Integrated cognitive-behavioral intervention reduced alcohol use and perpetration of intimate partner violence in a man with alcohol dependence syndrome: A case study.

Heavy alcohol use poses an increased risk for intimate partner violence. We present here a novel therapeutic treatment, integrated cognitive-behavioral intervention (ICBI), a treatment approach for men with alcohol dependence who also perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). ICBI includes a meaningful integration of cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy techniques. In this case study of an adult married male with alcohol dependence, who also self-reported perpetration of IPV, we found that ICBI was an effective treatment approach not only in reducing alcohol consumption and perpetration of IPV but also in improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in his wife. Important limitations, however, were the short duration of follow-up and concurrent pharmacological treatment. Salient aspects of psychotherapy process and outcome, indications for, and utility of integrated approaches to treatment are discussed.

A study of resilience among young adult children of alcoholics in Southern India.

Young Adult Children of Alcoholics (YACOA) are vulnerable to emotional psychopathology. However, some of them remain healthy and lead a productive life despite growing up in adverse circumstances. The present study aims at understanding the relationship between resilience and positive psychological factors among those healthy YACOA. Participants who were identified as YACOA were enrolled from both urban and rural colleges in Karnataka (India). Among them, those who did not report emotional psychopathology were assessed on measures of Resilience, socio-cultural factors (family support, community support, and participation in religious rituals), Self-efficacy and psychological well-being. They were divided into high and low resilience groups based on the median scores. YACOA with high resilience had a significant positive association with cultural factors of resilience whereas YACOA with low resilience had significant positive association with self-efficacy and sub-categories of psychological wellbeing. Binary Logistic Regression analysis found that socio-cultural factors were found to be associated with high resilience among YACOA. This study has recognized the significance of socio-cultural factors and self-acceptance in enhancing resilience among healthy YACOA. These findings offer insights into the interventions for the wellbeing of the YACOA.

Productivity losses among individuals with common mental illness and comorbid cardiovascular disease in rural Karnataka, India.

CONTEXT: Common mental disorders (CMD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) frequently co-occur. Productivity losses due to these diseases are substantial in high-income countries. Similar data from the developing world are lacking. AIMS: This study aims to quantify productivity losses among individuals with comorbid CMD and CVD in rural Karnataka, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was done among patients with a dual diagnosis of a comorbid CMD and CVD in a district in Karnataka, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and three patients were administered the iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire to measure losses of productivity at paid work (absenteeism and presenteeism) and unpaid work. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Valuation of productivity losses was done by multiplying the number of days of lost productivity by the standard value of productivity based on the minimum wage for agricultural work. RESULTS: Among individuals with dual CMD and CVD, 76% had productivity losses. These losses were higher at unpaid (62%) than at paid work (32%). At paid work, losses due to presenteeism were greater than those due to absenteeism. The total days of productivity loss were 1204, amounting to 14.2% of the available person-days. The total productivity loss among 303 individuals with mental illness and comorbid CVD over a 4-week period amounted to 30.3 INR (0.47 USD) per person per day, representing 9.9% of total potential productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Productivity losses due to common mental illnesses and CVDs are high. There is a need to conduct more studies in this field.

Does early vitamin B12 supplementation improve neurodevelopment and cognitive function in childhood and into school age: a study protocol for extended follow-ups from randomised controlled trials in India and Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: As many as 250 million children under the age of 5 may not be reaching their full developmental potential partly due to poor nutrition during pregnancy and the first 2 years of life. Micronutrients, including vitamin B12, are important for the development of brain structure and function; however, the timing, duration and severity of deficiencies may alter the impact on functional development outcomes. Consequently, to fully explore the effect of vitamin B12 on cognitive function, it is crucial to measure neurodevelopment at different ages, in different populations and with vitamin B12 supplementation at different times during the critical periods of neurodevelopment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this project, we follow up children from four recently completed randomised placebo-controlled trials of oral vitamin B12 supplementation, two in India and two in Tanzania, to explore the long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes and growth. All the included trials provided at least two recommended dietary allowances of oral vitamin B12 daily for at least 6 months. Vitamin B12 was supplemented either during pregnancy, early infancy or early childhood. Primary outcomes are neurodevelopmental status, cognitive function and growth later in childhood. We apply validated and culturally appropriate instruments to identify relevant developmental outcomes. All statistical analyses will be done according to intention-to-treat principles. The project provides an excellent opportunity to examine the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation in different periods during early life and measure the outcomes later in childhood. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has received ethical approvals from all relevant authorities in Norway, USA, Tanzania and India and complies fully with ethical principles for medical research. Results will be presented at national and international research and policy meetings and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, preferably open access. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00641862 (Bangalore); NCT00717730, updated CTRI/2016/11/007494 (Delhi); NCT00197548 and NCT00421668 (Dar es Salaam).

Short-Term Outcome in Patients Undergoing Gastrectomy with D2 Lymphadenectomy for Carcinoma Stomach.

The safety and feasibility of D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer in Western patients have been shown by Italian Gastric Cancer Study Group (IGCSG). In our center at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), we have been doing D1 lymphadenectomy all these years. Hence, this study was taken up to assess the feasibility of gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with gastric cancer at JIPMER, Puducherry, India. Of the 148 carcinoma stomach patients explored, a total of 52 patients (35.13%) underwent resection with D1 (34 patients) or D2 (18 patients) lymphadenectomy, who formed the study groups. Patients were admitted and investigated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) and other appropriate investigations including contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen. Eligible patients had no serious comorbid cardiorespiratory disease that would preclude a safe D2 procedure. Two-third of the patients in both the groups belonged to the 50-75 age group. The mean number of nodes dissected was 6.44 ± 5.3 in the gastrectomy with D1 lymphadenectomy group versus 21.67 ± 5.3 in the gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy group. There was no difference in the intraoperative blood loss, the number of units of blood transfused and the duration of surgery between D1 and D2 lymphadenectomy in our study. There was no difference between the postoperative stay and overall stay between the D1 and D2 lymphadenectomy. There was no significant difference between the overall morbidity and mortality or when the surgical complications were analysed individually. Intraoperative blood loss, the number of units of blood required for transfusion and the duration of surgery were not increased in D2 lymphadenectomy. The number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly more in D2 lymphadenectomy that resulted in a better staging. Postoperative morbidity or mortality in patients undergoing D2 lymphadenectomy was the same as in D1 lymphadenectomy. Hence, gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy could be done safely.

Chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: A review.

Chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) is a difficult problem faced by the patients following radiation for pelvic malignancy. There is no standard treatment for this condition, but many methods of treatment are available. The aim of this study was to review the literature to see whether there is an improvement in the available evidence in comparison with previously published systematic reviews in treating patients with CHRP. The PubMed/Medline database and Google Scholar search was selectively searched. Studies, which treated patients with rectal bleeding due to chronic radiation proctitis or CHRP, were included. Seventy studies were finally selected out of which 14 were randomized controlled clinical trials. Though these studies could not be compared, it could be seen that there was an improvement in the methodology of the studies. There was an objective assessment of symptoms, signs and an objective assessment of outcomes. But, still, there were only a few studies that looked into the quality of life following treatment of CHRP. To increase recruitment to trials, a national registry of cases with established late radiation toxicity would facilitate the further improvement of such studies. Some of the conclusions that could be reached based on the available evidence are 4% formalin should be the first line treatment for patients with CHRP. Formalin and argon plasma coagulation (APC) are equally effective, but formalin is better for severe disease. Refractory patients, not responding to formalin or APC, need to be referred for hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgery. Radio-frequency ablation is a promising modality that needs to be studied further in randomized trials.

Subclinical Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Heart Rate Variability Across Life Cycle.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate association between plasma vitamin B12 and heart rate variability in clusters of population of various ages across life cycle. METHODS: 47 healthy children from an ongoing pregnancy and birth cohort, 32 young adults and 47 healthy elderly subjects were recruited following inclusion and exclusion criteria. All subjects underwent plasma vitamin B12, anthropometry and heart rate variability (HRV). RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/l) across age groups were 51.1 % for children, 56.2 % for young adults and 61.7 % for the elderly group respectively. There was large variability in vitamin B12 status across the age groups. Frequency distribution of low frequency (LF) absolute units HRV in the elderly was skewed, whereas in children and young adult group there was wide distribution of LF HRV. Association between Log LF absolute units HRV and plasma vitamin B12 across groups were tested using curve fit models. In children a linear curve estimation best fitted and explained 9.3 % of the association (n=47, .=0.003, P=0.03, R2=0.09). There was no association between log LF absolute units HRV and plasma vitamin B12 in the young adult group. In the elderly group a power curve fit model best fitted and explained 8.9 % of the association. Inspection of the power curve fit model demonstrated a curvilinear pattern; there was a linear association in the elderly with vitamin B12 levels less than 200 pmol/l. However, elderly with vitamin B12 values >200 pmol/l demonstrated saturation (plateauing) of log LF HRV. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated varied pattern of responses between vitamin B12 status and LF power of HRV across age groups. Thus, it is important to consider these associations before planning supplementation of vitamin B12.

Oral ketamine and dexmedetomidine in adults' burns wound dressing--A randomized double blind cross over study.

Study was designed to compare analgesic efficacy and side effects of oral dexmedetomidine and ketamine in adults for burn wound dressing. Sixty healthy adults with thermal burns with burn area (20-50%) were randomly assigned into 2 groups. In Group K 5mg/kg ketamine and in Group D 4 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine was given orally. Patients crossed over to the other group the following day. Visual analogue score, sedation score, haemodynamic parameters were recorded from 30min after drug administration to 2h after procedure. Patients' preference was also recorded. Mean VAS score was significantly reduced from baseline in both the groups at all time points (P<0.05). Pain relief in Group K (overall mean VAS 2.6±0.6cm) was significantly better when compared to Group D (overall mean VAS 3.8±0.8cm). Patients in group K were significantly more sedated (median 3) when compared to group D (median 2), P<0.05. Delirium and excessive salivation were significant complications observed with ketamine. More patients preferred ketamine (63.3%) than dexmedetomidine (36.7%), P<0.05. Oral ketamine and dexmedetomidine produced significant pain relief during burns wound dressing. Oral ketamine produced significantly better pain relief than dexmedetomidine but was associated with delirium and excessive salivation.

Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults.

RATIONALE: A number of studies have indicated positive effects of long-term administration (3 months) of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on various cognitive functions especially memory and anxiety. However, inconsistent results in literature may be linked to various methodological issues. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to test the chronic effects (12 weeks) of 450 mg of a B. monniera (Brahmi) extract on learning and memory, information processing and anxiety in healthy adult Indian population. METHODS: The study design was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design. Participants comprised of 72 healthy urban adults, both men and women, in the age range of 35-60 years who were educated and English speaking with basic knowledge of computers from Bangalore. The outcome measures included verbal learning and memory, inspection time, attention and interference. State and trait anxiety were additional outcome variables. RESULTS: In the present study, there were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the cognitive measures. However, there was a trend for lower state anxiety in the B. monniera (Brahmi) group as compared to placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The current study attempted to determine the chronic effects of single daily dose of 450 mg of Brahmi extract on cognitive performance and anxiety in healthy adults. The results of the current study are not in agreement with findings of some of the earlier studies which have found improvement both on cognitive parameters and a reduction of anxiety scores.

Preoperative radiotherapy in carcinoma rectum.

The present study was undertaken to address the various concerns that has limited the use of preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer in our institution. All patients diagnosed as having carcinoma rectum between August 2005 and July 2007 were included in the study. Group 1 patients consisted of those presenting with T2, T3 and T4 who received preoperative radiation of 25 Gy. Group 2 consisted of those with T4 tumours, who received Long course radiotherapy. Complication of radiation like dermatitis, enteritis and proctitis were noted. Before surgery CT scan and TRUS were repeated. In the postoperative period a record of abdominal, perineal wound complications and other complications were noted. The results were compared with a similar group of patients who did not receive preoperative radiotherapy. There were 21 patients (12males) with a mean age of 48.4 years (Range 18-70) in the radiotherapy group. Sixteen patients received short course (25 Gy) and five patients received long course of preoperative radiotherapy. Fourteen patients underwent definitive surgery in the form of abdominoperineal resection (APR) or anterior resection (AR). In the non-RT group there were 17 patients (8 males) with a mean age of 50.2 year. Fourteen patients underwent definitive surgery like APR (11) and AR (3). In the RT group CT scan and TRUS failed show any significant downsizing or down staging of tumour. In the RT group, incidence of acute skin toxicity was 23.8 % (5/21), all were seen in those who received long course of radiotherapy (Group 2). Grade 2 or 3 lower G I symptoms occurred in 3 (18.6 %) patients of Group 1 and 1(20 %) patient of group 2. There was higher incidence of perineal wound complication in the RT group (19.0 % vs 5.9 %). Preoperative long course of radiotherapy may be associated with high rates of dermatitis and perineal wound infection. Short course may be associated with lower G I toxicity.

Community acquired secondary bacterial peritonitis in a tertiary hospital of South India: an audit with special reference to peritoneal fluid culture.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to elucidate the spectrum of community acquired acute bacterial peritonitis, the role of microbiological culture in its management and other factors affecting its outcome. METHODS: This was a prospective study wherein we examined cases of secondary bacterial peritonitis admitted and operated at our institution from January 2005 to May 2006. The peritoneal fluid was sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. Patients were followed up with relevant progress details till discharge or death. RESULTS: We enrolled 352 patients. The mean age of the study population was 42.4 years with a male:female ratio of 7:1. Gastroduodenal perforations formed the major site of perforation (51%), followed by small bowel (29%) and appendicular perforations (17%). Culture positivity rate was 64%. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species were the predominant isolates from peritoneal fluid. These main isolates were predominantly sensitive to ceftazidime, amikacin and chloramphenicol. Ampicillin with gentamicin and metronidazole was the first line of treatment used preoperatively in 67% of the patients, given its low cost and easier availability. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 52% and 16.5% respectively. 78% of patients received inadequate antibiotics preoperatively. Only 26% had appropriate change of antibiotics postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant benefit of postoperative change of antibiotics based on culture results. Analysis of factors influencing mortality shows dominance of host related factors over the type and source of infection with high risk population identified by age > 60 years, delayed presentations > 3 days and APACHE II score > 15.

A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MDR1 gene as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 3435C > T in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene has been shown to correlate with the functioning of P-glycoprotein. We studied the frequency of SNP in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene in breast cancer and its role in predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma were enrolled. Genotyping of exon 26 of the MDR1 gene was performed, and computed tomography scans were performed before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Response to 3 cycles of the 5-fluorouracil/doxorubicin/ cyclophosphamide (FAC) regimen was assessed. The prevalence of SNP was compared with that of historical controls. Association of the response was compared with the genotypes. RESULTS: The frequency of genotypes was different from that of healthy sex-matched historical controls. Prevalence of TT genotype was significantly increased in breast cancer patients (P = .025). The patients with TT genotype had 2.26 times the chance of responding to neoadjuvant chemotherapy when compared with patients with the CC genotype (P = .44). CONCLUSION: Significantly higher prevalence of 3435TT genotype in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene in patients with breast cancer might suggest the possibility of increased breast cancer susceptibility. The genotypes did not show any significant association to response to chemotherapy in the population studied.