Challenges encountered in community-based physiotherapy interventions for urinary incontinence among women in rural areas of Anand District of Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to understand the way women think about their health. There is a "culture of silence" among women regarding urinary incontinence (UI). Physiotherapy is proven effective mode of therapy in case of UI. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the attitude of the women toward UI, to understand the related sociocultural factors and health-seeking behavior, and to ascertain the challenges encountered in community-based physiotherapy interventions. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among women who refused to participate in a physiotherapy intervention for UI in the rural community of Gujarat, India. Fourteen in-depth key informant interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The responses were noted and compiled into a composite interview script. Interviews were not recorded due to nonavailability of consent. Interviews were reviewed by investigators and content analysis was carried out. Key themes were identified after multiple iterations. RESULTS: Most of the women were unaware of the UI and believed that it may be due to their gender or due to aging. Physiotherapy interventions were disregarded due to various reasons such as shy nature, lack of priority and privacy, dependency, self-neglect, and influence of social and cultural norms. CONCLUSION: Cultural and social systems were more important determinants of health seeking than health systems themselves particularly when sensitive issue such as UI in women of rural Western India was concerned.

Global genetic variation of select opiate metabolism genes in self-reported healthy individuals.

CYP2D6 is a key pharmacogene encoding an enzyme impacting poor, intermediate, extensive and ultrarapid phase I metabolism of many marketed drugs. The pharmacogenetics of opiate drug metabolism is particularly interesting due to the relatively high incidence of addiction and overdose. Recently, trans-acting opiate metabolism and analgesic response enzymes (UGT2B7, ABCB1, OPRM1 and COMT) have been incorporated into pharmacogenetic studies to generate more comprehensive metabolic profiles of patients. With use of massively parallel sequencing, it is possible to identify additional polymorphisms that fine tune, or redefine, previous pharmacogenetic findings, which typically rely on targeted approaches. The 1000 Genomes Project data were analyzed to describe population genetic variation and statistics for these five genes in self-reported healthy individuals in five global super- and 26 sub-populations. Findings on the variation of these genes in various populations expand baseline understanding of pharmacogenetically relevant polymorphisms for future studies of affected cohorts.

PDE11A negatively regulates lithium responsivity.

Lithium responsivity in patients with bipolar disorder has been genetically associated with Phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A), and lithium decreases PDE11A mRNA in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hippocampal neurons originating from lithium-responsive patients. PDE11 is an enzyme uniquely enriched in the hippocampus that breaks down cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. Here we determined whether decreasing PDE11A expression is sufficient to increase lithium responsivity in mice. In dorsal hippocampus and ventral hippocampus (VHIPP), lithium-responsive C57BL/6J and 129S6/SvEvTac mice show decreased PDE11A4 protein expression relative to lithium-unresponsive BALB/cJ mice. In VHIPP, C57BL/6J mice also show differences in PDE11A4 compartmentalization relative to BALB/cJ mice. In contrast, neither PDE2A nor PDE10A expression differ among the strains. The compartment-specific differences in PDE11A4 protein expression are explained by a coding single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at amino acid 499, which falls within the GAF-B homodimerization domain. Relative to the BALB/cJ 499T, the C57BL/6J 499A decreases PDE11A4 homodimerization, which removes PDE11A4 from the membrane. Consistent with the observation that lower PDE11A4 expression correlates with better lithium responsiveness, we found that Pde11a knockout mice (KO) given 0.4% lithium chow for 3+ weeks exhibit greater lithium responsivity relative to wild-type (WT) littermates in tail suspension, an antidepressant-predictive assay, and amphetamine hyperlocomotion, an anti-manic predictive assay. Reduced PDE11A4 expression may represent a lithium-sensitive pathophysiology, because both C57BL/6J and Pde11a KO mice show increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) relative to BALB/cJ and PDE11A WT mice, respectively. Our finding that PDE11A4 negatively regulates lithium responsivity in mice suggests that the PDE11A SNPs identified in patients may be functionally relevant.

Development of fuzzy air quality index using soft computing approach.

Proper assessment of air quality status in an atmosphere based on limited observations is an essential task for meeting the goals of environmental management. A number of classification methods are available for estimating the changing status of air quality. However, a discrepancy frequently arises from the quality criteria of air employed and vagueness or fuzziness embedded in the decision making output values. Owing to inherent imprecision, difficulties always exist in some conventional methodologies like air quality index when describing integrated air quality conditions with respect to various pollutants parameters and time of exposure. In recent years, the fuzzy logic-based methods have demonstrated to be appropriated to address uncertainty and subjectivity in environmental issues. In the present study, a methodology based on fuzzy inference systems (FIS) to assess air quality is proposed. This paper presents a comparative study to assess status of air quality using fuzzy logic technique and that of conventional technique. The findings clearly indicate that the FIS may successfully harmonize inherent discrepancies and interpret complex conditions.

Novel blue light-sensitive proteins from a metagenomic approach.

A microarray-based approach was used to screen a soil metagenome for the presence of blue light (BL) photoreceptor-encoding genes. The microarray carried 149 different 54-mer oligonucleotides, derived from consensus sequences of light, oxygen and voltage (LOV) domain BL photoreceptor genes. Calibration of the microarrays allowed the detection of minimally 50 ng of genomic DNA against a background of 2-5 microg of genomic DNA. Identification of a positive cosmid clone was still possible for an amount of 0.25 ng against a background of 10 microg of labelled DNA clones. The array could readily identify targets carrying 4% sequence mismatch. Using the LOV microarray, up to 1200 library clones in concentrations of c. 20 ng each with a c. 40 kb insert size could be screened in a single batch. After calibration and reliability controls, the microarray was probed with cosmid-cloned DNA from the thermophilic fraction of a soil sample. From this approach, a novel gene was isolated that encodes a protein consisting of several Per-Arnt-Sim domains, a LOV domain associated to a histidine kinase and a response regulator domain. The novel gene showed highest similarity to a known sequence from Kineococcus radiotolerans SRS30216 (58% identity for the LOV domain only) and to a gene from Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 (57% identity). The gene, designated as ht-met1 (Hamburg Thermophile Metagenome 1), was isolated and fully sequenced (3615 bp). ht-met1 is followed by a second open reading frame encoding a Fe-chelatase, an arrangement quite frequent for BL photoreceptors. The LOV domain region of ht-met1 was subcloned and expressed yielding a fully functional, flavin-containing LOV domain. Irradiation generated the typical LOV photochemistry, with the transient formation of a flavin-protein photoadduct. The dark recovery lifetime was found as tau(REC) = 120 s (20 degrees C) and is among the fastest ones determined so far for bacterial LOV domains.

Tricho-hepatic-enteric syndrome (THES) without intractable diarrhoea.

Tricho-hepatic-enteric syndrome (THES) is a genetically heterogeneous rare syndrome (OMIM: 222470 (THES1) and 614602 (THES2)) that typically presents in the neonatal period with intractable diarrhoea, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), facial dysmorphism, and hair and skin changes. THES is associated with pathogenic variants in either TTC37 or SKIV2L; both are components of the human SKI complex, an RNA exosome cofactor. We report an 8 year old girl who was diagnosed with THES by the Undiagnosed Disease Program-WA with compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in SKIV2L. While THES was considered in the differential diagnosis, the absence of protracted diarrhoea delayed definitive diagnosis. We therefore suggest that SKIV2L testing should be considered in cases otherwise suggestive of THES, but without the characteristic diarrhoea. We expand the phenotypic spectrum while reviewing the current knowledge on SKIV2L.

A method for determining the rate of major limb amputations in battle casualties: experiences of a British Field Hospital in Iraq, 2003.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of battle casualties undergoing surgery at 34 Field Hospital, the sole Coalition field hospital in Iraq during the conflict, sustained injuries to the extremities. To compare our experiences with those from previous conflicts, we report data on major limb amputations and propose a method for determining the rate of major limb amputation in a conflict setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of battle casualties admitted to the hospital was carried out based on casualty records and operating theatre logbooks. Data were collected for the period 26 March and 8 May 2003, focusing on casualties undergoing surgery for battle-injured extremities during the conflict. RESULTS: 68 (55%) casualties underwent surgery for battle injuries to extremities. Six upper and eight lower limb amputations (proximal to carpals and tarsals) were carried out from a total of 87 battle-injured limbs that had surgery, giving an overall amputation rate of 16% (14/87). CONCLUSIONS: In presenting our amputation rate of 16%, we highlight the lack of uniformity in describing 'amputation rates' between conflicts. A consistent method for quantifying amputations performed in a conflict setting could prove to be a useful tool.

Groundwater vulnerability to pollution mapping of Ranchi district using GIS.

Groundwater pollution due to anthropogenic activities is one of the major environmental problems in urban and industrial areas. The present study demonstrates the integrated approach with GIS and DRASTIC model to derive a groundwater vulnerability to pollution map. The model considers the seven hydrogeological factors [Depth to water table (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography or slope (T), impact of vadose zone (I) and hydraulic Conductivity(C)] for generating the groundwater vulnerability to pollution map. The model was applied for assessing the groundwater vulnerability to pollution in Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India. The model was validated by comparing the model output (vulnerability indices) with the observed nitrate concentrations in groundwater in the study area. The reason behind the selection of nitrate is that the major sources of nitrate in groundwater are anthropogenic in nature. Groundwater samples were collected from 30 wells/tube wells distributed in the study area. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for measuring the nitrate concentrations in groundwater. A sensitivity analysis of the integrated model was performed to evaluate the influence of single parameters on groundwater vulnerability index. New weights were computed for each input parameters to understand the influence of individual hydrogeological factors in vulnerability indices in the study area. Aquifer vulnerability maps generated in this study can be used for environmental planning and groundwater management.

Amphetamine sensitization in mice is sufficient to produce both manic- and depressive-related behaviors as well as changes in the functional connectivity of corticolimbic structures.

It has been suggested that amphetamine abuse and withdrawal mimics the diverse nature of bipolar disorder symptomatology in humans. Here, we determined if a single paradigm of amphetamine sensitization would be sufficient to produce both manic- and depressive-related behaviors in mice. CD-1 mice were subcutaneously dosed for 5 days with 1.8 mg/kg d-amphetamine or vehicle. On days 6-31 of withdrawal, amphetamine-sensitized (AS) mice were compared to vehicle-treated (VT) mice on a range of behavioral and biochemical endpoints. AS mice demonstrated reliable mania- and depression-related behaviors from day 7 to day 28 of withdrawal. Relative to VT mice, AS mice exhibited long-lasting mania-like hyperactivity following either an acute 30-min restraint stress or a low-dose 1 mg/kg d-amphetamine challenge, which was attenuated by the mood-stabilizers lithium and quetiapine. In absence of any challenge, AS mice showed anhedonia-like decreases in sucrose preference and depression-like impairments in the off-line consolidation of motor memory, as reflected by the lack of spontaneous improvement across days of training on the rotarod. AS mice also demonstrated a functional impairment in nest building, an ethologically-relevant activity of daily living. Western blot analyses revealed a significant increase in methylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 (H3K9), but not lysine 4 (H3K4), in hippocampus of AS mice relative to VT mice. In situ hybridization for the immediate-early gene activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) further revealed heightened activation of corticolimbic structures, decreased functional connectivity between frontal cortex and striatum, and increased functional connectivity between the amygdala and hippocampus of AS mice. The effects of amphetamine sensitization were blunted in C57BL/6J mice relative to CD-1 mice. These results show that a single amphetamine sensitization protocol is sufficient to produce behavioral, functional, and biochemical phenotypes in mice that are relevant to bipolar disorder.

In vivo protective role of Koflet (an ayurvedic preparation) against cellular toxicity caused by CCl4 and flyash.

Swiss albino rats were treated in groups with CCl4, and flyash to induce cellular toxicity in the lungs and trachea. Animal groups received treatment of Koflet (K) with CCl4 (7 days) and with flyash (30 days); their general health and biochemical parameters were studied and used as an indication of cellular injuries. A significant loss was observed in body weight and food consumption in animals given only CCl4 or flyash, while simultaneous treatment with K resulted in a non significant alteration from normal control groups. Enzyme (alkaline phosphatase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT)) activities were estimated in tissue homogenate preparation of lung, trachea and serum, which showed no significant change except for GPT activity as compared to control animals which received CCl4 or flyash with K. Similarly lung, trachea and serum contents of carbohydrate, protein, sialic acid, serum protein, serum cholesterol were estimated and it was found that alteration caused by CCl4, or flyash becomes almost non-significant compared to that of the control after the treatment of K, except for carbohydrate and serum cholesterol values. The animal group which was only treated with K did not show any significant alteration in their biochemical markers or injuries, except for cholesterol.

Patellar 'entry' feature: a new arthroscopic anatomic finding.

The purpose of this paper is to report a frequently noticed anatomical feature on the soft synovial floor of the suprapatellar pouch in the knee, which has not been reported before. Four hundred and fifty-seven consecutive knee arthroscopies were carried out. The patellar entry feature was present in 294 and not noticed in 163. There was not a concurrent control group. During arthroscopy the presence or absence of the patellar entry feature was noted and entered on a database consecutively and prospectively. All arthroscopies were carried out by the senior author. The ages of the patients undergoing arthroscopy ranged from 8 to 96 years with a mean age of 39.4 years. Out of 457 there were 318 males and 139 females. Where the patellar entry feature was found, there was an average of 40% female; where there was not, there was an average of 27% female. The patellofemoral articulation has been a focus of interest mainly because of the poorly understood and extremely common anterior knee pain syndrome (AKPS). We hypothesise that the patellar entry feature is the area where the patella rests, with the knee in full extension and the quadriceps relaxed and is thus the starting point before flexion is initiated.

Effect of zinc on antioxidant response in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves.

Maize (Zea mays L. cv kanaujia) plants grown with Zn [10 (control), 0.1 (low) and 20 microM (high)], were investigated for concentration of antioxidants and activities of antioxidative enzymes in leaves. Young leaves of low Zn plants developed whitish-necrotic spots. Leaves of both low and high Zn plants showed decrease in chlorophyll concentration and accumulation of lipid peroxides, ascorbate and dehydroascorbate, associated with a decrease in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Low and high Zn, however, showed diverse effect on glutathione reductase. While low Zn increased the activity of glutathione reductase, high Zn decreased its activity. Zinc effect on antioxidative constituents suggested Zn involvement in sustaining the antioxidative defense system in maize leaves.

Chondrosarcoma of thumb metacarpal--a case report with literature review.

Function preserving management of a dominant thumb metacarpal chondrosarcoma is reported, with a literature review for this uncommon neoplasm. Wide local excision of the metacarpal followed by temporary silicone block interposition and definitive iliac crest bone grafting was performed. A persistent wound defect was managed by a radial artery forearm flap. The functional result was acceptable. In the literature, there were seven cases of thumb metacarpal chondrosarcoma reported; two were treated by ray amputation, and the other five were treated by excision of the metacarpal. Three of those five had bone graft and the other two had simple resection. Of these seven cases, three had local recurrence and one a distant metastasis.

Primary aspergillosis of the larynx: a case report.

Aspergillosis of larynx is very rare. Only a few cases have been reported in medical literature. Larynx is generally involved secondarily by aspergillosis. Only rarely the larynx happens to be the primary site of involvement. The lesions may be confined to the vocal folds or may involve various other sites of the larynx. There is, invariably, certain risk factors which may predispose for fungal infection like immune deficiency condition, use of inhaled or systemic steroids, long and continuous use of antibiotics etc. These lesions may mimic malignancy or a premalignant condition. Awareness of this entity is essential as the management depends on accurate diagnosis. These lesions invariably respond well to antifungal therapy with elimination of risk factors. Here we have reported a case of primary aspergillosis of the larynx without involvement of other part of the airway and without any generalized immune deficit in a 35 year old woman.

Carcinosarcoma of renal pelvis with immunohistochemical correlation.

Carcinosarcoma, a malignant tumor with biphasic morphology is uncommon in the renal pelvis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays an important role in establishing the diagnosis and differentiating it from other biphasic malignant tumors. We present a rare case of immunohistologically confirmed carcinosarcoma of renal pelvis in a 42-year old female, which possibly developed on a background of multicentric squamous cell carcinoma arising as a consequence of chronic irritation caused by calculi.

Delayed diagnosis of femoral neck fractures.

To determine the causes and consequences of any delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, 1108 consecutive patients with an acute proximal femoral fracture were prospectively studied. In 154 cases (13.9 per cent) the diagnosis was delayed more than 24 h from the onset of symptoms. The reason for this was due to failure to seek medical help in 63 patients. For the 91 patients who were seen by a medical practioner, 60 were not X-rayed straight away. For those cases where a radiographic examination was requested, the fracture was invisible in only nine cases, of which six subsequently displaced. The diagnosis was more likely to be delayed if the fracture occurred spontaneously, the patient fell inside, or the fracture was intracapsular. Delay in diagnosis was not associated with an increase in mortality but there was a significant increase in the risk of pressure sores.

Effect of prior eradication of Plasmodium berghei infection on the foetal development and parasitaemic levels under the stress of pregnancy.

Pregnant mice infected on gestation day (GD) 13 with Plasmodium berghei had similar rate of parasitaemia and mortality as non pregnant controls. 50% of pregnant infected mice had normal delivery, 20% had absorbed foetuses and 30% died before parturation. However, animals infected with P. berghei, treated with drugs (sulfadiazine or chloroquine) had normal foetal development. No recrudescence occurred in either of these groups of animals even under the stress of pregnancy indicating protection. Pups born to pregnant infected mice (GD) 13 had low body weight as compared to pups born to mice which were infected and treated with drugs. Histopathological findings showed hyperplasia of trophoblast and plugging of placental sinusoids with parasitized erythrocytes in animals infected on GD 13 only. It is felt that prior eradication of malaria infection results in development of sufficient immunity which prevents the mal development of foetuses or parasitaemic levels under the stress of pregnancy.

Influence of malarial infection on the maternal-foetal relationship in pregnant mice.

Pregnant mice infected on gestation day (GD) 6 with Plasmodium berghei showed a more rapid rate of increase in parasitaemia than mice infected later in pregnancy or non-pregnant controls. All mice infected on GD 6 were dead by the 7th post-infection day. Pregnant mice infected on GD 13, in contrast, had similar rates of parasitaemia and mortality as non-pregnant controls and 50% delivered normally, the foetuses were absorbed in 20% and 30% died before parturition. The pups born to mice infected on GD 13 were smaller. This compromised foetal development was likely to be the result of maternal anaemia, hyperplasia of placental trophoblast and plugging of placental sinusoids with parasitized red cells.