/dl,and in severe pre-eclamptic group was 1.75±0.10mg/dl. The mean serum Magnesium of women with mild pre-eclampsia as well as severe pre-eclampsia was significantly (p<0.001) decreased in comparison to that of the control. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum magnesium was also found in subject with severe pre-eclamptic compared to that of the mild pre-eclamptic. So, these results indicate that reduction in serum levels of magnesium during pregnancy might be a possible contributor in the etiology of pre-eclampsia and supplementation of this element as diet or drugs may be of value to prevent pre-eclampsia.

Serum iron status among visceral leishmaniasis patients.

This case control cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh in cooperation with the Department of Microbiology, Medicine units of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Fulbaria & Muktagacha Upazilla Health Complexes, Mymensingh during the period of July 2006 - June 2007. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum iron among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Bangladesh as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 people of different age groups were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups - Group I (Control) consisting of 60 apparently healthy persons matched by age, sex and socioeconomic status with the cases and Group II (Case) consisting of 60 "ICT for Kala-azar" positive VL patients. Serum iron was estimated by colorimetric method with ferrozine from each sample. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD (Standard Deviation) of Group I and Group II serum iron were 100.67±20.83 and 76.76±8.64µgm/dl respectively. By comparing Group I with Group II highly significant difference were found in case of serum iron (P<0.001). It is evident from the study that serum iron level significantly decreases among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Bangladesh.

Serum albumin and creatinine clearance rate among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh.

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in cooperation with the Outpatient Department and Medicine Units of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Fulbaria Upazilla Health Complex, Mymensingh and some DOTS centers of BRAC, a non-government organization during the period of July 2006 to June 2007. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum albumin & creatinine clearance levels in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients as these levels decrease significantly. Serum albumin level was investigated in TB patients for monitoring the nutritional status of TB patients and also for the adjustment of serum calcium level. Creatinine clearance rate was investigated in TB patients for monitoring the impairment of renal function and nutritional depletion in tuberculosis patients. A total of 120 people of different age groups were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups- Group I (Control; n=60) - apparently healthy people selected matching by age, sex and socioeconomic status with the cases and Group II (Case; n=60) - people with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum albumin was estimated by colorimetric principle. Serum creatinine was also estimated by colorimetric principle & creatinine clearance rate was estimated from serum creatinine by Cockcroft- Gault equation. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD of serum albumin in Group II (3.74±0.44gm/dl) was significantly lower (p<0.001) than that in Group I (4.85±0.31gm/dl). Mean±SD of creatinine clearance rate in Group II (35.36±8.29ml/min) was also significantly lower than that in Group I (84.16±20.20ml/min). It is evident from the study that serum albumin & creatinine clearance rate levels significantly decrease in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Study of Changes in Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Level during Postmenopausal Period of Women in Bangladesh.

The study was designed to evaluate the serum alkaline phosphatase level may be altered in postmenopausal women. This case-control study was carried out in the Department of the Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. The subjects were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria by purposive (non-random) method. This study included 50 postmenopausal women as case. The results were compared with 50 apparently healthy pre-menopausal women as control. All statistical analysis was done by SPSS windows package. The values were expressed as Mean±SD. Statistical significance of difference between two groups was evaluated by using student's unpaired t-test. Serum alkaline phosphatase level was analyzed. Serum alkaline phosphatase was determined by using colorimetric method. The mean value of serum alkaline phosphatase was 325.56±76.79 U/L respectively in Group B (Case) and 136.50±76.50 U/L respectively in Group A (Control). The level of serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased in Group B (Case). Menopause has an effect on serum alkaline phosphatase which leads to increased risk of development of osteoporosis. This study may facilated the clinicians and gynaecologists to update their knowledge in regard to serum alkaline phosphatase level of women associated with menopause.

Body iron status among acute myocardial infarction patients.

This case control cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with Cardiology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the period of July 2004 to June 2005. The aim of the study was to explore the status of body iron among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in Bangladesh as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 100 subjects were selected and were grouped as Group I (50 healthy Control subjects) and Group II (50 subjects of AMI Cases). Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) & transferrin saturation were estimated from each sample. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD of Group I serum iron, TIBC & transferrin saturation were 71.84±9.10, 336.66±35.39 & 21.73±4.88 respectively and of Group II serum iron, TIBC & transferrin saturation were 137.55±18.22, 267.99±34.97 & 52.40±11.74 respectively. By comparing Group I with Group II highly significant difference were found in case of serum iron (p<0.001), TIBC (p<0.001) and transferrin saturation (p<0.001). It is evident from the study that body iron (serum iron, TIBC & transferrin saturation) level significantly increases among acute myocardial infarction patients in Bangladesh.

Serum calcium level among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh.

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh in cooperation with the Outpatient Department and Medicine Units of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Fulbaria Upazilla Health Complex, Mymensingh and some DOTS centers of BRAC, a non-government organization during the period of July 2006 to June 2007. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum calcium level in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients. A total of 120 people of different age groups were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups - Group I (Control; n=60) apparently healthy people selected matching by age, sex and socioeconomic status with the cases and Group II (Case; n=60) people with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum calcium was estimated by colorimetric principle. Serum calcium was adjusted by serum albumin concentration. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD of adjusted serum calcium in Group II (2.41±0.15mmol/L) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that in Group I (1.85±0.11mmol/L). It is evident from the study that serum calcium level significantly increases in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Study on serum glucose level among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh.

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh in cooperation with the Outpatient Department and Medicine Units of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Fulbaria Upazilla Health Complex, Mymensingh and some DOTS centers of BRAC, a non-government organization during the period of July 2006 to June 2007. The aim of the study was to explore the status of serum glucose level in smear positive Bangladeshi pulmonary tuberculosis patients. A total of 120 people of different age groups were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups - Group I (Control; n=60) - apparently healthy people selected matching by age, sex and socioeconomic status with the cases and Group II (Case; n=60) - people with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum glucose (fasting) was estimated by colorimetric principle. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Among the groups, mean±SD of serum glucose (fasting) in Group II (5.91±1.02mmol/L) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in Group I (4.87±0.57mmol/L). It is evident from the study that serum glucose level significantly increases in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Associations between pollen counts, pollutants, and asthma-related hospital admissions in a high-density Indian metropolis.

BACKGROUND: The seasonal pattern of asthma-related hospitalization has often been correlated with ambient allergen/pollutant levels. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between asthma-related hospital admissions (ARHA) and outdoor pollen, spore, and pollutant levels for adult patients in a densely populated Indian megacity Kolkata. METHODS: ARHA data were obtained from two major teaching hospitals of the city. Pollen and spores causing allergic sensitization were identified by skin prick tests (SPTs) among respiratory allergic subjects (N = 1353). Outdoor concentrations of aeroallergens were determined using a Burkard sampler for five consecutive years (2004-2009). Levels of NO(2), SO(2), suspended particulate matters (SPMs), and respirable particulate matters (RPMs) were made available by West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB, Government of West Bengal). Poisson multivariate Poisson regression (with adjustments for overdispersion) was used to model the data. Results. We found that ARHA in Kolkata increased with predictable regularity in March and September, while remaining low in January and July. SPT showed highly positive skin reactions with grass/weed and palm pollens in respiratory allergic patients, while Aspergilli spores also evoked good sensitivity. In our regression model, the airborne pollen types, Cheno-Amaranthaceae and Cyperaceae, and the inorganic pollutant, SO(2) and RPM, were significantly associated with ARHA (p < .05). CONCLUSION: ARHA in the megacity of Kolkata shows two seasonal peaks that can be correlated with outdoor grass/weed pollen and RPM concentrations. In contrast, the city's ambient fungal spore counts were not found to be significantly associated.