Exploring Serum Zinc and Copper Levels as Potential Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northeast India.

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and elevated androgen levels. The potential association between trace elements, specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and PCOS has been explored, but a definitive relationship remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the levels of these trace elements in women with PCOS and their potential implications. Methods The study, conducted at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, involved 60 individuals with PCOS and a matched control group. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants provided written informed consent. The study spanned from July 2021 to June 2022, utilizing a hospital-based case-control study design. Diagnostic criteria adhered to the Rotterdam criteria, and serum copper and zinc levels were quantified using a double-beam UV spectrophotometer. Results In the PCOS group, the mean age was 23.01 ± 3.60 years, while the control group had a mean age of 23.34 ± 3.59 years, with no significant age difference. Mean copper levels were 147.32 ± 16.53 µg/dl in PCOS and 106.88 ± 15.60 µg/dl in controls, indicating a significant increase in PCOS (p < 0.0001). Mean zinc levels were 93.99 ± 6.76 µg/dl in PCOS and 85.42 ± 12.69 µg/dl in controls, also significantly higher in PCOS (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The study highlights significant differences in serum copper and zinc levels between women with PCOS and healthy controls, suggesting potential implications for the syndrome's pathophysiology. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise roles of these trace elements in PCOS and explore therapeutic interventions.

First molecular detection of avian polyomavirus from captive psittacine birds in Bangladesh, together with confirmation of beak and feather disease virus co-infection.

Avian polyomavirus (APV) is an emerging pathogen in many parts of the world responsible for causing significant mortality in captive psittacine birds. The virus spreads slowly, and transboundary movement of birds is one of the potential risk factors for the virus introduction in the naïve population. Bangladesh allows the import of birds, however there is currently no surveillance to screen for APV. Since we confirmed beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) infection in the captive population in our earlier investigation, we hypothesized that APV may also be circulating in Bangladesh. Feather samples were collected from 100 birds (90 psittacine and 10 non-psittacine). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect viral DNA together with sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This first pilot study confirmed the presence (7%, 7/100) of APV in captive psittacine birds of Bangladesh and almost half (4%, 4/100) of the APV positive birds had the BFDV co-infection. All the PCR-positive birds were asymptomatic and found in live bird markets (LBMs). No significant variation was observed in the detection rate considering species (P = 0.94), age (P = 0.39) or sex (P = 0.55) of birds. According to the results of the phylogenetic study, the APV isolates found in Bangladesh appear to be unrelated to isolates from other geographical areas. These findings provide an evidence of APV circulating in Bangladesh, with or without the co-infection of BFDV. Additional studies are needed to investigate the occurrence of APV/BFDV co-infection in the larger population of Bangladesh and in countries where transboundary bird interaction with Bangladesh may be possible.

Role of serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 as a predictor of intra-abdominal and surgical site infections after elective abdominal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Infections after surgeries considerably increase patients' hospital stay, thereby prolonging patients' early return to productive life. At the same time, the cost of hospitalization also increases. Therefore, if objective tests can predict infections before it actually happens, then more preventive measures in the form of upgrading antibiotics can be taken which might prevent patients from developing serious infections and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality of surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a prospective cross sectional study to assess the efficacy of acute phase reactants C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL 6) in predicting infections in patients undergoing routine general surgical operations. A total of 74 patients were included in the study. Laparoscopic surgical procedures were not included in the study to maintain uniformity in the procedures. Data so collected were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients developed wound infections postoperatively. The mean rise in the levels of CRP and IL 6 was higher in those patients who developed postoperative wound infections. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found to be better with IL 6 than with CRP. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that a serial estimation of CRP and IL 6 postoperatively can predict infections and may be utilized routinely in general surgical practice.

Lumpy skin disease outbreak in cattle population of Chattogram, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important viral disease causing significant economic losses in commercial livestock production. In mid-2019, an outbreak of LSD has been reported in cattle population from different parts of Bangladesh including Chattogram division. A cross-sectional surveillance study was undertaken from August 2019 to December 2019 to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of LSD in cattle in Chattogram district. METHODS: A total of 3,327 cattle from 19 commercial farms were examined for the LSD specific skin lesions and associated risk factors. A total of 120 skin biopsies were collected from the suspected animal for the confirmation of the disease using molecular detection and histopathological examination. Partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on selected viral isolates. RESULTS: The overall clinical prevalence of LSD in the study population was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4%-11%) where the highest farm level outbreak frequency was 63.33% (95% CI: 45.51%-78.13%) and the lowest 4.22% (95% CI: 3.39%-5.25%). Crossbred and female cattle showed a significantly higher prevalence of the disease compared to their counterparts. Introduction of new animals in farms was found to be one of the most significant risk factors in the transmission of the disease. All suspected skin biopsies were positive for LSD virus (LSDV) infection with granulomatous and pyogranulomatous dermatitis was revealed on histopathology. Phylogenetic analysis based on the inverted terminal repeat region of the LSDV gene suggested that the locally circulating strain was closely related to the strains isolated from the Middle East and North African countries. CONCLUSIONS: The data generated in this study would be beneficial to the field veterinarians and animal health decision makers in the country as well as it will aid in taking appropriate measures to prevent further relapse or outbreak of this disease in future.

Clinical and Laboratory Presentation of Hydatid Disease: A Study From Northeast India.

Introduction Hydatid disease is an immense health problem in developing countries. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst is often difficult because of its protean manifestations. Our objective was to evaluate the various clinical and laboratory presentations of hydatid disease and various modalities of treatment from a tertiary care center. Materials and methods We reviewed the clinical and laboratory features of patients presenting with hydatid cyst through retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2019 from a tertiary care hospital in northeast India. Results Of the 26 adult patients with hydatid cysts who were part of the study, 14 (53.8%) were males and 12 (46.2%) were females. The mean age was 34.6 years. The most common site of involvement was the liver (69%) followed by lung (19.2%) and brain (7.7%). Palpable mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen was the most common symptom (88.3%) for liver hydatid cyst followed by pain abdomen (66.6%). Systemic symptoms like fever and weakness were present in most of the patients. The majority of patients (80%) were from rural areas. Conclusion Hydatid cysts present with varied symptomatology. History of exposure to infected animals may not be present. A high degree of clinical suspicion combined with meticulous history and clinical examination supported by laboratory investigations are required for its diagnosis.

Prostate-Specific Antigen Density: A Measurement to Differentiate Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate from Prostate Carcinoma.

Background Determination of isolated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in asymptomatic individuals has not demonstrated sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be useful in the routine evaluation of prostate disease. To enhance the accuracy of serum PSA we have used a proportion of serum PSA and prostate volume, which we refer to as prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD). Prostate volume in this study was calculated using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Materials and Methods A total of 106 patients with prostatic disease clinically confined to the prostate glands were evaluated. Results and Observation The mean PSAD for prostate cancer was 0.15 ± 0.01 while that for benign hypertrophy of the prostate (BPH) was 0.11 ± 0.02 ( p < 0.05). Significant difference ( p < 0.05) was noted in the prostate volume in these two groups with the mean prostate volume measured by TRUS in the BPH to be 53.85 ± 9.71 mL compared with 58.14 ± 7.48 mL in the carcinoma. PSA density of 0.13 ng/mL can be used as a cutoff for the individual in our set-up who should go for prostate biopsy with sensitivity and specificity of over 90%. Conclusion These results suggest that PSAD may be useful in distinguishing BPH and prostate cancer.

Vitamin D status in pregnant women visiting a tertiary care center of North Eastern India.

BACKGROUND: Studies of vitamin D (VD) physiology suggest that effects of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) could be much broader than rickets including cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, infection, and allergy and pregnancy complications. Data regarding the prevalence of hypovitaminosis in pregnancy are scanty especially in north eastern part of India. Therefore, this study has undertaken with the intention to find out prevalence and outcome of hypovitaminosis of VD in pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In total, 177 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy, <16 weeks of gestational age, visited to antenatal clinic of our institute were consecutively enrolled for the study. The serum VD was estimated by Beckman coulter unicel DXI immunoassay system using the principle of Chemiluminescence. Incidence of vitamin deficiency and insufficiency calculated. VDD was defined as 25(OH)D levels in blood <20 ng/mL, and insufficiency of VD was defined as 25(OH)D levels <32 ng/mL. Antenatal complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, if any, were noted. Labor and delivery information including induction of labor, mode of delivery, and newborn birth weight were noted. RESULT: In total, 177 women recruited for the study. Mean age and parity of the subjects were 26.71 ± 9.96 and 2.10 ± 1.8, respectively. For detailed statistical analysis, women were divided into three groups depending upon their VD levels: deficiency group [25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL], insufficiency group [25(OH)D level <32 ng/mL], and sufficient group [25(OH)D level >32 ng/mL]. VDD was present in 84.18% subjects. VD insufficiency was present in 12.44% of cases. There is association of preeclampsia, cesarean section, and low birth weight babies with lower level of VD. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of VDD in pregnancy is astonishingly high till now there is no guideline to screen antenatal women for VDD. As the test is costly even, offering it to all at-risk women may not be cost effective compared with offering universal supplementation, particularly as treatment is regarded as being very safe.